ED glass, also known as low dispersion glass, is a type of optical glass specifically designed to reduce chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration occurs because light of different wavelengths is refracted differently as it passes through a lens, resulting in color separation and deterioration in image quality. ED glass has special optical properties that help reduce scattered light and effectively minimize chromatic aberration.

The Askar 103APO not only features a triplet lens design (while budget astrographs on the market usually use doublets), but also features ED glass to further improve image quality.

In addition to the carefully designed lens itself, every aspect of the Askar 103APO is designed to provide users with a better shooting experience.

The entire interior of the Askar 103APO dew shield is covered with matting felt, while the inner walls of the main tube are coated with matting paint and equipped with the internal baffle. This effectively reduces light scattering and reflection within the OTA, improving the brightness, contrast and resolution of the observed targets.

Each Askar 103APO telescope is equipped with a unique name ring for identification, making each Askar 103APO telescope exclusive to its owner.

The retractable design of the dew guard along with the enlarged locking screws ensures convenient use. The purpose of the dew shield is to protect the lens from the effects of external and internal light and to protect the lens itself.

There are a total of two viewfinder bases on the Askar 103APO. Each side of the focuser is equipped with a viewfinder base. Many users have expressed concerns about the limited space for installing additional astronomy accessories along the usage. To address this issue, we specifically added viewfinder bases on both sides of the focuser. This not only eliminates the need for disassembly when changing the position of the finder telescope, but also provides additional mounting options for additional astronomical accessories.

 

The handle of the Askar 103APO has a special slot design, which means it also serves as a base for installing a finder scope. The handle itself is sturdy and durable.

 

The overall design of the pipe rings is lightweight, with a total weight of only 750g. The tube ring knurled screw allows for easy opening and locking. At the same time, the raised base creates more space to accommodate astronomical accessories. In daily use, the convenience of each step is taken into account.

The dovetail plate is Vixen's standard dovetail plate that is compatible with most equatorial mounts and bases on the market. We have also developed additional extensions and hole position designs that reach up to 290mm in length, making balancing on the equatorial mount easier. With the slot on the handle, the distance between the pipe rings can be adjusted as desired. In addition, a Losmandy dovetail plate is also available that can be used with various equatorial mounts.

 

The removable main tube design allows an OTA to reduce the focal ratio from F6.8 to 4. It can also be used for binocular observations.

 

The Askar 103APO has three optional advanced accessories: a 1x flattener, a 0.8x reducer and a 0.6x focus reducer. All three accessories feature integrated 2-inch filter threads for direct filter installation. In addition, they are equipped with M54/M48 adapters, and the 0.6x reducer includes an additional M68 adapter ring for convenient connections.

 

The 1x flattener does not change the focal ratio of the telescope itself. After mating with the Askar 103APO, it still maintains a focal ratio of 6.8. The flattener corrects field curvature and coma, resulting in flatter field edges and finer star points.

The 0.8x reducer can reduce the focal ratio of Askar 103APO to F5.4. This is a standard reducer with field smoothing capabilities. A shorter focal length ratio allows the OTA to have a wider field of view and shorter exposure times, making it suitable for capturing large areas of nebulae, star clusters and faint, fast-moving celestial objects.

 

The 0.6x reducer can reduce the Askar 103APO's aperture ratio to F4 while providing field flattening. The Askar 103APO features a removable tube design where the rear part of the tube can be removed when using the 0.6x reducer, giving the telescope the required length to achieve a focal ratio of F4.

 

Thanks to the removable lens barrel design, the Askar 103APO can be used for binocular observations.

 

When it comes to visual observation, the Askar 103APO attaches great importance to the quality of observation. When connected to 1.25-inch or 2-inch star diagonals or various eyepieces, focusing can be easily achieved.

 

As for the focuser, the Askar 103APO is equipped with a large, rigid 3.3-inch rack-and-pinion focuser with two speeds, compatible with most motorized focusers on the market. There is also a high-precision scale on the 10 cm focusing path. The entire focusing cylinder is CNC machined and features an anti-reflective interior design and matt finish that provides additional measures to eliminate stray light.

On the back of the focuser there is a high-precision 360° rotator and precise scales for conveniently setting and storing rotation angles, enabling precise rotation. It is also equipped with an enlarged rotator locking screw that allows for easy securing even under heavy loads.

 

The telescopic interface on the back comes with a 1.25"/2" adapter.

 

The entire Askar 103APO tube is manufactured using high quality CNC machining with anodizing and surface spray painting. The orange accents add a bright and eye-catching touch, creating a stylish and elegant overall look.

 

If you choose the Askar 103APO, you will find that high performance and affordability are not a contradiction. Let the Askar 103APO accompany you as you explore the magnificent landscapes of the universe and create unforgettable memories. Take action now and embark on your astronomical adventure with the Askar 103APO!

Specifications

parameter

Opening size
	

103mm

focal length
	

700.4mm

Focal length ratio
	

f/6.8

objective lens
	

Triplet APO with air gap (including an ED glass)

Total length
	

600 mm (with dew guard pulled together)
711 mm (with stretched dew guard)

OTA weight
	

4.75kg

Gross weight (including pipe clamp and dovetail plate)
	

5.5kg

Rear thread type
	

2"/1.25" visual adapter

Standard package item
	

a 103APO OTA, a pair of pipe clamps, a handle, a 290mm Vixen dovetail plate, a manual