Askar 120 APO

Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope

If you're an avid stargazer or a professional astrophotographer, the Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope is a game-changer. Designed with cutting-edge optics and precision engineering, this telescope brings the night sky into stunning clarity, making it an essential tool for exploring celestial wonders.

Key Features:

1. Triplet APO Design: Featuring a state-of-the-art triplet air-spaced APO lens design, the Askar 120 APO ensures optimal color correction and superior image quality. With a single element of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, chromatic aberration is effectively minimized.
2. Enhanced Aperture: Boasting a generous 120mm aperture, this telescope offers an impressive increase in light-gathering power, resolution, and contrast compared to its predecessors. Experience the universe with enhanced clarity, revealing intricate details of celestial objects.
3. Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 6.5kg (including tube rings), the Askar 120 APO is designed for convenience in outdoor shooting. Its compact form factor ensures easy portability without compromising on performance.
4. Dew Shield and Mechanical Excellence: The retractable dew shield, along with enlarged locking screws, enhances usability while protecting the lens from external and internal light impact. The CNC-machined components and heightened tube rings contribute to the telescope's robust and durable build.
5. Finder Bases and Multi-Functional Handle: Equipped with two finder bases, the telescope offers flexibility in positioning and mounting additional accessories. The extended handle, featuring a unique slot design, serves as a base for installing a finder scope, adding to the overall convenience.
6. Versatile Mount Compatibility: The standard Vixen dovetail plate, extended to 290mm with added screw holes, ensures compatibility with most equatorial mounts. For further customization, a Losmandy dovetail plate is available for purchase.
7. Optional Accessories: Tailor your astrophotography experience with optional accessories such as a 1x flattener and 0.8x reducer. Both accessories include built-in filter threads for direct filter mounting and M54/M48 adapters for convenient accessory attachment.
8. High-Precision Focuser: The dual-speed rack and pinion large 3.3-inch rigid focuser ensures smooth and precise focusing. The anti-reflective internal design and matting paint eliminate stray light for optimal image quality.
9. 360° Rotator for Precision Control: The rear of the focuser features a 360° high-precision big rotator, enabling convenient adjustment and saving of rotation angles. An enlarged rotator locking screw ensures secure positioning even under high loads.
10. Elegant Design: Crafted with high-quality CNC machining, the Askar 120 APO boasts anodized and surface spray paint treatment. The ivory-white tube with orange accents exudes a stylish and elegant aesthetic.

Benefits of the Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope

Superior Image Quality

The triplet APO lens design with ED glass ensures minimal chromatic aberration and optimal color correction, providing you with the best possible image quality. Whether you're observing the Moon, planets, or deep-sky objects, the Askar 120 APO delivers stunning clarity and detail.

Increased Light-Gathering Power

The 120mm aperture significantly boosts the telescope's light-gathering capability, allowing you to see fainter objects and more intricate details. This makes it ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography, providing a richer and more immersive stargazing experience.

Portability and Convenience

Despite its powerful optics, the Askar 120 APO is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. Whether you're heading to a remote dark-sky site or setting up in your backyard, this telescope is designed for convenience.

Durability and Reliability

Built with high-quality materials and precision engineering, the Askar 120 APO is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use. The robust construction and protective features ensure long-lasting performance, making it a reliable investment for any astronomy enthusiast.

Versatile Mounting Options

With compatibility for both Vixen and Losmandy dovetail plates, the Askar 120 APO offers versatile mounting options to suit your needs. This flexibility allows you to customize your setup and ensure stability for your astrophotography sessions.

Comprehensive Accessory Compatibility

The telescope's design accommodates a range of accessories, including flatteners and reducers, to enhance your imaging capabilities. The built-in filter threads and adapters provide further customization, allowing you to achieve the best possible results.

How to Use Your Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope

Setting Up

1. Mounting the Telescope: Attach the Askar 120 APO to a compatible equatorial mount using the Vixen dovetail plate. Ensure that the mount is stable and securely fastened.
2. Balancing the Telescope: Properly balance the telescope on the mount to ensure smooth and accurate tracking. This is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography to avoid star trails and blurred images.
3. Attaching Accessories: If using optional accessories such as a flattener or reducer, attach them to the focuser and secure them with the appropriate adapters. Ensure that all components are tightly fastened.

Observing and Imaging

1. Focusing: Use the dual-speed focuser to achieve precise focus. Start with coarse adjustments and then fine-tune using the slow speed for sharp and clear images.
2. Adjusting the Dew Shield: Extend the retractable dew shield to protect the lens from dew and stray light, enhancing image quality.
3. Positioning the Finder Scope: Use the finder bases to attach and position a finder scope or other accessories. This helps in locating and centering celestial objects.

Capturing Images

1. Setting Up the Camera: Attach your camera to the focuser using the appropriate adapters. Ensure that the camera is securely fastened and balanced.
2. Aligning the Mount: Perform a polar alignment of your equatorial mount to ensure accurate tracking. This is essential for long-exposure astrophotography.
3. Taking Photos: Use a remote shutter release or intervalometer to minimize vibrations. Experiment with different exposure settings to capture the best images of your target objects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the triplet APO design superior?

A: The triplet APO design includes three elements, one of which is ED glass. This configuration minimizes chromatic aberration, providing superior color correction and image clarity compared to doublet designs.

Q: How portable is the Askar 120 APO?

A: Weighing only 6.5kg and featuring a compact design, the Askar 120 APO is highly portable. It's easy to transport and set up, making it ideal for both home use and field expeditions.

Q: Can the telescope be used for both visual observation and astrophotography?

A: Yes, the Askar 120 APO is designed for both visual observation and astrophotography. Its high-quality optics and versatile mounting options make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Q: What accessories are included with the telescope?

A: The standard package includes the 120APO OTA, a pair of tube rings, a handle, an Askar 290mm Vixen dovetail plate, an Oxford cloth case, and a manual.

Q: Are additional accessories available for purchase?

A: Yes, optional accessories such as a 1x flattener and 0.8x reducer are available. These accessories include built-in filter threads and adapters for further customization.

Q: How does the 360° rotator improve usability?

A: The 360° rotator allows for precise adjustment and saving of rotation angles, enhancing convenience during astrophotography. The enlarged rotator locking screw ensures secure positioning even under high loads.

Q: What is the focal ratio of the Askar 120 APO?

A: The telescope has a focal ratio of f/7, providing a good balance between focal length and aperture size, ideal for a wide range of astrophotography applications.

Why You Should Buy the Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope

Unmatched Optical Performance

The Askar 120 APO's triplet APO design and ED glass provide unparalleled optical performance, delivering crisp, clear, and color-accurate images. Whether you're observing planets, galaxies, or nebulae, this telescope offers superior image quality.

Versatility and Customization

With its versatile mounting options and compatibility with a range of accessories, the Askar 120 APO is designed to meet the needs of both amateur and professional astronomers. Customize your setup to suit your specific requirements and achieve the best possible results.

Ease of Use and Portability

The compact and lightweight design of the Askar 120 APO makes it easy to transport and set up, whether you're observing from your backyard or a remote dark-sky site. Its user-friendly features ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Durability and Reliability

Constructed from high-quality materials and featuring precision engineering, the Askar 120 APO is built to last. Its robust design ensures reliable performance, making it a valuable investment for any astronomy enthusiast.

Elegant Aesthetic

The telescope's ivory-white tube with orange accents and high-quality CNC machining make it not only a powerful tool but also a stylish addition to your astrophotography equipment. Its elegant design reflects the superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Specifications

• Aperture Size: 120mm
• Focal Length: 840mm
• Focal Ratio: f/7
• Objective Lens: Triplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)
• Total Length: 722mm (contracted dew shield), 804mm (stretched dew shield)
• OTA Weight: 5.7kg
• Gross Weight: 6.5kg (including tube ring and dovetail plate)
• Rear-End Thread Type: 2"/1.25" visual adapters

Package Content

When you purchase the Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope, you’ll receive:

• 120APO OTA
• Pair of tube rings
• Handle
• Askar 290mm Vixen dovetail plate
• Oxford cloth case
• Manual

Askar 120 APO Telescope

The Askar 120 APO Astrophotography Telescope is a top-tier instrument that combines exceptional optical performance, versatility, and ease of use. Its advanced features and high-quality construction make it an invaluable tool for both visual observation and astrophotography. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a budding astrophotographer, the Askar 120 APO offers everything you need to capture the beauty of the cosmos. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your stargazing and astrophotography experience—order your Askar 120 APO today and unlock the wonders of the universe.