Askar 120APO Triplet Refractor

Askar 120APO Triplet Refractor

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

• Aperture: 120 mm

• Light-collecting area increased by 36 percent compared to the 103APO

• Limiting magnitude: 12.2

• Focal length: 840 mm

• Native focal ratio: f/7

• Optical design: air-spaced APO triplet

• ED glass dedicated to chromatic aberration reduction

• Segmented optical tube compatible with binoviewer use

• Retractable dew shield with large locking screws

• Optical tube weight: 5.7 kg

• Total weight with tube rings and dovetail: 6.5 kg

• Lightweight tube rings with raised base

• Total tube ring weight: 780 g

• Knurled screws for quick opening and locking

• Two finder bases, one on each side of the focuser

• Additional mounting points for accessories

• Extended handle with slot serving as a finder base

• Standard Vixen dovetail plate

• Dovetail length: 290 mm

• 3.3-inch rack-and-pinion focuser with fine reduction

• Compatible with most electronic focus motors on the market

• Focuser travel: 100 mm with high-precision scale

• CNC-machined focuser with internal anti-reflection treatment and matte paint

• Rear precision 360-degree rotator with engraved scale

• Large locking screw for heavy loads

• Rear visual adapters 1.25 inch and 2 inch included

• Optional accessory: 1x flattener with integrated filter thread

• Optional accessory: 0.8x reducer with field correction

• Standard package contents: optical tube, pair of tube rings, handle, Askar 290 mm Vixen dovetail plate, Oxford cloth case, manual

The 120 mm aperture gives it a natural advantage in light-gathering ability, resolution, brightness and contrast, allowing the photographer to capture more light and reveal more detail as well as brighter objects. The aperture area of the Askar 120APO is increased by 36% compared with that of the 103APO.

With more light entering the instrument, the limiting magnitude can reach 12.2.

The Askar 120APO adopts an air-spaced triplet design including one element made of low-dispersion glass.

In a refractor, increasing the number of lenses and designing specific optical combinations effectively improves chromatic correction but also increases production cost and complexity. The Askar APO series uses specialised optical designs and multiple elements to correct this aberration, naturally providing better detail definition and enhanced colour accuracy. Low-dispersion glass is an optical material specifically designed to reduce chromatic aberration.

Besides its dedicated optical design, the Askar 120APO benefits from a well-engineered mechanical construction.

The Askar 120APO is light and compact with a total weight of 6.5 kg including the tube rings, making it suitable for outdoor imaging.

Each Askar 120APO unit is equipped with a unique identification ring.

The retractable dew shield combined with large locking screws makes handling easier. It protects the lens from internal or external light sources as well as impacts.

The Askar 120APO has two finder bases, one on each side. Many users worry about the lack of space to install additional accessories over time. To address this, bases have been placed on both sides of the focuser, avoiding any disassembly when changing the finder position and providing extra mounting points for other accessories.

The handle of the Askar 120APO has a special slot that can also serve as a base for a finder. The handle has been lengthened by 60 mm, making it easier to secure the tube and its rings.

The total weight of the tube rings is only 780 g. The thumb screws allow easy opening and locking, while the raised base provides more room.

The standard Vixen dovetail plate is compatible with most equatorial mounts and bases on the market. Its length has been extended and additional screw positions added, bringing it to 290 mm to make balancing easier. Thanks to the slot in the handle, the spacing between the tube rings can be adjusted as needed. A Losmandy dovetail plate is also available separately for use with different mounts.

The Askar 120APO currently offers two optional accessories: a 1x field flattener and a 0.8x reducer. Both include a filter thread that allows direct installation, and they are supplied with M54/M48 adapters to make accessory connection easier.

The 1x flattener does not change the telescope’s focal ratio. Once installed, the Askar 120APO maintains a focal ratio of f/7. It corrects field curvature and coma, providing flatter edges and finer star rendering.

The 0.8x reducer lowers the Askar 120APO’s focal ratio to f/5.6. It is a standard reducer also incorporating field flattening. A shorter focal ratio gives a wider field of view and faster exposure times, making it suitable for large nebulae, star clusters, and faint or fast-moving objects.

For visual observation, the Askar 120APO places great importance on image quality. It reaches focus easily when used with 1.25" or 2" diagonals and various eyepieces. Thanks to its segmented tube design, it can also be used with a binoviewer for visual observing.

Regarding focusing, the Askar 120APO is equipped with a rigid 3.3-inch rack-and-pinion dual-speed focuser, compatible with most motorised focusers on the market. A high-precision scale is engraved along its 10 cm travel. The focuser barrel is CNC-machined with an internal anti-reflection treatment and matte coating to reduce stray light.

The rear of the focuser includes a large 360° rotator with precise graduations allowing easy adjustment and angle memorisation. A large locking screw ensures secure holding even under high loads.

The rear interface of the telescope is supplied with a 1.25"/2" adapter.

The entire tube of the Askar 120APO is manufactured using high-quality CNC machining with anodising and surface paint treatment. The orange accents on the ivory-white tube give it an elegant and attractive appearance.

Let the Askar 120APO accompany you in exploring the splendid landscapes of the sky and create unforgettable memories. Take action and begin your astronomical adventure with the Askar 120APO!

Specifications

• Aperture: 120 mm

• Focal length: 840 mm

• Focal ratio: 7

• Objective: air-spaced triplet including one low-dispersion glass element

• Total length: 722 mm with dew shield retracted
804 mm with dew shield extended

• Tube weight: 5.7 kg

• Total weight including tube rings and dovetail: 6.5 kg

• Rear thread type: 2" and 1.25" visual adapters

• Standard package contents: 120APO tube, pair of tube rings, handle, Askar 290 mm Vixen dovetail plate, Oxford cloth case and manual