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Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet

Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet

by Askar
SKU ASK-ASKAPO140
CA$3,499.00 - CA$3,499.00
CA$3,499.00
CA$3,499.00 - CA$3,499.00
CA$3,499.00
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  • 140mm Aperture
  • 980mm Focal Length (f/7)
  • Triplet Air-Spaced APO Objective with ED Glass
  • OTA Weight: 9.2kg | Total Weight: 10.9kg
  • 125mm Retractable Rear Lens Tube
  • 3.5" Dual-Speed Rack & Pinion Focuser
  • 300mm Losmandy-Style Dovetail Plate
2 in stock
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Framing Simulator
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See exactly how your targets fit with the Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet, on real sky survey data.

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Preview your eyepiece's FOV

See exactly what the Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet shows you, on real sky survey data.

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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet Refractor

    The Askar 140APO f/7 Triplet refractor combines a large 140mm aperture with a 980mm focal length for imaging and visual use; its limiting magnitude is 12.5. Its air-spaced triplet objective includes one ED glass element, and the OTA weighs 9.2kg. With tube rings, handle and a 300mm Losmandy-style plate it is 10.9kg, and the shortest overall length is 735mm.

    140mm f/7 Triplet APO Optics with ED Glass

    The optical system is built around a 140mm air-spaced triplet objective lens. It includes one extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element; the Askar APO series uses special optical designs and multiple elements to correct chromatic aberration for better detail and color accuracy.

    The native 980mm focal length at f/7 strikes a versatile balance between wide-field views of large targets and the image scale needed to resolve fine detail on planets and smaller galaxies. The 140mm aperture gives an inherent advantage in light-gathering power, resolution, brightness and contrast.

    Optional Correctors for a 44mm Flat Field

    For flat-field imaging, Askar offers two optional accessories for the 140APO, each supporting a 44mm full-frame image circle.

    • 1x Flattener: This triplet keeps 980mm at f/7 and corrects field curvature and coma, for flatter field edges and finer star points. It comes with M68, M54 and M48 adapters.
    • 0.8x Reducer/Flattener: This triplet reducer with field flattening gives 784mm at f/5.6, for a wider field and shorter exposures (the same exposure takes 64% of the time needed at f/7). It comes with M54 and M48 adapters.

    Both screw into the 140APO after the 2" and 1.25" adapters are removed, give a standard 55mm back focus from the base of the M48 male thread, and have a built-in 2" filter thread.

    125mm Retractable Tube for Binoviewer Flexibility

    A key mechanical feature of the 140APO is its 125mm retractable rear lens tube. The design is strengthened so the optical axis is not affected when the tube is stretched, and a rudder-type locking ring makes it easy to loosen or tighten.

    With the tube contracted, the 140APO can be used with a binoviewer for visual observation. With it stretched, it takes the specific reducer or flattener for imaging, or a diagonal and eyepiece.

    3.5" Rack & Pinion Focuser with 100mm of Travel

    The Askar 140APO has a CNC-machined dual-speed 3.5" rigid rack-and-pinion focuser with a 1:10 fine adjustment and 100mm of travel. Laser-engraved scales in the length and circumference directions help with adjustment and recording, and it is compatible with most motorized focusers.

    A big 360° rotator with precise scales lets you frame your target, and an enlarged locking screw prevents image shifting during shooting. Two finder bases sit on both sides of the focuser.

    A 10.9kg System with a 300mm Losmandy Plate

    The 140APO was designed with portability in mind. The OTA weighs 9.2kg and is 735mm long with the dew shield contracted, 870mm stretched. The inside of the main tube has matting paint and an internal baffle.

    The 300mm standard Losmandy-style dovetail plate has multiple holes for adjusting ring position, which makes balancing easier. The 1.7kg tube rings open and lock with CNC thumb screws and have a heightened base, and the 220mm handle features an integrated slot, allowing it to double as a mounting base for a finder or guide scope. The total weight of the scope with rings, handle, and plate is 10.9kg.

  • Can the Askar 140APO be used for visual observing with a binoviewer?

    Yes. With the 125mm retractable rear lens tube contracted, the 140APO can be used with a binoviewer for visual observation.

    What is the benefit of the Askar 140APO's 125mm retractable rear tube?

    When contracted, the 140APO can be used with a binoviewer. When stretched, it takes the specific reducer or flattener for imaging, or a diagonal and eyepiece.

    Do I need a flattener to use the Askar 140APO for imaging?

    For flat-field imaging on large sensors, yes. Askar offers a 1x flattener and a 0.8x reducer for the 140APO, each supporting a 44mm full-frame image circle.

    How does the Askar 140APO perform on the Orion Nebula (M42) with its optional 0.8x reducer?

    With the optional 0.8x reducer, the Askar 140APO becomes a 784mm f/5.6 system. On a full-frame sensor that gives about 2.6 x 1.8 degrees, enough for the Orion Nebula (M42) with the Running Man Nebula. At f/5.6 the same exposure takes about 64% of the time needed at f/7.

    Is the Askar 140APO suitable for imaging Jupiter?

    Yes. The 140mm aperture gives a resolution advantage. The native 980mm focal length gives a good starting image scale. For optimal results, you would typically add a 2x or 3x Barlow lens in front of a high-frame-rate planetary camera to increase the effective focal length and magnify details like Jupiter's Great Red Spot and cloud bands.

    What is the total weight of the Askar 140APO ready to be mounted?

    The optical tube assembly (OTA) alone weighs 9.2kg. When you add the included tube rings, handle, and 300mm Losmandy dovetail plate, the total weight comes to 10.9kg. This is the weight you should use when selecting an appropriate mount.

    How portable is the Askar 140APO?

    It was designed with portability in mind: the shortest overall length is 735mm, and an Oxford cloth case is included. The total weight with rings, handle and plate is 10.9kg.

    What size filters do the optional Askar 140APO correctors use?

    Both the optional 1x flattener and the 0.8x reducer for the Askar 140APO feature built-in 2" (M48x0.75) filter threads. Standard 2" filters screw in directly.

    What is the purpose of the two finder bases on the Askar 140APO focuser?

    The two finder bases remove the need for disassembly when moving the finder and add mounting positions for other accessories, for example a finder on one side and a guide scope on the other.

  • Aperture 140mm
    Focal Length 980mm
    Focal Ratio f/7
    Objective Lens Triplet air-spaced APO (with one ED glass)
    Image Circle 44mm
    Retractable Tube Travel 125mm
    Overall Length 735mm (dew shield contracted) | 870mm (dew shield extended)
    OTA Weight 9.2kg
    Total Weight 10.9kg (including tube rings and dovetail plate)
    Rear Adapters 2" and 1.25" visual adapters included
    Focuser 3.5" dual-speed rack and pinion
    Focuser travel 100 mm
    Dovetail included 300mm Losmandy
    Matching flattener / reducer 1x Flattener, 0.8x Reducer for 140APO
    Mount No

    • 140APO OTA

      × 1

    • Pair of Tube Rings

      × 1

    • Handle

      × 1

    • Askar 300mm Losmandy Dovetail Plate

      × 1

    • Oxford Cloth Case

      × 1

    • Manual

      × 1

  • Askar 1-Year Warranty