{"product_id":"askar-acl200-af-kit","title":"Askar ACL200 AF Kit","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdds electronic autofocus capability to the Askar ACL200 lens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for seamless integration with ZWO EAF and other electronic focusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes a dedicated mounting holder and synchronous belt system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplaces the stock dovetail with a Vixen-style plate for secure mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnables precise, remote focus control for astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAskar ACL200 AF Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar ACL200 AF Kit is the definitive solution for adding precise, automated focusing to your Askar ACL200 camera lens. This mechanical kit provides the essential hardware to integrate a ZWO Electronic Automatic Focuser (EAF) or other compatible motor, enabling you to achieve critical focus remotely through software. By motorizing the ACL200's manual focus ring, you can compensate for temperature shifts and nail perfect stars without touching your imaging rig. Please note, the ACL200 lens and the ZWO EAF are for demonstration purposes and must be purchased separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAutomated Focusing for the Askar ACL200 Lens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs electronically-assisted astronomy becomes standard practice, motorized focus is no longer a luxury but a necessity for sharp, consistent images. This AF kit is designed specifically for the ACL200 lens, allowing you to connect an electronic focuser and control it from your computer. This unlocks the ability to use autofocus routines in popular acquisition software, ensuring your images remain critically sharp throughout an entire imaging session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRobust Construction for Reliable Autofocus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Askar ACL200 AF Kit is a rigid, black-anodized holder that securely cradles the electronic focuser and attaches directly to the lens collar. A synchronous belt and pulley system translates the motor's precise movements to the lens's focus ring, delivering smooth and accurate adjustments. The kit also includes a Vixen-style dovetail plate, replacing the lens's original foot and providing a stable, industry-standard connection to your telescope mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main purpose of the Askar ACL200 AF Kit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar ACL200 AF Kit is a mechanical adapter that allows you to attach an electronic focuser, such as the ZWO EAF, to your Askar ACL200 lens. This enables you to achieve precise, automated focus control from a computer, which is essential for modern astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the Askar ACL200 AF Kit include the ZWO EAF or the lens itself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo, it does not.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a critical point. The kit contains only the mechanical hardware (holder, belt, pulley, screws, dovetail plate) required to connect a focuser to the lens. The Askar ACL200 lens and the ZWO EAF (or any other electronic focuser) must be purchased separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat electronic focusers are compatible with the Askar ACL200 AF Kit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is specifically designed for a seamless fit with the popular \u003cstrong\u003eZWO EAF\u003c\/strong\u003e. However, its design may allow it to work with other electronic focusers that share a similar form factor and shaft size, though compatibility is not guaranteed with other brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Askar ACL200 AF Kit attach to a telescope mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes an Askar Vixen-style dovetail plate. This plate attaches to the bottom of the lens collar and the EAF holder, replacing the original mounting foot. You can then clamp this dovetail plate directly onto any mount equipped with a Vixen-style saddle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI'm imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with my ACL200. How does this kit help over a long night?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ambient temperature drops during the night, the focus of your lens will shift, softening your images. The Askar ACL200 AF Kit, paired with an EAF and software, allows you to run autofocus routines periodically. This automatically corrects the focus, ensuring your stars remain sharp in every sub-exposure, which is crucial for a detailed final image of M31.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Askar ACL200 AF Kit on a portable star tracker for wide-field targets like the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The kit provides a secure Vixen dovetail, which is a standard mounting interface. As long as your star tracker has a Vixen-style saddle, the entire assembly (lens, camera, and AF kit) will mount securely, allowing you to benefit from automated focusing even with a lightweight, portable setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/askar-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAskar 1-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52851340968221,"sku":"ASK-ASKAREAFKIT","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar-ACL200-AF-Kit-1_83e65b98-4f98-42b0-aaa7-b125f265b515.jpg?v=1788401829","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-eu\/products\/askar-acl200-af-kit","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}