{"product_id":"askar-2-diagonal","title":"Askar 2” High-Precision Dielectric Diagonal","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-inch Barrel Diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-Reflectivity Dielectric Mirror Coating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccepts both 2\" and 1.25\" Eyepieces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with SCT and Refractor\/Reflector Telescopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined Aluminum Body\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 2” High-Precision Dielectric Diagonal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 2” Dielectric Diagonal is an essential optical upgrade, replacing standard diagonals with a high-precision, CNC-machined unit designed for maximum light transmission and image contrast. Its design provides threaded attachment for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and a 2\" nosepiece for refractors, accepting both 2\" and 1.25\" eyepieces to accommodate your entire collection.\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\u003eHigh-Reflectivity Dielectric Mirror for 2-inch Eyepieces\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core of this diagonal is a high-precision flat mirror with a durable dielectric coating. Unlike standard aluminum coatings that can degrade over time, dielectric layers offer stable, high reflectivity across the visual spectrum, ensuring brighter images and more accurate color rendition for any 2-inch or 1.25-inch eyepiece you use.\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\u003eCNC-Machined Housing for Precise 2-inch Alignment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diagonal's body is machined from a single piece of aluminum for superior rigidity and alignment of the 2-inch optical path. This integrated design prevents flexure that can misalign optics, while the matte black interior surfaces absorb stray light, preventing reflections from washing out faint detail on celestial targets.\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\u003eAdapts to SCTs, 2\" Focusers, and 1.25\" Eyepieces\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis diagonal is engineered for broad compatibility across different telescope designs. It provides a 2\" nosepiece for use in standard refractor and reflector focusers, as well as threads for direct attachment to the rear cell of an SCT. A step-down adapter allows you to securely use your 1.25\" eyepieces and accessories, making it a single solution for your observing needs.\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 benefit of a dielectric diagonal like the Askar 2\" model over a standard one?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dielectric diagonal provides two main advantages. First, its multi-layer coating delivers higher reflectivity for brighter images compared to standard aluminum. Second, the coating is far more durable and resistant to environmental degradation, ensuring consistent optical light transmission for years of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Askar 2\" Diagonal with my 8\" SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Askar 2\" Diagonal is designed to be fully compatible with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. It includes the necessary threads to attach directly to the rear cell of most commercial SCTs, providing a secure, rigid connection for your 2\" and 1.25\" eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Askar 2\" Diagonal improve image contrast?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior of the diagonal is finished with a non-reflective matte black coating. This treatment absorbs stray light that enters the optical path, preventing it from scattering and reducing contrast. This results in a darker background sky and makes it easier to see faint details in objects like nebulae and galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill I be able to see the full field of my 2\" wide-angle eyepieces with this diagonal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the Askar 2\" Diagonal is built with clear apertures designed to fully illuminate the large field stops of 2\" wide-field eyepieces without vignetting or cutting off the edge of the view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Askar 2\" Diagonal a good choice for planetary viewing of Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. For planetary observation of targets like Jupiter's cloud bands or Saturn's rings, optical precision is critical. The high-precision flat mirror in the Askar 2\" Diagonal ensures that it does not introduce any optical errors, preserving the sharpness and detail delivered by your telescope's main optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I switch between using 1.25\" and 2\" eyepieces with the Askar 2\" Diagonal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diagonal features a 2\" eyepiece holder with a non-marring compression ring for your larger eyepieces. To use smaller 1.25\" eyepieces, you simply insert the included 2\"-to-1.25\" adapter into the eyepiece holder and secure it as you would an eyepiece. You can then insert your 1.25\" eyepieces into the adapter.\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":52851344343325,"sku":"ASK-ASKAR2DIAG","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar-2-Diagonal-1_92b9dae8-53e4-4697-8520-c41e821ff4df.jpg?v=1788401875","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-int\/products\/askar-2-diagonal","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}