Askar 65PHQ f/6.4 Quintuplet Flat-Field Astrograph

Built-in Flattener: A 44mm Flat Field Right Out of the Box

The core of the 65PHQ is its Petzval-like quintuplet optical design. This integrated system eliminates the need for a separate field flattener, removing the complexity of calculating back focus and spacing. The result is a 44mm corrected image circle, capable of illuminating full-frame sensors with sharp stars from edge to edge. The inclusion of two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements ensures chromatic aberration is suppressed, preserving the natural color of stars and the subtle details in nebulae.

Compact and Robust: 2.8kg of Imaging-Ready Engineering

Designed for portability, the 65PHQ's optical tube weighs only 2kg, and the complete package with rings, handle, and dovetail plate comes in at a mere 2.8kg. Its contracted length of just 328mm makes it easy to pack and mount on lightweight, travel-friendly trackers. The scope features a 2.5" rack-and-pinion focuser with a 360° rotator for precise camera framing, a retractable dew shield, and a Vixen-style dovetail plate, providing a rigid and stable platform for imaging.

Direct-Thread Connection: M68, M54, and M48 Adapters Included

The 65PHQ ensures a secure, flex-free connection to your imaging train. It includes a set of three photographic adapters, stepping down from the focuser's native M68x1 thread to M54x0.75 and finally to the widely used M48x0.75. This allows direct, threaded attachment of most astronomy cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guiders. The final M48 adapter is also threaded internally to accept standard 2-inch astronomy filters.

Astrograph and Visual Scope: f/6.4 Versatility

While engineered as an astrograph, the 65PHQ is also a capable visual instrument. The f/6.4 focal ratio provides bright, wide-field views of open clusters and large nebulae like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). The high-quality optics also support higher magnification for observing planets and the Moon, making it a versatile grab-and-go telescope for both imaging and visual nights under the stars.

Askar 65PHQ vs. 80PHQ: Portability Meets Optical Correction

The primary advantage of the 65PHQ over its larger sibling, the 80PHQ, is its exceptional portability. The 65PHQ is lighter and more compact, making it a better match for smaller equatorial mounts and star trackers. Here’s how they compare:

• Askar 80PHQ Advantage: The 80mm aperture gathers more light and provides higher resolution, making it better suited for smaller, fainter targets. Its 600mm focal length offers more image scale.
• Askar 65PHQ Advantage: With an OTA weight of only 2kg (vs. the 80PHQ's 3.2kg), the 65PHQ is significantly easier to mount and balance. Its wider 416mm field of view is ideal for capturing large nebulae and constellations in a single frame.