Does the Askar 160APO fully illuminate a full-frame camera sensor?
Yes, the 160APO supports a 44mm image circle, which is large enough to cover a standard 36mm x 24mm full-frame sensor. For a flat field on a full-frame sensor, Askar makes a dedicated 1x full-frame flattener and a 0.8x full-frame reducer for the 160APO.
How will the Askar 160APO perform on faint details in the Orion Nebula (M42)?
At 1120mm a full-frame sensor covers about 1.8 x 1.2 degrees, enough to frame M42 with M43. The focal length gives enough image scale to separate the four main stars of the Trapezium at the nebula's core.
What is the purpose of the 115mm retractable rear tube on the 160APO?
The 115mm retractable section at the rear of the telescope is designed to adjust the focus position for different visual accessories.
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Extended: The tube is stretched out to reach focus with a standard 1.25" or 2" star diagonal and eyepiece.
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Contracted: The tube is pushed in to accommodate the longer light path of a binoviewer, allowing it to reach focus.
Is the 1120mm focal length of the 160APO suitable for imaging smaller galaxies like the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)?
Yes, the 1120mm focal length is well-suited for medium-to-small deep-sky objects. It gives enough image scale to frame M51 and its companion, especially with a camera with smaller pixels.
How does the single ED element in the Askar 160APO's triplet lens affect performance?
The ED glass element in the air-spaced triplet objective helps bring different wavelengths of light to a common focus, reducing chromatic aberration (false color).
Can I attach a motorized focuser to the Askar 160APO?
Yes, the 3.5" rack and pinion focuser on the Askar 160APO is designed to be compatible with most common aftermarket electronic automatic focusers (EAFs). The manual notes specific screw positions intended for installing an EAF bracket.
What is the benefit of the included 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate?
The extended 400mm length of the Losmandy-style plate makes balancing a long and heavy telescope like the 160APO more convenient. Its multiple holes let you adjust the position of the tube rings, so you can slide the OTA forward or backward on the mount to balance it.
Is the Askar 160APO a good choice for planetary viewing of Jupiter or Saturn?
Yes. The 160mm aperture gives high resolving power, and the triplet APO objective controls false color. At its native 1120mm focal length, the 160APO can handle high magnification well, allowing you to clearly see details like Jupiter's Great Red Spot and cloud bands, or the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, especially on nights of steady seeing.
What accessories fit in the included aluminum carrying case?
It is a rigid aluminum box with wheels at the bottom and machine-cut PE foam with well-designed holes inside, plus extra space reserved for an electronic focuser installation.
