What kind of mount do I need for the Askar N160?
With a fully loaded weight of 5.2kg (11.5 lbs), the Askar N160 is well-suited for equatorial mounts with a payload capacity of at least 20-25 lbs for imaging. This ensures stable tracking and guiding. Mounts like the Sky-Watcher HEQ5, iOptron GEM28, or Celestron Advanced VX are appropriate choices.
Is the Askar N160 compatible with full-frame cameras?
No, the Askar N160 and its included 0.95x corrector are specifically designed to provide a corrected image circle of 28mm, which is ideal for APS-C format sensors. While a full-frame camera can be attached, you will experience significant vignetting and edge-of-field aberrations beyond the specified image circle.
How do I achieve the 55mm back focus with the Askar N160?
The 55mm back focus is measured from the shoulder of the M48x0.75 male thread on the corrector. You must ensure the total light path distance of all accessories between the corrector and your camera sensor is exactly 55mm. A typical setup includes a 2" filter drawer or wheel and any necessary extension tubes. The included shims can be used for precise final adjustments.
What is the benefit of the Askar N160's carbon fiber tube?
The primary benefit of the carbon fiber tube is its low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means it does not shrink or expand significantly with temperature changes throughout the night, which helps keep the telescope in focus for longer periods. It also contributes to the OTA's low weight of just 3.97kg, making it more portable.
How will the Askar N160 frame large targets like the Veil Nebula complex?
The Askar N160's 544mm focal length is excellent for large deep-sky objects. When paired with a common APS-C sensor (like the Sony IMX571), it produces a field of view of approximately 2.5° x 1.7°. This is wide enough to capture the entire Veil Nebula complex, including both the Eastern Veil (NGC 6992) and Western Veil (NGC 6960), in a single frame with room to spare.
Can I use the Askar N160 for visual astronomy or planetary imaging?
While the Askar N160 is designed as an astrograph for photography, you can use it for visual observing by adding a 2" eyepiece holder and eyepiece. However, its very fast focal ratio may be demanding on eyepieces. For planetary imaging of targets like Jupiter or Saturn, its 544mm focal length is quite short; you would need a powerful Barlow lens (5x or more) to achieve the necessary image scale, which can be challenging.
