{"product_id":"askar-203apo","title":"Askar 203APO f\/7 Triplet APO Refractor","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e203mm Aperture Triplet Air-Spaced APO Objective\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1421mm Focal Length at f\/7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass Element\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetractable Tube Design for a 1145mm Minimum Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e23.5kg Gross Weight with Included Rings and Plate\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\u003eDownloads\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 203APO f\/7 Triplet APO Refractor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 203APO refractor combines a massive 203mm aperture with a 1421mm focal length, delivering a native f\/7 focal ratio for high-resolution planetary and deep-sky imaging. Its triplet air-spaced APO objective, which includes one ED glass element, is housed in an optical tube that weighs 18.5kg and has a transport length of just 1145mm thanks to its retractable design.\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\u003e203mm f\/7 Triplet APO: Correcting Color with ED Glass\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the 203APO is its 203mm triplet air-spaced apochromatic objective. By incorporating a piece of specialized ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, the optical system corrects for chromatic aberration, ensuring that stars are sharp, color-pure points of light without distracting purple fringing. This high level of color correction is critical for an instrument with this much light-gathering power, providing true-to-life colors and maximum contrast on everything from lunar craters to faint galactic dust lanes.\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\u003eA 1145mm Transport Length: Retractable Tube for Portability \u0026amp; Binoviewers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its large aperture, the Askar 203APO is designed for field use. A retractable dew shield allows the OTA to shrink to a transport length of 1145mm. More significantly, the rear lens tube itself is retractable, a key feature for enabling different observing setups. By contracting the rear assembly, you gain enough inward focus travel to use binoviewers without a Barlow lens, while extending it provides the correct focal point for standard 2\" diagonals and eyepieces.\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\u003eFocuser System with 2\" and 1.25\" Adapters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 203APO is equipped with a large-diameter, dual-speed rack and pinion focuser built to handle the weight of heavy imaging trains without flexure or slippage. The entire focuser assembly rotates a full 360°, allowing you to perfectly frame your target without rotating the entire optical tube. For maximum flexibility, the focuser includes two finder bases and comes standard with both 2\" and 1.25\" adapters, ensuring compatibility with all your visual and imaging accessories.\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\u003e23.5kg Mounting System: Triplet Rings and a Losmandy Plate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupporting the 18.5kg optical tube is a robust set of hardware that brings the total weight to 23.5kg. The system includes a unique set of triplet-style tube rings, providing exceptional stability and rigidity. These rings attach to a standard Losmandy-style dovetail plate, which is compatible with most high-capacity equatorial mounts. A long handle is mounted on top of the rings, which not only makes transport easier but also serves as an additional mounting point for guide scopes or other accessories.\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\u003eAskar 203APO vs. 185APO: The Light-Gathering Advantage of 203mm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Askar 185APO offers excellent imaging in a more portable package, the 203APO represents a significant step up in optical power. The primary trade-off is weight; at 23.5kg, the 203APO demands a higher-capacity mount than its smaller sibling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAskar 185APO Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lighter weight and smaller physical size make it easier to transport and mount.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAskar 203APO Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The larger 203mm aperture gathers substantially more light, resulting in brighter images, shorter exposure times for faint deep-sky objects, and a higher theoretical resolution for splitting close double stars and resolving fine planetary detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\"\u003eHow does the Askar 203APO's retractable rear tube help with binoviewers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBinoviewers require a large amount of inward focus travel that most refractors do not have. The \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 203APO's\u003c\/strong\u003e retractable rear tube solves this by allowing you to shorten the optical path. By contracting the tube, you can achieve focus with a binoviewer directly, without needing a Barlow or optical corrector that would increase magnification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is required for the Askar 203APO's 23.5kg weight?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a gross weight of \u003cstrong\u003e23.5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e (51.8 lbs) for the OTA, rings, and plate, a heavy-duty equatorial mount is essential. For reliable imaging, you should look for a mount with a manufacturer-rated payload capacity of at least 70 lbs (32kg), and preferably in the 100 lb (45kg) class to ensure stability and precise tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Askar 203APO suitable for high-resolution planetary imaging of Jupiter or Saturn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The large \u003cstrong\u003e203mm\u003c\/strong\u003e aperture provides exceptional resolving power, while the f\/7 focal ratio is a good starting point for planetary imaging. When combined with a 2.5x or 3x Barlow lens, the \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 203APO\u003c\/strong\u003e can achieve the long effective focal lengths needed to capture fine details like the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings or cloud bands on Jupiter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat are the benefits of the 203mm f\/7 triplet APO design for deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e203mm\u003c\/strong\u003e triplet APO design offers two main advantages for targets like the Orion Nebula (M42). First, the large aperture gathers a tremendous amount of light, revealing fainter, extended nebulosity in shorter exposures. Second, the apochromatic correction ensures that the bright stars of the Trapezium cluster at its core are rendered as sharp, color-pure points without chromatic aberration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy does the Askar 203APO come with a long Losmandy dovetail plate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA long telescope like the \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 203APO\u003c\/strong\u003e requires careful balancing on an equatorial mount, especially when adding heavy cameras, filter wheels, and guide scopes. The included long Losmandy plate provides a wide range of adjustment, making it much easier to slide the entire \u003cstrong\u003e23.5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e assembly forward or backward to achieve perfect balance in Right Ascension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use standard 2-inch and 1.25-inch accessories with the Askar 203APO?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 203APO\u003c\/strong\u003e is equipped with a large-diameter focuser that terminates in a standard 2\" opening. It also includes a \u003cstrong\u003e2\"\/1.25\" adapter\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring full compatibility with all standard eyepieces, diagonals, Barlow lenses, and camera nosepieces on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e203mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1421mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eObjective Lens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTriplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1145mm (dew shield contracted) \/ 1335mm (dew shield stretched)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOTA Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.5kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGross Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.5kg (including tube rings and dovetail plate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" and 1.25\" visual adapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e203APO OTA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTube Rings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 group\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eHandle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAskar 500mm Losmandy Dovetail Plate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAluminum Box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar_203APO_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar_203APO_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\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":52851329204509,"sku":"ASK-203APO","price":8579.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar-203APO-1_b026fdf7-2ccd-4381-8223-4faa58c07ff7.jpg?v=1788401660","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-int\/products\/askar-203apo","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}