What class of mount is required for the Askar 160APO?
With a fully dressed weight of 13.6kg (30 lbs) before adding a camera, guide scope, or other accessories, the Askar 160APO requires a heavy-duty equatorial mount. For stable imaging, you should consider a mount with a payload capacity of at least 50-60 lbs, such as a Sky-Watcher EQ8-R, iOptron CEM70, or larger model.
Does the Askar 160APO fully illuminate a full-frame camera sensor?
Yes. The optical system is designed to produce a 44mm corrected image circle. This is large enough to cover a standard 36mm x 24mm full-frame sensor, making it an excellent choice for wide-field astrophotography with cameras like the ZWO ASI6200MM/MC Pro or a DSLR.
How will the Askar 160APO perform on faint details in the Orion Nebula (M42)?
The 160mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capability, allowing you to resolve the faint outer loops of gas and dust in M42. The 1120mm focal length provides the necessary image scale to clearly separate the four main stars of the Trapezium cluster at the nebula's core, even under moderately good seeing conditions.
What is the purpose of the 115mm retractable rear tube on the 160APO?
The 115mm retractable section at the rear of the telescope serves two main purposes. First, it allows for more compact storage. Second, and more importantly, it helps you achieve proper balance on the mount by shifting the center of gravity. This is especially useful when switching between a lightweight visual setup and a heavy imaging train with a filter wheel and off-axis guider.
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 provides enough magnification to frame M51 and its companion galaxy nicely, allowing you to resolve spiral arm structure and dust lanes, especially when paired with a camera with smaller pixels.
How does the single ED element in the Askar 160APO's triplet lens affect performance?
The single ED glass element in the air-spaced triplet objective is crucial for its apochromatic (APO) designation. It works to bring different wavelengths of light to a very close focal point, significantly reducing chromatic aberration (false color). This results in higher contrast and sharper stars compared to a doublet or achromat of the same size.
