Askar 107PHQ Quadruplet Refracting Astrograph
The 107PHQ Refractive Astrograph by Askar
The 107PHQ is the third in the PHQ line of refracting astrographs from Askar. This makes it a mid-size entry that strikes a great balance between portability and performance. The lens arrangement of this refractor is in a quadruplet, 3+1, air-spaced configuration. Two of the front lenses are made with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to reduce chromatic and other aberrations and enhance clarity and sharpness.
The aperture of this astrograph is 107 mm, with a longer focal length of 749 mm, yielding a focal ratio of f/7. In addition, this refractor supports full frame imaging, with a 44 mm image circle. Check out the video below for an overview of the 107PHQ!
More lightweight and portable than the 130 or 151PHQ, but with a larger aperture than the 65 and 80, the 107PHQ can be considered the best of both worlds. Like the 80PHQ, there is no need to calculate backfocus, nor is there a need for an additional field flattener, as the optical design ensures a flat field.
The sturdy, 3.4" rack-and-pinion focuser of the 107PHQ is capable of handling a load of over 17 pounds (8 kg) and has a long travel distance of 95mm. Dual-speed, the focuser allows for 1:10 fine adjustment.
A Great Balance of Portability and Performance
With the 107PHQ from Askar, you get an f/7 system with 107 mm of aperture, with a gross weight of just over 15 pounds (6.9 kg), making this a great balance of portability and performance!
The aesthetics of the 107PHQ are appealing. The white finish is lightly textured to provide grip. A pair of black, CNC-machined tube rings keep the optical tube secure for mounting. These rings can be tightened or loosened via the locking thumb screws, with no additional tools needed.
Quadruplet Lens Design
The optical design of this 107 mm aperture refractor is a quadruplet, with a 3+1 lens arrangement. Two of the three front lenses are made of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. The lenses are air-spaced and apochromatic, for excellent control of chromatic aberration and increased sharpness and clarity. The lense configuration also provides for a flat imaging field, with no need to buy a separate field flattener accessory.
Included Adapters
Included with the 107PHQ are four adapter rings to facilitate the attachment of cameras and accessories. Included is an M68x1 ring, an M54x0.75 ring, an M52x0.75 ring, and an M48x0.75 ring which includes a filter thread for 2" filters.
Included Accessories
In addition to the optical tube and adapter rings mentioned above, the 107PHQ comes with a lens cover, a retractable dew shield, a pair of tube rings with an integrated carrying handle, a 300 mm dovetail plate, an aluminum carrying case, and a manual.
Recommended: Askar 0.7x Universal Reducer for 107PHQ (sold separately)
The Askar 0.7x Universal Reducer features a 0.7x reduction factor, providing a faster optical system with a wider field of view, all while retaining a full-frame image circle! This reducer has three lens elements, one made of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to minimize chromatic aberration and has a standard 55 mm of backfocus.