Askar 130PHQ Quadruplet Refracting Astrograph
The 130PHQ Refractive Astrograph by Askar
The 130PHQ is the fourth in the PHQ line of refracting astrographs from Askar. This makes it among the largest in the series with a focus on 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 130 mm, with a longer focal length of 1000 mm, yielding a focal ratio of f/7.7. In addition, this refractor supports a medium-frame, 60 mm image circle. Check out the video below!
With the second-largest aperture in the PHQ series, the 130 splits the aperture and weight difference between the 107 and 151. As with the other scopes in the PHQ line, 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, dual-speed focuser of the 130PHQ allows for 1:10 fine adjustment.
A Great Balance of Portability and Performance
With the 130PHQ from Askar, you get an f/7.5 system with 130 mm of aperture, and with a gross weight of 27.5 pounds (12.5 kg), making this a performance-centered astrograph!
The aesthetics of the 130PHQ 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 130 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 130PHQ are four adapter rings to facilitate the attachment of cameras and accessories. Included is an M68x1 ring, two M54x0.75 rings, 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 130PHQ comes with a lens cover, a retractable dew shield, a pair of tube rings with an integrated carrying handle, a 300 mm dovetail plate, and a manual.
Recommended: Askar 0.7x Universal Reducer for 130PHQ (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.