Askar 203 APO Triplet ED Refractor
Rediscover the Beauty of the Cosmos!
Building on the success of their triplet refractors, Askar has welcomed a 203 mm APO to the family! This powerful astrograph goes beyond that of any refractor at this price point. Boasting an 8” aperture and a focal length of over 1400 mm, this massive f/7 APO refractor provides an abundance of light gathering potential, making it the perfect scope for seasoned astrophotographers looking to revisit their favorite deep sky objects in greater detail.
The 203 APO has a limiting magnitude of 13.3 and a 20% larger aperture than its 185 mm sibling, giving you access to a wider range of deep sky objects and the power to resolve exceptionally faint details. Accompanying the premium optics is a perfectly paired optical tube assembly, a dual speed rack & pinion focuser ready to accept any EAF (electronic focuser), and a telescopic rear lens tube designed to optimize performance for a variety of applications. Beyond the premium optics, OTA, and focuser, you’ll find three CNC machined tube rings, two dovetails (a Vixen on top and Losmandy on bottom), and a custom foam cut aluminum carry case!
An Extraordinary Refractor!
Offering outstanding imaging performance alongside a suite of precision engineered hardware, the 203 APO is sure to be a permanent fixture in both backyard observatories and professional installations. For a look into what makes this refractor so remarkable, check out the features below!
Unbelievable Optics
At a focal ratio of f/7 and a focal length of 1421 mm, the 203 APO has more than enough resolving power to access exceptionally faint details in numerous deep sky objects. What truly makes the 203 APO unique is how it exceeds the limitations of a traditional refractor. Typically, refractors with optics this large come at an astronomical cost, but with the 203 APO, you get the light gathering power of an 8” aperture and a crisp low dispersion ED glass objective lens element at an unbelievable price.
Ground Breaking Design
Crafting a refractor of this scale, at an unmatched cost, is a challenge that previously went unmet. Askar not only answered this call, they deliberately designed the 203 APO to go above and beyond that of a traditional refractor. The 203 APO offers a variety of versatile functionalities that both astrophotographers and visual astronomers will certainly appreciate, such as the telescopic rear lens tube that is effortlessly adjusted using a captain’s wheel and machine CNC tube rings that evenly distribute weight to improve balance. To further sweeten the deal, Askar included a brilliant fit and finish, coupling first-class performance with undeniable style!
Flexible Framing & Precision Focus
The 203 APO includes a dual-speed rack and pinion, large 3.5" rigid focuser, which can be easily enhanced with any of the latest (ZWO) EAFs. The entire focuser barrel is CNC machined with an anti-reflective internal design to eliminate stray light. Each side of the focuser includes a finder base, providing additional mounting positions for guide scopes and optional accessories like the ASIAIR Plus (not included). The rear of the focuser features a 360° high-precision rotator, along with a well-defined gauge for careful adjustment and flexible target framing. To ensure the 203 APO is equipped to handle any of the latest gear, Askar included an enlarged rotator locking screw that can be easily secured even under high loads.
Durable Hardware & Accessories
Atop the 203 APO, you’ll find an extended 402 mm Vixen dovetail that functions both as a base for installing a finder scope and a strong carrying handle. The bottom dovetail plate is a standard Losmandy style, making it compatible with numerous mounts. Both dovetail plates have multiple locking points, making it easy to adjust positioning and integrate a variety of accessories. The three machined CNC tube rings are deliberately spaced across the 402 mm dovetail plate, ensuring the OTA is properly balanced and safely secured when attached to an EQ mount. When the dew shield is collapsed, this scope can be stored in the included aluminum reinforced custom foam cut case!