Askar 80PHQ Quadruplet Refracting Astrograph
The 80PHQ Refractive Astrograph by Askar
The 80PHQ is the second entry in the PHQ series of refracting astrographs from Askar. The lens configuration 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 80 mm, with a longer focal length of 600 mm, yielding a focal ratio of f/7.5. In addition, this refractor supports full frame imaging, with a 44 mm image circle. Check out the video below for an overview of the 80PHQ!
More lightweight and portable than the 107PHQ, but with a larger aperture than the 65PHQ, the 80PHQ may be considered the best of both worlds. Like the 107, there is no need to calculate backfocus with the 80PHQ, nor is there a need for an additional field flattener, as the optical design ensures a flat field.
The sturdy, 3" rack-and-pinion focuser of the 80PHQ is dual speed, with coarse and 1:10 fine adjustment.
A Solid Refractor to Begin Your Astrophotographic Odyssey
The aesthetics of the 80PHQ are appealing. The white finish is lightly textured to provide grip. The lens cover, carrying handle, locking screws, fine-focusing knob, and dovetail plate provide an attractive green accent to the scope.
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 80 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 80PHQ 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 80PHQ 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 f/5.7 Full-Frame Reducer (Sold Separately)
This full-frame reducer from Askar (sold separately) is designed to provide even greater performance out of the 80PHQ. This reducer reduces the field by 0.76x, shortening the focal length to 456 mm and creating an f/5.7 system.