The Askar 185APO fills a unique market niche, offering a substantial 185mm aperture refractor that remains surprisingly portable. With a 1295mm focal length and f/7 focal ratio, it delivers excellent light-gathering power and resolution, reaching a limiting magnitude of 13.1 while maintaining a manageable footprint.
The 185APO utilizes a triplet air-spaced APO lens design that includes one piece of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. This advanced optical formula effectively controls chromatic aberration, producing sharp, high-contrast images rich in detail and color accuracy for both visual observing and astrophotography.
To ensure portability, the 185APO features a clever retractable lens tube design. This reduces the overall length to just 1081mm for transport, while the net OTA weight is kept to 14.9kg. The retractable section employs a rudder-type locking ring for secure stability, ensuring the optical axis remains perfectly aligned when extended.
The telescope is designed for flexibility. The retractable tube allows for the direct use of binoviewers without additional correctors. For imaging, it supports optional 1.0x flatteners and 0.8x reducers. The rear interface includes standard 1.25\"/2\" adapters for easy connection to diagonals and eyepieces.
The instrument features a 3.5-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with 100mm of travel and compatibility with motorized focusers. A 360° rotator ensures precise framing. The package includes tube rings with a heightened base, a 400mm handle with finder slot, and a 400mm Losmandy-style dovetail plate for secure mounting and balancing.