With the larger aperture, the astrograph can reach a higher limiting magnitude, up to 12.2. This means it can capture fainter celestial objects and offer a more detailed view of the night sky.

Similar to the Askar 103APO, the Askar 120APO adopts an air-spaced triplet APO lens design, incorporating a piece of ED glass. This design choice is significant in correcting chromatic aberration. The use of multiple lens elements and the inclusion of ED glass are part of the special optical designs employed in the Askar APO series. These elements work together to effectively correct chromatic aberration, ensuring higher-quality object detail and improved color accuracy.

Chromatic aberration correction is especially important in astronomy, where accurate color representation is crucial for observing and photographing celestial objects. ED glass, known for its low dispersion properties, plays a key role in minimizing chromatic aberration and improving the overall optical performance of the telescope.

In summary, the Askar 120APO, with its 120mm aperture, triplet APO lens design and inclusion of ED glass, presents itself as a powerful tool for astrophotography, offering enhanced light-gathering capabilities and delivering high-quality images with improved chromatic aberration correction.

Aside from the dedicated optical design, the Askar 120APO has been carefully considered in its mechanical design.

The Askar 120APO is lightweight and compact with a total weight of 6.5kg (including tube rings). Therefore, it is suitable for outdoor shooting.

Each example of the Askar 120APO comes with a unique name ring for identification.

The retractable design of the sun visor, together with the enlarged locking screws, offers convenient use. The sunshade serves to protect the lens from the impact of external and internal light, while ensuring the protection of the lens itself.

The Askar 120APO has two finder bases, one on each side. Many users have some concerns about the limited space for installing additional astronomical accessories during use. To address this issue, we have specifically placed finder bases on both sides of the focuser. This not only eliminates the need for disassembly when changing the position of the finderscope, but also provides additional mounting locations for other astronomical accessories.

The handle of the Askar 120APO has a special slotted design, making it also a base for installing a finder scope. The handle itself has been extended by 60mm, which makes the tube rings more convenient for attaching the astrograph.

The total weight of the tube ring is only 780g. Thumb screws allow for easy opening and closing of tube rings. Meanwhile, the base of the tube rings is raised, providing more space.

The Vixen standard dovetail plate is compatible with most equatorial mounts and bases available on the market. We've extended the length and added screw holes, making the plate 290mm long, which makes it easier to balance on mounts. With the slot on the handle, the spacing between the tube rings can be adjusted as desired. Additionally, a Losmandy dovetail plate is also available for purchase, for use with various equatorial mounts.

The Askar 120APO currently has two optional accessories: a 1x flattener and a 0.8x reducer. Both feature integrated filter threads that allow for direct mounting of filters. Furthermore, they come with M54/M48 adapters which are convenient for installing accessories.

The 1x flattener does not change the focal ratio of the telescope itself. After connecting with the Askar 120APO, it still maintains a focal ratio of f/7. The flattener corrects field curvature and coma, resulting in flatter field edges and finer star points.

The 0.8x reducer can bring the focal ratio of the Askar 120APO to f/5.6. This is a standard gearbox with field flattening capability. A shorter focal ratio allows the OTA to have a wider field of view and faster exposure times, making it suitable for capturing large areas of nebulae, star clusters and faint, fast-moving celestial objects.

When it comes to visual observations, the Askar 120APO pays great attention to the quality of observation. It can easily achieve focus when attached to 1.25" or 2" diagonals or various eyepieces. Thanks to the segmented lens tube design, it can also be connected to a binoviewer for visual observation.

As for the focuser, the Askar 120APO features a sizable dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with a diameter of 3.3 inches, which can be compatible with most motorized focusers available on the market. Along the 10 cm of focus range, there is a high precision scale. The entire focuser barrel is made by CNC machines, with an internal anti-glare design and matte paint, providing additional measures to eliminate stray light.

The back of the focuser features a large, high-precision 360° rotator, along with precise scales for convenient adjustment and saving of rotation angles, enabling precise rotation. It is also equipped with an enlarged rotator locking screw that can be easily fixed even under high loads.

The telescope interface on the back is equipped with a 1.25" to 2" adapter.

The entire tube of the Askar 120APO is made of high-quality CNC machining, with anodized treatment and surface painting. The orange accents on the ivory white tube add a bright and eye-catching touch, presenting an overall elegant and trendy look.

Let the Askar 120APO accompany you as you explore the magnificent landscapes of the universe and create unforgettable memories. Take the initiative now and embark on your astronomical adventure with the Askar 120APO!

Specifications

• Opening size: 120mm
• Focal length: 840mm
• Focal ratio: f/7
• Objective lens: Air-spaced APO triplet (with an ED glass)
• Total length: 722 mm (with contracted sun visor), 804 mm (with extended sun visor)
• OTA weight: 5.7 kg
• Gross weight (including tube rings and dovetail plate): 6.5 kg
• Rear Thread Type: 2"/1.25" Visual Adapters
• Items included in the standard package: One OTA 120APO, one pair of tube rings, one handle, one Vixen Askar 290mm dovetail plate, one Oxford cloth case, one manual