Askar 103APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope

The Askar 103APO is a 103mm aperture, f/6.8 triplet air-spaced apochromatic refractor designed and manufactured by Askar (Jiaxing Sharpstar Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.). Purpose-built for astrophotography, the 103APO combines a compact, lightweight form factor with a high-performance triplet APO objective that includes one element of ED glass — all at a price point that makes serious imaging accessible to more astronomers.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The Askar 103APO is best suited for intermediate to advanced astrophotographers who want a compact yet capable APO refractor for deep-sky imaging. It is also an excellent choice for:

• Deep-sky imagers targeting nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters
• Dual-use users who want a telescope capable of both imaging and visual observation
• Travellers and portable rig builders needing a lightweight, packable APO
• Visual observers who want a high-quality, colour-corrected refractor with 1.25"/2" eyepiece support

Why Choose This Product?

• 103mm f/6.8 triplet APO optics with one ED glass element — superior chromatic aberration correction versus standard doublets
• Three optional correctors: 1x flattener (f/6.8), 0.8x reducer (f/5.4), and 0.6x reducer (f/4) — giving the 103APO one of the widest range of focal ratios in its class
• Detachable two-section lens tube — enables the 0.6x reducer and binoviewer use without additional adapters
• 3.3" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with 1:10 fine-focus adjustment and 10cm travel
• 360° high-precision rotator with locking scale for repeatable framing
• Two finder scope bases — one on each side of the focuser for flexible accessory mounting
• 290mm extended Vixen dovetail plate — compatible with most equatorial mounts; optional Losmandy plate available
• Matting felt interior dew shield and baffled tube interior for maximum stray light reduction
• EAF-compatible focuser for motorized autofocus
• Lightweight at just 5.5kg gross (including rings and dovetail)
• Unique identification name ring on every unit

Recommended Uses

• Deep-sky astrophotography with APS-C and full-frame cameras
• Wide-field imaging at f/4 with the optional 0.6x reducer — excellent for large nebulae and star-forming regions
• LRGB and narrowband filter imaging
• Visual observing with 1.25" and 2" eyepieces or a diagonal
• Binoviewer use (rear tube section detaches)
• Guided astrophotography on mid-range equatorial mounts

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Rear thread: M84 female; includes 2"/1.25" visual adapters
• Optional 1x flattener: maintains f/6.8; corrects field curvature and coma; includes built-in 2" filter thread and M54/M48 adapters
• Optional 0.8x reducer: reduces to f/5.4; field flattening included; M54/M48 adapters included
• Optional 0.6x reducer: reduces to f/4; requires rear tube detachment; M68/M54/M48 adapters included; ideal for wide-field imaging
• Dovetail: 290mm Vixen standard; Losmandy dovetail optional
• EAF motorized focuser: Compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party autofocusers
• Binoviewer: Compatible when rear section is removed

Important Limitations

• A flattener or reducer is recommended for astrophotography with full-frame sensors; the bare OTA may show field curvature on large sensors
• The 0.6x reducer requires detachment of the rear tube section — this is by design, not a deficiency
• Requires a suitable equatorial or GoTo mount for astrophotography; alt-az mounts for visual use only
• Not recommended as a first telescope for beginners unfamiliar with equatorial mounts
• All reducers/flatteners and EAF are sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 103APO good for beginners?
It is better suited to intermediate users who already understand polar alignment, guiding, and basic astrophotography workflows. Complete beginners may find a simpler setup more approachable first.

What's the difference between the three optional correctors?
The 1x flattener keeps f/6.8 and corrects edge aberrations. The 0.8x reducer shortens to f/5.4 for faster exposures and wider fields. The 0.6x reducer delivers an ultra-fast f/4 with the widest field, requiring removal of the rear tube section.

Can I use it for visual observing?
Yes. The 103APO accepts 1.25" and 2" diagonals and eyepieces and supports binoviewer use when the rear tube is detached.

What mount do I need?
Look for an equatorial mount with at least 8–12kg imaging payload. The 290mm Vixen dovetail fits most mid-range EQ mounts; a Losmandy dovetail is available for heavier-duty setups.

What cameras is it compatible with?
APS-C and full-frame cameras work well. For full-frame, pair with the 1x flattener or 0.8x reducer for flat, edge-to-edge stars.

Is motorized autofocus supported?
Yes. The focuser is compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party electronic autofocusers (sold separately).

Our Recommendation

The Askar 103APO is a standout value in the 100mm APO class. Its triplet optics, premium focuser, and exceptional range of optional correctors — including the rare f/4 option — make it one of the most versatile compact astrographs available. If you're looking for a portable, capable refractor for deep-sky astrophotography and want the flexibility to shoot at f/4, f/5.4, or f/6.8, the 103APO is hard to beat. Not the best choice for beginners or those without a compatible equatorial mount.

Optical Diagram Reports

The following optical reports and technical diagrams are provided by Askar for the 103APO: