{"product_id":"askar-103apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","title":"Askar 103APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 103APO\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 103APO is best suited for \u003cstrong\u003eintermediate to advanced astrophotographers\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a compact yet capable APO refractor for deep-sky imaging. It is also an excellent choice for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeep-sky imagers\u003c\/strong\u003e targeting nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-use users\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a telescope capable of both imaging and visual observation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravellers and portable rig builders\u003c\/strong\u003e needing a lightweight, packable APO\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual observers\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a high-quality, colour-corrected refractor with 1.25\"\/2\" eyepiece support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose This Product?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e103mm f\/6.8 triplet APO optics\u003c\/strong\u003e with one ED glass element — superior chromatic aberration correction versus standard doublets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree optional correctors\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetachable two-section lens tube\u003c\/strong\u003e — enables the 0.6x reducer and binoviewer use without additional adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.3\" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e with 1:10 fine-focus adjustment and 10cm travel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360° high-precision rotator\u003c\/strong\u003e with locking scale for repeatable framing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo finder scope bases\u003c\/strong\u003e — one on each side of the focuser for flexible accessory mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e290mm extended Vixen dovetail plate\u003c\/strong\u003e — compatible with most equatorial mounts; optional Losmandy plate available\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatting felt interior dew shield and baffled tube interior\u003c\/strong\u003e for maximum stray light reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF-compatible focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e for motorized autofocus\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight at just 5.5kg gross\u003c\/strong\u003e (including rings and dovetail)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique identification name ring\u003c\/strong\u003e on every unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDeep-sky astrophotography with APS-C and full-frame cameras\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWide-field imaging at f\/4 with the optional 0.6x reducer — excellent for large nebulae and star-forming regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLRGB and narrowband filter imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVisual observing with 1.25\" and 2\" eyepieces or a diagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBinoviewer use (rear tube section detaches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGuided astrophotography on mid-range equatorial mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRear thread:\u003c\/strong\u003e M84 female; includes 2\"\/1.25\" visual adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 1x flattener:\u003c\/strong\u003e maintains f\/6.8; corrects field curvature and coma; includes built-in 2\" filter thread and M54\/M48 adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 0.8x reducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces to f\/5.4; field flattening included; M54\/M48 adapters included\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 0.6x reducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces to f\/4; requires rear tube detachment; M68\/M54\/M48 adapters included; ideal for wide-field imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e 290mm Vixen standard; Losmandy dovetail optional\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF motorized focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party autofocusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinoviewer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible when rear section is removed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eflattener or reducer is recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e for astrophotography with full-frame sensors; the bare OTA may show field curvature on large sensors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe 0.6x reducer \u003cstrong\u003erequires detachment of the rear tube section\u003c\/strong\u003e — this is by design, not a deficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRequires a suitable \u003cstrong\u003eequatorial or GoTo mount\u003c\/strong\u003e for astrophotography; alt-az mounts for visual use only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNot recommended as a first telescope for beginners unfamiliar with equatorial mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAll reducers\/flatteners and EAF are sold separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the 103APO good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between the three optional correctors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it for visual observing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The 103APO accepts 1.25\" and 2\" diagonals and eyepieces and supports binoviewer use when the rear tube is detached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat mount do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLook 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat cameras is it compatible with?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAPS-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs motorized autofocus supported?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The focuser is compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party electronic autofocusers (sold separately).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOptical Diagram Reports\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following optical reports and technical diagrams are provided by Askar for the 103APO:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/4762e8b7-2864-4eb1-abbe-73c85901a578.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Optical Path Diagram showing triplet lens element configuration\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/5641f5ef-6fd6-4aaa-9405-9914eef55a55.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Spot Diagram with 1x Flattener showing star point quality across the image field\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/b2514716-d145-42d0-8ed0-66b9450d9ac7.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Spot Diagram with 0.8x Reducer\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/16dafd4c-e367-4689-92e5-e3f9f444acc4.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Spot Diagram with 0.6x Reducer\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/b56e16a0-7774-4019-83d3-5440c60a6e46.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Product Size Diagram with full mechanical dimensions\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/76104d42-e25d-4a5e-8de3-e82d81d42fb5.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Connection Diagram showing rear thread and adapter options\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/ea041ee5-da40-4df3-ac57-43702506c5cd.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 103APO Segmented Lens Tube Detachment Diagram for 0.6x reducer and binoviewer\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":53155869327471,"sku":"103APO","price":1678.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/103apoa.webp?v=1779735640","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/askar-103apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}