{"product_id":"askar-120apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","title":"Askar 120APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 120APO\u003c\/strong\u003e is a premium 120mm aperture, f\/7 triplet air-spaced apochromatic refractor designed and manufactured by Askar (Jiaxing Sharpstar Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.). Built specifically for serious astrophotography and high-quality visual observation, the 120APO brings together large-aperture optics, a purpose-built imaging focuser, and a robust mechanical package — all in a surprisingly portable form factor. With a focal length of 840mm and a limiting magnitude of 12.2, this telescope is engineered to capture deep, detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 120APO is ideal for \u003cstrong\u003eintermediate to advanced astrophotographers\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a large-aperture APO refractor capable of illuminating full-frame sensors. It suits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeep-sky imagers\u003c\/strong\u003e pursuing nebulae, galaxy clusters, and extended DSOs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-use users\u003c\/strong\u003e who want both a serious imaging platform and a capable visual telescope\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable observatory builders\u003c\/strong\u003e who need a high-performance instrument that doesn't require a massive mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual observers\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a wide-field, colour-corrected view of the night sky through 1.25\" or 2\" eyepieces or a binoviewer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a beginner scope — it is best suited to users who already have experience with equatorial mounts and astrophotography workflows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose This Product?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e120mm f\/7 triplet APO optics\u003c\/strong\u003e with one element of ED glass for outstanding chromatic aberration correction\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e36% larger aperture area\u003c\/strong\u003e than the Askar 103APO — more light, more detail, more contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting magnitude of 12.2\u003c\/strong\u003e — revealing objects invisible to smaller refractors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.3\" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e with 1:10 fine-focus ratio and 10cm of travel — smooth, precise, and rock-solid under imaging loads\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360° high-precision rotator\u003c\/strong\u003e with locking scale markings — frame your target without touching the mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-section segmented lens tube\u003c\/strong\u003e — rear section detaches for binoviewer use\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 without disassembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e290mm extended Vixen dovetail plate\u003c\/strong\u003e compatible with virtually all equatorial mounts; optional Losmandy plate available\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetractable dew shield\u003c\/strong\u003e with enlarged CNC locking screws for fast, tool-free operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal weight of just 6.5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e (including tube rings and dovetail) — portable enough for field use\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF-compatible focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e — ready for motorized autofocus\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique identification name ring\u003c\/strong\u003e on every unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 1x flattener and 0.8x reducer\u003c\/strong\u003e available separately for full-frame flat-field imaging or wider, faster coverage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDeep-sky astrophotography with monochrome or one-shot colour cameras (APS-C and full-frame)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNarrowband imaging of emission nebulae, supernova remnants, and HII regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLRGB and SHO filter imaging setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGalaxy and star cluster photography where resolution and contrast are critical\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh-quality visual observing with 1.25\" or 2\" eyepieces or a diagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBinoviewer use (rear tube section detaches to achieve correct backfocus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMotorized autofocus with ZWO EAF and compatible focuser motors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDual-scope or guide scope setups — dual finder bases allow flexible mounting\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 thread; includes 2\"\/1.25\" visual adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional flattener:\u003c\/strong\u003e Askar 120APO 1x Full-Frame Flattener — maintains f\/7, corrects field curvature and coma, includes built-in filter threads and M54\/M48 adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional reducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Askar 120APO 0.8x Full-Frame Reducer — brings focal ratio to f\/5.6 for faster imaging; includes field flattening, built-in filter threads, and M54\/M48 adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e 290mm Vixen-style standard; Losmandy dovetail optional\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotorized focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party motorized focusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinoviewer compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear tube section detaches to achieve correct backfocus for binoviewers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCamera compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for APS-C and full-frame sensors (with flattener or reducer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003ededicated field flattener or reducer is recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e for full-frame astrophotography — the bare OTA may exhibit field curvature at the edges on large sensors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRequires an \u003cstrong\u003eequatorial or GoTo mount\u003c\/strong\u003e rated for at least 10–15kg payload for astrophotography; alt-az mounts are suitable for visual use only\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eadvanced instrument\u003c\/strong\u003e — not recommended for first-time telescope buyers without prior astrophotography experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEAF motorized focuser, Losmandy dovetail, filters, and reducers\/flatteners are \u003cstrong\u003esold separately\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe optional reducer\/flattener accessories use M54\/M48 threads — confirm your camera adapter compatibility before purchasing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the Askar 120APO good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNot ideally. This telescope is best matched to intermediate or advanced astrophotographers who are already comfortable with equatorial mounts, imaging software, and polar alignment. Beginners will find better value in a smaller, more forgiving APO.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Askar 120APO best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt excels at deep-sky astrophotography — especially nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. It is also a capable visual telescope for those who want a premium refractor experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a flattener or reducer for astrophotography?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFor APS-C sensors, the bare OTA often performs well. For full-frame sensors, the optional 1x flattener is recommended to eliminate edge field curvature. The 0.8x reducer is ideal when you want a wider field of view and faster f\/5.6 exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat mounts is it compatible with?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe included 290mm Vixen dovetail plate fits most equatorial mounts. An optional Losmandy dovetail is available for heavier-duty mounts. Look for mounts with at least a 10–15kg imaging payload capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it for visual observing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The 120APO accepts 1.25\" and 2\" diagonals and eyepieces, and the segmented tube allows binoviewer use. It is a capable and pleasurable visual instrument, not just an imaging platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes it different from the Askar 103APO?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 120APO has 36% more aperture area than the 103APO, pushing the limiting magnitude to 12.2. The 3.3\" focuser is larger and more rigid, and the overall mechanical package is designed for heavier imaging loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs motorized autofocus supported?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The focuser is designed for compatibility with ZWO EAF and most third-party electronic autofocusers. EAF is sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 120APO is one of the most well-rounded large-aperture refractors available in its price class. It delivers true apochromatic correction, a premium imaging focuser, and a thoughtful mechanical design in a package that's still portable enough for field use. If you're an intermediate or advanced astrophotographer looking to step up to a 120mm APO platform with serious full-frame capability, the 120APO is an outstanding choice. Pair it with the optional 1x flattener for clean flat-field images, or the 0.8x reducer for a wider, faster setup. Not recommended for beginners or those without a suitable 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 120APO:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/ad346366-5e30-4faa-83ee-649f0300e265.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO Optical Path Diagram showing triplet APO lens element configuration\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/2229efdb-a906-4d49-9c69-c1e741021fed.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO Spot Diagram 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\/c5d3bffb-5543-41e8-912f-95be0088f51b.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO 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\/b43e44b4-27c1-4eef-a33b-980f866a205d.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO 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\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/98c87463-b6cd-40a5-add0-ef3c117ec850.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO Segmented Lens Tube Detachment Diagram for binoviewer use\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/823f51ad-23b8-46a9-872c-9266e00911a5.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 120APO ZWO EAF Installation Diagram for motorized autofocus setup\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":53155868475503,"sku":"120APO","price":2378.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/120apoa.webp?v=1779735453","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/askar-120apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}