{"product_id":"askar-140apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","title":"Askar 140APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 140APO\u003c\/strong\u003e is a large-aperture 140mm f\/7 triplet air-spaced apochromatic refractor from Askar (Jiaxing Sharpstar Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.). Designed to serve both serious amateur astrophotographers and professional imagers, the 140APO steps up aperture, light-gathering power, and focuser size compared to smaller APO models in the series, while incorporating a clever retractable lens tube design that keeps overall length manageable. With a limiting magnitude of 12.5 and a 980mm focal length, this telescope excels at deep, detailed imaging of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced astrophotographers\u003c\/strong\u003e who need serious light-gathering power in a refractor platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-use observers\u003c\/strong\u003e wanting premium image quality both at the eyepiece and through a camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeep-sky imagers\u003c\/strong\u003e targeting galaxies, emission nebulae, and large-format DSOs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObservatory users\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a premium refractor for a permanent or semi-permanent setup\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\u003e140mm f\/7 triplet APO optics\u003c\/strong\u003e with one ED glass element for outstanding chromatic correction\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting magnitude of 12.5\u003c\/strong\u003e — captures fainter objects with more detail than smaller APOs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated retractable rear lens tube\u003c\/strong\u003e (125mm extension) with rudder-type locking ring — enables binoviewer use when contracted, full imaging with flattener\/reducer when extended\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.5\" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e with 1:10 fine adjustment and 10cm travel — larger and more rigid than the 3.3\" focuser on smaller models\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360° high-precision rotator\u003c\/strong\u003e with locking scale for frame rotation without disturbing the mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e300mm Losmandy dovetail plate included\u003c\/strong\u003e — ideal for heavy equatorial mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo finder scope bases\u003c\/strong\u003e on either side of the focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF-compatible focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e for motorized autofocus integration\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable despite its size\u003c\/strong\u003e — shortest overall length 735mm; gross weight 10.9kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 1x flattener (f\/7) and 0.8x reducer (f\/5.6)\u003c\/strong\u003e — both include built-in 2\" filter threads and adapter sets\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\u003eHigh-resolution galaxy and nebula imaging where aperture and resolution matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLRGB, narrowband, and SHO filter imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVisual observing with 1.25\" or 2\" eyepieces and diagonals\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBinoviewer use (rear tube contracted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWide-field imaging with the 0.8x reducer at f\/5.6\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\/7; corrects field curvature and coma; 2\" filter thread + M68\/M54\/M48 adapters included\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 0.8x reducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces to f\/5.6; field flattening included; 2\" filter thread + M54\/M48 adapters included\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e 300mm Losmandy standard (included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with ZWO EAF and most motorized focusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinoviewer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear tube contracts for binoviewer compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAt 10.9kg gross weight, requires a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-payload equatorial mount\u003c\/strong\u003e — look for at least 15–20kg imaging capacity for stable astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eflattener or reducer is strongly recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e for full-frame astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNot recommended for beginners; best matched to users with EQ mount and imaging experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFlattener, reducer, EAF, and additional accessories are all sold separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReducer\/flattener adapters use M68\/M54\/M48 threads — confirm camera adapter compatibility before ordering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the 140APO compare to the 120APO?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 140APO offers a 36% larger aperture area, deeper limiting magnitude (12.5 vs 12.2), a larger 3.5\" focuser, and an integrated retractable tube design. It requires a heavier mount but delivers more resolution and contrast on faint objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat mount do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 140APO ships with a 300mm Losmandy dovetail. Look for a mount with at least 15–20kg imaging payload — for example, a Skywatcher EQ6-R, iOptron CEM70, or equivalent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the retractable tube design stable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Askar engineered the retractable rear tube for rigidity — the optical axis is not affected when the tube is extended, and the rudder-type locking ring secures it firmly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it for visual observing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAbsolutely. With the rear tube contracted, connect 1.25\" or 2\" diagonals and eyepieces. It is also binoviewer compatible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat cameras is it compatible with?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAPS-C and full-frame sensors. For full-frame, pair with the optional 1x flattener for sharp stars edge-to-edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar 140APO is a serious step up for astrophotographers who have outgrown smaller APOs and need more aperture and resolution. Its retractable tube, Losmandy dovetail, large 3.5\" focuser, and deep limiting magnitude make it ideal for high-end imaging setups. Choose it if you have a suitable heavy-payload mount and want one of the best mid-large refractors available at its price point. Not recommended for beginners or those with mounts rated below 15kg imaging payload.\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 140APO:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/76c951b6-ace8-4a00-a80e-e8b78502b0d0.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 140APO 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\/b7ee91fc-ef62-410f-b168-3e0a3de711d8.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 140APO 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\/7a0c45c2-97ce-481a-a4c3-c94128c4d6bd.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 140APO 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\/e9fadd4e-46bc-43fd-9c71-bbe7f0b5ecd8.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 140APO Connection Diagram showing rear thread and adapter compatibility\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/71f53200-b54f-4817-97d5-8188e107c751.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 140APO retractable lens tube instruction diagram for eyepiece, flattener, and reducer use\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":53155870343279,"sku":"140APO","price":3498.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/140APOa.webp?v=1779736047","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/askar-140apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}