Askar 185APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope

The Askar 185APO is a premium large-aperture 185mm f/7 triplet air-spaced apochromatic refractor from Askar (Jiaxing Sharpstar Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.). As one of the most capable refractors in the APO series, the 185APO fills a genuine market gap — delivering the light-gathering power and resolution of a large-aperture instrument with the optical quality of a true APO design, at a price point that remains competitive for its class. With a limiting magnitude of 13.1 and a 1295mm focal length, it is purpose-built for serious deep-sky imaging.

Who Is This Product Best For?

• Advanced and professional-level astrophotographers who need maximum aperture in a premium refractor
• Observatory users with permanent or semi-permanent imaging setups
• High-resolution imagers targeting galaxies, globular clusters, and fine nebula structure
• Dual-use observers who want the finest visual experience alongside imaging capability

Why Choose This Product?

• 185mm f/7 triplet APO optics with one ED glass element — exceptional colour correction at this aperture class
• Limiting magnitude of 13.1 — significant gain over smaller APOs in the series
• Integrated retractable rear lens tube (95mm) with rudder-type locking ring — contracts for binoviewer use, extends for imaging with flattener or reducer
• 3.5" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with 1:10 fine adjustment, 100mm travel, CNC machined anti-reflective interior
• 360° high-precision rotator with locking scale
• 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate included for heavy equatorial mounts
• Extended 400mm handle with slot design for finder scope or accessory mounting
• Two finder scope bases flanking the focuser
• EAF-compatible focuser for motorized autofocus
• Ships in a protective aluminum case
• Optional 1x flattener (f/7) and 0.8x reducer (f/5.6) — both include built-in 2" filter threads and M68/M54/M48 adapters
• Unique identification name ring on every unit

Recommended Uses

• High-resolution deep-sky astrophotography with full-frame monochrome and OSC cameras
• Galaxy imaging where 1295mm focal length and 185mm aperture deliver extraordinary detail
• LRGB, narrowband, and SHO imaging of emission nebulae, supernova remnants, and star clusters
• Visual observing with 1.25" or 2" eyepieces and diagonals
• Binoviewer use (rear tube contracted)
• Wide-field imaging with the optional 0.8x reducer at f/5.6

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Rear thread: M84 female; includes 2"/1.25" visual adapters
• Optional 1x flattener: maintains f/7; corrects field curvature and coma; includes 2" filter thread and M68/M54/M48 adapters
• Optional 0.8x reducer: reduces to f/5.6; field flattening included; M68/M54/M48 adapters included
• Dovetail: 400mm Losmandy standard (included)
• EAF: Compatible with ZWO EAF and most motorized focusers (sold separately)
• Binoviewer: Rear tube contracts for compatibility

Important Limitations

• At 17.2kg gross weight, requires a very high-payload equatorial mount — 25kg+ imaging capacity recommended
• A flattener is strongly recommended for full-frame astrophotography
• Strictly an advanced instrument — not suitable for beginners or portable setups
• Flattener, reducer, EAF, and accessories are all sold separately
• Best suited to observatory or permanent pier installations

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 185APO compare to the 160APO?
The 185APO has a 34% larger aperture area, a longer 1295mm focal length, a heavier gross weight of 17.2kg, and a deeper limiting magnitude of 13.1 vs the 160APO's approximately 12.7. It requires an even more substantial mount and is best reserved for observatory setups.

What mount do I need?
Look for mounts rated at 25kg or more imaging payload — for example, a Skywatcher EQ8-R, iOptron CEM120, or equivalent direct-drive or gear-driven heavy mount. The 400mm Losmandy dovetail provides ample balance range.

Do I need a flattener for astrophotography?
For full-frame sensors, yes. The optional 1x flattener is essential for sharp, flat stars edge-to-edge. The 0.8x reducer delivers a wider field and f/5.6 for faster exposures, and also provides field flattening.

Can I use it for visual observing?
Yes. It accepts 1.25" and 2" diagonals and eyepieces, and supports binoviewer use when the rear tube is contracted.

Is motorized autofocus supported?
Yes — the focuser is EAF-compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party motorized focusers (sold separately).

Our Recommendation

The Askar 185APO is an exceptional instrument for advanced astrophotographers who want the performance of a large-aperture refractor without compromise. Its limiting magnitude of 13.1, premium triplet APO optics, and full mechanical package make it ideal for permanent observatory setups where resolving faint galaxies, delicate nebula structure, and fine star clusters is the primary mission. This telescope demands a very capable mount and an experienced operator — and rewards both with outstanding results. Not recommended for beginners, travel rigs, or small mounts.

Optical Diagram Reports

The following optical reports and technical diagrams are provided by Askar for the 185APO: