{"product_id":"askar-185apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","title":"Askar 185APO Triplet APO Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAskar 185APO\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced and professional-level astrophotographers\u003c\/strong\u003e who need maximum aperture in a premium refractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObservatory users\u003c\/strong\u003e with permanent or semi-permanent imaging setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-resolution imagers\u003c\/strong\u003e targeting galaxies, globular clusters, and fine nebula structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-use observers\u003c\/strong\u003e who want the finest visual experience alongside imaging capability\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\u003e185mm f\/7 triplet APO optics\u003c\/strong\u003e with one ED glass element — exceptional colour correction at this aperture class\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting magnitude of 13.1\u003c\/strong\u003e — significant gain over smaller APOs in the series\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated retractable rear lens tube\u003c\/strong\u003e (95mm) with rudder-type locking ring — contracts for binoviewer use, extends for imaging with flattener or reducer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.5\" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e with 1:10 fine adjustment, 100mm travel, CNC machined anti-reflective interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360° high-precision rotator\u003c\/strong\u003e with locking scale\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e400mm Losmandy dovetail plate included\u003c\/strong\u003e for heavy equatorial mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended 400mm handle\u003c\/strong\u003e with slot design for finder scope or accessory mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo finder scope bases\u003c\/strong\u003e flanking the focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF-compatible focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e for motorized autofocus\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShips in a protective aluminum case\u003c\/strong\u003e\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 M68\/M54\/M48 adapters\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\u003eHigh-resolution deep-sky astrophotography with full-frame monochrome and OSC cameras\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGalaxy imaging where 1295mm focal length and 185mm aperture deliver extraordinary detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLRGB, narrowband, and SHO imaging of emission nebulae, supernova remnants, and star clusters\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 optional 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; includes 2\" filter thread and M68\/M54\/M48 adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional 0.8x reducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces to f\/5.6; field flattening included; M68\/M54\/M48 adapters included\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400mm Losmandy standard (included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAF:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with ZWO EAF and most motorized focusers (sold separately)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinoviewer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear tube contracts for compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAt 17.2kg gross weight, requires a \u003cstrong\u003every high-payload equatorial mount\u003c\/strong\u003e — 25kg+ imaging capacity recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eflattener is strongly recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e for full-frame astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStrictly an \u003cstrong\u003eadvanced instrument\u003c\/strong\u003e — not suitable for beginners or portable setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFlattener, reducer, EAF, and accessories are all sold separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBest suited to observatory or permanent pier installations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the 185APO compare to the 160APO?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat mount do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLook 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a flattener for astrophotography?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it for visual observing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. It accepts 1.25\" and 2\" diagonals and eyepieces, and supports binoviewer use when the rear tube is contracted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs motorized autofocus supported?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — the focuser is EAF-compatible with ZWO EAF and most third-party motorized focusers (sold separately).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 185APO:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/c2b4bea2-0f12-43c1-9e93-7d7c2abccaf6.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 185APO 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\/e2b30ed3-eeee-4737-8da6-ce6ec4819809.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 185APO 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\/0855437b-88bb-4bf3-a94b-6e7387b2169a.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 185APO Product Size Diagram\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/0e9b7394-b105-4101-a09f-731375be6400.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 185APO Connection Diagram\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/new2022072923460240318\/cms\/image\/9dc66b20-ddfc-42ae-b420-144571baef1b.jpg\" alt=\"Askar 185APO retractable lens tube instruction diagram\" style=\"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":53155880763503,"sku":"185APO","price":7390.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/185apo1.webp?v=1779736041","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/askar-185apo-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}