Askar V Modular APO Astrograph Telescope System

Product Overview

The Askar V is a modular APO astrograph system built around two interchangeable objective lenses and three rear optical modules. Instead of being limited to one fixed focal length, the system can be configured as a 60mm or 80mm refractor and paired with the included reducer, flattener, or extender to suit different observing and imaging targets.

The V60 objective lens uses a triplet APO design with two ED elements and operates natively at 360mm f/6. The V80 objective lens also uses a triplet APO design with two ED elements and operates natively at 500mm f/6.25. With the reducer, flattener, and extender modules, the Askar V becomes a flexible wide-field to medium-field imaging platform for deep-sky astrophotography and high-quality visual use.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The Askar V is best for astronomers who want one portable refractor system that can cover multiple focal lengths. It is a strong option for beginner-to-intermediate imagers who want room to grow, advanced imagers who want a flexible travel setup, and visual observers who want a premium APO refractor system with more configuration options than a conventional single-purpose optical tube.

Why Choose This Product?

• Modular system with both 60mm and 80mm APO objective lens options.
• Includes reducer, flattener, and extender modules for multiple focal-length configurations.
• Triplet APO objective designs with two ED elements for improved colour correction.
• Standard 55mm back focus on the rear optical accessories for common imaging setups.
• M54 and M48 camera-side adapters with a built-in 2-inch filter thread.
• Includes 1.25-inch and 2-inch visual adapters for visual observing.
• Useful for wide-field nebulae, star fields, galaxies, lunar viewing, and portable imaging rigs.

Recommended Uses

• Wide-field deep-sky astrophotography with the reducer module.
• Flat-field imaging with the flattener module.
• Longer focal-length imaging or visual observing with the extender module.
• Travel astronomy setups where one optical system needs to cover multiple roles.
• Visual observing with the included 1.25-inch and 2-inch adapters.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The rear accessories can be rotated to the correct 60mm or 80mm scale depending on whether the V60 or V80 objective lens is installed. The rear end of each accessory provides M54 and M48 adapter options, includes a built-in 2-inch filter thread, and uses a standard 55mm back focus for camera connection. The system also includes a 360-degree rotator, finder base, 1.25-inch and 2-inch visual adapters, and a multi-function handle that can accept a Vixen-style finder base and other accessories.

Important Limitations

• This is a modular system, so the user must select the correct objective lens and accessory scale for each setup.
• Astrophotography users still need correct 55mm spacing, camera adapters, a camera, and a suitable mount.
• The reducer, flattener, and extender are not interchangeable with every telescope; they are intended for the Askar V system.
• It is not the simplest option for someone who wants a single fixed-focal-length refractor with no setup decisions.
• For serious planetary imaging, a longer focal length telescope may be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Askar V good for beginners?

Yes, but it is best for beginners who are comfortable learning how optical configurations work. The system is flexible, but users must choose the correct lens and rear accessory combination.

What is it best used for?

It is best used for flexible deep-sky astrophotography, portable imaging, wide-field targets, and visual observing with a high-quality APO refractor system.

Is it for visual observing or astrophotography?

Both. The Askar V supports astrophotography with reducer, flattener, and extender modules, and it also includes 1.25-inch and 2-inch visual adapters for observing.

What cameras or accessories can it connect to?

The rear accessories provide M54 and M48 camera-side adapter options and use a standard 55mm back focus. The built-in 2-inch filter thread is useful for common mounted astronomy filters.

What makes it different from a regular refractor?

A regular refractor typically has one fixed aperture and focal length. The Askar V uses interchangeable objective lenses and rear optical modules, giving the user multiple focal-length and focal-ratio combinations in one system.

When should it not be recommended?

Do not choose it if the customer wants the simplest possible fixed telescope, does not want to manage optical configurations, or primarily needs a long focal length planetary telescope.

Our Recommendation

Ontario Telescope recommends the Askar V for customers who want one premium, portable APO system that can handle multiple observing and imaging roles. It is especially attractive for imagers who like wide-field targets but also want the option to extend focal length when needed. Choose a simpler fixed refractor if you want fewer setup choices, or a larger/longer telescope if your main goal is high-magnification planetary work.

Optical Diagram Reports

The following vendor graphics show the Askar V system layout, configuration details, and optical report information.