Askar 130PHQ - 130 mm f/7.7 Flatfield APO Astrograph - with optical test

Askar 130PHQ Quadruplet APO Astrograph

130PHQ is a long-focal-ratio, flatfield astrograph newly launched after 107PHQ. Instead of buying extra flatteners, calculating the backfocus of flattener or making tedious connection to match the distance, astrophotographers can simply equip it with any possible imaging devices, make the target stay at the focus, and then the whole optical system is perfect for imaging.

High quality imaging optics:
130PHQ has an aperture 23 mm larger than 107PHQ. 130PHQ has a focal ratio of f/7.7 which is longer than 107PHQ´s f/7, and a focal length of 1000 mm. The Petzval-like quadruplet lens with two ED glasses offers excellent control of chromatic and other aberrations. With its self-flattening design, 130PHQ offers strong advantages in astronomical shooting. It supports a medium frame 60 mm image circle, has a fine spot diagram with tiny distortion of the peripheral stars, and its central RMS radius is less than 2 microns.

The Askar 130PHQ is a true all-rounder with f/7.7 - it is designed as telescope for almost all applications:

With 1000 mm focal length and the large corrected field of view, extended objects can be imaged. But equally, fine details of objects can be brought out when cameras with high resolution are used.

The use of different cameras with different flange focal lengths is no problem. Simply focus and you are always at the correct distance. The adapter battle is eliminated.

The focuser has large travel, so you can find the focus without problems.

The working distance or backfocus from the 2" receptacle is long enough to use 2" star diagonals. This turns the flatfield apo into a wide field telescope or even a planetary telescope, depending on the eyepiece used.

Practical features:
130PHQ comes with a telescopic lens hood, a high quality CNC machined and painted tube and attractive decorative parts. The rigid 3.4" focuser comes with M68, M54, and M48 adapters and a finder base. When used with the optional 3" 0.7 x flat field reducer, the telescope can reach a focal ratio of f/5.4 and a focal length of 700 mm, effectively reducing exposure time. The multifunctional handle comes with a central slot for attaching an M6 screw with an M6 screw hole. Standard Losmandy style dovetail plate, together with sturdy double tube ring, is perfectly suited for viewing and imaging.

The photographic 3.4" rack&pinion focuser deserves a special note:
The CNC focuser is optimized for photography and can handle a load of up to 8 kg. The adjustment range is very generous. The focusing is done via rack and pinion which is decoupled from the bearing of the draw tube. This guarantees fine and precise adjustment even at maximum load. In addition to the 1.25" and 2" receptacle, the focuser also offers threads for screw adaptations.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

This is how we hand over the apo to the stargazer:

Every single APO is checked in our technical department before it is put into storage in order to guarantee consistently high product quality.

The mechanics are tested and the focuser is optimally adjusted.

The lens is cosmetically checked and cleaned. We also check that all counter screws are correctly tightened. These often loosen during transportation.

The optics are collimated and the result is checked on the optical bench. The telescope is given a serial number.

An optical test is carried out, which is enclosed with the telescope (star images and ronchi image on the optical bench in autocollimation).

Only then are the telescopes handed over to the warehouse and prepared for dispatch.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

Test report by a customer

Our customer Christian Diez put the telescope to the test. The report can be downloaded as a PDF.

Astrophotographs by a customer

Our customer Peter Bichsel from Switzerland wrote a short testimonial and also sent us three photos:

"As I´m always on the move for my photography, my two Askars have to withstand a lot. I appreciate the high-quality workmanship as well as the appealing feel. They are the perfect tools for my needs. The well-graded connection diameters are impressive and simplify the attachment of different cameras etc. The 3.4" focuser does what it is supposed to do, namely hold. Even under considerable load with temperature differences of >20°, nothing shifts! The most remarkable advantage for me is that there is no predetermined working distance. Whether DSLR/DSLM or Astrocam, it always fits! I don´t use a reducer and don´t need a filter, the sharpness right into the corners is excellent. An "all-round" convincing device, which I can recommend without hesitation."

So much for the text, now the images:

Object: Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51)

Photographer: Peter Bichsel (Switzerland)
Telescope: Askar 130PHQ
Exposure: 180x300 s / 15 h


Object: Thor´s Helmet (NGC 2359)

Photographer: Peter Bichsel (Switzerland)
Telescope: Askar 130PHQ
Exposure: 72x300 s / 7 h


Object: Iris Nebula (NGC 7023)

Photographer: Peter Bichsel (Switzerland)
Telescope: Askar 130PHQ
Exposure: 705x120 s / 23,5 h

We congratulate Peter Bichsel on these great photographs!

Safety informations: PDF Download