Askar 103APO Refractor | Full Review | High Point Scientific

The Askar 103mm Apochromatic Triplet Refractor offers versatility and flexibility with the optional Askar 1x Flattener, Askar .8 Reducer, or the Askar .6 Reducer, making this a choice scope for a versatile imaging system.
Our team put this new scope to the test, and this is our full review of the Askar 103APO Refractor and its accessories.
Order your Askar 103APO Refractor here:
www.highpointscientific.com/a...
Askar 1.0x Full Frame Flattener: www.highpointscientific.com/a...
Askar 0.8x Reducer: www.highpointscientific.com/a...
Askar 0.6x Reducer: www.highpointscientific.com/a...
Looking to expand your astronomy knowledge even further? The Astronomy Hub is the place to learn everything from what’s in the sky this month, to what gear can help you capture the best celestial images. Learn more here ➡️ www.highpointscientific.com/a...
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00:00 Introduction
00:31 Specifications & Features
01:06 Optional Accessories
02:44 Testing on the Heart Nebula & Soul Nebula
03:30 Testing the Field Flattener
04:14 Testing the 0.8x Reducer
04:37 Testing the 0.6x Reducer
05:34 Image Analysis
11:02 Conclusion
#telescope #highpointscientific #astrophotography #askar103

[@gclaytony]

Aside from the existing Coma aberration, this .6 reducer image with the slightly elongated stars all pointing toward the center from each corner is most likely due to insufficient backspace with the camera. Likely only a 1mm or 2 off, that could be corrected with something like the ASG Photon Cage. The Optolong filter (based on glass thickness) would add an estimated 0.8mm to the backfocus requirement. I did see in your trip around the corners with the .6 some signs that the Coma aberration is still present but possible masked a little bit by the backfocus issue. Spherical aberration and astigmatism that create the coma is something a bit hard to get around for me. Those errors point to some issues in lens finishing/configuration. These types of lens figure issues I guess should be expected at this price point, which is approximately 1/3 the price of the Skywatcher Esprit 100. Using an APS-C sensor size camera might help minimize the Coma seen due to the smaller sensor.

[@heavyjohnny]

Great Job on the review. See you are rocking the ASI too....

[@bruceking2327]

It would be a benefit for the reviews you guys do on various scopes to include the visual application of the scope. I would be very interested in the 103 for observation. I have a dedicated astrophotography setup and an 8” DOB, but would like to add a quick visual setup that would be easy to transport. Bruce

[@sirmeowcelot]

Definitely going to get one.

[@nikaxstrophotography]

even though the backspace is 55mm allow an extra 1-2mm for the filter and re-test as the filter does slightly alter the backspace

[@Astronurd]

You only add 1/3rd of the thickness of the filter to the backspace.

[@resistdisinformation9931]

Thanks very much for your review of this telescope! Even though you emphasized the photographic utilization of this scope, it was very thorough and well presented. If I may, please, can you possibly provide any thoughts or opinions pertaining to the positives and negatives of my possibly upgrading from a Skywatcher Evostar 100ED to the recently announced Askar 120 APO for strictly visual use? Any info or perspectives on this topic will be greatly appreciated! Thank You!

[@DinoDematteis-wx9ou]

Great informative review! Quick question, would the 1x flatener be required for the 533 sensor?

[@Tempus53]

Great review, as always! With the total eclipse and solar max on the way, any chance for a review of some of the Lunt h-alpha or multi scopes in the future? :)

[@PhoenixAstroAndy]

Nice review but those flares,is this caused from the filter used or reflections from the scope glass. I can see a lot of these being returned with that problem.

[@theinterstellarcollection]

I’m looking for a scope that is basically a dedicated travel scope. Something that can fit in a carry on bag. This would fit that need for me. Do you feel this is a good scope for visual? I wouldn’t be doing astrophotography just yet, but would eventually. I just want to see decent visuals of planets, nebula, star clusters, etc… I was told about this scope from several people that it would be a great alternative to something much larger that isn’t portable. Portability is my number one thing. Just looking to quickly set it up and begin scanning and learning the sky. Thanks!

[@Chorge1972]

Do you think, that Askar103 with the 0.6 Reducer could replace my TS80 SD APO with a 0.8 reducer?

[@old_school_death_metal]

Nice video. Maybe the volume is a little low?

[@adamban678]

Can you list all the equipment you used? Please

[@highpointscientific]

Yes! In this video we used the following equipment: iOptron cem60 Askar 103apo ASI6200mc ASIAIR Plus Apertura 30mm Guide scope ASI178mm Guide camera

[@Astronurd]

What type of glass is it please. I'm also looking at the 120 triplet.

[@highpointscientific]

Hi there! As per Askar, they utilizes one element of ED glass in this triplet design!

[@SpecializedPhotos]

FK61 or FPL51

[@AstroHunter5280]

Thank you for the review! Could you possibly do a review of the 120?@@highpointscientific