Full-Frame Compatible & Extendable: Askar's New Product '140APO Telescope Tube' | SIGHTRON JAPAN

SIGHTRON JAPAN has announced new products from the telescope brand Askar: '140APO Telescope Tube', '140APO Dedicated 1.0x Flattener', and '140APO Dedicated 0.8x Reducer'. The release date is March 19, 2024. The expected retail price for the '140APO Telescope Tube' is around 400,000 yen (including tax). The '140APO Dedicated 1.0x Flattener' is around 60,000 yen (including tax), and the '140APO Dedicated 0.8x Reducer' is also around 60,000 yen (including tax).

The performance of the telescope tube is a crucial element in astronomical observation. Especially, telescope tubes equipped with ED apochromat technology are gaining attention for their high performance. ED apochromat technology uses special ED glass to significantly correct chromatic aberration, achieving excellent image quality in observation and photography.

The '140APO Telescope Tube' features a 140mm aperture, 980mm focal length, and uses an ED lens among its three objective lenses, excelling in chromatic aberration correction. By combining it with dedicated flatteners and reducers, it offers a full-frame image circle optimized for photography.

Its compactness when stored is also a feature, with a total length that can be reduced to 735mm. Additionally, it comes standard with a large 3.5-inch drawtube that extends to about 225mm, allowing compatibility with various eyepieces and cameras.

The dual-speed focuser, 360° field rotator, and finder base enhance user operability. It also comes with a semi-hard case, making it easy to carry and store.

• Aperture: 140mm
• Focal Length: 980mm
• Aperture Ratio: F7
• Optical System: 3 groups, 3 elements (including 1 ED lens)
• Total Length: Approximately 735mm (when hood is stored and extension device is not deployed) / Approximately 870mm (when hood is deployed and extension device is not deployed)
• Hood Outer Diameter: 162mm
• Telescope Tube Outer Diameter: 150mm
• Weight: Approximately 10.9kg (including band and plate)

The dedicated correction lens for the '140APO Telescope Tube' achieves a 44mm image circle compatible with full-frame image sensors without changing the focal length when attached to the telescope tube. It connects to the rear rotation device of the telescope tube with an M48×0.75mm screw, ensuring no risk of detachment and preventing optical axis deviation or tilt when using heavy cameras.

• Optical System: 3 groups, 3 elements
• Back Focus: 55mm (from the rear end of the M48 adapter), 73mm (from the rear end of the M54 adapter), 113mm (from the rear end of the M68 adapter)
• Camera Attachment: M48×0.75mm, M54×P0.75, M68×P1
• Weight: Approximately 790g

The dedicated correction lens for the '140APO Telescope Tube' shortens the focal length to 0.8 times, 784mm (F5.6), achieving a 44mm image circle suitable for full-frame image sensors.

• Optical System: 3 groups, 3 elements
• Back Focus: 55mm (from the rear end of the M48 adapter), 73mm (from the rear end of the M54 adapter), 113mm (from the rear end of the M68 adapter)
• Camera Attachment: M48×0.75mm, M54×P0.75, M68×P1
• Weight: Approximately 630g