Askar 140 APO 140mm f/7 Triplet Refractor Telescope

Product Details

Askar 140APO Overview

The Askar 140APO is an OTA with a 140mm aperture, 980mm focal length, and f/7 native focal ratio. The Askar 140APO can be used in three possible configurations:

• Imaging at 980mm (f/7) with the 1x full frame flattener (sold separately)
• Imaging at 784mm (f/5.6) with the 0.8x full frame reducer/flattener (sold separately)
• Visual at 980mm (f/7) with either 2" or 1.25" eyepieces or a binoviewer (sold separately)

Using the Askar 140APO for Astrophotography

The Askar 140APO has two optional accessories: a 1x flattener and a 0.8x reducer. Both accessories come with a built-in 2" filter thread for direct filter mounting. The 0.8x reducer is equipped with M54/M48 adapters, and the 1x flattener is equipped with M68/M54/M48 adapters for easy connection.

The 1x flattener does not change the telescope's focal ratio itself. After connecting with the Askar 140APO, it still maintains a focal ratio of f/7. The flattener corrects field curvature and coma, resulting in flatter field edges and finer star points.

The 0.8x reducer can bring the Askar 140APO's focal ratio down to f/5.6. This is a standard reducer with field flattening capabilities as well. A shorter focal ratio allows the OTA to have a wider field of view and faster exposure times, making it suitable for capturing large areas of nebulae, star clusters, and faint, fast-moving celestial objects.

Askar 140APO Optical Design

The 140APO's aperture of 140mm provides a increase in light-gathering power, resolution, brightness, and contrast over smaller aperture instruments.  This allows the photographer to gather more light and present more details in the image. The limiting visual magnitude is 12.5.

The Askar 140APO adopts a triplet air-spaced APO lens design, including one piece of ED glass.

The Askar APO series also employs special optical designs and multiple lens elements to correct chromatic aberration providing higher-quality object details and color accuracy.

A triplet lens design will reduce chromatic aberration and provide finer details and color rendition. However, this also means increased production costs and design complexity.

ED glass, also known as low-dispersion glass, is a type of optical glass specifically designed to reduce chromatic aberration.

Each Askar 140APO is equipped with a unique serial number for identification.

Askar 140APO Features for Astrophotography

The retractable design of the dew shield, along with the enlarged locking screw, provide easy adjustments if needed. The dew shield serves the purpose of protecting the lens from the impact of external and internal light along with protecting the lens itself.

The carry handle of the Askar 140APO has a special slot design, making it also a base for installing a finder scope or other accessory. The handle itself is 220mm long.

The dovetail mounting plate of the Askar 140APO is the standard Losmandy dovetail plate, which is compatible with most equatorial mounts and saddles on the market. We extended the length and added screw holes, making the length 300 mm. This added length makes it easier to balance. With the slotted handle, the spacing between the tube rings can be adjusted as desired.

It is worth mentioning that the rear lens tube of the Askar 140APO has an integrated retractable design. We strengthened the overall stability to ensure that the alignment of the optical axis will not be affected when the lens tube is stretched, thus guaranteeing the quality of the image. The retractable part also features a captain's style wheel-type locking ring that makes it easy to loosen or tighten.

When the adjustable tube is shortened, the Askar 140APO can be used with a binoviewer for visual observation. When the tube is extended, the 140APO can be equipped with a specific reducer or flattener for imaging or a 1.25"/2" diagonal and eyepiece for observing.

The telescope interface at the rear comes with a 1.25"/2" adapter.

The entire Askar 140APO tube is crafted using high-quality CNC machining with anodized and painted surfaces. The orange accents on the ivory-white tube add a bright and eye-catching touch, presenting a stylish and elegant overall appearance.

Askar 140APO 3.5-inch Focuser

The Askar 140APO is equipped with a large rigid 3.5" dual-speed rack and pinion focuser which is compatible with most motorized focusers on the market. There is a high-precision scale on the focuser's 10cm of travel. The entire focuser barrel is CNC machined with a internal design that reduces reflections, glare and stray light. It is painted matte black.

There are two finder bases on both sides of the focuser, which not only eliminates the need for disassembling when changing the position of the finder scope but also provides additional mounting positions for other astronomical accessories.

The rear of the focuser features a 360° high-precision rotator with precise scales for convenient adjustment and saving of the rotation angles. It is also equipped with an enlarged rotator locking screw that can be easily secured even under high loads.

Askar 140APO Size & Weight

As a large aperture, long focal ratio telescope, the Askar 140APO was designed with portability in mind. The shortest overall length is only 735mm, the net weight is 20.3lbs (9.2kg), and the gross weight is 24lbs (10.9kg) including the handle, tube ring, and dovetail plate.

The Askar 140APO has an overall lightweight tube ring design, with an overall weight of 3.7lbs (1.7 kg). The thumb screws enable easy opening and locking of the rings. Meanwhile, the base of the tube rings is heightened, providing more space between the tube and mount.

Askar 140APO Specifications

• Aperture size: 140mm
• Focal Length: 980mm (reduced down to 784mm with additional accessory)
• Focal Ratio: f/7 (reduced down to f/5.6 with additional accessory)
• Optical design: Triplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)
• Total tube length:735mm (when dew shield is contracted）870mm (when dew shield is extended）
• The length of the rear retractable lens tube: 125mm
• OTA weight: 20.3 lbs (9.2 kg)
• Gross weight (including tube ring and dovetail plate): 24 lbs (10.9 kg)
• Rear-end thread type: 2"/1.25" visual adapters

What's in the Box:

• 1x Askar 140APO OTA
• 1x Pair of tube rings
• 1x Handle
• 1x Askar 300mm Losmandy dovetail plate
• 1x Oxford cloth case
• 1x Manual

1.1 How can I check the shipping cost for my order?
You can add the items you want to your shopping cart, enter your country/state/city/postal code, and then view the shipping options and costs on the cart page. Before checkout, you can choose your preferred shipping speed/method/carrier.

You can also contact us and send us the item model, quantity, and shipping requirements. We will calculate the accurate shipping cost for you and inform you accordingly.

1.2 How are free shipping items delivered?
Items marked as "Free Shipping" on the product page mean you do not need to pay any shipping fees. This usually applies to buyers from any country (except for certain special countries or regions).

For free shipping items, buyers cannot choose the shipping method. We will select the shipping method based on the destination country.
Typically, we use standard surface shipping methods such as 4PX, EMS, or local postal services.
We may also use UPS, FedEx, DHL, Aramex, etc., depending on the specific order and country. The final choice is at our discretion. Regardless of the shipping method used, we will notify you upon dispatch and provide a tracking number and tracking website.

• Standard tracking website: https://www.17track.net/en
• UPS: https://www.ups.com/
• FedEx: https://www.fedex.com/
• DHL: https://www.dhl.com/

Please note: If you return an item (excluding quality issues or incorrect items), you will be charged for all shipping costs incurred, including delivery, return, and customs fees.

1.3 What if I want to specify a shipping method for a free shipping item?
If you want to specify a particular shipping method (e.g., UPS or DHL) for a free shipping item, please contact us before placing your order. You will need to pay additional shipping fees, and we will ship via your preferred method.

1.4 What if I buy multiple items, some with free shipping and some that require shipping fees?
You can place your order as usual. You only need to pay shipping fees for the non-free shipping items.
If you want to specify a shipping method or have other special requests, please contact us.

1.5 How long does it take to ship my order?
After receiving your order, we need some time to process it.
Orders received before 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 3 days.
Orders received after 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 4 days.
Orders placed during Chinese public holidays may be delayed by 1–2 days (due to courier holidays).

1.6 When will I receive my package?
Delivery time varies depending on the shipping method used:

• 4PX, Postal Services, EMS, etc.: about 15–25 days
• UPS: about 7–15 days
• FedEx: about 7–10 days
• DHL: about 5–9 days

These are estimated times. Actual delivery is subject to the carrier's schedule.

If your package tracking has not been updated for a long time, please contact us.
If you haven't received your package after a long period, please contact us.
If there are any other irregularities, please contact us.

Please note:
After we ship your package, it may take 2–3 days for tracking information to become available.
Based on our experience, packages shipped to South America and Central Asia typically take longer.
Shipping around public holidays may result in delays due to carrier workload.

If delays occur, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. We share the same desire as our customers—we hope every package is delivered quickly and safely.

If you want a faster and more secure delivery, we strongly recommend choosing UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

1.7 What does it mean when tracking shows "Label Created" but the order hasn't shipped yet?
When we provide a tracking number, your package has already left our warehouse.
However, the tracking status may show "Label Created" or "Awaiting Package" because the package is still en route to the courier's sorting facility.
Due to China's vast geography, transit between cities can span over 1,000 km, so it takes time.
It may also be undergoing export customs clearance. Your package should be delivered soon.

If your tracking status doesn’t update for a long time, please contact us.

1.8 What if my package needs special delivery instructions or other requests?
If your shipment requires an invoice to be attached, special packaging, delayed dispatch, or other requests, please contact us.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and provide the best service possible.

1.9 About receiving the package
Whether you sign for the package personally or through a representative, it is considered as acceptance of the package, the quantity, and the included items.
To protect your rights, we strongly recommend recording a video while opening the package and verifying it against the order and packing list.

1.10 I don’t live in China. Can I have my order shipped to a Chinese address?
Yes, you can. Just place your order and provide a Chinese recipient address.
For orders shipped within China, we do not charge any shipping fees. If your item shows a shipping fee, please contact us to have the fee waived.

You are responsible for all applicable taxes and fees that may be imposed by your country or region, including but not limited to import duties, value-added tax (VAT), customs handling fees, and other similar charges.

These import duties, VAT, and customs fees are not included in our product prices or shipping charges.
We have no control over, and cannot predict, these charges or how they will be collected—whether they will be charged at the time of delivery or through other means.

Customs policies vary greatly by country. Some countries (such as Brazil, India, etc.) strictly enforce high duties and additional taxes.

It is your responsibility to check with your local customs office before purchase to determine what additional costs may apply.

Customs fees are usually charged by your local courier or postal service, often at the time of delivery or pick-up. The shipping carrier (especially UPS) may also charge brokerage or clearance fees for handling customs on your behalf. These are not unpaid shipping charges and must be fully covered by you.

If the package is returned, held, or destroyed due to the buyer’s refusal or failure to pay customs duties, any resulting costs will be borne entirely by the buyer. These costs will be deducted from your refund.

1.1 What is your return policy?
I ordered the wrong item/size, or I changed my mind—can I return it?
I received the item but decided I don’t like it—can I return it?
I received the item but found it’s not suitable for me, or I found a better option—can I return it?

In the above cases, we accept returns within 30 days of receiving the item, provided that the product is in brand new and unused condition.

• Buyers must apply for a return and send the product back to us within 30 days of receipt.
• You are responsible for all return shipping costs.
• We will deduct the original shipping cost incurred to deliver the item to you.
• We will deduct 4% for credit card or PayPal transaction fees.
• If you choose to receive a store credit instead of a refund, we will waive this 4% fee.
• If the returned item shows signs of use, a handling fee may be charged.

If the returned item is damaged, missing parts, or shows excessive wear, we reserve the right to reject the return and no refund will be issued.

1.2 Where should I send the return?
Please contact us for the correct return shipping address. (The return address may not be located in Mainland China.)
Please ensure the item is properly packaged and that the original product packaging is not damaged.

Important: Do NOT return the product to the sender’s address shown on the parcel. You must contact us first to obtain the correct return address. Unauthorized returns may be lost or undeliverable—any such loss will be fully borne by the buyer.

1.3 Can I return or exchange the item after 30 days?
For any reason, we do not accept returns or exchanges after 30 days.
30 days is considered a very reasonable and standard return period for online purchases.

1.4 What if I received a wrong or defective item?
Please contact us within 3 days of receiving the item and provide photo evidence or a clear description of the issue. We will promptly send a replacement item.

If you return the item to us:

• Please use the least expensive shipping method.
• We will reimburse part of the shipping fee from your original order as compensation.

If you’re unable to return the item or don’t know how to ship it, please contact us—we may provide a free return shipping label.

1.5 How will I receive my refund? How long does it take?
We will process the refund within 7 days of receiving your returned item.
Refunds are usually issued via the original payment method.
Processing the refund involves internal verification and approval by management, so we appreciate your understanding and patience.