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Askar 185 APO short review

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#1 ZX12

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Posted 04 July 2024 - 01:08 PM

First impression taking it out of the case is how light and small the scope is for a 185. The sliding draw tube helps keep it more compact than a typical 7" scope would be normally.
I like that the rings and D plate fit in the case while installed, but I always separate them when mounting as it's easier to place the scope in the cradle when on the mount.
The rings and plate are very light weight with the plate also being skeletonized.

 

Overall, the scope is impressive. The build quality is excellent, and optically it is better than I expected for the size and especially the price.
The paint finish is a semi gloss white and very nicely done. When I saw the apricot colored anodizing in photos I did not really like it, but in person the scope is attractive.

The glass was exceptionally clean with no dust inside or out visible.

 

Handling the scope in the dark, you would not know that this is not a top tier scope. The sliding dew shield is smooth and wobble free with a nice velour like lining.
The focuser is rugged and holds the weight of a binoviewer or large eyepiece like the ES92 perfectly with no slippage. There was some image shift visible with heavy eyepieces, but I managed to dial it out with a slight adjustment to the draw tube tension with the four adjusting screws. You need a short 3mm Allen key to access the two screws near the focuser.

Surprisingly, the FT focuser on my AP160 also needed an adjustment of the mounting screw position to eliminate any shift when I first received it.

 

I really like the sliding draw tube. It allows a lot of versatility when using a binoviewer without a GPC for low power viewing. With a 1.25x GPC, the tube is fully extended and the focuser is only out a short amount.

There is also a Takahashi like camera angle adjuster with 360 degree etching around the tube which is another nice touch.

 

I mounted it on an AP1200 and went through several simple stars tests the first evening. There are no glaring errors visible when racking in and out of focus. The pattern appears very similar on either side. No signs of astigmatism or any pinching at temperatures ranging from 56 to 75 degrees;
After being in daytime temps of 85 degrees and the observatory reaching 90, the 185 had no issues reaching equilibrium within 30 minutes or so of opening the roof, putting up a clean image of Vega.
There is no visible color aberration in focus and a slight amount out of focus. I took a couple photos without any flattener or reducer and other than the corners the star quality looks good. There is some blue halo around brighter stars like Vega, and I will see how much it is improved when the flattener and reducer arrive.

 

I had my AP160 mounted on a TTS160 to get a baseline in the same conditions on how the 185 would perform. After owning the AP160 for 18 years since new, it has become an excellent measuring stick. With the ES92 12 and 17mm, the 185 was giving views of globular and open clusters that were quite beautiful. Tiny bright dots scattered throughout that were too many to count.

It is equally sharp to any views I've seen through a premium scope at these powers. Many more stars resolved than with the 160. More comparable to my C14 when used with a binoviewer.

I recently had an AP180EDT to try out and by memory the views were very much the same.

 

Saturn was sharp and detailed, but not as etched as the AP's, especially when going above 200x. Seeing was limiting me to around 323x using the 3-6mm Nagler in the 185, but the image didn't appear to break down due to the optics.

The Askar has a warmer tint on Saturn than with the AP's, and the background did not as appear ink black at similar exit pupils.

Looking at close doubles like Zeta Herculis (currently listed at 1.5") shows a nice split at 260x, and a large gap at 431x

 

Pushing it up to 1078x with the 2.5x Powermate, which was obviously excessive I could still see the split through the distortion.
Antares was also a clean split which is often difficult at my latitude.

Airy Disks appear excellent at high powers, but the flaring effects of seeing are a bit more obvious in the 185 compared to the 160. Judging from the DPAC results of the 185 posted here on CN, I would guess the superior color correction of the 160 and better wavefront likely contribute to minimizing the degrading effects of turbulence. 

 

For the purist, I would say that the Askar is equally capable for DSO's but not quite in the realm of top tier scopes for high power viewing on the planets. It does perform really well on double stars, and has the added advantage of aperture.
The large aperture certainly seems to help, as I can see the same level of detail on Saturn as with the 160 but just not with that perfect etched on glass look I've seen with AP's, Taks and TEC's.

 

This scope almost seems too good to be true, and I really expected to be let down by some aspect of its optics or mechanics. I'm enjoying it immensely, and plan on trying more AP and also find out how it holds up long term. 

 

Many thanks to both Joe G. and Jason for their perspectives on the 185 that led me to give it a chance.

 

Mike

Attached Thumbnails

  • Askar 185.jpeg

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#2 CHASLX200

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Posted 04 July 2024 - 01:24 PM

Come on Jupiter.



#3 Joe G

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Posted 04 July 2024 - 05:07 PM

Nice review and pretty much matches my experience.  I won't be able to use my scope till late August.  Can't wait

 

So far it seems everyone that has actually used the scope agrees with this analysis.

 

Have fun!


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#4 SandyHouTex

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Posted 04 July 2024 - 05:21 PM

First impression taking it out of the case is how light and small the scope is for a 185. The sliding draw tube helps keep it more compact than a typical 7" scope would be normally.
I like that the rings and D plate fit in the case while installed, but I always separate them when mounting as it's easier to place the scope in the cradle when on the mount.
The rings and plate are very light weight with the plate also being skeletonized.

 

Overall, the scope is impressive. The build quality is excellent, and optically it is better than I expected for the size and especially the price.
The paint finish is a semi gloss white and very nicely done. When I saw the apricot colored anodizing in photos I did not really like it, but in person the scope is attractive.

The glass was exceptionally clean with no dust inside or out visible.

 

Handling the scope in the dark, you would not know that this is not a top tier scope. The sliding dew shield is smooth and wobble free with a nice velour like lining.
The focuser is rugged and holds the weight of a binoviewer or large eyepiece like the ES92 perfectly with no slippage. There was some image shift visible with heavy eyepieces, but I managed to dial it out with a slight adjustment to the draw tube tension with the four adjusting screws. You need a short 3mm Allen key to access the two screws near the focuser.

Surprisingly, the FT focuser on my AP160 also needed an adjustment of the mounting screw position to eliminate any shift when I first received it.

 

I really like the sliding draw tube. It allows a lot of versatility when using a binoviewer without a GPC for low power viewing. With a 1.25x GPC, the tube is fully extended and the focuser is only out a short amount.

There is also a Takahashi like camera angle adjuster with 360 degree etching around the tube which is another nice touch.

 

I mounted it on an AP1200 and went through several simple stars tests the first evening. There are no glaring errors visible when racking in and out of focus. The pattern appears very similar on either side. No signs of astigmatism or any pinching at temperatures ranging from 56 to 75 degrees;
After being in daytime temps of 85 degrees and the observatory reaching 90, the 185 had no issues reaching equilibrium within 30 minutes or so of opening the roof, putting up a clean image of Vega.
There is no visible color aberration in focus and a slight amount out of focus. I took a couple photos without any flattener or reducer and other than the corners the star quality looks good. There is some blue halo around brighter stars like Vega, and I will see how much it is improved when the flattener and reducer arrive.

 

I had my AP160 mounted on a TTS160 to get a baseline in the same conditions on how the 185 would perform. After owning the AP160 for 18 years since new, it has become an excellent measuring stick. With the ES92 12 and 17mm, the 185 was giving views of globular and open clusters that were quite beautiful. Tiny bright dots scattered throughout that were too many to count.

It is equally sharp to any views I've seen through a premium scope at these powers. Many more stars resolved than with the 160. More comparable to my C14 when used with a binoviewer.

I recently had an AP180EDT to try out and by memory the views were very much the same.

 

Saturn was sharp and detailed, but not as etched as the AP's, especially when going above 200x. Seeing was limiting me to around 323x using the 3-6mm Nagler in the 185, but the image didn't appear to break down due to the optics.

The Askar has a warmer tint on Saturn than with the AP's, and the background did not as appear ink black at similar exit pupils.

Looking at close doubles like Zeta Herculis (currently listed at 1.5") shows a nice split at 260x, and a large gap at 431x

 

Pushing it up to 1078x with the 2.5x Powermate, which was obviously excessive I could still see the split through the distortion.
Antares was also a clean split which is often difficult at my latitude.

Airy Disks appear excellent at high powers, but the flaring effects of seeing are a bit more obvious in the 185 compared to the 160. Judging from the DPAC results of the 185 posted here on CN, I would guess the superior color correction of the 160 and better wavefront likely contribute to minimizing the degrading effects of turbulence. 

 

For the purist, I would say that the Askar is equally capable for DSO's but not quite in the realm of top tier scopes for high power viewing on the planets. It does perform really well on double stars, and has the added advantage of aperture.
The large aperture certainly seems to help, as I can see the same level of detail on Saturn as with the 160 but just not with that perfect etched on glass look I've seen with AP's, Taks and TEC's.

 

This scope almost seems too good to be true, and I really expected to be let down by some aspect of its optics or mechanics. I'm enjoying it immensely, and plan on trying more AP and also find out how it holds up long term. 

 

Many thanks to both Joe G. and Jason for their perspectives on the 185 that led me to give it a chance.

 

Mike

Sounds like a great scope.  Congrats.



#5 denis0007dl

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Posted 05 July 2024 - 02:35 AM

Thanxs for report,

Denis

#6 R Botero

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Posted 05 July 2024 - 06:58 AM

Excellent report, in particular the comparison with a premium scope like the AP160EDF.  :waytogo:

 

Roberto


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#7 VNA

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 05:27 PM

Hello, thank you for the very nice report, you made me buy one! ;- )

It is a little big, and I have to kneel to observe M13--but only a small inconvenience for an incredible view(s.)

Fortunately I have couple more months of good weather to enjoy  the night sky with  my new acquisition.


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#8 RichA

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 05:56 PM

First impression taking it out of the case is how light and small the scope is for a 185. The sliding draw tube helps keep it more compact than a typical 7" scope would be normally.
I like that the rings and D plate fit in the case while installed, but I always separate them when mounting as it's easier to place the scope in the cradle when on the mount.
The rings and plate are very light weight with the plate also being skeletonized.

 

Overall, the scope is impressive. The build quality is excellent, and optically it is better than I expected for the size and especially the price.
The paint finish is a semi gloss white and very nicely done. When I saw the apricot colored anodizing in photos I did not really like it, but in person the scope is attractive.

The glass was exceptionally clean with no dust inside or out visible.

 

Handling the scope in the dark, you would not know that this is not a top tier scope. The sliding dew shield is smooth and wobble free with a nice velour like lining.
The focuser is rugged and holds the weight of a binoviewer or large eyepiece like the ES92 perfectly with no slippage. There was some image shift visible with heavy eyepieces, but I managed to dial it out with a slight adjustment to the draw tube tension with the four adjusting screws. You need a short 3mm Allen key to access the two screws near the focuser.

Surprisingly, the FT focuser on my AP160 also needed an adjustment of the mounting screw position to eliminate any shift when I first received it.

 

I really like the sliding draw tube. It allows a lot of versatility when using a binoviewer without a GPC for low power viewing. With a 1.25x GPC, the tube is fully extended and the focuser is only out a short amount.

There is also a Takahashi like camera angle adjuster with 360 degree etching around the tube which is another nice touch.

 

I mounted it on an AP1200 and went through several simple stars tests the first evening. There are no glaring errors visible when racking in and out of focus. The pattern appears very similar on either side. No signs of astigmatism or any pinching at temperatures ranging from 56 to 75 degrees;
After being in daytime temps of 85 degrees and the observatory reaching 90, the 185 had no issues reaching equilibrium within 30 minutes or so of opening the roof, putting up a clean image of Vega.
There is no visible color aberration in focus and a slight amount out of focus. I took a couple photos without any flattener or reducer and other than the corners the star quality looks good. There is some blue halo around brighter stars like Vega, and I will see how much it is improved when the flattener and reducer arrive.

 

I had my AP160 mounted on a TTS160 to get a baseline in the same conditions on how the 185 would perform. After owning the AP160 for 18 years since new, it has become an excellent measuring stick. With the ES92 12 and 17mm, the 185 was giving views of globular and open clusters that were quite beautiful. Tiny bright dots scattered throughout that were too many to count.

It is equally sharp to any views I've seen through a premium scope at these powers. Many more stars resolved than with the 160. More comparable to my C14 when used with a binoviewer.

I recently had an AP180EDT to try out and by memory the views were very much the same.

 

Saturn was sharp and detailed, but not as etched as the AP's, especially when going above 200x. Seeing was limiting me to around 323x using the 3-6mm Nagler in the 185, but the image didn't appear to break down due to the optics.

The Askar has a warmer tint on Saturn than with the AP's, and the background did not as appear ink black at similar exit pupils.

Looking at close doubles like Zeta Herculis (currently listed at 1.5") shows a nice split at 260x, and a large gap at 431x

 

Pushing it up to 1078x with the 2.5x Powermate, which was obviously excessive I could still see the split through the distortion.
Antares was also a clean split which is often difficult at my latitude.

Airy Disks appear excellent at high powers, but the flaring effects of seeing are a bit more obvious in the 185 compared to the 160. Judging from the DPAC results of the 185 posted here on CN, I would guess the superior color correction of the 160 and better wavefront likely contribute to minimizing the degrading effects of turbulence. 

 

For the purist, I would say that the Askar is equally capable for DSO's but not quite in the realm of top tier scopes for high power viewing on the planets. It does perform really well on double stars, and has the added advantage of aperture.
The large aperture certainly seems to help, as I can see the same level of detail on Saturn as with the 160 but just not with that perfect etched on glass look I've seen with AP's, Taks and TEC's.

 

This scope almost seems too good to be true, and I really expected to be let down by some aspect of its optics or mechanics. I'm enjoying it immensely, and plan on trying more AP and also find out how it holds up long term. 

 

Many thanks to both Joe G. and Jason for their perspectives on the 185 that led me to give it a chance.

 

Mike

This brings up another point about splitting doubles.  25x per inch may provide enough power in a diffraction-limited scope to split a 1.5" double or even something close to its diffraction-limit, but going higher (300x+) helps clarify things and makes the view more comfortable. 



#9 CHASLX200

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 06:08 PM

This brings up another point about splitting doubles.  25x per inch may provide enough power in a diffraction-limited scope to split a 1.5" double or even something close to its diffraction-limit, but going higher (300x+) helps clarify things and makes the view more comfortable. 

300X in a 185mm scope in my seeing is on the low side, Slap it up to 600x then the ball starts rolling for me.


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#10 Bearcub

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 06:37 PM

As someone who never had a single refractor, this one seems to be quite alluring.


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#11 ZX12

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 06:53 PM

Hello, thank you for the very nice report, you made me buy one! ;- )

It is a little big, and I have to kneel to observe M13--but only a small inconvenience for an incredible view(s.)

Fortunately I have couple more months of good weather to enjoy  the night sky with  my new acquisition.

Thanks, I'm glad to have helped.

 

I ended up making a 10" riser to get the 185 higher off the floor. Eyepiece height from floor is now about 36". Pier height is now at 50"

Much more comfortable to view near the zenith.

 

My 160 was at the limits of being tolerable when near vertical, so it was time for me to get it done. 

 

I've had a few more nights before the clouds have taken over the night skies here and the 185 is still impressing me. The views of open and globular clusters are superb. 

Still no opportunities for Jupiter and Mars, but next Monday looks promising.

 

I also received both the reducer and flattener. The corner stars look perfect on an APS-C sensor, so Askar is dead on with their back focus spacing. 

 

Mike

Attached Thumbnails

  • Askar 185.jpeg

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#12 CHASLX200

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Posted 06 August 2024 - 06:58 PM

Jupiter will tell the true story. If optics are ho hum then fine details will never jump out at ya. Kinda like using my SCT's and saying well the image is ok and then using my 826 Newt and then fine details just slap ya in the face with that pop and snap.


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#13 CHASLX200

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 06:17 AM

No one has looked at Jupiter yet with a 185????



#14 ZX12

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 10:10 AM

I had my first views of Jupiter yesterday morning with the Askar 185.

 

Seeing was fluctuating between 6-7 on the scale. Jupiter was about 20-30 degrees above the horizon until clouds and sunlight started to disrupt the view.

Max power to maintain sharp image quality under the conditions was between 259 and 324x. 

 

Details easily stood out that I don't often see with small apertures unless conditions are excellent. The GRS had a strong pinkish red tone and several white ovals were also easily visible.

The moons were sharp disks with Ganymede showing a subtle color variation.

 

There was slight reddish fringe at the edge of Jupiter from atmospheric dispersion when it was low. It slowly dissipated as it got higher. No CA visible otherwise.

Sharpness is excellent overall, but not as perfect as in the AP160. Color tone of Jupiter is also slightly warm compared to the 160.

 

If you did not have a premium scope alongside to compare the image, I think the Askar would please most observers.

   

The 185 performs much like a giant sized WO 110 F/7 that I once owned. If I remember correctly, that scope used FPL51 as the ED element.

Very similar image quality to the Askar, but nowhere near the performance due to the 185's massive advantage in aperture.

 

Saturn was visible during much of the time and the views were also excellent. The Cassini Division was easily seen even at the current angle of the rings. 

 

For experimental purposes I machined a 160mm aperture mask for the Askar bringing it to F/8. Focusing had a bit more snap, and splitting tight binaries is easier in less than ideal seeing. Difficult to say if the planets appeared any sharper, but there is a bit less warm tone.

 

One thing that really impresses me about the Askar is how well it handles temperature changes both optically and mechanically. It is definitely a no fuss telescope.

 

I think if you are looking for a good performing large aperture refractor at an amazing price, then the 185 is it. If top tier performance is a must, then it's not for you.

The differences are not enough for me to spend between 3-4 times the cost of the Askar.

 

Mike

 

 


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#15 SandyHouTex

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 10:45 AM

I had my first views of Jupiter yesterday morning with the Askar 185.

 

Seeing was fluctuating between 6-7 on the scale. Jupiter was about 20-30 degrees above the horizon until clouds and sunlight started to disrupt the view.

Max power to maintain sharp image quality under the conditions was between 259 and 324x. 

 

Details easily stood out that I don't often see with small apertures unless conditions are excellent. The GRS had a strong pinkish red tone and several white ovals were also easily visible.

The moons were sharp disks with Ganymede showing a subtle color variation.

 

There was slight reddish fringe at the edge of Jupiter from atmospheric dispersion when it was low. It slowly dissipated as it got higher. No CA visible otherwise.

Sharpness is excellent overall, but not as perfect as in the AP160. Color tone of Jupiter is also slightly warm compared to the 160.

 

If you did not have a premium scope alongside to compare the image, I think the Askar would please most observers.

   

The 185 performs much like a giant sized WO 110 F/7 that I once owned. If I remember correctly, that scope used FPL51 as the ED element.

Very similar image quality to the Askar, but nowhere near the performance due to the 185's massive advantage in aperture.

 

Saturn was visible during much of the time and the views were also excellent. The Cassini Division was easily seen even at the current angle of the rings. 

 

For experimental purposes I machined a 160mm aperture mask for the Askar bringing it to F/8. Focusing had a bit more snap, and splitting tight binaries is easier in less than ideal seeing. Difficult to say if the planets appeared any sharper, but there is a bit less warm tone.

 

One thing that really impresses me about the Askar is how well it handles temperature changes both optically and mechanically. It is definitely a no fuss telescope.

 

I think if you are looking for a good performing large aperture refractor at an amazing price, then the 185 is it. If top tier performance is a must, then it's not for you.

The differences are not enough for me to spend between 3-4 times the cost of the Askar.

 

Mike

Sounds like a very desirable scope.  Thanks for the review.


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#16 Bomber Bob

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 11:38 AM

Kinda like using my SCT's and saying well the image is ok and then using my 826 Newt and then fine details just slap ya in the face...

 

Yes!  And, boy!  Does it hurt when that happens!!

 

And...  Don't forget the Belt Colors - orange, khaki, lilac, all shades of brown, pure white Zones, and a RED GRS with internal structure.  More detail than I can sketch.

 

And all that for a measly $100...  APO views at a Bargain Price.

 

On Topic:   I would expect the Askar 185 to present at least as many colors as my Tinsley 6" F20 Cass, with fine detail resolution better than my 2017 APM 152ED F8 doublet.  It should stay sharp at 500x, minimum.  In my back yard, with 8+ / 10 or better planetary seeing, 650x should still give a focusable limb.  It should also show albedo patterns on Ganymede.


Edited by Bomber Bob, 16 August 2024 - 11:47 AM.

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#17 denis0007dl

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 11:40 AM

I had my first views of Jupiter yesterday morning with the Askar 185.

 

Seeing was fluctuating between 6-7 on the scale. Jupiter was about 20-30 degrees above the horizon until clouds and sunlight started to disrupt the view.

Max power to maintain sharp image quality under the conditions was between 259 and 324x. 

 

Details easily stood out that I don't often see with small apertures unless conditions are excellent. The GRS had a strong pinkish red tone and several white ovals were also easily visible.

The moons were sharp disks with Ganymede showing a subtle color variation.

 

There was slight reddish fringe at the edge of Jupiter from atmospheric dispersion when it was low. It slowly dissipated as it got higher. No CA visible otherwise.

Sharpness is excellent overall, but not as perfect as in the AP160. Color tone of Jupiter is also slightly warm compared to the 160.

 

If you did not have a premium scope alongside to compare the image, I think the Askar would please most observers.

   

The 185 performs much like a giant sized WO 110 F/7 that I once owned. If I remember correctly, that scope used FPL51 as the ED element.

Very similar image quality to the Askar, but nowhere near the performance due to the 185's massive advantage in aperture.

 

Saturn was visible during much of the time and the views were also excellent. The Cassini Division was easily seen even at the current angle of the rings. 

 

For experimental purposes I machined a 160mm aperture mask for the Askar bringing it to F/8. Focusing had a bit more snap, and splitting tight binaries is easier in less than ideal seeing. Difficult to say if the planets appeared any sharper, but there is a bit less warm tone.

 

One thing that really impresses me about the Askar is how well it handles temperature changes both optically and mechanically. It is definitely a no fuss telescope.

 

I think if you are looking for a good performing large aperture refractor at an amazing price, then the 185 is it. If top tier performance is a must, then it's not for you.

The differences are not enough for me to spend between 3-4 times the cost of the Askar.

 

Mike

Mike, thanxs for comparation.

 

So, you want to say that AP 160mm APO provide bit sharper image + bit more details on Jupiter than Askar 185mm does on high and same magnifications?

 

Kind regards

Denis


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#18 ZX12

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 02:00 PM

Hi Denis,

 

I would not say I can see more details with the AP160 at the same power, more like the 160 provides a more hi-def image quality. 

 

With the jet stream and overall weather patterns here in the northeast US, we are limited to powers not much higher than 400x, so it might be some time before I find out how the 160 compares to the 185 in the best conditions.  

 

The 185 has certainly kept me from using my 12" Meade and C14 since it arrived, as it's much more forgiving when temperatures and seeing vary so much.

 

Mike 


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#19 Dave Novoselsky

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 05:25 PM

Askar continues to deliver incredible refractors from the price/value/quality standpoint. First their140 and now a 185 that punch well above their price point.  As I have said before as to pricing for the remaining made in Japan refractors, the top end Chinese firms are rapidly beginning to eat their lunch.


Edited by Dave Novoselsky, 16 August 2024 - 05:25 PM.

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#20 CHASLX200

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 05:57 PM

I had my first views of Jupiter yesterday morning with the Askar 185.

 

Seeing was fluctuating between 6-7 on the scale. Jupiter was about 20-30 degrees above the horizon until clouds and sunlight started to disrupt the view.

Max power to maintain sharp image quality under the conditions was between 259 and 324x. 

 

Details easily stood out that I don't often see with small apertures unless conditions are excellent. The GRS had a strong pinkish red tone and several white ovals were also easily visible.

The moons were sharp disks with Ganymede showing a subtle color variation.

 

There was slight reddish fringe at the edge of Jupiter from atmospheric dispersion when it was low. It slowly dissipated as it got higher. No CA visible otherwise.

Sharpness is excellent overall, but not as perfect as in the AP160. Color tone of Jupiter is also slightly warm compared to the 160.

 

If you did not have a premium scope alongside to compare the image, I think the Askar would please most observers.

   

The 185 performs much like a giant sized WO 110 F/7 that I once owned. If I remember correctly, that scope used FPL51 as the ED element.

Very similar image quality to the Askar, but nowhere near the performance due to the 185's massive advantage in aperture.

 

Saturn was visible during much of the time and the views were also excellent. The Cassini Division was easily seen even at the current angle of the rings. 

 

For experimental purposes I machined a 160mm aperture mask for the Askar bringing it to F/8. Focusing had a bit more snap, and splitting tight binaries is easier in less than ideal seeing. Difficult to say if the planets appeared any sharper, but there is a bit less warm tone.

 

One thing that really impresses me about the Askar is how well it handles temperature changes both optically and mechanically. It is definitely a no fuss telescope.

 

I think if you are looking for a good performing large aperture refractor at an amazing price, then the 185 is it. If top tier performance is a must, then it's not for you.

The differences are not enough for me to spend between 3-4 times the cost of the Askar.

 

Mike

I wanna slap it up next to my freaky sharp 826.



#21 denis0007dl

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 06:08 PM

New Sharpstar 203mm APO will be interesting...

https://www.sharpsta...s_1/203APO.html

#22 CHASLX200

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 06:16 PM

Gonna really need a big boat to hold that. AP1200 or better yet a 1600.



#23 ZX12

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Posted 16 August 2024 - 06:48 PM

New Sharpstar 203mm APO will be interesting...

https://www.sharpsta...s_1/203APO.html

I considered trying out the 203, but scaling up the existing design while remaining at F7 might not perform quite as good as the 185.

 

The 25mm jump in aperture over the 160 along with the size, weight, and price made the 185 more appealing. It's no more difficult to mount than the AP160.

 

Mike


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#24 Bearcub

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Posted 17 August 2024 - 04:08 AM

Hi Denis,

 

I would not say I can see more details with the AP160 at the same power, more like the 160 provides a more hi-def image quality. 

 

With the jet stream and overall weather patterns here in the northeast US, we are limited to powers not much higher than 400x, so it might be some time before I find out how the 160 compares to the 185 in the best conditions.  

 

The 185 has certainly kept me from using my 12" Meade and C14 since it arrived, as it's much more forgiving when temperatures and seeing vary so much.

 

Mike 

Even c14?? How come?



#25 Bearcub

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Posted 17 August 2024 - 04:22 AM

New Sharpstar 203mm APO will be interesting...

https://www.sharpsta...s_1/203APO.html

Its a bit weird how similar lenght is for 203 and 185 are. Big jump from 140.


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