Askar 130PHQ Review

The Askar 130PHQ is a premium-quality astrophotography telescope designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand high-performance optics and precision. With its wide-field capabilities, exceptional imaging potential, and advanced features, the 130PHQ aims to deliver crisp, clear images of the night sky. In this review, we will explore the key features, build quality, performance, and overall value of the Askar 130PHQ to help you decide if it’s the right telescope for your astrophotography needs.

Key Features of the Askar 130PHQ

The Askar 130PHQ comes with several features that make it a standout choice for astrophotography:

  • Aperture: 130mm

  • Focal Length: 910mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/7

  • Optical Design: Quadruplet Apochromatic

  • Glass Type: FPL-53 and Lanthanum

  • Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)

  • Field of View: Wide-field imaging

  • Mounting Type: Compatible with most equatorial mounts

  • Coatings: Fully multi-coated optics for enhanced light transmission

The 130PHQ offers high-quality optical components designed to provide excellent resolution and contrast for both visual observation and deep-sky astrophotography.

Design and Build Quality

The Askar 130PHQ is designed with both aesthetics and performance in mind. The telescope features a robust and well-constructed aluminum housing that ensures durability while keeping the overall weight manageable. Despite its advanced optics, it remains portable enough for regular use in the field.

The sleek design is complemented by a matte black finish, giving the telescope a professional and refined appearance. The focus system is smooth and precise, and the integrated tube rings and dovetail plate make mounting and balancing straightforward.

Optical Performance

The Askar 130PHQ excels in optical performance, thanks to its quadruplet apochromatic design. This design eliminates chromatic aberration, providing sharp, color-accurate images even in long-exposure astrophotography. The FPL-53 glass, combined with lanthanum, enhances light transmission and reduces distortions, ensuring that even faint objects in deep space are captured with clarity and detail.

The f/7 focal ratio allows for wide-field imaging, which is particularly beneficial for capturing large nebulae or galaxies. The telescope’s resolving power is impressive, enabling high-contrast images of planetary and deep-sky objects.

Ease of Use

The Askar 130PHQ is relatively easy to use, especially considering its advanced optical capabilities. The mounting system is designed to be compatible with most equatorial mounts, which makes it adaptable for various setups. While it may take a little time to get used to its balance and focus adjustments, the overall user experience is intuitive and streamlined.

The tube rings allow for easy attachment of additional accessories, such as a camera or guide scope, which is essential for astrophotographers looking to expand their setup. The focus system is fine and smooth, ensuring precise adjustments even during long exposures.

Performance for Astrophotography

The Askar 130PHQ truly shines when used for astrophotography. Its wide-field capabilities, paired with excellent color correction, allow photographers to capture crisp, detailed images of deep-sky objects, such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

The f/7 focal ratio is perfect for long exposures, allowing for stunning image depth while minimizing star trailing. The telescope’s precise optical system ensures that every pixel is sharp, making it an ideal choice for capturing high-quality images.

In terms of guiding, the 130PHQ is an excellent tool for capturing clean, long-exposure images with minimal distortion. It holds focus well and is capable of producing professional-grade results when paired with the right camera equipment and tracking mount.

Portability and Setup

Weighing in at 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs), the Askar 130PHQ is relatively lightweight for a telescope of its class. This makes it a good option for astrophotographers who want a high-quality telescope that’s still portable enough for travel or field use. The tube’s compact design further enhances portability without sacrificing optical quality.

Setting up the telescope is simple and straightforward. The telescope tube is compatible with most equatorial mounts, and the included mounting accessories ensure quick and easy assembly. The telescope can be disassembled and packed away in a carry case for storage or transport.

Pros and Cons of the Askar 130PHQ

Pros:

  • Exceptional optical performance with quadruplet apochromatic design

  • Excellent color correction and light transmission

  • Wide-field capabilities ideal for deep-sky astrophotography

  • Relatively lightweight and portable for its size

  • Precise and smooth focusing system

  • Durable build quality

Cons:

  • Slightly on the pricier side for amateur astrophotographers

  • Requires compatible equatorial mount and accessories for full setup

  • Larger size may be cumbersome for some users to transport regularly

Ideal for Serious Astrophotographers

The Askar 130PHQ is ideal for serious astrophotographers who want to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional clarity and detail. Its wide-field design and high-quality optics make it perfect for photographing nebulae, galaxies, and other faint objects in the night sky.

While it’s an excellent choice for experienced astrophotographers, beginners may find the setup and technical aspects a bit challenging, though the telescope is still manageable for those willing to invest the time in learning.

Final Thoughts on the Askar 130PHQ

In conclusion, the Askar 130PHQ is an outstanding astrophotography telescope that combines high-quality optics, precision, and portability. Its quadruplet apochromatic design ensures superior image quality with minimal aberration, making it an ideal choice for deep-sky astrophotography.

For those looking to elevate their astrophotography to a professional level, the Askar 130PHQ offers exceptional value and performance. While it may not be the best choice for beginners, it’s a fantastic investment for serious astrophotographers looking to achieve high-quality results in their work.