Askar 130PHQ flatfield apo refractor

If you've got the budget, this hefty refractor's got fine views and a deluxe feel

- CHRIS GRIMMER

Following in the footsteps of Askar's successful 107PHQ flatfield apo, we take a look at its bigger brother, the 130PHQ. Arriving in a single, very large box, the first thing we noticed about Askar's largest-aperture refractor was the weight, so we were glad we didn't have to carry it too far! Opening the box revealed a substantial and extremely robust carry case, with the telescope held very securely inside. Upon removing the telescope, we found the included adaptors located in their own compartments underneath. In keeping with the colour scheme of other Askar PHQs, the tube was finished nicely in white with black and green accessories.

The 130PHQ has a very professional feel to it, with everything made from machined aluminium and zero plastic. The fit and finish is exceptional; we even had to remove the lens cover to extend the dew shield because it fitted so well that it created suction. But, once the lens cover was removed the dew shield slid smoothly into position and was retained securely by a thumb screw. The large-barrel focuser is silky-smooth and claims to be able to handle up to 8kg in weight, enough for most users' needs. The focuser is also fully rotatable and, again, the fit on this is excellent.

Style and substance

The 130PHQ on its own weighs 10.2kg, with the carry case and supplied accessories making a combined weight of 12.5kg. It was quite apparent this is a telescope that will require a substantial mount to do it justice. As well as its weight, at 1,061mm with its dew shield extended, it's a long tube. Given these two vital statistics, the carry handle on top of the OTA made the telescope surprisingly easy to move around and gave additional security when lifting onto our mount.