Askar Telescope N 160/576 N160 Astrograph (93359)

Askar N160 Astrograph Telescope 160/576 f/3.6 with 0.95× Coma Corrector (93359)

The Askar N160 is a high-performance Newtonian astrograph designed specifically for deep-sky astrophotography. Featuring a 160 mm aperture and a fast native focal ratio of f/3.6, it delivers excellent light-gathering capability for capturing nebulae, galaxies, and other faint celestial objects.

The included 0.95× three-element coma corrector further reduces the focal ratio to an impressive f/3.4, allowing shorter exposure times while maintaining outstanding image quality across the entire field of view. The corrector securely threads onto the focuser, providing a rigid optical connection that minimizes flexure during imaging.

With a lightweight carbon fiber optical tube, precision rack-and-pinion focuser, integrated tilt adjustment, and temperature-stable optics, the Askar N160 is an excellent choice for advanced astrophotographers seeking a fast and reliable imaging platform.

Key features of the Askar N160 Astrograph

• 160 mm Newtonian astrograph designed for deep-sky astrophotography.

• Native focal length of 576 mm.

• Fast focal ratio of f/3.6.

• Included 0.95× coma corrector reduces focal ratio to approximately f/3.4.

• Three-element coma corrector provides sharp stars across the image field.

• Parabolic primary mirror.

• Borosilicate glass primary and secondary mirrors.

• Aluminum mirror coatings.

• Tool-free primary mirror collimation.

• Large secondary mirror fully illuminates APS-C image sensors.

• Precision rack-and-pinion focuser with 1:10 fine focusing.

• Integrated focuser tilt adjustment.

• Rotatable focuser body for convenient camera positioning.

• Prepared for optional motorized focusing.

• Carbon fiber optical tube for reduced weight and improved thermal stability.

• Vixen-style dovetail mounting rail.

• Carrying handle with accessory mounting points.

• Finder shoe for additional accessories.

• Back-focus adjustment shims included.

Designed for demanding deep-sky astrophotography

The Askar N160 is optimized for astrophotography rather than visual observation. Its fast optical system allows significantly shorter exposure times while collecting a large amount of light from faint deep-sky objects.

The included 0.95× coma corrector maintains excellent star shapes from the center of the frame to the corners, making the telescope well suited for modern APS-C astronomy cameras.

The rigid threaded connection between the focuser and coma corrector improves imaging stability and minimizes unwanted movement during long exposures.

High-quality optical system

The telescope uses a precision parabolic primary mirror made from borosilicate glass, a material known for its excellent thermal stability and minimal expansion during temperature changes.

The secondary mirror is also manufactured from borosilicate glass and provides full illumination for APS-C sensors. Three adjustment screws allow precise secondary mirror alignment.

Both mirrors feature durable aluminum reflective coatings for high optical efficiency.

The rear mirror cell includes large adjustment knobs that allow convenient, tool-free collimation of the primary mirror.

Precision focusing system

The Askar N160 features a high-quality rack-and-pinion focuser with a 1:10 fine-focus reduction mechanism for precise critical focusing during astrophotography.

After loosening the locking screw, the focuser can be rotated to simplify camera positioning and accessory alignment. Although this rotation improves usability, it is not intended to replace a dedicated camera rotator.

An integrated tilt adjustment system built into the focuser base allows accurate alignment between the optical axis and the imaging train, helping eliminate sensor tilt during astrophotography.

The focuser is also prepared for installation of an optional electronic focus motor through dedicated mounting points.

Fine adjustment rings (shims) are included to help achieve the correct back-focus distance required by different cameras and accessories.

Lightweight carbon fiber optical tube

The optical tube is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber rather than traditional aluminum or steel.

This design offers several advantages:

• Reduced overall weight.

• Lower load on the telescope mount.

• Improved transportability.

• Excellent thermal stability.

• Reduced focus drift during changing temperatures.

Because carbon fiber has a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than metal, focus remains more stable throughout long imaging sessions.

Convenient mounting options

The telescope includes several mounting solutions for accessories and astronomical equipment.

A carrying handle and integrated finder shoe allow installation of guide scopes, cameras, or additional accessories.

The optical tube is mounted using a 230 mm Vixen-style dovetail rail compatible with a wide variety of equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.

Technical specifications

Optical design

• Optical design:

  • Reflector.

• Telescope type:

  • Newtonian.

• Aperture:

  • 160 mm.

• Focal length:

  • 576 mm.

• Native focal ratio:

  • f/3.6.

• Resolving power:

  • 0.86 arcseconds.

• Limiting magnitude:

  • 12.8.

• Light-gathering power:

  • 520×.

• Maximum useful magnification:

  • 320×.

Optical tube

• Tube weight:

  • 5.2 kg.

• Tube diameter:

  • 193 mm.

• Tube length:

  • 467 mm.

• Tube material:

  • Carbon fiber.

• Tube construction:

  • Full tube.

• Dew shield diameter:

  • 196 mm.

Mirror system

• Primary mirror:

  • Parabolic.

• Primary mirror material:

  • Borosilicate glass.

• Secondary mirror:

  • Flat.

• Secondary mirror material:

  • Borosilicate glass.

• Mirror coating:

  • Aluminum.

• Adjustable mirrors:

  • Yes.

Focuser

• Focuser type:

  • Rack-and-pinion.

• Eyepiece connection:

  • 2 inches.

• Camera thread:

  • M48.

• Back-focus:

  • 55 mm.

• Fine-focus reduction:

  • 1:10.

• Focusing travel:

  • 25 mm.

• Integrated tilt adjustment:

  • Yes.

• Motorized focusing:

  • No (motor-ready).

• Rotating focuser:

  • No.

Mounting

• Configuration:

  • Optical Tube Assembly (OTA).

• Mount included:

  • No.

Included accessories

• 0.95× coma corrector.

• Vixen-style dovetail rail.

• Camera tripod threads:

  • 1/4".

  • 3/8".

• Carrying handle.

• Extension tubes.

• Tube rings.

• Finder shoe.

• Back-focus adjustment shims.

Not included

• Mount.

• Transport case.

• Carrying case.

• Solar filter.

Recommended applications

• Astrophotography:

  • Excellent.

• Nebulae and galaxies:

  • Yes.

• Moon and planetary observation:

  • Yes.

• Nature observation:

  • No.

• Solar observation:

  • Only with an appropriate solar filter.

Recommended user level

• Beginners:

  • Not recommended.

• Advanced users:

  • Yes.

• Observatory installations:

  • No.