ASKAR 103 TRIPLET - GRAB & GO MOUNT FOR ONLY £99?

[paulastro]

Well yes there is!  I use my Askar 103 triplet on my AZ4 as a grab and go.  Currently FLO have reduced the mount on the lighter aluminium tripod from £139 to £99.  Only 21 left in stock.as I write this post - so don't hang about if you want one.

Its easy to adjust the altaz tension knobs on both axis so that the scope can be positioned on any object from nought to ninety degrees altitude and then follow the object without having to readjust the tension. A tap on the tube and any vibration will die down in 2/3 secs.

I've cheated in that I've taken off the the 4inch removable tube section to make it shorter, and use a 35mm and 2inch extension tube so it can still focus at infinity. Though, it would probably still work fairly well at full length.  The Askar 103 weighs around  5.5K depending how it's set up.

In fact, when I bring my StellaMira 125 f7.8 inside after observing, I put it on my AZ4 to dry off.  It stays there until it's next outing.  The SM weighs about the same as the Askar  (fibreglass tube).  I've used the SM on the AZ4 too, and it works quite well

There's much written about the AZ4, but suffice to say it's useful for up to all but the longest 4inch refractors and takes a 6inch f8 reflector very well - it was  (and may still be)  sold in this configuration. It's also very handy for Maks and SCs up to 6inches, I've even tested an 8inch Mak on one years ago.

The AZ4, only has one knob to keep the tube in place, but there are two additional 8mm holes that can be utilised.  They are meant to be options to use the supplied handle, which I have never used in all the years I've had an AZ4. Knobs with plastic heads can easily be found on-line.

Personally, I'd say every  astronomer should have an AZ4 - they are so versatile.

 

 

 

Edited June 29 by paulastro

[Rob]

Looks like a good mount & good deal from FLO also there!. Quick question.. Does this version of the AZ4 have a M10 thread on the mount?. Just asking as if it does it could either sit on the Aluminium tripod or be transfered to a EQ5 steel leg tripod also.

Rob

Edited June 29 by Rob
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[paulastro]

1 hour ago, Rob said:

Looks like a good mount & good deal from FLO also there!. Quick question.. Does this version of the AZ4 have a M10 thread on the mount?. Just asking as if it does it could either sit on the Aluminium tripod or be transfered to a EQ5 steel leg tripod also.

Rob

Yes it does Rob.  Compatable with EQ5, SkyTee, Vixen GP tripods and similiar.  

It also comes with the 'L' shaped bracket so can be used with spotting scopes and the PST or anything else with a photo thread that needs to be supported from below.

 

Edited June 29 by paulastro
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