Refracting Telescope

Askar SQA106 astrophotography refractor features

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

The Askar SQA106 is a 106mm f/4.8 Petzval refractor with five lenses for optical correction, a 55mm flat imaging circle, and 90% illumination at 44mm. Perfect for astrophotography, it offers a dual-speed focuser and EAF compatibility for seamless use.

The Askar SQA106 is a new 106 mm f/4.8 refractor designed for astrophotography. Featuring a Petzval optical design, this telescope includes five internal lens elements that help correct for common optical flaws like coma, field curvature, and chromatic aberrations. The result is images with minimal distortion and high clarity, which is essential for astrophotographers seeking sharp, accurate representations of the night sky.

Details and specifications for the Askar SQA106 astrophotography refractor

The SQA106 has a focal length of 509 mm and a fast f/4.8 focal ratio, making it suitable for wide-field imaging. One of the notable features of this scope is its corrected 55 mm imaging circle, which allows for full-frame cameras to be used effectively, offering a larger and more uniform area for capturing celestial objects. The telescope also boasts 90% illumination at 44 mm, ensuring bright and even illumination across the field of view.

The Askar SQA106 delivers a well-engineered solution for astrophotographers seeking precision and reliability. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Optical System

Lens Design: A quintuplet optical system with two Super Low Dispersion (SD) glass elements minimizes chromatic aberration and ensures accurate color reproduction.
Star Sharpness: Central stars maintain an RMS radius of <1.7 µm, with corners at <2.2 µm, enabling sharp and clear imaging across the field.

Aperture and Focal Ratio

Aperture: 106mm, suitable for capturing faint objects and wide-field views.
Focal Length and Ratio: With a 509mm focal length and f/4.8 ratio, the scope supports fast imaging for efficient astrophotography sessions.

Imaging Capability

Image Circle: A 55mm corrected imaging circle supports full-frame and medium-format sensors without vignetting.
Illumination: Consistent illumination across the field supports uniform image quality.

Mechanical Features

Focuser: A 2.8-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with 30mm of travel provides accurate focusing. Compatibility with motorized focusing systems enables automated adjustments.
Rotator: A 360° rotator with a built-in scale helps with framing adjustments during imaging.

Design for Practical Use

Dew Shield: The retractable shield reduces light interference and condensation.
Tube Ring and Plate: The lightweight hollow tube ring includes M4 and M6 threaded holes for accessory mounting. The Losmandy-style 300mm dovetail plate ensures compatibility with many mounts.
Handle: The integrated handle includes a slotted finder base for easy accessory attachment.

Comparison

The Askar SQA106 stands out in its class with a quintuplet lens system, delivering better field correction and sharper stars compared to many doublet or triplet designs. The fast f/4.8 focal ratio allows for shorter exposure times without sacrificing detail, making it an efficient choice for capturing wide-field views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Its compatibility with full-frame sensors gives it an edge over smaller image circle options.

This telescope provides a practical and efficient tool for astrophotography, balancing optical quality with functional design.

Super fine 106mm aperture quintuplet air-spaced SD glass Petzval Astrograph

In terms of usability, the SQA106 is designed to be user-friendly, especially when it comes to focusing. The telescope is equipped with a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, allowing for fine adjustments that ensure accurate focus. The 360° camera rotator aids in framing the shot, while the 300 mm D-style dovetail ensures stability when mounted to equatorial mounts. The scope also comes with a range of threaded adapters (M68, M54, and M48) to ensure compatibility with different camera systems, making it ready for use right out of the box. It is also EAF-ready, which allows for future upgrades to motorized focusing systems.

The SQA106 is built with portability in mind and comes with a soft carrying case for protection during transport. The design aims to reduce setup complexity by ensuring the back-focus is less critical, as long as the correct spacing is maintained. This feature allows users to focus more on capturing images without worrying about precise alignment adjustments.

Askar SQA106 optical performance and features

Initial reviews have highlighted the scope’s impressive optical performance, particularly its flat field and color correction. Users have noted that the telescope performs well in both visual observation and imaging, with sample images such as Messier 31 showcasing its capabilities. However, as with any specialized equipment, some users have pointed out that the price point may make it less accessible for entry-level astronomers. Additionally, the fast focal ratio, while beneficial for wide-field imaging, may require compatible equipment, such as mounts and cameras that can handle the scope's performance.

Just Dropped! Askar SQA106 Quintuplet Refractor

The Askar SQA106 presents a solid option for serious astrophotographers looking for a high-quality refractor that offers ease of use and high-performance optics. With its simple yet effective design and a set of features aimed at streamlining the astrophotography process, the SQA106 may be a suitable choice for those who prioritize optical quality and user convenience.