Askar SQA106 Quintuplet Refractor
Check Out This SQA106 Quintuplet Refractor from Askar!
Looking for a high-quality refractor to produce sharp, detailed astroimages? Look no further than the Askar SQA106! This astrograph houses five internal lenses that correct the incoming light to eliminate coma, field curvature, and any other aberrations present. This results in images brimming with clarity and super-fine, pinpoint stars. Not only can you capture stunning astrophotos, but the Petzval lens design makes attaching your camera effortless. As a “no fuss” refractor, this Askar SQA106 requires no backfocus calculation, and provides an inherent flat field even for full frame cameras. The fast f/4.8 focal ratio, precise dual-speed focuser, and numerous included accessories elevate your imaging experience even more, making the Askar SQA106 the perfect addition to your astrophotography toolkit!
This powerful refractor features a large aperture of 106 mm to collect a copious amount of light onto your imaging sensor. This, paired with the 509 mm focal length results in bright, detailed structure in galaxies, nebulae, and a plethora of other celestial objects! The Askar SQA106 is crafted with high quality CNC machining, and includes the signature grey of the SQA line and an anodized finish to provide a sleek, stylish design. Multiple adapters, a Losmandy-style dovetail, a tube ring, and plenty more accessories come included within this package. Thanks to Askar, you’re well equipped to take your astroimaging to the next level!
Unlock Full Frame, Flat Field Imaging With This Quintuplet Petzval Astrograph
As a quintuplet powerhouse, this Askar SQA106 includes five internal lens elements, two of which are high quality super low dispersion (SD) glass. These five lenses work together to correct the incoming light with outstanding precision. The result? High contrast images free from aberration! There is no need to purchase a separate field flattener, as all the stars are sharp and in focus across the entire field of view thanks to the inherent flat field. This reigns true even across the largest imaging sensors on the market today, allowing you to capture vast scenes with the supported 55 mm image circle. This also means that there is no need to fumble with finding the precise backspacing distance—as long as your imaging train can reach focus, the stars will be sharp from corner to corner.
The Askar SQA106 is Your Gateway to Outstanding Astroimages!
The Askar SQA106 has been crafted specifically for astroimaging, and delivers exceptional images night after night. Take a look below as we delve deeper into this telescope’s data-backed optical performance, its high precision focuser, and the numerous inclusions that come standard within this package!
Designed Specifically for Astrophotography
The Askar SQA106 opens the doors to a wide range of imaging possibilities. At 509 mm of focal length, fill the frame with the Eagle Nebula, the core of the Orion Nebula, the Cygnus Wall, and plenty more. Also, the large 106 mm of aperture paired with the fast f/4.8 focal ratio means you’ll collect incredibly bright images in no time! As mentioned above, three adapters come standard within this package: M68, M54, and M48. This makes connecting your astroimaging camera, mirrorless camera, DSLR, and any other accessories within your imaging train a breeze.
Data-Driven Precision
Displaying the quality of this SQA106 in graphical form, Askar has provided multiple charts to give insight into the remarkable clarity delivered by this refractor. One of these graphs, the modulation transfer function (MTF) graph, denotes a quantitative description of the light percentage that passes through the lens. The vertical axis represents the MTF light transmission, with a maximum value of 1.0 indicating perfect light transmission. The horizontal axis is representative of the distance from the center to the edge of the frame. When tested with low frequencies (blue lines), the MTF values reached an incredible >0.9, showing the high resolution and sharpness provided by this SQA106. The Relative Illumination (RI) graph displays the illumination value from the center to the edges of the frame. The Askar SQA106 ensures an illumination of over 90% across a 44 mm imaging field, and even a 75% illumination over a 55 mm imaging field. This means vignetting is well in-check, and more detail can be collected across large imaging sensors.
Robust Dual-Speed Focuser
To help you find precise focus in a snap, the Askar SQA106 includes a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser. The larger dial is perfect for first finding rough focus, then the smaller dial helps you zero in on the fine details. The barrel is CNC machined to provide high durability, and the internal anti-reflective design and matte paint eliminates stray light and internal reflections. This helps preserve the quality of your astroimages, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your imaging sessions. The focusing travel is 30 mm, and the focusing tube is engraved with high precision scales to help you quickly return to any focusing position. Want to pair your electronic autofocuser with this Askar SQA106? Not a problem! Compatible with most electronic autofocusers on the market today, enjoy automatic, hands-free focusing.
Everything You Need Right Out of the Box!
Askar has set you up for success with the numerous accessories included within this package. The 300 mm (11.8”) Losmandy-style dovetail is compatible with a wide variety of equatorial mounts on the market today, and provides ample length to make balancing a breeze. Holding this Askar refractor in place is the integrated tube ring. This tube ring includes enlarged hand screws to easily mount or dismount your refractor, and features both M6 and M4 threaded holes on both sides for accessory attachment. At the top of this tube ring, you’ll find a slotted finder base that is perfect for mounting a guidescope, a camera control device, or other equipment within your imaging assembly. Two finder bases also come included for even more accessory mounting options. The M68, M54, and M48 adapters make attaching your imaging train effortless, and the soft carrying case keeps your SQA106 protected when not in use. On the SQA106 itself, a 360° rotator helps you find the perfect framing. Also, the retractable dew shield effectively protects against stray light from entering your optics while also providing an effective method of preventing dew.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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| Telescope Mount Buying Guide |
| No Fuss Astrophotography Telescopes for Beginners |