The Askar SQA55: a no-fuss, full-frame quintuplet astrophotography refractor that doubles as a powerful f/4.8 264mm telephoto lens. Whether you're an astrophotographer looking to capture vast nebular complexes or a wildlife enthusiast eager to photograph stunning details in nature, the SQA55 is a new type of refractor/camera lens that may be the first to introduce you to both fields of photography. With features like manual aperture adjustment, quick-release mounts, and both fine and coarse helical focusers, the SQA55 is unlike any scope we have tested here at High Point. In the article below, we will highlight our entire experience.
The Askar SQA55 is built for versatility. Let's break down its features:
- Full-Frame System: The Askar SQA55 comes with a 55mm objective diameter and a 264mm focal length. The SQA55 delivers an ultra-wide field of view, ideal for capturing entire nebular complexes like the Sadr Region, the North American Nebula, and the entire Veil nebula. Wildlife photographers will also appreciate the 264mm focal length as it opens up an entire realm of photography you may have not yet been exposed to.
- Adjustable Aperture: The adjustable aperture is what sets this scope apart from other refractors with a helical focuser. The SQA55's aperture ranges from a wide-open f/4.8 to f/22, providing flexibility in both astrophotography and wildlife photography. Shooting at f/4.8 during the day ensures a very smooth, bokeh effect to your photographs while the subject remains tack sharp.
- Dual Focus Rings: Featuring both fine and coarse focus rings, the SQA55 allows precise manual focusing. The fine focus ring is ideal for achieving pin-point stars during astrophotography, while the coarse focus is more suited to quick adjustments for handheld wildlife shots.
- Filter Compatibility: The SQA55 comes equipped with 2” filter threads for astrophotography, perfect for attaching a dual narrowband filter, as well as 67mm threads on the objective for daytime photography. The latter allows wildlife photographers to use ND filters, allowing you to still shoot wide open in the brightest conditions.
- EAF Compatible: With the optional EAF kit and its easy-to-follow instructions, you can attach your electronic autofocuser to the SQA’s coarse focus adjustment ring for the most precise focus possible.
- Quick Release Mounts: The two quick release mounts make switching from astrophotography to daytime photography extremely simple. Simply install the included vixen-style dovetail the mount on the bottom of the scope for astrophotography, and once your imaging session is over, release the dovetail and mount from the scope and install the other quick release mount for wildlife photography from your photographic tripod. Leave both mounts unattached for a handheld experience.
Performance Breakdown: Astrophotography vs. Wildlife Photography
To truly showcase the capabilities of the Askar SQA55, we tested it from two perspectives: that of an astrophotographer and that of a wildlife photographer.
Astrophotography Perspective
We enlisted the expertise of Cierra, an astrophotography specialist here at High Point, to test the SQA55. Cierra captured stunning data of the Sadr Region in the constellation Cygnus, showcasing the Crescent Nebula. With an APS-C sized sensor, the SQA55 performed exceptionally well, with no noticeable loss in star quality, even when shooting wide open at f/4.8. Cierra took test shots at f/4.8, f/5.16, and f/5.5. From her experience and my own, we recommend shooting wide open when doing astrophotography.
Wildlife Photography Perspective
We found the SQA55 equally suited for daytime wildlife photography. It feels very sturdy and robust when shooting handheld but not cumbersome in its weight. It was especially nice to switch from shooting on a tripod and then shooting handheld by using the quick release mount. The focus adjustment is smooth and intuitive. It doesn't feel mechanical or “too smooth” either. It has some tension to it which helps to prevent overestimating your precise focus point. While my backyard isn’t an oasis of wildlife, I found it very enjoyable to walk around and photograph some wildflowers that grow on the property. They were nice and sharp at f/4.8, and the background presented a classic but exceptional bokeh effect.
Ultimately, we found that the Askar SQA55’s combination of full-frame performance, adjustable aperture, and dual focusing rings renders itself useful for both cloudy and clear skies, sure to satisfy astrophotographers and wildlife photographers alike.
Learn More
Interested in diving deeper into the world of astronomy? Check out our Astronomy Hub for a wealth of articles, guides, local resources for planetariums and observatories near you, and more to enhance your stargazing experience.
