ASKAR SQA55 f/4.8 APO QUINTUPLET

The Askar SQA55 is an apochromatic quintuplet flat-field astrograph that offers high performance thanks to its air-spaced SD and ED lens design. The SQA55 features a variable aperture from f/4.8 to f/22, but with far higher image quality than typical camera lenses.

Thanks to its Petzval design, you don't need to worry about reaching a precise backfocus distance. As long as you're in focus, you're good to go. Both the front of the lens and rear camera section are rotatable by 360 degrees. For daily shooting, the front section can be completely rotated to adjust framing. The rear high-precision rotator is engraved with a micrometric scale, making repeatable framing for astronomical targets straightforward.

The SQA55 is a versatile instrument and excels not just at astrophotography, but as a terrestrial camera lens. Its dual-speed helical focusing rings allow independent adjustment of course and fine focus, with a precision of ±1mm. The coarse adjustment is engraved with a reference scale for focusing distance in both metric and imperial units. For astrophotography, the coarse adjustment ring is equipped with MXL-type timing teeth, allowing you to mount an electronic focuser with an additional timing belt (sold separately).

Four multifunctional quick-release brackets on the rear of the lens tube allow you to connect various accessories and easily reposition the finder saddle handlebar. The included tripod foot has both 1/4" and 3/8" holes for attaching the scope to standard photographic tripods. The 200mm Vixen-style dovetail plate gives you plenty of room to balance the scope with typical imaging trains.

The front of the lens features an M67 filter thread for use with common photography filters. A built-in M48 x 0.75 thread on the rear of the scope allows you to mount standard 2" astronomical filters without the need for a filter drawer.

The OTA itself weighs just 1.84kg (2.18kg with handle and dovetail bar) and has an overall length of 244mm with the dew shield reversed, making it easy to transport. A durable water resistant resin case with EVA foam interior keeps the telescope safe and has plenty of space for additional accessories.

Specifications

 Items included

• SQA55 OTA
  
• Resin hardcase
  
• 200mm Vixen bar
  
• Finder saddle handlebar
• Manual
  

Downloads

Instruction manual

Gallery