Askar SQA130 f/4.8 Super Quintuplet Astrograph -SQA130

Exceptional Optics for Top-Tier Images. The Askar SQA130!

This astrophotography powerhouse takes the Askar SQA series to the next level, delivering serious light gathering power for pristine images. Five internal lenses, two of which are premium super-low dispersion (SD) glass, corrects the incoming light with extreme precision, providing tack-sharp stars across medium format sensors. Sleek, thoughtfully crafted, and powerful in performance, the Askar SQA130 refractor packs a punch!

As a quintuplet refractor, the Askar SQA130 is the prime option for astrophotographers seeking advanced optical performance. Just over 5” (130 mm) of light gathering power soaks in the photons, and the fast f/4.8 focal ratio ensures a quick turnaround. Ultra-sharp detail is yours for the taking thanks to this optical design, and with a host of added extras, Askar sets you up for success! Within the box you’ll find necessities like a robust tube ring, Losmandy dovetail plate, an Oxford cloth carrying case, and plenty more. Multiple portions of this robust telescope are crafted with high quality CNC machining, and the anodized body and signature SQA grey finish provide a stylish look for your astroimaging rig.

Unlock Full Frame, Flat Field Imaging With This Quintuplet Petzval Astrograph

As a quintuplet refractor, five lens elements are meticulously aligned to focus the incoming light with extreme precision. Two of these optical elements are composed of super-low dispersion (SD) glass, a top-tier medium for eliminating chromatic aberration. The result? Peak image sharpness and super-fine pinpoint stars. When referring to the spot diagram, the Askar SQA130 presents an RMS radius of less than 2 um, and the star point at 55 mm is less than 2.4 um. This level of clarity opens the doors to advanced resolution of detail, impressing even the most detail-driven astrophotographers. Another key benefit of this Petzval refractor is the inherent flat field, meaning the stars from corner to corner will be sharp without the need for an additional field flattener. This performance can be expected across some of today’s largest sensors on the market. Enjoy capturing brilliant, wide-field scenes with your medium-format camera without the worry of star distortion around the edges! The icing on the cake? Backspacing calculations are not necessary thanks to the Petzval optical design. As long as your imaging train can reach focus, the entirety of your field of view will be in focus as well.

A High-Performance Refractor Built for Astrophotography

Delivering striking images of the cosmos, the Askar SQA130 is the perfect choice for those seeking extreme precision and light gathering power. Askar includes a host of features and added extras with this refractor, read on as we take a deeper dive below!

Designed with Astrophotography in Mind
When it comes to objects available for capture, the Askar SQA130 opens the doors to near boundless imaging possibilities. The 624 mm focal length is great for getting up-close and personal with deep sky objects like the Trapezium Cluster, the Eagle Nebula, the North American Nebula, and plenty more. When paired with a medium-format or full-frame sensor, be stunned by the outstanding level of detail captured within a singular image! Capture the entirety of the Andromeda Galaxy or fill the frame with the Orion Nebula. Featuring a fast focal ratio of f/4.8, collect a copious amount of photons in little time. Askar includes three rear-end adapters (M68, M54, and M48) with this SQA130 for your convenience.

Data-Driven Precision
Quality-ensured, the Askar SQA130 demonstrates outstanding optical precision. The modulation transfer function (MTF) quantifies the overall clarity of an image on a scale of 0 to 1.0, with the horizontal axis representing 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, displaying the exceptional clarity delivered by this SQA130. The Relative Illumination (RI) graph displays the illumination value from the center to the edges of the frame. Even near the corners, the illumination is over 95% across a 44 mm image circle, and over 85% across a 55 mm image circle. This means vignetting is well in-check for peak image brightness!

Robust Dual-Speed 3.2" Focuser
The onboard Rack & Pinion focuser helps you achieve perfect focus with ease! Dual-speed in design, first find rough focus with the larger dial, then sharpen-up your image with the smaller, more precise knob. The entire focuser barrel is CNC machined for pinpoint accuracy when focusing, and the substantial 3.2” size provides a solid platform for your imaging train. Inside of the barrel, anti-reflective finishes and matte paint work together to eliminate stray light from hitting your sensor. This focuser features a 30 mm focus travel and comes furnished with an engraved high-precision scale for accurate and repeatable results.

Everything You Need Right Out of the Box!
Numerous accessories come standard within the package to help you get out and imaging in no time. Upon receiving your Askar SQA130, you’ll find mounting hardware like a 300 mm Losmandy dovetail bar and a sturdy tube ring. This tube ring is fitted with oversized, easy-grip thumbscrews and a convenient accessory slot for mounting a guidescope, a camera control device, or other equipment within your astroimaging 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 SQA130 protected when not in use. Built into the telescope itself is a 360° rotator to assist you with finding the perfect framing. Once you have found optimal framing, lock in your camera’s orientation with the handy locking thumb screw.

SPECS:

Specifications