Askar SQA106 - 106 mm f/4.8 Super Quintuplet Astrograph - SQA106

Askar SQA106 Petzval Astrograph - 106 mm f/4.8

Shipping Notice:  The manufacturer estimates a first ship date of December 30th.  We do not know how many units will be included in this shipment, but if you are interested, placing a Pre-Order ASAP is suggested.  We will update shipment information here as it is provided by Askar.  Thanks.

The Askar SQA106 is an air-spaced quintuplet Petzval refractor OTA with an aperture of 106mm, a focal length of 509mm, and a native focal ratio of F4.8. The lens structure used in this 4" astrograph provides beautiful contrast, color rendition and sharpness but is self-flattening as well.  There is need to add separate flatteners and you will not be required to calculate a specific back focus, making this telescope easier to use during astrophotography sessions. While 55 mm is recommended, the SQA106 offers a connection distance of between 48 mm and 78 mm, allowing you the flexibility to start shooting after you've focused the OTA.

The SQA106 adopts a quintuplet air-spaced design, including 2 pieces of SD glass. It produces a 44 mm image circle while supporting up to 55 mm (medium format). 

The SQA106 OTA, which is CNC-machined, sports a 2.8" rack and pinion dual-speed focuser with both fine and coarse adjustments that can be adjusted independently. The coarse adjustment is engraved with a reference scale for focusing distance in both imperial and metric markings. In daily photography, focusing can be adjusted according to the focusing scale. Focus travel on the SQA106 is 30 mm. 

For astrophotography, the coarse adjustment can be rotated to the infinity mark for focusing, and there is still a certain amount of leeway after the infinity mark.  Coarse adjustment is also designed with a locking screw for individual adjustments.

This focuser is compatible with several motorized focusers on the market, such as the EAF.  

The SQA106 lens tube and 360° rotator both have independent locking screws. For daily shooting, the whole body can be rotated. For astrophotography, the high-precision rotator can be rotated independently, while the rotator is engraved with a scale, which is convenient for adjusting and saving the angle.

Dual finder bases come attached to the top of the focuser, allowing easy changing of the position of the finder scope if needed while also offering an additional base for mounting other astronomical accessories.

M48, M54 & M68 multi-functional quick-release adapters attach to the 78 mm adapter on the rear of the lens tube to connect various accessories for photography and astrophotography.

The dew shield is a retractable design that can be pulled out to protect the lens from glancing blows of light that lower contrast.  Just slide it back into place when not in use.

The top of the multi-functional tube ring (shown in above photo) features a finder scope base slot, although the finder scope itself is sold separately. A variety of astronomical accessories can be mounted on the the tube ring for lots of versatility. It has a quick-release design and can be both installed and removed without the need for any additional tools.  An actual carry handle is available as an optional accessory should you want something that stands further away from the tube rings.

A Losmandy-style 300 mm dovetail plate is included and has lots of attachment holes to connect to your mount.

SQA106 Specifications

• Aperture: 106 mm

• Focal length: 509mm

• Focal ratio: f/4.8

• Format Specifications:  44 mm, upgrade to medium format (55 mm)

• Focusing Mode:  Manual, but supports optional electronic focusers

• Objective lens: Quintuplet air-spaced Petzval APO

• Total length: 516mm with dew shield contracted; 586mm with dew shield extended

• OTA weight: 5.82kg

• Total weight with tube ring & dovetail: 8.12kg

• Rear-end adapter: M48/M54/M68

• What's in the Box: SQA106 with tube ring, dovetail & adapters installed, Oxford cloth case