Astrographe Super Apo Askar SQA106

SQA106: The Big Sister of SQA85

The SQA106 is the big sister of the SQA85. Sharing most of the same technical features, the 106 nonetheless stands out in certain respects, which can make all the difference when it comes to deep-sky astrophotography! Of course, the hallmark of the SQA series (SQA85 and 106) is exceptional astrophotography performance. This is made possible by its air-spaced Petzval quintuplet design, including two SD* glass elements. The central star spot has an RMS radius of less than 1.7 µm, and the one in the corners is just 2.2 µm (at 55mm from the center), offering extremely fine resolution. The optics also ensure homogeneous full illumination and high-quality MTF data. Measurable data (spot diagram, field illumination and MTF data) objectively attest to the extreme quality of these optics, far surpassing the optical quality of similar competing brands.

Petzval structure

The self-planing design of the SQA106 enables it to cover a 44 mm full-frame image circle, without the need for additional flatteners or additional back-focus calculations. With a connection distance between 48 mm and 78 mm, you'll be able to use the telescope straight away, without having to worry about any far-fetched backfocus calculations. Technically, all you need to do is focus! This is not the case with standard scopes which, even when you manage to focus in the center of the image, can show distortions at the edge of the field (this being due to the corrector). Here, there's no need to add a corrector! The first mechanical difference with the SQA85 is therefore apparent. The 85 requires a backfocus of between 40 and 70 mm, whereas in the 106 we have a little more room (between 48 mm and 78 mm)! Depending on your optical train, this can be important.

Retractable mist guard

The lens hood is designed to be retractable, deploying easily in use. It protects the lens from external and internal light intrusion, while guarding against damage and fogging.

Integrated Tube Clamp

Large screws allow the clamp to be opened and closed without additional tools. Six M4 and M6 threaded holes on each side of the clamp facilitate installation of the base or a dovetail plate and connection of various accessories. The collar's lightweight structure, with an optional top handle, includes a slot for astronomical accessories. Finder bases are fitted on both sides of the focuse, eliminating the need to dismantle them when repositioning the finder and providing additional slots for other accessories.

300 mm Vixen dovetail plate

The plate supplied with the scope is in standard format. It's easy to install and dismantle when needed.

Diversified Applications for Photography

The SQA85 can be connected to an astronomical camera for astrophotography, or to a mirror-less or SLR camera for other types of photography.

360° rotator

The rear of the jib is equipped with a high-precision 360° rotator with a precision scale, enabling the angle of rotation to be set and memorized. A large locking screw secures it even under heavy loads.

Rigid and Large Format Double Speed Focusser

The 2.8" rack and pinion jib is compatible with the majority of motorized jibs on the market. The travel is 32 mm, and high-precision graduations are engraved on the tube. Fully CNC-machined, with an anti-reflective interior design and matte paint, it minimizes stray light.

Rear End Adapters

The SQA106 is equipped with a variety of adapters, all ribbed and toothed for easy rotation without slipping. Available in M68, M54 and M48 sizes, they can be used to attach various accessories, such as full-frame cameras.

High-quality machining

The entire SQA85 tube is manufactured using high-quality CNC machining with anodized treatments and spray paint. The handle and focuser feature exclusive nameplates, testifying to high-end quality.

Optional Metal Handle (85 mm) and Optional Raising Section

An 85 mm metal handle can be purchased separately for simplified use. A 20 mm metal riser section, also optional, reduces the risk of collision damage during equatorial mounting operations and provides more space under the OTA for various connection devices.

Optical Path and Performance Graphics

The SQA85 adopts an air-spaced quintuplet lens design, with two SD glass elements. The term "SD glass" stands for "Super Dispersion" and designates a type of optical glass with very low dispersion, used to reduce chromatic aberrations and obtain sharper images with more punctual stars.

• MTF chart : The SQA106 maintains an MTF greater than 0.9 even at low frequencies (10 LP/mm) at the edge of the frame, ensuring clear, sharp stars without loss of contrast.
• Relative Illumination (IR) : Approx. 85% at the frame edge, guaranteeing uniform, vignetting-free illumination.
• Point diagram : The central point has an RMS radius of less than 1.7 µm, while at the edge it reaches less than 2.2 µm, offering remarkable sharpness.
• ZYGO diagram : ZYGO tests confirm excellent star spot quality, even at the most demanding levels of optical control.

Comparison SQA85 vs SQA106

• Diameter and focal length : The SQA85 has a diameter of 85 mm for a focal length of 408 mm, while the SQA106, with a diameter of 106 mm, offers a focal length of 509 mm. At equivalent f/D ratios (f/4.8 for both), the larger diameter of the SQA106 allows a longer focal length, improving sampling and enabling finer details to be captured without loss of light acquisition speed.
• Cercle d'Image : The SQA85 covers an image circle of 44 mm, ideal for full-frame sensors, while the SQA106 can be optimized for medium-format sensors up to 55 mm, offering greater flexibility for wide-sensor cameras.
• Weight and dimensions : The SQA85 is lighter and more compact (total weight 4.62 kg), ideal for itinerant observations, while the bulkier SQA106 weighs 8.12 kg. Both are nonetheless highly transportable in the field.