The Askar SQA55 stands apart in the SQA lineup as a true dual-purpose instrument. While its siblings focus exclusively on astrophotography, the SQA55 bridges the gap between night sky imaging and daytime photography thanks to its 14-blade adjustable iris diaphragm.
At the heart of the SQA55 lies a sophisticated quintuplet Petzval optical design incorporating both SD and ED glass elements. This combination delivers excellent chromatic aberration correction while maintaining a natively flat 44mm full-frame image circle. There's no need for an additional field flattener - the optical formula takes care of everything, simplifying your imaging train and keeping your setup compact.
When darkness falls, the SQA55 operates at its native f/4.8 focal ratio, gathering light efficiently for wide-field astrophotography. The 264mm focal length paired with the full-frame image circle makes it ideal for capturing large nebula complexes, molecular clouds, and stunning Milky Way vistas.
During the day, the 14-blade iris lets you stop down to f/22, producing beautiful circular bokeh for portrait and nature photography. With a closest focus distance of just 5 meters, the SQA55 handles terrestrial subjects with the same optical precision it brings to the cosmos.
Weighing just 1.84kg for the OTA alone (2.18kg with handle and dovetail), the SQA55 is remarkably portable. The included military-grade waterproof carrying case protects your investment during transport to dark sites or outdoor photography locations. The retractable dew shield further reduces the overall footprint when packed.
The M67 front filter thread accepts standard 67mm filters, while the rear M48x0.75 connection with built-in filter thread provides flexibility for imaging setups. The supported back focus range of 50-60mm (55mm recommended) ensures compatibility with popular astronomy cameras.