The Askar SQA85 has earned its reputation as a workhorse in the SQA series. With an 85mm aperture, 408mm focal length, and the signature f/4.8 speed, it delivers the kind of light-gathering performance that makes a real difference on faint targets while remaining manageable for field use.
Moving up from the SQA70's dual ED glass, the SQA85 features a quintuplet Petzval APO design with two pieces of SD (Super-Low Dispersion) glass. This premium optical formula provides even better chromatic aberration correction, producing clean, color-free star images across the full-frame field. The inherently flat field design eliminates the need for additional correctors.
The SQA85's 408mm focal length hits a sweet spot for many popular targets. It frames the great nebulae of Orion, Cygnus, and Sagittarius beautifully while providing enough reach for galaxy groups and smaller nebulae. The fast f/4.8 focal ratio keeps exposure times efficient, letting you capture more data per session.
A generous back focus range of 40-70mm (55mm recommended) accommodates complex imaging trains including filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and rotators. The included M48/M54/M68 adapters provide connection options for virtually any camera system.
At 3.64kg for the OTA (4.62kg with tube ring and dovetail), the SQA85 remains portable enough for dark site expeditions. The retractable dew shield reduces packed length from 439mm to 403mm, and the included Oxford cloth case provides protection during transport.
For astrophotographers seeking more aperture without excessive weight, the SQA85 represents an excellent balance of capability and practicality.