Askar SQA60 Pro 60mm f/4.6 Sextuplet APO

The Askar SQA60 Pro: A 60mm Astrograph for Demanding Imagers

The Askar SQA60 Pro is engineered as a dedicated, wide-field astrograph for imagers who want a corrected field out of the box. Its integrated design removes the complexity of matching separate flatteners and reducers, presenting a single, optimized instrument for capturing vast nebulae and dense star fields. It is built for portability and ease of use, pairing a fast f/4.6 optical system with robust, imaging-focused mechanics.

The SQA60 Pro is an astrograph with super fine star performance and excellent full-field illumination. Its Petzval structure means there is no back focus to calculate: between 41mm and 66mm connection distance, you can start shooting as soon as the OTA is in focus.

Sextuplet Petzval Optics: A 44mm Flat Field with 2 SD Glass Elements

The optical core of the SQA60 Pro is a six-element, air-spaced Petzval apochromat. This sophisticated design corrects for field curvature and chromatic aberration internally, using two Super-low Dispersion (SD) glass elements to bring all colors of light to a single, sharp focal point. The result is super fine star performance with excellent full-field illumination.

Unlike simpler doublet or triplet refractors that require an external flattener, the SQA60 Pro's sextuplet configuration is a unified system. This eliminates potential sources of tilt or spacing error between the objective and corrector, so there is no corrector spacing to set.

60mm Aperture at f/4.6: Wide Fields and Short Exposures

The combination of a 60mm aperture and a 276mm focal length provides an immense field of view, capable of framing large celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the entire Veil Nebula complex in a single exposure with a full-frame sensor. This wide perspective is essential for capturing the grand scale of the Milky Way's star-forming regions.

The fast f/4.6 focal ratio gathers light significantly quicker than typical f/6 or f/7 refractors. This reduces the required sub-exposure time for each frame, which minimizes the impact of tracking errors, passing satellites, and changing atmospheric conditions. You can build up a deep, high-signal image in a fraction of the time, making the most of every clear night.

The 44mm Image Circle: Full-Frame Correction Without a Flattener

The SQA60 Pro supports full-frame imaging with a 44mm image circle, which covers a full-frame (36x24mm) sensor. Its full-field illumination is excellent.

Because the Petzval design corrects for field curvature internally, there is no need to purchase or configure a separate field flattener. This simplifies your imaging train.

A 41-66mm Back Focus Range: Integrating Your Imaging Train

The SQA60 Pro provides a flexible back focus distance that accommodates a wide variety of imaging equipment. The telescope terminates in an M48 adapter, and the optimal focal plane lies within a range of 41mm to 66mm from this adapter's threads. This generous range allows for the easy insertion of filter wheels, filter drawers, and off-axis guiders into your imaging train.

The recommended connection length is 55mm; the wider range gives room for more complex imaging trains.

Dual-Speed Focuser: 25mm of Travel with 360° Rotation

Critical focus is achieved with a high-precision, dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser. The coarse adjustment knob allows for rapid changes, while the fine-focus knob provides the delicate control needed to fine-tune focus. The focuser drawtube has 25mm of travel, marked with a finely engraved scale for repeatable focus positions.

For framing, the focuser has a 360-degree rotator with a locking screw. The focuser is compatible with most electronic focuser upgrades, and finder bases on both sides of the focuser let you move the finder or mount other accessories without any disassembly.

Imaging Train Configuration: Cameras, Guiders, and Filters

The SQA60 Pro offers multiple options for filter integration. The rear M48 adapter includes a built-in M48x0.75 thread for mounting standard 2-inch filters directly behind the optical train. Additionally, the front has a built-in 82mm filter thread, compatible with most photographic filters on the market.

The 44mm image circle also covers smaller APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors. The generous back focus makes it easy to add accessories like an off-axis guider (OAG) for precise tracking on long exposures or a filter drawer for quick changes between narrowband and LRGB filters.

Robust Build: A 283mm Tube with Integrated Dew Shield and Finder Bases

The entire optical tube is CNC-machined for precision and durability, measuring a compact 283mm in total length. A fixed lens hood reliably shields the optics from stray light. Askar finishes the tube with a fine oxidized coating and matte anti-reflection paint. The tube rings carry a multi-function finder slot on the top carry handle; their stepped side must face the focuser end.

• Dual Finder Bases: Finder bases are located on both sides of the focuser, allowing you to mount a finder scope or guide scope on either side without disassembly.
• Multi-Function Handle: The top of the tube rings features a carry handle with a multi-function finder slot, providing another attachment point for accessories.
• Precision Rings: The tube rings have a stepped internal structure to ensure a secure grip on the optical tube.

Mounting the SQA60 Pro: 3.54kg Gross Weight and a 290mm Dovetail

Weighing only 2.79kg for the bare optical tube and 3.54kg with its rings and dovetail plate, the SQA60 Pro is exceptionally lightweight. This makes it an ideal partner for portable equatorial tracking mounts, allowing you to build a powerful wide-field imaging setup that is easy to transport and set up at a dark sky site.

The telescope includes a 290mm long Vixen-style dovetail plate. It is a standard Vixen-style plate for easy, tool-free attachment and removal. Its length gives room to slide the telescope forward or backward for balance.

First Night Out: Setting Up the SQA60 Pro for Imaging

Getting started with the SQA60 Pro is straightforward. First, attach the included 290mm Vixen dovetail plate to your equatorial mount and balance the telescope with your full imaging train attached. Next, connect your camera, ensuring the sensor is at the recommended 55mm back focus distance from the M48 adapter threads.

Use a bright star and a Bahtinov mask to achieve critical focus with the dual-speed focuser. Once focused, you can use the 360-degree rotator to frame your target perfectly. Because the optical correction is built-in, there are no extra flatteners to adjust, allowing you to begin capturing deep-sky images immediately.