{"product_id":"askar-sqa106-106mm-f-4-8-quintuplet-apo","title":"Askar SQA106 106mm f\/4.8 Quintuplet APO","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e106mm Aperture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/4.8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e509mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuintuplet Petzval APO Optical Design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e55mm Image Circle for Medium Format\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAskar SQA106 106mm f\/4.8 Quintuplet APO\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar SQA106 combines a 106mm aperture with a fast f\/4.8 focal ratio, delivering a 509mm focal length ideal for wide-field astrophotography. Its integrated five-element Petzval design, which includes two SD glass elements, produces a corrected 55mm image circle for medium format sensors without requiring a separate flattener. With a gross weight of 8.12kg including its tube rings and dovetail, this Quintuplet APO provides a complete, flat-field imaging solution right out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA 106mm f\/4.8 Quintuplet APO with 2 SD Elements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the SQA106 is its self-flattening Quintuplet Petzval optical system. This five-element design incorporates two pieces of SD (Super ED) glass to achieve apochromatic color correction, suppressing chromatic aberration for high-contrast images with sharp, color-pure stars. The f\/4.8 focal ratio gathers significant light, reducing required exposure times on faint deep-sky objects like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Heart Nebula (IC 1805).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e55mm Illumination for Medium Format Sensors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered for large-format imaging, the Askar SQA106 produces a corrected 55mm image circle. This not only covers standard 44mm full-frame sensors with excellent illumination to the corners but is also large enough for many medium format CMOS and CCD cameras. This capability ensures your investment is future-proof as sensor sizes continue to grow, eliminating concerns about vignetting and field curvature on today's largest amateur sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e8.12kg Gross Weight and Imaging-Ready Adapters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SQA106 is built for serious imaging. The optical tube alone weighs 5.82kg, and the complete assembly with tube rings and dovetail plate comes to 8.12kg, requiring a mid-range equatorial mount for stable tracking. The rear of the focuser includes M68, M54, and M48 adapters, providing direct, threaded connections for a wide range of cameras and filter wheels. A flexible back focus range from 48mm to 78mm, with a recommended distance of 55mm, accommodates various imaging train configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSQA106 Petzval Design vs. Triplet + Flattener Systems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike conventional triplet refractors that require a separate, carefully spaced field flattener, the SQA106's Petzval design has the correction elements built directly into the main optical tube. This offers a significant advantage in simplicity and reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuaranteed Flat Field:\u003c\/strong\u003e There is no guesswork involved in achieving the correct flattener-to-sensor spacing. The SQA106 is designed to be perfectly flat at its native focal plane.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduced Connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e An integrated design means fewer potential points of flexure or tilt in your imaging train compared to adding an external corrector.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrade-off:\u003c\/strong\u003e The primary trade-off is a lack of modularity. While a triplet can be used with different reducers or flatteners, the SQA106 is optimized for one specific focal length and image circle. For imagers seeking a dedicated, hassle-free wide-field instrument, the SQA106's integrated approach is superior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat type of equatorial mount is required for the Askar SQA106?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a gross weight of \u003cstrong\u003e8.12kg\u003c\/strong\u003e for the OTA, rings, and dovetail, plus the weight of your camera and guide scope, the total imaging payload will likely be around 10-12kg. A mount with a payload capacity of at least 18kg (40 lbs), such as a Celestron CGEM II or Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, is recommended for stable, long-exposure astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the Askar SQA106 need a separate field flattener?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The SQA106 features a \u003cstrong\u003eQuintuplet Petzval APO\u003c\/strong\u003e optical design, which has the field-flattening elements built directly into the telescope. This provides a corrected, flat field across its 55mm image circle without any additional accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I set the correct back focus for my camera with the SQA106?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar SQA106 supports a back focus range from 48mm to 78mm from the base of the M48 adapter threads. The \u003cstrong\u003erecommended back focus is 55mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is standard for most DSLRs with a T-ring and many dedicated astronomy cameras. Simply add spacers as needed to place your camera's sensor at this distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the advantage of the SQA106's 55mm image circle for a full-frame (44mm) camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing a sensor smaller than the maximum corrected image circle provides significant benefits. With a \u003cstrong\u003e44mm full-frame sensor\u003c\/strong\u003e inside the SQA106's \u003cstrong\u003e55mm image circle\u003c\/strong\u003e, you are imaging with the best-corrected central part of the field. This results in tighter star shapes, more even illumination, and minimal optical aberrations at the extreme corners of your images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the Askar SQA106 perform on a large target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SQA106 is exceptionally well-suited for targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). At a \u003cstrong\u003e509mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e, it can frame the entire galaxy, including its faint outer arms, on a full-frame sensor. The fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4.8 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e will help capture the faint dust lanes and star-forming regions with shorter total integration time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does \"Quintuplet APO with two SD glass elements\" mean for my images?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis describes the optical design. \u003cstrong\u003e\"Quintuplet\"\u003c\/strong\u003e means there are five lenses. \u003cstrong\u003e\"APO\" (Apochromatic)\u003c\/strong\u003e means it's highly corrected for color fringing. The \u003cstrong\u003e\"two SD glass elements\"\u003c\/strong\u003e are the specific type of low-dispersion glass used to achieve that color correction. The result is high-contrast images with sharp, natural-colored stars without distracting purple or blue halos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e106mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e509mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/4.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuintuplet Petzval APO (2x SD Glass)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Circle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e55mm (Medium Format), covers 44mm (Full Frame)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack Focus Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48mm - 78mm (55mm Recommended)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRear Adapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM48, M54, M68\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOTA Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.82 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGross Weight (with rings)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.12 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e516mm (Retracted) \/ 586mm (Extended)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAskar SQA106 OTA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eOxford Cloth Case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar_SQA106_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sharpstar-optics.com\/download_list_1\/7.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/askar-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAskar 1-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49344703267101,"sku":"ASK-SQA106","price":3395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/dfd18ed2-7af7-44b1-a8f8-aaaaa1b22ac6.png?v=1730997970","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/askar-sqa106-106mm-f-4-8-quintuplet-apo","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}