How does the Askar SQA130's 55mm image circle handle large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a full-frame camera?
The 55mm image circle of the Askar SQA130 is significantly larger than the 44mm diagonal of a full-frame sensor. This means when imaging a vast object like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), you will have perfectly sharp, unvignetted stars from one corner of your sensor to the other, capturing the full extent of the galaxy's spiral arms and dust lanes in a single frame.
What kind of mount is required to properly support the 11.76kg gross weight of the Askar SQA130?
To ensure stable, precise tracking for long-exposure astrophotography, a mount with a payload capacity of at least 20kg (44 lbs) is recommended for the 11.76kg Askar SQA130. This typically corresponds to mounts in the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, iOptron CEM40/GEM45, or a higher capacity class.
Do I need to buy a separate field flattener for the Askar SQA130?
No. The quintuplet Petzval optical design of the Askar SQA130 has the field-flattening elements built directly into the optical tube. It is designed to produce a flat field across its 55mm image circle without any additional correctors.
What is the benefit of the quintuplet Petzval design in the Askar SQA130?
The primary benefit is simplicity and optical optimization. A Petzval design provides a wide, flat, and highly corrected field of view in a self-contained system. This means you don't have to worry about calculating the correct spacing for a separate flattener, which eliminates a common source of error and frustration in astrophotography.
How do I connect my camera to the Askar SQA130 to achieve the correct 55mm back focus?
The Askar SQA130 includes M68, M54, and M48 adapters. You simply choose the adapter that matches your camera or filter wheel threads and add standard spacers (not included) to achieve the 55mm recommended distance from the adapter's flange to your camera sensor. The system allows a total range of 46mm to 76mm for flexibility.
What is the purpose of the two SD glass elements in the SQA130's objective lens?
The two pieces of SD (Super-low Dispersion) glass are used to minimize chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing. This ensures that stars of different colors come to the same sharp focus, resulting in higher contrast, tighter star points, and no distracting purple halos around bright stars.
