Askar Apochromatic refractor AP 130/624 SQA130 (88338)

The SQA (Super Quintuplet Astrograph) is an apochromatic refractor specifically optimized for astrophotography. It employs a Petzval optical design consisting of five lenses arranged in two separate groups, delivering a flat, well-corrected image field without the need for additional optical accessories.

Optical design and image correction
The front lens group consists of three lenses, two of which are made from SD (Super Dispersion) glass. This configuration significantly reduces chromatic aberration while ensuring high resolution and excellent color fidelity. Carefully defined air gaps between the lenses further enhance optical performance.

The rear lens group is a two-element doublet that acts as an integrated field corrector. It compensates for the natural field curvature typical of refractor telescopes, producing a fully flat image field. Thanks to this built-in correction, no external field flattener is required.

This classic Petzval configuration allows the front triplet to define image sharpness and color correction, while the rear doublet ensures edge-to-edge flatness across the sensor.

Precision focuser and mechanical features
The telescope is equipped with a high-sensitivity focuser featuring a reduction gear for precise focusing. An integrated rotator allows the camera sensor to be rotated easily, enabling optimal framing of the target. Two finder bases are mounted directly on the focuser, providing attachment points for guide scopes, control units, or other accessories.

Flexible camera connections
Adapters in M48, M54, and M68 sizes provide versatile connection options for a wide range of cameras and imaging setups. Supported back focus distances range from 46 to 76 mm, with 55 mm recommended, as this has become the standard for most astrophotography cameras.

Practical design for transport and field use
The extendable dew shield reduces the overall transport length while also providing effective protection against stray light. The solid metal tube construction includes internal baffles to further suppress unwanted reflections.

Optical specifications

• Type: Refractor

• Optical design: Apochromat, Petzval system

• Aperture: 130 mm

• Focal length: 624 mm

• Focal ratio: f/4.8

• Resolving power: 1.06 arcseconds

• Limiting magnitude: 12.4

• Light-gathering power: 340×

• Maximum useful magnification: 260×

• Fully corrected image circle: 44 mm

• Lens configuration: Triplet (front) with integrated rear doublet

• Optical coating: Fully multi-coated

Mechanical specifications

• Tube weight: 9.18 kg

• Tube length: 764 mm

• Transport length: 650 mm

• Tube material: Metal

• Internal stray-light baffles: Yes

• Tube construction: Closed tube

Focuser details

• Focuser type: Geared rack

• Eyepiece connection: 2-inch

• Camera-side threads: M76, M68, M54, M48

• Back focus range: 46–76 mm

• Free aperture: 81 mm

• Focusing travel: 30 mm

• Rotatable: Yes

• Filter thread: Yes

• Motorized: No

Mounting and accessories

• Configuration: Optical tube assembly only

• Dovetail: Losmandy-style

• Tube rings: Included

• Finder base: Vixen / SkyWatcher standard

• Eyepiece adapter: 2-inch / 1.25-inch

• Dew shield: Included

• Carrying handle: Not included

• Transport case: Not included

Areas of application

• Astrophotography: Yes (excellent)

• Nebulae and galaxies: Yes

• Moon and planets: Yes

• Nature observation: No

• Solar observation: No (only with an appropriate solar filter)

Recommended user level

• Beginners: No

• Advanced users: Yes

• Observatories: Yes