One Small Scope to Rule Them All! This Scope is EXCEPTIONAL! SQA55

[@lukomatico]

Check out my friend Cuiv's review here!! :-) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fau4npeQbJVrn6M Also check out my friend Trevor's review here! - I missed this entirely somehow! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qVk56Jbs-HsMUsi=FIliWgh37NfpZ5lA

[@lenjones2268]

Hi...finally took the plunge with the SQA55 primarily after your video and 1st Light tonight and OMG, what an incredible scope, my trusty old TS65 Quad which has been my widefield workhorse for years has great star but this SQA55 right across the field on a ASI2600 Mono rig is absolutely incredible, just bolted straight on the scope, 55mm standard on all my rigs and WWWOOOWWW....the stars are unbelievable everywhere, it's amazing and totally murders the Cats all ends up. Thanks for convincing me....over the Moon

[@lukomatico]

Ah mate I'm so, so happy to hear that!! :-D It's a really special scope! Congratulations to you and wishing you many clear nights ahead!

[@deep_space_dave]

Wow what a nice telescope! Askar really is setting the bar for build quality and this is no exception. Thanks for the review!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks ever so much Dave mate!! - it's really been a pleasure to review this one, clear skies!

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

That scope looks pretty awesome Luke, and if I was in the market for a wide field refractor I think I would definitely go for this one. But for the time being I will soldier on with my Red Cat 51. If I buy another scope it will almost certainly be something like an 8" SCT that can be used with a hyperstar, but at the moment I haven't got that sort of money lying around, so it will have to wait a while.

[@Wheeljack678]

Excellent review. I like that your reviews always come across as thorough, honest and trustworthy. I have a Sharpstar 61EDPH II, which with reducer/flattener comes in at ~275mm so I cannot justify making a purchase of this for myself, but it looks really good and will undoubtedly be a contender to the RedCat. All of the brilliant reviews of it (Cuiv, yours, Astrobackard, The Space Koala and more) seems to confirm that it is a solid scope

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much for that mate, your kind message means a lot to me! 👍👍 Clear skies!

[@wheetgeneration]

Got one of these today, thanks to you and cuiv and my desire to shoot wide, I had little choice. Tested with the 6200MCP and wow, not bad at all.

[@lukomatico]

Excellent news!! I really hope you enjoy it my friend 👍👍 it's a special scope!

[@Astrolavista]

Super review, Luke, and congratulations! I really do believe Askar have changed the game with a number of their scopes.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!! They've knocked it fully out of the park with this one, I was initially semi skeptical given how 'lens like' it appears - but my goodness, it's one serious telescope when given the chance! Clear skies my friend!! :-)

[@richardcullip8468]

I've got it and agree with everything you said about. Great optics, build quality at a decent price. My only frustration with it is that I needed one more quick release dovetail to add my Mele mini computer and have yet to find any place that will sell them. As a semi-permanent fix I rigged up a 3-D printed solution

[@luboinchina3013]

I purchased 360mm 61mm aperture SharpstarEDPHiii with 1x flattener and I strongly suggest you to review it too. I am amazed how sharp the images are, proper focuser and the stars are pixel big. I thought I would buy something cheaper for widefield astophotography and this telescope exceeded all the expectations. Much better than my friend's Takahashi of the same focal length. I really really recommend it to everybody.

[@keithhanssen7413]

I looked into getting this to fit between my ACL200 and my 480mm focal length Stellarvue 80mm. Sounds nice, but I thought I’d try out the WO Spacecat 61 WIFD first. At 300mm focal length it filled the void a little more evenly. One night out with the Spacecat and I can’t complain. Interesting little scope, though. Who knows, I do enjoy collecting smaller scopes so I might still get the SQA55 eventually. I do some landscape photography so it’ll come in handy as a prime lens.

[@sjpp71]

Awesome scope!! Beautifully made and those results..! I think, in a new iteration, they should get rid of the blade mechanism! Askar, we (astrophotographers) don't need that!! lol Great video, Luke. Clear skies!

[@JohdagM]

I'm becoming a big fan of Askar. I got the FMA180 and the OAG and the built quality is good for such a price. I'm seriously considering this one over the Redcat. Thanks for the review!

[@edjones3390]

Looks great, will add to my 'hope to find used' in a couple of years time ;) I'd be interested in how you deal with tilt, it's a regular problem for me and I don't have a good method to solve 👍

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate!! I just used the tilt plate on my camera basically, I identified which side was worst and made adjustments from there, doesn't take long! :-)

[@scouserino]

Good stuff pal! Very interesting scope. Not sure if I can justify getting something so close to my current 360 fl but it’s tempting 😅

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! - if you're enjoying your current scope then definitely don't change anything! :-D clear skies to you! 👍👍

[@ijontichy7179]

I watched your and Cuiv's reviews and ordered one. Can't wait to get it. Looks very promising!

[@lukomatico]

Awesome mate!! You'll love it I'm sure, I love mine haha!!

[@jesuspineiro1622]

These little APOs are so close to perfection. It's amazing.

[@lukomatico]

Couldn't agree more! What a time to be into astro :-D Hope that you and your family are well my friend!

[@Astronurd]

It's relatively easy with tiny objectives.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Awesome review mate! It's really good to have multiple data points like this!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!! I'm desperately glad that you told me how good it was haha, so happy to do a review on it and own it! 👍👍 Clear skies!

[@OSCOCAT]

Would love to see a performance comparison of this scope to the Founder Draco 62. Very cool indeed.

[@Astro_Shed]

Looks great Luke, super review, well presented, have just got the SV555 from SVBONY to test and review, and again looks like this will be a Redcat killer too..👍🏻

[@lukomatico]

Excellent stuff mate!! Cuiv really liked that sv555! I'm sure it'll be terrific! Clear skies mate :-D

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It will be good to have another data point on that scope!

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Wow, it's hard to believe such a great image from such a small scope. I want to replace my ED80 triplet, but I would never have dreamed of comparing it with a 50mm scope. It's something to think about. Thank you for your review, Luke.

[@lukomatico]

Hey Pat! Hope you are well my friend :-) I totally hear you, this little apo is a phenomenal performer :-) that said, your ed80 triplet is surely very good too I'd guess? Hoping for some clear skies here soon, it's been unbelievably stormy here in the UK recently!

[@ChrisONeill-b3w]

Thanks for a great review. Can you elaborate on what you used to mount the kit please. I bought the SQA55 a few months ago and absolutely love it but mounting components is a bit awkward. I have my ASIAir mounted on top then attach my guide scope to the side of the ASiAir - it works but l would prefer the flexibility extra handle/brackets would bring. Askar should make the mounting handles/brackets available as an accessory.

[@lukomatico]

So sorry about the late reply mate, this comment has just appeared today! It's all mounted on a stacked dovetail system using riser blocks from Altair astro, all just bolted together basically! The computer sits underneath, and the guide scope on the handrail, works really well I think! :-)

[@svfixerup]

I had been trying to decide between this and the gen 3 redcat51 but then boom 4 reviews dropped all in two days. I knew the price of the askar aqa55 was either going to go up now or the availability was going to change. Sure enough two suppliers had changed to backordered. So last night on my nightshift I chose to buy one. Its on the way. Thank you and all the astrophotography youtubers for you reviews. Thank you for all your content.

[@lukomatico]

Congratulations on the scope mate!! :-D You've absolutely made the right choice there, what a scope!! Clear skies!

[@JonnyBravo0311]

William Optics needs to pay attention. Now, to be fair, the new Cat 91 has shown exceptional performance as well from what I've seen on CN (and believe me, there are some extreme pixel peepers there LOL). However, that's a much different scope, at a much different price point. If I were looking for a small, widefield scope this little Askar would be on my short list.

[@lukomatico]

Absolutely agreed mate yep, WO makes some lovely stuff, but other companies are really setting the bar these days - this Askar is just phenomenal!

[@Tony-Elliott]

Excellent review Luke looks like a great little scope

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much Tony!! Hope you are well my friend 👍👍

[@SimonsAstro]

Great review Luke, what a nicely built wide field refractor scope! I really like the fine details like, laser etched markings, unlike my Redcat 51 (which I do really like btw) but this is just a bit more quality I think, and the stats says it all! Great result mate! I think this will be a popular scope, then again I also like my Askar FRA 400, so a little biased 😀 Hope the family is well Luke, clear skies 👍

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much Simon mate and I'm so sorry about the late reply!! Hope you are well my friend :-)

[@astroimage2025]

This really looks good. Was considering getting the FRA300 for a wider field than my 400 but this may fit the bill. Have never used a telescope without a focuser knob however so that is a little strange

[@petesastrophotography]

Excellent review Luke. The phrase 'take my money' springs to mind. I have been thinking about a new rig (yes, another one) in the 250mm focal length range so this fits the bill nicely, just ordered from FLO using your link :)

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It really is a 'take my money' scope, at least for the samples Luke and I (and Koala) received! Hope your sample is every bit as good!

[@petesastrophotography]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks Cuiv, looking forward to it👍

[@lukomatico]

That's awesome of you Pete mate!! Thank you for your support :-D I'm bowled over by this scope, honestly it's just phenomenal and I'm totally convinced you'll be happy with it mate! Clearest of skies to you, as always!!

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

Watched it again - noted further good points - so good a review 👍

[@lukomatico]

That's really kind of you to say mate, thank you! :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@arqsh]

Many thanks Luke, very helpful review! I just got it delivered and hope the affiliate link to 365Astro worked as expected. Do you mind sharing some details about the rack you have under your redcat 51? I’m looking for a similar solution to fit my mele mini pc and pegasus under the scope.

[@lukomatico]

Hey there my friend! That's awesome to hear! Thank you so much for using the link, it is amazing support and helps out a bunch, I did indeed see a link click for the sqa and the AF adapter kit so I assume that was you :-D thanks again! Re: the rack, it's two Askar dovetail plates (LDP I think) and a pair of Altair astro keystone riser blocks - I then have velcro to hold the pc etc in place semi-rigidly 👍 works great! Clear skies to you!

[@shilohbridgewater6407]

Looks like I need to purchase two LDP 300. While the sqa55 has blown me away so far since purchase, it doesnt leave you with many mounting solutions when using a guide scope and asiair. I was hoping they would sell additional quick release handles, but what you are using looks like it will solve all my needs! Thanks you! Ive been going crazy trying to figure out better mounting solutions. Would you drop me what the height (side) blocks you are using between the two plates are? Thanks!🥰

[@lukomatico]

Hey there! So sorry about the late reply, they are 60mm! :-) enjoy that scope, it's a really incredible piece of equipment! 👍👍

[@211milkman]

Excellent review Luke. It is a very good looking scope. Askar is really doing a great job with there scopes. Any chance you can get ahold of the Askar 71F 490mm f 6.9 scope for a review? I own the scope. But I only have a APS-C camera. I would really love to see your Zeus on it. Please... Keep well my friend. Clear skies!!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!! I'll have an ask about one of those if possible, looks like a great scope!

[@211milkman]

@lukomatico It is a super scope. Though with the Player one Uranus C pro attached. The field of view is really tight. I did the Dolphin head Nebula and I couldn't fit it all in frame. ( lost part of the nose) I'm curious to see what things look like at 490mm with a full frame camera. It's supposed to be sharp all the way to the corners.

[@stuparker776]

Hi Luke-You cost me money again mines in the mail and will be here very soon.Should get some nice shots on the vela supernova Vela supernova remnant this winter

[@lukomatico]

Hey Stu mate!! Hope you are well :-D So sorry for costing you more money with the recommendation, haha! I think you'll be very happy with it though mate, I'm itching to get back out with mine as soon as the skies clear!! All the very best mate

[@Darren_71]

Askar are making some lovely scopes at affordable prices. I have the FMA180, tiny but great little widefield portable scope

[@lukomatico]

Totally agree mate!!

[@Naztronomy]

Thought about getting this one because it looks amazing. But I had to stop myself from spending more money. Great review!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! - I hear you 100% haha, there's so much stuff I'd just love to buy, but my brain says 'please stop you already have too much gear' 😂 Clear skies mate!

[@AstroSignals]

Great telescope...Luke! and what is your opinion about...AskarFra300pro? It would be interesting to compare them, they are very similar...according to his system petzval😊

[@siegfriednoet]

Very nice review Luke, looks like a nice little scope. The only thing that, for me, is a bit negative is the helical focusser. Also what I see in your images, and I also saw this in the images of Quiv and other youtubers who tested this scope, is the lack of starcolors ? I supposed that you used broad band filter for imaging M45 so star colors should pop ? Maybe it has something to do with youtube, I don't know

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! It's almost certainly compression causing colour loss 👍👍

[@jmoreno6094]

Hi, thanks for the video. Just to note that the spot size will never be smaller than 2,44*wavelength*F/ , so for F/5 is about 6 microns, whatever the spot diagram says. I would be interested to see the interferogram in better detail. It comes from a Zygo intrrferometer I see. Could you update the video with a better image of the interferogram?

[@staceylloyd6236]

Luke, you indicated installing the focuser was a bit fidgety using the Askar kit. Do you think a ZWO EAF could be installed without their kit using modified or standard ZWO brackets?

[@paulbenoit249]

Hey Luke, what are these elements that make up that PC box underneath your scope? Looking myself for something similar. Thank you.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! It's two Askar LDP plates and a pair of Altair astro keystone risers! (Plus various bolts!)

[@bobbryant4410]

Nice scope by what cought my eye was the way you have mounted the computer and switch. What are the end plates you are using to separate the two Askar Losmandy-Style Universal Dovetail Plate?

[@astro_shooter76]

same question here!!!!!!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate! I'll try and get something sorted to show or explain what's going on with how it's mounted - they are from Altair astro if memory serves

[@shilohbridgewater6407]

Following! As I'm curious as well!

[@shilohbridgewater6407]

Did some sleuthing..they are the Altair keystone riser blocks 🥰

[@lukomatico]

You've got it!! So sorry about the late reply 60mm height Altair keystone riser blocks

[@ARNFL13]

Hey Luke, another awesome video as always. I have plans to build my own "EAA" setup eventually using the ASI2600MCduo air as my camera. I am super interested in a couple different scopes, I guess I'd just like to hear other people's opinions on the setup to really decide which one I like. I am a big fan of the Petzval Refractor design, and have my eyes on either a scope from the ZWO FF series, or something like this AskarSQA55. What I really like about the ZWO scopes is A), the compatibility with ZWO stuff (EAF, AM5N, etc) and B) the flat field and not having to worry about back focus distance. I guess my end question is would you consider this over the ZWO FF65? Even if planning on going for a "EAA" style setup? Or would you stick with the ZWO route. Thank you for your awesome videos! Hope life going good.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate, life is good! I hope everything is brilliant for you too :-) Re: which scope route to go, good question and the great news is all the scopes you are looking at are great! :-) I'm sure the FF65 is a wonderful scope if the FF80 that I'm reviewing is anything to go by, but the SQA55 really feels like a very special scope given it's phenomenal performance and relatively fast focal ratio - if I was in the market again, I'd buy the SQA55 once again! Though don't let that put you off the FF65 if your heart was set on it, it'll be great 👍 Good luck mate!

[@ARNFL13]

@@lukomatico Thanks Luke, greatly appreciate the response! I have seen your video about the FF80 and you did seem to be happy with it, considering you titled the video "Maybe the only scope you need?" :D Basically, what is drawing me to the FF series (I'd like an FF80 and an FF130) is the fact that it has the build in flattener plus you don't have to worry too much about back focus because of the Petzval design. I am still "new" in the astro hobby (about a year since I got my Seestar) so I am still learning every day. I hope I can give you updates on my telescope building journey! Once again thank you for the great and honest videos that are always helpful.

[@KingLoopie1]

Yours is good too! Along with Cuiv's and space koala's! Bought your universal Bakhtinov too. 👍👍

[@lukomatico]

Awesome! Thank you so much for your support!! I'll get it dispatched as soon as I'm able, I've had a big influx of orders which has ran me out of stock on the bolts so I'm waiting on those to arrive 😅 clear skies my friend!!

[@seanod42]

Hi Luke Great video mate looks like another great scope from Askar

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!! Hope you are well :-D

[@TurboLimited]

Whats the thread size on the camera side of the sqa55? M43 or M48.

[@lukomatico]

M48 is the smallest thread mate :-)

[@MarkSmallegange-bz8ed]

As usual excellent review Luke! And could not be more timely, I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a Redcat 51 Wifd. But for so long everyone has been singing its praises, how much worse can the Redcat be or is it still good but this is just streets ahead? And I don’t mean a 4 year old Redcat 51, I mean the later Wifd version or is there not much difference other than the focuser? And the Askar looks amazing but just one question, where could you mount a ASIair or mini computer ? Cheers

[@lukomatico]

Hey there mate! So sorry about the late reply to this! The Redcat is still undoubtedly a great scope, though it's hard to recommend when this exists now! The optics are just incredible, as is the build! :-)

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Cracking little scope that is mate looks pin sharp too.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks matey!! Hoping for all the best for you as soon as possible!! 🙏

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Thanks mate hopefully my blood pressure wont drop again this Wednesday when I have my operation.

[@ZVnow]

Yes should I get the red cat 71 or this?

[@theamateur8562]

Throwing out a call for help. This is my current issue. The SQA55 is my first real piece of equipment. Ive been using a 75-300 kit lens. The issue im faced with now is…I HAVE NO FREAKING CLUE how to mount this T7i to the Telescope.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! You'll need a t-ring adapter for canon to m48 👍 that should get you up and running! Congratulations on the scope my friend :-)

[@theamateur8562]

@@lukomaticothank you brother 💪🏽

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

Cool, what is the Strehl value - at least equally important as the PSI

[@lukomatico]

I honestly couldn't say mate! If I was a betting man though I'd say it's gotta be very, very good, I've tried a really silly amount of scopes over the years and this is a standout 👍

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

@@lukomatico Thanks Luke, I am likely getting myself a rig to put at starfront - these copenhagen cloudy nights are not easy - so i might supplement my gear with a remote observatory one. That's why i am interested in this a lot. Cheers

[@lukomatico]

@@meibergstrmandersen9181 Hey there mate! - I just wanted to get back to you, they've added a zygo report showing a strehl of .991 for the SQA55, HTH! :-)

[@astrodysseus]

10:00 so i don't really agree here. APO means that the various color wavelengths will focus at the same spot and since you are testing with a monochrome camera, there is no way to evaluate wether the scope is APO or not. In fact, that's why in solar imaging, you could take the cheapest scope ever made, as long as it doesn't have geometrical aberations, you would be good as we only image in B&W. So in fact, the only thing you tested here is wether or not the scope has some geometrical aberations. Good to know it doesn't but you have much lighter & cheaper scope doing that. Your test on a FF camera at 12:00 is much more revealing to me :) 14:14 the vignetting is definitely more than 10% on your FF test but d your field of illumination is slightly skewed to the left; possibly if you recenter the optical path, then maybe the corners would be only 10-20% Having said that, I also have 2 Askar and I was really surprised by their quality. Much more than WO or most competitors. They haven't created a buzz yet for some reasons, but i think they will. So this scope may be indeed very good .. but i am already spoiled :)

[@nikaxstrophotography]

Askar are game changers, Love my askar fra300 Just a question, where did you get those blocks for the "cage" you have where the little pc sits on your scope?

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for watching bud!! - re: blocks, I believe they are from Altair astro 👍

[@skye7690]

wow, looks interesting. hard to put my EAF on it, but I could focus manually. not a big fan of the belt method.

[@lukomatico]

Hey there! - it was definitely tricky to get the eaf fitted, but once it's on it works excellently 👍👍

[@garethjones433]

Amazing little scope. On a different topic, do you still own your Esprit 120? If not, why not?

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! I don't have the esprit 120 anymore, in a moment of madness I sold it, later regretted it, then ended up replacing it with the Askar 120 apo which has amazingly fully filled it's boots for me!!

[@Solmir82]

is it possible to get landscapes photo of Milkyway with SQA55 and any DSLR (Canon 6d for example)?

[@lukomatico]

It'll be too long focal length for traditional milky way shots really mate! You probably want about 16-35mm of focal length for that if I'm understanding you correctly 👍👍

[@grahamwhite75a]

Based on your interpretation of the Spot Diagram I assume that makes the Williams Optics RedCat 91 the best scope on the market, even better than a Tak FSQ106EDX4? Is scope selection as simple as that?

[@lukomatico]

No mate, the rc91 spots RMS are based on the tightest focused colour - the spots overall size on the rc91 looks pretty bad to be honest with overall sizes of about 10um on axis - that said, the fsq106edx4 isn't even that great with spots and it shows on people's images from them! They are good, but far from perfect 👍

[@grahamwhite75a]

@ hi Luke, just out of interest how do you work out if the spot diagram is based on a single colour? Looking at the spot diagrams form the RC91 and the SQA55 I can’t see where it says the colour basis? Thanks.

[@lukomatico]

@@grahamwhite75a Hi mate! - If you look at the RC91 spot diagram as published by WO, you can see that the scale is 100 on the side, there's 10 boxes along each side, so each box is 10x10um. The spots show colour dispersion/distribution in each wavelength (but stacked on eachother), - the first spot which visually looks to be just about 10x10um, so geo radius of 5um appears to be red dominant, so we can't be getting the measurement from that, - given the stated spot is 1.4um rms radius, it must be using the tightest wavelength to come to that figure (probably green or blue?) It's something all spot diagrams do, the SQA spots etc too 🙂 Don't get me wrong the RC91 looks to be really rather good though!! (tighter spots than the fsq106edx4 as you mentioned) If you're serious about one of these scopes then it's worth looking at FLO even if you don't intend to buy from there as they now have some Zygo reports published (for the SQA scopes at least so far! and others) - that's a nice representation of quality, as long as the tested scope is representative of the batch anyway - for example the SQA test shows a strehl of .991 which is indicative of this excellent performance I'd say (1 would be perfect) HTH

[@lukomatico]

@@grahamwhite75a message was getting a bit long, but my other final bit of advice if you're considering any scope purchase at the moment is to look at others images, especially unedited data from any scope you're considering, - nothing really beats a set of real world results if well focused, guided and generally taken carefully I'd say (unless the person taking the data chooses to do so on a very poor night!)

[@grahamwhite75a]

@@lukomaticoThanks for that, final question is how the Airy Disk fits into the equation? I notice on the second spot diagram for the RC91 it says it’s 3.33um. I can’t find the Airy Disk for the SQA55, though given it’s a smaller aperture am I correct it will be larger? Does the size of the Airy Disk effectively trump the theoretical size in a spot diagram if it is larger? If that is the case do we know what the Airy Disk is of the SQA55?

[@RobertMercer-s1f]

I’ve had mine since it first came out and use it with an ASI6200MM, it is a combination that works very well, even in the corners where the stars are nice and tight. It really needs an m54 adaptor thread in addition to the m48 though to minimise vignetting. It’s good that reviews are starting to come out however I roll my eyes at the use of the ‘Insane’ word everywhere these days! I guess it’s the American definition of insane (shocking or outrageous) or maybe there is a completely different definition for social media?

[@lukomatico]

Glad you like the scope Robert mate!! It's superb 👍👍 Re: usage of insane, - it's accurate I think, the scope is insanely good! - in general though more noteworthy titles and thumbnails get more views than bland ones do, I need to put food on the table haha :-D

[@RobertMercer-s1f]

@@lukomatico I'd been holding off getting an Askar/Sharpstar scope because I never thought the optical quality was quite good enough IMO. These SQA scopes, though limited, have great optics (on par with older Tak designs). I'm looking forward to the 106 once I've sold a few scopes. I well know about putting food on the table; doing this is a much more pleasurable experience that what I went through - continue the good work :)

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!! Good luck on the 106 too, that looks like a dream scope! 👍👍

[@MrLuke1970]

Hello Luke, just got it's big brother (SQA85) and oh my... managed to get 2h of data on the rosette nebula from my bortle 5.9 sky and I'm truly impressed with the result. Best scope I've ever had (by far). Great review as usual. My personal scoring is (for the 85): Building quality: 10 Optical quality: 10 Price/performance ratio: 10 Coolness: + ∞ 😊

[@lukomatico]

Excellent stuff mate, and great name by the way!! 😃 The sqa85 looks equally nuts on its spec sheet, very glad to hear it's another exquisite performer in reality too!! :-D enjoy that scope my friend!

[@cellobrew584]

Wondering if it still fits in the case after you install the focuser?

[@lukomatico]

I think with some of the base foam cut out it would fit again 👍

[@cellobrew584]

@@lukomatico That's good news! I'm giving this scope some serious thoght. Thanks for great review.

[@astro_shooter76]

Can you please post a link for the mounting solution you are using....I have an SQA55 and i need somewhere to mount my mini pc and pegasus....thanks!!!

[@shilohbridgewater6407]

He is using two Askar LDP 300 mounting plates with two plates between them of unknown origin. I'm looking for a solution as well since the sqa55 doesn't have many mounting solutions. There is another comment thread he said he will respond to what they are

[@shilohbridgewater6407]

Did some sleuthing..they are the Altair keystone riser blocks 🥰

[@astro_shooter76]

@@shilohbridgewater6407 Yeah did some sleuthing on it myself...about 8 hours worth lol. I found one place in the US that says they have the blocks but not available for shipping ugh!!!!!!! guess im gonna bite the bullet and order them from the UK

[@lukomatico]

So sorry about the late reply to this, life as a new father has been very hectic lol 😂 They are Altair keystone riser blocks, 60mm height 👍

[@astro_shooter76]

@@lukomatico I actually ordered the blocks and the plates on Sunday and I received it from the uk on Wednesday….quality products for sure and I can’t get things from us based places that fast…will definitely order from them again. Thanks for turning us on the great products mate!!!!

[@DeepSkyChronicles-m8b]

Thank you so much, great video !

[@lukomatico]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!! So happy to hear that :-) Clear skies!

[@subodhshettyy]

Good to have competition. The new SVBony release looks equally good too. But the legendary red cat still wins the beauty pageant ( this looks dull AF ) 👑 😅

[@lukomatico]

Haha, true mate it does look quite flat by comparison but I quite like the silver finish, it's grown on me :-D

[@timczapiewski527]

Awesome Review!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much mate!!

[@marcinb493]

Hey Luke - what model of mini PC is this?

[@lukomatico]

This is my old beelink u59 that I reviewed a few years ago! :-) still going strong

[@physmc1]

Seems that Sharpstar up their game with the SQA series. I have the SQA85 and it is equally sharp

[@lukomatico]

It's really good to hear that the 85 is equally nice!! They look tremendous! :-) clear skies mate!

[@adenwellsmith6908]

Someone needs to produce some software. Take 5 images. 4 centered on each corner, plus one in the middle. Now it can give a score and diagnosis of any issues.

[@lukomatico]

I think that if you could do that and plate solve the differences you might be able to identify any distortions etc? Cool idea!

[@adenwellsmith6908]

@@lukomatico Might be possible given the information do reverse it for future images.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That is an excellent idea. Should be doable with mosaic mode in NINA. Need to think on this!

[@jesuspineiro1622]

Hi Luke. Try the Petzval SVBony 555 APO for comparison. Corrected for 44mm circle. At a fraction of the price. CUIV did a review and the results were great.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks, will do! I'll have to contact svbony and see if we can work together :-D

[@mark-h911]

Great video as always, Luke. It looks like an exciting little scope. I have one of the original Redcats and I have to say that the quality of the optics never lived up to expectations from day 1. The only reservation I have that’s making me pause on the SQA55 is the use of, what appears to be, proprietary accessory shoes on the sides. I’d be looking to attach a guidescope, EAF and ASIAIR. I can see that the EAF kit works fine and the guide scope would fit on top. But the remaining hot-shoe doesn’t appear to lend itself easily to attach anything else with industry standard fittings. It seems to be a strange choice by Askar, when their own FRA300 makes provision for up to three standard Synta shoes. That said, the optics do look very tempting.

[@davidemancini7853]

Nha i am still going to buy the Red Cat 😊

[@lukomatico]

Enjoy the Redcat mate! It's a great scope 👍

[@Astronurd]

It's more a camera lens than an actual telescope.

[@lukomatico]

I thought the same before trying it, but it's one of the best telescopes I've ever used!! :-) for me personally, they could lose the lens-like features entirely as I'll only ever use it as a scope, but it's handy they are there for folk who might want to try terrestrial work with it! 👍

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

The lens design is unlike common camera lenses and consistent with that of small telescopes. The scope also comes with accessories that make it useful for Astroimaging.

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

I wish you were this enthusiastic about the Starfield Gear60 which was probably just as sharp and had FPL53 glass in it. But maybe they didn’t pay enough 🤔

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for the laugh mate, if you want something reviewing on my channel then it's $25,000 for a positive review, cheers!

[@efx245precor3]

He did the sv555 instead. But I think this one SQA55 is superior.

[@f3f022]

Yeah, the same was with Askar V or svbony. Same narrative - buy, buy, buy. Why do you think vendors "sending" equipment to influencers? To boost sales:) It is clear like hell. However, the community clearly indicates problems, maybe not so terrible, but anyway, problems.

[@lukomatico]

If people don't perform reviews and share results then these scopes would have to be bought unseen and untested - that can't be better, right?

[@jimcarter2092]

​@@lukomatico yes, I agree, I have 7 different scopes plus all other equipment that I perform extensive research on before making any decisions to purchase, all mostly from channel creators reviews, and never just one person but all I can find and because they are providing actual usage results. Thanks for you review On this scope!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for that mate! - I do the same thing, find as many reviews, tests and results as possible before parting with my money! :-) Clear skies!

[@richards3192]

Luke, are you wearing a wig these days?

[@lukomatico]

Hahaha, it's getting a bit out of hand hey!!

[@davidemancini7853]

I have heard this word “ cheaper “ too many times with this product, in my opinion it is not! Many users will upgrade the focuser with the ZWO EAF and got to buy a guide scope too so this scope will cost you at least 500$ more vs the RedCat come with a proper focuser and guide scope too. So in my opinion is not worthed buy this product just to have perfect round stars LOL considering we have many software that solve that problem……

[@lukomatico]

That's fine mate! Enjoy the Redcat, it's still a great scope for sure! - it's not as good as this is optically though, which will matter for most people. 👍

[@f3f022]

Now "accidentally" the same time all influencers started to speak wow, it is a miracle, you have newer seen such a best of the best scope

[@lukomatico]

I mean, it's true - it's the best small scope that I've ever used, and scopes have release dates, hence reviewers get them around the same time - no mystery here!

[@blufferblue1599]

Brother, what is accidental about this. It's a new scope which the company sent to several reviewers. Do you think it's accidental when people post new iPhone reviews as it's being released?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh no, amateurs are getting multiple data points at once, whatever are we going to do?! So when we get a really good scope (at least for the samples we received), are we supposed to demur and say it's not that good? Are or we allowed to be honest in our opinions of the scope? There was no video release blackout btw (my own video was available to Patreon supports for over a week already), Trevor already had a video out on the scope for quite a while as well.

[@scouserino]

@f3f022 don’t know about you, but when there’s new exciting gear out, I want as many videos as possible to absorb! New iPhone = 5 million videos… New scope = 3 KZbin videos “ooh calm down, you’re flooding the algorithm” 😂😂