Askar SQA106 Telescope Review
Our verdict
The Askar SQA106 is a high-end refractor at $3,507, aimed at serious astrophotographers or advanced visual observers who are not constrained by budget. Six early reviews average 4.5 stars, a promising early signal for a premium instrument.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Advanced astrophotographers and serious visual observers who want a top-tier refractor and are prepared to invest in the full optical system.
Skip if
You are a beginner or intermediate user, or you have a total system budget under roughly $5,000 when mount and accessories are included.
- Focus Manual Focus
- Weight 5.82 lb
- Priced 601% above the category median ($499.99 across 15 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 6 owner ratings
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Popularity2.0/5
6 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Askar SQA106 sits at the upper end of the Askar lineup, positioned for buyers who want professional-grade optics without the compromise of a mid-market instrument. The $3,507 price is not an impulse purchase, and it signals that this scope is engineered to demanding tolerances for both optical quality and mechanical precision.', 'Specific aperture and focal length data are not listed in the current product record, but the SQA106 designation from Askar places it in the larger, more complex apochromatic refractor category. Manual focus is the listed mode, which is standard for high-end imaging refractors where focuser precision and rack-and-pinion or linear bearing drawtube quality are critical. At 5.82 pounds the tube is on the lighter side for a scope in this category, which aids mount balance.', 'With only 6 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the feedback pool is small but uniformly positive. Early buyers in the premium astrophotography market are experienced and demanding, so a 4.5 average in the opening reviews carries more weight than the same score on a beginner scope. It is still worth monitoring as the review count grows.']
Pros
- 4.5-star average from knowledgeable early adopters in the premium segment
- Askar's build reputation in the astrophotography community is strong
- 5.82 lb tube weight is favorable for balancing on equatorial mounts
- Manual focus is compatible with aftermarket motorized focuser upgrades
- Targets the demanding precision standards expected at this price tier
Cons
- At $3,507 it requires a significant total system budget when mount, camera, and accessories are added
- Only 6 reviews available, which is insufficient to assess production consistency
- Key specs like aperture and focal length are not confirmed in current listing data
Specifications
| Focus | Manual Focus |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.82 lb |
Performance notes
Objective lens and focal length data are not present in the current product record and should be verified directly with the seller before purchase, especially at this price point. The 5.82-pound tube weight suggests a moderately compact form factor for a premium refractor. Manual focus is listed, and at this level most buyers will add a motorized focuser for precise imaging work. The SQA106 designation within Askar's lineup is associated with high-grade apochromatic optics.
What buyers say
Six reviews at 4.5 stars is a small but positive signal. Premium telescope buyers typically write detailed, informed reviews, and the absence of complaints in the early feedback set is encouraging. The score is not statistically robust yet, so check the current review count and distribution before purchasing at this price level.
More from Askar
Similar optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars to consider
Frequently asked questions
What kind of mount do I need for the Askar SQA106?
At 5.82 pounds the tube is lighter than many premium refractors, but for astrophotography you still need a precision equatorial mount with adequate payload capacity for the tube, camera, guide scope, and accessories. Mounts in the iOptron CEM class or Sky-Watcher EQ6 class are typical pairings. Budget conservatively for mount payload to avoid flexure during long exposures.
Is $3,507 justified over a mid-range refractor at $800 to $1,000?
Premium apochromatic refractors at this price range use higher-grade glass types, tighter optical tolerances, more precise focusers, and better mechanical construction than mid-tier alternatives. For visual observers, the difference is noticeable on high-power planetary and double-star work. For imaging, the corner-to-corner sharpness and color correction at full frame are the key justifications. The answer depends on whether your imaging or visual goals demand that last 10 to 20 percent of performance.
Can it be used for both visual and imaging astronomy?
Yes, high-end apochromatic refractors like the SQA106 work for both applications. Visual observers benefit from the exceptional color correction and contrast on planets, the Moon, and double stars. Imagers use the same optical quality for wide-field deep-sky work or solar-system imaging. A good star diagonal and quality eyepieces are all you need to switch to visual mode.