Askar SQA 106/130 vs Stellervue SVX102T

Askar SQA106 Askar SQA130 Stellarvue SVX102T Refractors Buying Advice
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Thomas Rider avatar
Thomas Rider avatar

I am looking to get a little more reach than my current FLT 91 at 433 FL F4.7. I was interested in the Askar SQA line either the 106 or 130. I started researching Stellervue and the only thing I can directly compare is Askar/Stellervue claimed Strehl. From what I have seen is Askar quality is hit or miss and Steller is hand built and tested. Stellervue often is reported in the .99 Strehl while askar is .97-.98 if that makes a difference. However that says, to a novice like me, nothing about stars at the corners of an APSC and possibly Full frame. Askar shares spot diagrams while Stellervue does not. I like the idea of shooting either 714FL @ F7 or 515 @ F5.2.

I guess my question is, using a 2600 or 6200 camera would the Stellervue be as sharp as the new Askar line? I know the image circle is bigger on the Askars but flats will hopefully handle that.

I like that the Stellervue is basically the focal length of both the 106/130 (not the speed of the 130) but also is extremely light in comparison which is important to me as I carry the whole tripod assembly outside nightly. The thought of a hand crafted and measured telescope is very enticing vs a mass produced unit.

Any help or thoughts are appreciated. I only intend to do astrophotography with it.

Respectful Engaging
DavesView avatar
DavesView avatar

I can’t find anyone who has anything bad to say about their Stellarvue. I’m looking at the SVX140T. I have the FLT91. Not a big fan of focuser flop. Also the RedCat51 WIFD and the UltraCat108. I have issues with all three.

Deepan Vishal avatar
Deepan Vishal avatar

Hi,

Not an expert. If you are going by metrics to evaluate astrograph, spot diagram is better indicator than strehl.

These metrics can be deceiving. After trying to learn them, I felt it’s a directional indicator and just trust the images taken with telescopes in Astrobin. To my eyes, images taken with Askar SQA106 looks prettier than the SVX and I’d pick it. No doubt, both are high quality refractors.

Thomas Rider avatar
Thomas Rider avatar

DavesView · Feb 9, 2026 at 04:22 PM

I can’t find anyone who has anything bad to say about their Stellarvue. I’m looking at the SVX140T. I have the FLT91. Not a big fan of focuser flop. Also the RedCat51 WIFD and the UltraCat108. I have issues with all three.

My FLT91 the focuser does have quite a bit of play. Ultracat 108 was another I was looking at but Askar has better spot diagrams and lighter. I did like the idea of the WIFD but havent had any experience with it other than my older Redcat gen1 71

Mario Bautista avatar
Mario Bautista avatar

I have both scopes, SVX102T and Askar SQA 106. Both scopes are awesome in my opinion when used accordingly. I pair the SVX with a smaller sensor like the 585/533 for close in shots depending on the target. The Askar 106 so far has the 2600. The only negative for me about the SVX is the lack of camera angle adjuster. Stellarvue sells one but it has tilt and I don’t advice getting it. The entire focuser rotates but it is a pain and depending on the angle, may hit the pier extension of my mount(AM5). I use a ZWO CAA with my SVX to rotate the camera. I have to add a 2 mm spacer to remove field curvature with the SV flattener. IMO, both scopes do well. The Askar line is more economical and better features for photography: very robust rotator/CAA and beefy focuser. No need to calculate back focus with the SQA line. I don’t care much for color correction of the stars at this point from refractors since with modern softwares can help with that. Right now I purchased an Astrotech 130EDT for galaxy and smaller objects. Did not yet have a chance to test this scope due to weather. Check out the images on my page to see results taken with both the SVX and Askar SQA.

Helpful
Thomas Rider avatar
Thomas Rider avatar

Mario Bautista · Feb 9, 2026 at 05:28 PM

I have both scopes, SVX102T and Askar SQA 106. Both scopes are awesome in my opinion when used accordingly. I pair the SVX with a smaller sensor like the 585/533 for close in shots depending on the target. The Askar 106 so far has the 2600. The only negative for me about the SVX is the lack of camera angle adjuster. Stellarvue sells one but it has tilt and I don’t advice getting it. The entire focuser rotates but it is a pain and depending on the angle, may hit the pier extension of my mount(AM5). I use a ZWO CAA with my SVX to rotate the camera. I have to add a 2 mm spacer to remove field curvature with the SV flattener. IMO, both scopes do well. The Askar line is more economical and better features for photography: very robust rotator/CAA and beefy focuser. No need to calculate back focus with the SQA line. I don’t care much for color correction of the stars at this point from refractors since with modern softwares can help with that. Right now I purchased an Astrotech 130EDT for galaxy and smaller objects. Did not yet have a chance to test this scope due to weather. Check out the images on my page to see results taken with both the SVX and Askar SQA.

Awesome feedback thank you! I didn’t notice a lack of rotator. That definitely increases cost