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telescopecomparison · 2-way

Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED vs Askar SQA85

Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED
Sky-Watcher

Esprit 100ED

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

Askar SQA85
Askar

SQA85

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a portable travel rig.

Key differences

+10% focal length
+18% aperture

Specifications

SpecificationSky-Watcher Esprit 100EDAskar SQA85
Optics
TypeRefractorrefractor
Optical designTriplet APOQuadruplet astrograph FPL-51
Aperture100mm85mm
Focal length550mm500mm
Native f/ratiof/5.5f/5.8
Image circle44mm52mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight8.6kg4.4kg
Advantages of Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED
  • 18% more light-gathering aperture
Advantages of Askar SQA85
  • Larger image circle (52mm) — supports bigger sensors
  • Lighter (4.4kg vs 8.6kg) — easier to travel with
Best for — Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Askar SQA85
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 3.75° × 2.50°Scale: 1.41"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.45° × 1.64°Scale: 1.41"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.18° × 1.18°Scale: 1.41"/px
Askar SQA85 — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 4.13° × 2.75°Scale: 1.55"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.69° × 1.80°Scale: 1.55"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.29° × 1.29°Scale: 1.55"/px
Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

Askar SQA85 — recommended user

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a portable travel rig.

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