12 replies to this topic

[Oldkygolfpro]

So, decided that one of these will be my next scope!! Would like some feedback from folks who've had experience with both!! I know the SQA55 has "SD" glass; whatever that means!! Have seen both good and bad images on astrobin of both!! So, real world experience; has anyone had time using both?? Which one would you choose?? Planning to use a 2600 mc pro and my "prize" target is the Heart and Soul; so would need the reducer for the 61. Don't pay attention to boobtube reviews; don't think they are on the up an up; especially when evertime they review something it's the greatest thing they've ever seen; so REAL world experience is what I'm hoping to get!!! And NO BLURX help either!!! If the image is going to look like crap; I want it to be because my processing skills need to be improved; so which one would capture the best data?? Thanks!

[klangwolke]

It might be difficult to find someone with both scopes. I can share my results with the SQA55. I haven’t tested it on a full frame yet, but the stars are indeed sharp corner to corner on a 2600. Here's an aberration spotter from a 11x300 drizzled stack with no filter of the M8 area a couple of weeks ago.  

 

Here it is with "correct only" from BlurX

 

 

and without.

 

Edited by klangwolke, 16 June 2025 - 12:55 PM.

[Oldkygolfpro]

Yep; you're right! Wouldn't expect someone to have both, but maybe some experience with both!! Good to hear you have no issues; read some posts on here that there have been some. I'm really torn between them! The Sharpstar has undergone 3 iterations and it seems they've done stuff to correct earlier issues; I like that!! The SQA doesn't need a reducer so backfocus not a huge issue; I like that too! Both are in the sweetspot for focal length I'm looking for. Made essentially by the same company. 

[Darkblade48]

I have the EDPH III 61mm. It's OK. A bit soft, but it is passable. 

 

You'll notice some chromatic aberration if you pixel peep. 

 

The SQA is an entirely different tier of telescopes.

 

 

This is about 2 hours on M101 viewed in aberration inspector. This was shot with just the flattener at the scope's native 360mm. This is just a raw stack, only an autostretch. Flats and darks were applied, but no other image processing (not even background gradient removal). Some thin high clouds rolled in for the last few subs, but I didn't bother re-stacking (yet).

Edited by Darkblade48, 16 June 2025 - 06:17 PM.

[Oldkygolfpro]

Thanks for the report! However, I believe the biggest improvement with this scope comes when using the dedicated reducer, which will also get me to the focal length I need!

[Darkblade48]

Thanks for the report! However, I believe the biggest improvement with this scope comes when using the dedicated reducer, which will also get me to the focal length I need!

Why didn't you say so?

 

This was taken with the Sharpstar reducer. Ignore the fuzzy corners in the aberration inspector, I'm pretty sure I had incorrect backspacing and some tilt as well. I can try to find some other images if I can dig them up.

Same as before, stacked, background extracted, and a simple autostretch, no other processing. Flats and darks were applied.

 

This and the previous M101 image were both taken with a 2600MC

 

Edited by Darkblade48, 17 June 2025 - 09:48 PM.

[Darkblade48]

Oops, speak of the devil, I found an older image (much less integration time), but it appears to at least have the correct back spacing (some tilt in lower right corner). This one was also taken with the reducer.

 

Edited by Darkblade48, 17 June 2025 - 09:51 PM.

[Oldkygolfpro]

Thanks for the images!!! Does look like tilt, which the 2600 mc pro can be adjusted for; which is the camera I will be using!! Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 61!! Will be here next Monday and forecast here is calling for clear skies, which we haven't had for quite a while!! Could be a good omen! Looking forward to using this and really can't wait for the Heart and Soul to get back up in the sky so I can capture it!!! Thanks to all for replies!! Clear skies!

[Darkblade48]

Thanks for the images!!! Does look like tilt, which the 2600 mc pro can be adjusted for; which is the camera I will be using!! Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 61!! Will be here next Monday and forecast here is calling for clear skies, which we haven't had for quite a while!! Could be a good omen! Looking forward to using this and really can't wait for the Heart and Soul to get back up in the sky so I can capture it!!! Thanks to all for replies!! Clear skies!

You just jinxed your clear skies by purchasing a telescope  

 

Hope you enjoy it. The Heart and Soul fits perfectly into an APS-C sensor with the reducer.

[Yerman]

I have the 61 EPDH III with the flattener. I also have the 2600 mc pro. I am very happy with mine the stars are round in the corners. The field of view is over 5 degrees which covers a lot of the bigger targets. I hope you get good service and enjoyment from yours.

[XTATDSM]

SQA55 for sure, colour correction is phenomenal. I have the 61 EDPH II (not III) and the blue bloat is horrible. I just tested my newly purchased SQA55 last night and I love it, perfect small stars all around and no CA at all.

 

Good luck.

 

Ahmed

[soojooko]

Thanks for the images!!! Does look like tilt, which the 2600 mc pro can be adjusted for; which is the camera I will be using!! Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 61!! Will be here next Monday and forecast here is calling for clear skies, which we haven't had for quite a while!! Could be a good omen! Looking forward to using this and really can't wait for the Heart and Soul to get back up in the sky so I can capture it!!! Thanks to all for replies!! Clear skies!

I'm not sure you made the best choice. The SQA55 will be sharper than the 61 with better colour correction. Using a reducer can typically make sharpness worse. What exactly was it about the 61 that made you choose it?

[Oldkygolfpro]

I feel I've made the best choice for me! On paper the SQA55 is better but images on Astrobin didn't show a huge seperation between the two. As for why not picking the SQA; the focuser! The way you have to attach the EAF with a belt is a deal breaker' for me!! Like the fact that Sharpstar heard the issue from customers and created a reducer/flattener for the 61!! Understand that the reducer can create issues, but I think Sharpstar has figured that out with the 61. Anyway, if it doesn't turn out the way I want, I've got a good excuse to buy something else! Really wanted the new Vixen 65 but where in the world can one buy it?? Vixen doesn't seem to want to sell scopes in the USA. Clear skies!!