Silver Askar SQA55 quick-release handle bar with two M4 thumb screws on its finder-base slot
Silver Askar SQA55 quick-release handle bar with two M4 thumb screws on its finder-base slot
SQA55 handle bar from the other side, showing the quick-release foot and locking knob
Side profile of the SQA55 handle bar with its black locking knob under the curved end
Askar SQA55 carry handle in profile from the thumb-screw side

Askar

Askar SQA55 Quick-Release Handle Bar with Finder Base

SKU: SQA55HB



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  • $59.00

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A clip-on handle and finder base for the SQA55

Why we like the SQA55 handle bar:

  • No tools: it slides into any of the SQA55's four quick-release bases and locks with a thumb screw, so it goes on and off in the field in seconds.
  • A place for a guide scope: the top has a finder-base slot with two M4 thumb screws, so a guide scope such as the Askar 32mm f/4 or 52mm Super ED rides right on the telescope.
  • Matches the telescope: all-metal in the SQA55's silver finish, engraved "Super Quintuplet Astrograph".
  • Worth knowing: it fits the SQA55 only. For the SQA70 to SQA130, use the SQA Series handle bar.

The Askar SQA55 Quick-Release Handle Bar is an all-metal, 110mm (4.3") handle made for the Askar SQA55 astrograph. The SQA55's tube has four quick-release bases. This bar clips into one of them without tools and gives you a carry handle and a multi-purpose finder-base slot on top for a guide scope, finder or other accessory. Askar's photos show it on top of the SQA55 holding an Askar 52mm guide scope.

Key specs: fits the Askar SQA55 quick-release bases · 110mm (4.3") long, 50mm wide · finder-base slot with two M4 thumb screws · quick-release thumb-screw lock · all-metal, silver finish

Askar SQA55 with the silver quick-release handle bar fitted on top, with an inset of the handle

What you can mount on it

  • A guide scope: the Askar 32mm f/4 guide scope keeps the setup light; the 52mm Super ED is the one in Askar's photos. Add a guide camera such as the ZWO ASI220MM Mini.
  • A finder or other finder-base accessory: anything with a standard finder-base foot.
  • Together with autofocus: the SQA55 has four quick-release bases, so the handle bar and the SQA55 AF Kit can go on at the same time.

Askar SQA55 imaging setup with a 52mm guide scope on the handle bar, a second small scope at the side and a red ZWO camera

What's in the box

  • Askar SQA55 quick-release handle bar with two M4 thumb screws and locking thumb screw

The SQA55, guide scope and guide camera are sold separately. See all Askar telescopes and accessories.

Askar SQA55 Handle Bar FAQ

Does it fit other SQA telescopes?

No. It fits the quick-release bases that only the SQA55 has. The SQA70, SQA85, SQA106 and SQA130 use the SQA Series handle bar.

Which guide scope should I put on it?

The Askar 32mm f/4 is light and plenty for guiding a 264mm telescope. The 52mm Super ED gathers more light, which makes guide stars easier to find.

Can I use it with the AF kit?

Yes. The SQA55 has four quick-release bases, so the handle bar and the SQA55 AF Kit each take one.

Specifications

Details
Fits Askar SQA55 (quick-release bases on the tube)
Material All metal, silver finish
Length 110mm (4.3in)
Width 50mm
Height 30mm
Top Finder-base slot with two M4 thumb screws, 23mm apart
Attachment Quick-release, locking thumb screw, no tools
Manufacturer / SKU Askar (Sharpstar Optics) / SQA55HB
Barcode: 22899971