First Light with the Newcomer Making Waves – The Askar SQA106 After weeks of thunderstorms and relentless cloud cover, the cosmos finally gave me a window. Last night, the stars aligned, "literally and metaphorically", and I had a few precious hours to let my new rig stretch its legs. It’s funny how a clear sky can feel like a cosmic handshake, a quiet invitation to test, to learn, and maybe even to be humbled. This wasn’t just a casual swap, it was the result of weeks of research, countless spec comparisons, and even some spirited discussions on the @AstroBin forums. I was this close to choosing the Takahashi Epsilon, until I asked Ahmed Wegdan for his take. He said, “Go for the Takahashi Killer.” I paused. What was he talking about? Then he mentioned the Askar SQA106. I looked into it, and the specs, the design, the community feedback, it all lined up. So I took the leap. This image was meant to be just a test, no fancy processing, no intention to publish. But once I saw the raw data, I couldn’t let it sit in the archive. The stars, the field, the feel, it deserved to be shared. With @A. Wegdan's input, I was able to bring out the final details and give this “test” the attention it truly earned. Captured here is Caldwell 33, the Eastern Veil Nebula, a delicate arc of glowing gas and tangled filaments, all that remains of a massive star’s final act. The Askar’s fast optics and wide field revealed intricate shock fronts and subtle color gradients that surprised me for a first light. The structure is razor-sharp, with just enough softness in the surrounding field to give it depth and drama. I still hold my RC in high regard, it’s a beast, a veteran, and it’s earned its stripes under countless skies. But the Askar? It’s the new kid with swagger. Fast, sharp, and surprisingly forgiving, like a rookie who shows up to first light and casually drops a masterpiece. Even from this test shot, it’s clear: sometimes the sky tells you when you’ve made the right choice. I think I nailed it this time.
Telescope Askar SA106
Camera ZWO ASI2600MC DUO
Mount EQ6R Pro
Player One Anti-Halo Pro Dual-Band Ha+OIII
Location: Matthews, NC
Date: August 2025