Altair 60EDQ Quad APO Refractor: A Portable Astrograph for Deep-sky Imaging

The Altair 60EDQ Dual-ED Flat-Field F/5.0 Quad APO Astrograph is a powerful tool for astrophotographers. It combines high-end optics with a compact, travel-friendly design. It is purpose-built for full-frame and APS-C astrophotography. Altair Astro, known for precision and innovation, offers this as a new standard in portable imaging refractors.

Quadruplet optics with dual ED glass

The heart of the Altair 60EDQ lies in its premium optical design. It uses a four-element (quadruplet) air-spaced lens configuration. Two of the four lenses are made of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass. This design greatly reduces chromatic aberration. It also improves contrast and sharpness across the field. The scope has a 60 mm aperture and a focal length of 300 mm. That gives it a fast f/5.0 focal ratio. This is ideal for wide-field deep-sky imaging. You can capture large nebulae, star fields, and galaxy groups in a single frame. Altair has carefully selected the glass types. Their goal is to optimize color correction across the visible spectrum. The result is pin-sharp stars even at the corners of full-frame sensors. There is no need for additional field flatteners or reducers.

2.5-inch rack-and-pinion focuser

The Altair 60EDQ comes with a 2.5-inch rack-and-pinion focuser. It features dual-speed control (10:1 ratio). The focuser is smooth, precise, and strong enough to support heavy imaging gear. It accepts M48 accessories at the rear. The focuser tube has 20 mm of travel. That helps fine-tune focus while maintaining the correct back focus. The focuser also includes a thumbscrew locking mechanism. This prevents any movement during imaging. You can attach a motorized focuser for automated focus control. The scope is compatible with Altair’s own electronic focuser and Pegasus FocusCube. This helps during temperature changes or unattended imaging sessions.

Compact and travel-ready design

The Altair 60EDQ is compact and easy to carry. The telescope body is just 260 mm long with the dew shield retracted. Fully extended, the length is around 315 mm. It weighs about 3.1 kg with tube rings, dovetail, and handle. This makes it ideal for mobile imaging rigs and air travel. It fits easily in standard padded cases or backpacks. It also balances well on small equatorial mounts like the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi, iOptron GEM28, or ZWO AM3. Despite the small size, the scope feels solid and premium. The CNC-machined tube, anodized finish, and high-precision optics make it feel like a professional tool.

Ideal users

This telescope is for serious astrophotographers. It is especially ideal for those who:

• Want a compact quad-APO with premium optics
• Shoot with APS-C or full-frame sensors
• Travel frequently with gear
• Don’t want the hassle of external flatteners

Key specifications

Here are some of the key specifications of the telescope:

Aperture	60 mm
Focal Length	300 mm (f/5)
Optical Design	Quadruplet with 2 ED elements
Focuser	2.5″ rack‑and‑pinion dual‑speed
Camera Rotator	360° included
Tube Length	260 mm retracted / 315 mm extended
Weight	3.1 kg
Dovetail Bar	250 mm Vixen/Arca

Price and availability

The scope is available through Altair’s official website for $942.

The Altair 60EDQ Dual-ED Flat-Field Quad APO is a handy astrograph. It brings serious performance in a compact, travel-friendly form. With quad-element optics and robust mechanics, it’s built for serious deep-sky imaging. You don’t need to add correctors or struggle with spacing. Just mount your camera, dial in focus, and start imaging. It’s that simple.

Clear skies!

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