The just released ASTAP solver 0.9.449 (development version) is faster for small fields-of-view. This was achieved by creating an own star database cache and reusing the star data if possible. Improvement for small fields (<0.5 degrees) is 35 to 40% and a few degrees offset or more. For larger fields-of-view the improvement is less.
Performance on some test images with a large position offset:
FOV=4.6 degrees, offset 50 degrees. Image solved in 2.6 seconds
FOV=0.48 degrees, offset 22 degrees. Image solved in 34 seconds
FOV=0.23 degrees, offset 6 degrees. Image solved in 20.5 seconds
Mac and Raspbian Pi versions will be released in a few days after more testing. Feedback is welcome