Experience the night sky like never before with the Celestron 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) OTA, a specialized astrograph designed for astrophotography. This innovative telescope offers a wide, flat field without optical distortions like field curvature, coma, astigmatism, or chromatic aberration, perfect for APS-C sensors.
Key Features:
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Optimized for Modern Cameras: Tailored for use with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras, the RASA 8” is not compatible with standard DSLR cameras. It's specifically designed for sensors up to 22mm diagonals but can accommodate up to 32mm with good performance.
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Ultra-Stable Focus System: This advanced system incorporates a precision linear ball bearing to minimize image shift, enhancing focus stability and accuracy.
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Efficient Cooling System: Equipped with a 12V DC MagLev fan, the RASA 8” offers efficient air cooling and dust filtration, ensuring optimal performance.
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Convenient Internal Filter Mount: Integrates a Light Pollution Imaging Filter directly into the optical path for seamless imaging.
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Wide Spectral Range: Operates effectively across a broad spectral range of 400nm – 800nm, providing sharp focus for a wider array of light wavelengths.
Astrograph for the Modern Imager:
- Fast f/2.0 Focal Ratio: Enables shorter exposure times, capturing detailed deep-sky images efficiently.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighing only 17 pounds, it's easy to transport to dark sky locations.
Real-Time Observing Experience: With its fast optical system, the RASA 8" allows for virtual real-time observing, significantly reducing the need for long exposure times and extensive tracking, making it ideal for live stacking applications.
Compatibility and Adaptability:
- The RASA 8" is compatible with a variety of cameras, but requires specific adapters for different models.
- Ideal for astronomical CMOS/CCD cameras with C-mount (comes with an included adapter) and M42-thread mount (requires an M42 adapter with extension tubes, not included).
Note: While the RASA 8" can work with 42mm full-frame sensors, performance at the sensor edges and field illumination may be compromised. Compatibility with camera bodies more than 4” in diameter is not recommended.
Celestron's RASA 8" is a compact, powerful astrograph designed for the modern astrophotographer, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the wonders of the night sky.
Specifications
| OPTICAL TUBE INFO: | |
|---|---|
| Optical Design: | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
| Aperture: | 203mm (8") |
| Focal Length: | 400mm (15.74") |
| Focal Ratio: | f/2.0 |
| Central obstruction diameter: | 93mm (3.66") (46% of aperture diameter) |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): | 843x |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): | 0.68 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): | 0.57 arc seconds |
| Image Circle: | 22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15° |
| Useable field: | 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength range: | 400 - 800 nm |
| Spot size: | < 2.3 μm RMS across image circle |
| Optical Coatings: | StarBright XLT |
| Off-axis Illumination: | 93% at 11mm (.43") off-axis |
| Optical Window: | 46mm (1.81") Ø |
| Back focus with included camera adapter: | 25mm (.98") |
| Back focus from top of threaded collar: | 29mm (1.14") |
| Optical Tube: | Aluminum |
| Optical Tube Length: | 628mm (24.7") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: | 235mm (9.3") |
| Focuser: | Precision Bearing System (PBS) |
| Finderscope: | Not included |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Other Features: | Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount |
| Included items: | 42mm (1.65") T-thread camera adapter | C-thread camera adapter | Fan battery pack |
| Dovetail: | CGE Dovetail Bar |
| Solar Warning |
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| California Residents |
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |