Celestron 8” RASA

1. Ultra-Fast f/2 Optical System: The 8” RASA's incredibly fast focal ratio allows significantly shorter exposure times, making it ideal for capturing faint nebulae and galaxies quickly, even in light-polluted areas.

2. Wide-Field Flat Optics: Engineered as a Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, a type of catadioptric telescope, it delivers a naturally flat focal plane with sharp stars from the center to the edge of the large image circle.

3. Integrated Cooling Fan: An integrated 12V DC MagLev fan actively cools the primary mirror, evacuating warm air and reducing dew formation, ensuring optimal performance and extending sensor life.

4. Optimized for Astrophotography: This telescope is specifically designed as a dedicated astrograph, providing a direct optical pathway for cameras at prime focus, eliminating the need for complex accessories like field flatteners or coma correctors.

ABOUT THE CELESTRON 8” RASA

The Celestron 8” RASA (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) is a specialized catadioptric telescope designed exclusively for wide-field astrophotography. Unlike traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, the RASA features an ultra-fast f/2 optical system, which significantly reduces exposure times, allowing for capture of faint deep-sky objects in much less time. Its innovative design provides a naturally flat field without the need for additional field flatteners, ensuring pinpoint stars across the entire image sensor. The 8” RASA is a compact and portable astrograph, making it suitable for both experienced astrophotographers and those looking to enter the hobby with a high-performance, dedicated imaging instrument. Constructed with precision-machined aluminum components and high-quality optical glass, it delivers exceptional image quality and robust performance under demanding conditions. This telescope is specifically engineered to mount a camera at the front of the optical tube, placing the sensor at the prime focus for superb light collection efficiency and minimal obstruction, ideal for deep-sky imaging.

ABOUT CELESTRON

Celestron, founded in 1960 in Torrance, California, USA, is a leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, and optical components. The company is renowned for its innovative approach, particularly its pioneering work in consumer-friendly Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and computerized GoTo mounts. Celestron’s product philosophy emphasizes optical quality, ease of use, and accessibility, making high-performance optics available to a wide range of users, from amateur astronomers to seasoned astrophotographers. Their dedication to advancing optics has solidified their reputation as a trusted name in the astronomical community.

MAIN FEATURES

• Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)

• Aperture: 203mm (8 inches)

• Focal Length: 400mm

• Focal Ratio: f/2

• Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT

• Image Circle: 22mm (optimized for APS-C and smaller sensors)

• Back Focus: 29mm (with camera adapter and filter drawer included)

• Tube Material: Precision-machined aluminum

• Mounting: CGE/Losmandy D-plate dovetail (optional Vixen C-plate available)

• Weight: Approximately 7.7 kg (17 lbs)

• Compatibility: Designed for prime-focus astrophotography with CCD and CMOS cameras

• Collimation: User-adjustable via objective lens cell

WARRANTY

This product is covered by a 2-year global warranty that includes defects in materials and manufacturing under normal use.

IN THE BOX

• Celestron 8” RASA Optical Tube Assembly

• T-thread Camera Adapter

• M48 Camera Adapter

• Integrated 12V DC cooling fan

• Front and rear lens caps

• Dovetail bar (Losmandy D plate)

• User Manual