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Home Telescopes Optical Tube Assemblies Celestron Optical Tubes Celestron 8 Inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 8)
Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestrons new portable astrograph, the 8 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to todays colour astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. Thanks to its fast focal ratio and patented optical design, you can produce sharp, detailed images and, in many cases, skip the autoguider completely. Weighing in at just 17 pounds, its easy to transport your 8 RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.Flat field free of optical aberrations like field curvature, coma, astigmatism and chromatic aberration across an entire APS-C sensor. Unlike the larger RASAs that work with DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8 model was designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. The telescope does not work with standard DSLR cameras. NEW Ultra-Stable Focus System six precision sealed ball bearings virtually eliminate image shift. Integrated air cooling system 12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal air flow while filtering out dust. Internal filter mount seamlessly accommodates a Light Pollution Imaging Filter into the optical path. CGE dovetail mounting rail. Performs over a wider spectral range than most telescopes, from 390-800 nm, so more of the light passing through the astrograph is in sharp focus.
Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestrons new portable astrograph, the 8 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to todays colour astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. Thanks to its fast focal ratio and patented optical design, you can produce sharp, detailed images and, in many cases, skip the autoguider completely. Weighing in at just 17 pounds, its easy to transport your 8 RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.RASA Performance Made for EveryoneThe 8 RASA is an imaging telescope that delivers a flat field without optical aberrations for razor sharp stars across a wide field of view. It can capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the challenges typically presented by longer focal length instruments at a fraction of the cost of those systems.The latest addition to the RASA family, this 8 version is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11, which was introduced to much acclaim in 2014. With the 8 RASA joining the lineup, a wider range of astroimagers can enjoy the benefits of the RASA design. It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its big brother RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.Purely designed for imaging, the 8 RASA cannot be used visually. The prime focus focal plane is located at the front of the optical system, so it cannot accommodate a traditional eyepiece.Shorter Exposure Times and Virtual Real-Time ObservingSince it is an F/2.0 optical system, imagers can use shorter exposure times to capture detail in faint objects. When combined with sensitive cameras and the proper live stacking software, the 8 RASA can provide an almost real-time observing experience. View images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than can be seen in much bigger telescopes with the naked eye.Because shorter exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount wont need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8 RASAs relatively short 400mm focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required. Weighing only 17 lb, this optical tube pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mounts.Ultra-Stable Focus SystemWith the launch of the 8 RASA, Celestron is unveiling a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking with the astrograph. Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable than ever. The key to the Ultra-Stable Focus System is two sets of precision bearings that are precisely aligned and tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.Built for Todays Latest CamerasUnlike the larger RASAs that work with DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8 model was designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. The telescope does not work with standard DSLR cameras. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22mm diagonal, but performs well with sensors up to 32mm diagonal. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. 42mm full frame sensors will also work, but performance will be poor at the edges of the sensor and field illumination will be reduced. Additionally, we do not recommend pairing RASA 8 with any camera body more than 4 in diameter. See the chart below to determine if your camera is compatible with RASA 8.Optical Tube Info: Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt AstrographAperture 203mm (8")Focal Length 400mm (15.74")Focal Ratio f/2.0Central obstruction diameter 93mm (3.66") (46% of aperture diameter)Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) 843xResolution (Rayleigh) 0.68 arc secondsResolution (Dawes) 0.57 arc secondsImage Circle 22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15°Useable field 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOVWavelength range 390 - 800 nmSpot size < 4.6 µm RMS across image circleOptical Coatings StarBright XLTOff-axis Illumination 93% at 11mm (.43") off-axisOptical Window 46mm (1.81") ØBack focus with included camera adapter 25mm (.98")Back focus from top of threaded collar 29mm (1.14")Optical Tube AluminumOptical Tube Length 628mm (24.7") length | 235mm (9.3") diameterFocuser Ultra-Stable Focusing SystemFinderscope Not includedOptical Tube Weight 17 lbs (7.7 kg)Other Features Air-cooling system, integrated filter mountIncluded items M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery packDovetail CGE Dovetail Bar
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