Celestron

ADVANCED VX 800 ROWE-ACKERMANN SCHMIDT ASTROGRAPH (RASA) TELESCOPE AVX

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Your Price: $2,936.25
SKU:
12032
UPC:
50234120326
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Product Overview

This kit combines the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with the strong-yet-portable Advanced VX (AVX) German equatorial mount. Simply add a mirrorless camera and this package offers everything you need to take spectacular images of wide-field deep sky objects.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s portable astrograph, the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to today’s color 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, it’s easy to transport your 8” RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

The 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” Observing

Since 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 won’t need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8” RASA’s 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 System

With the launch of the 8” RASA, Celestron unveiled 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 a precision linear ball bearing, which is tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.

Built for Today’s Latest Cameras

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. 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.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical DesignRowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture203mm (8")
Focal Length400mm (15.74")
Focal Ratiof/2.0
Central obstruction diameter93mm (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 Circle22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15°
Useable field32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV
Wavelength range390 - 800 nm
Spot size< 4.6 µm RMS across image circle
Optical CoatingsStarBright XLT
Off-axis Illumination93% at 11mm (.43") off-axis
Optical Window46mm (1.81") Ø
Back focus with included camera adapter25mm (.98")
Back focus from top of threaded collar29mm (1.14")
Optical TubeAluminum
Optical Tube Length628mm (24.7")
Optical Tube Diameter235mm (9.3")
FocuserUltra-Stable Focusing System
FinderscopeNot included
Optical Tube Weight17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Other FeaturesAir-cooling system, integrated filter mount
Included itemsM42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery pack
DovetailCGE Dovetail Bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount TypeComputerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod)1118mm - 1626mm (44" – 64")
Tripod Leg Diameter50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel
Latitude adjustment range7° - 77°
Mount Head Weight17 lbs (7.71 kg)
Accessory TrayYes
Tripod Weight18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Weight of Counterweights1 x 12 lbs
Slew Speeds9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second
Tracking RatesSidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking ModesEQ North & EQ South
GPSN/A
Dovetail CompatibilityDual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary ports3 Aux ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories)
Autoguide portYes
USB PortYes, input on Hand Control
Power Requirements12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
Motor DriveDC servo motors
Alignment Procedures2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error CorrectionYes
Computerized Hand ControlNexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
SoftwareCelestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight47 lbs (21.31 kg)
Included ItemsAdvanced VX Equatorial Head| Tripod| Accessory Tray|1 x 12 lbs counterweight| NexStar+ Hand Control| DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)

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