Celestron

CGEM II RASA 8" Telescope

SKU: 12020


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  • Regular price $3,799.00

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  • Flat field free of optical aberrations like field curvature, coma, astigmatism and chromatic aberration across an entire APS-C sensor.
  • NEW Ultra-Stable Focus System – six precision sealed ball bearings virtually eliminate image shift.
  • Internal filter mount – seamlessly accommodates a Light Pollution Imaging Filter into the optical path.
  • 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.
  • The CGEM II, with its 40 lb. load capacity, is the latest update to the venerable CGEM mount and provides a sturdy and rigid platform for the fully-loaded RASA 8.
  • The drive system, consisting of low cog DC Servo motors with integrated optical encoders, steel worm gears supported by precision sealed bearings, and brass worm wheels, ensures smooth and accurate slewing and tracking.

This kit combines the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with the CGEM II EQ mount. Simply add a 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 new 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.

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.

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. 

 

Ultra-Stable Focus System

With 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 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. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22mm diagonal, but still performs well with larger (up to 32mm diagonal) sensors. As such, it works well with APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras.

Camera adapters to connect C-mount cameras and cameras that mount with M42 threads are included. Celestron offers optional adapters to connect your 8” RASA to Sony or Canon mirrorless cameras.

When compared with “Hyperstar SCT” systems, the RASA 8 provides better optical performance and field illumination.

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture 203 mm (8")
Focal Length 400 mm (15.74")
Focal Ratio f/2.0
Central obstruction diameter 93 mm (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 22 mm (.86") Ø, 3.15°
Useable field 32 mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV
Wavelength range 390 - 800 nm
Spot size < 4.6 μm RMS across image circle
Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
Off-axis Illumination 93% at 11 mm (.43") off-axis
Optical Window 46 mm (1.81") Ø
Back focus with included camera adapter 25 mm (.98")
Back focus from top of threaded collar 29 mm (1.14")
Optical Tube Aluminum
Optical Tube Length 628 mm (24.7") length, 235 mm (9.3") diameter
Focuser Ultra-Stable Focusing System
Finderscope Not included
Optical Tube Weight 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Other Features Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount
Included items M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery pack
Dovetail CGE Dovetail Bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity 40 lbs (18 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod) 1346 - 1651 mm (53 – 65")
Tripod Leg Diameter 50.8 mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section
Latitude adjustment range 15° - 70°
Total EQ Head Weight 41 lbs (18.6 kg)
Accessory Tray Yes
Tripod Weight 20 lbs (9 kg)
Weight of Counterweights 1 x 17 lbs
Slew Speeds 9 slew speeds
Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes EQ North & EQ South
GPS N/A
Dovetail Compatibility Dual saddle plates (Vixen and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary ports 2 (1x Hand control port and 1x AUX Port for optional accessories)
Autoguide port Yes
USB Port Yes
Power Requirements 12 VDC, 3.2 amps
Motor Drive Low cog DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align
Periodic Error Correction Yes
Computer Hand Control Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons, USB 2 0 port for PC connection
Database 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software Starry Night Special Edition
Included Accessories CGEM II Equatorial Head|Tripod|Accessory Tray|1 x 17 lbs counterweight|NexStar+ Hand Control|DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)|8 mm Allen wrench (contained in rear carry handle)
Barcode: 050234120203