CGX RASA 8" Telescope
CGX RASA 8" Telescope
CGX RASA 8" Telescope

Celestron

CGX RASA 8" Telescope

SKU: 12058


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  • $4,599.00

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$79 Economy shipping for Large Telescopes Due to their size and bulk, we are not able to offer free shipping on large Telescopes and Mounts, but offer a steep discount off the actual cost.

  • 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 CGX, with its 55 lb. load capacity, is Celestron’s most innovative, state-of-the art, computerized equatorial mount to date, and provides a very sturdy and rigid platform for the fully-loaded RASA 8.
  • The drive system utilizes low cog DC Servo motors with integrated optical encoders, belt and pulley motor connection, spring-loaded steel worm gears supported by precision sealed bearings, and brass worm wheels for smooth, accurate slewing and tracking performance with little backlash.
  • Fully remote imaging capable, with optical limit switches, home sensors, through-mount cabling, and hard stops.
  • Included Celestron PWI software allows direct computer control via USB 2.0 connection.

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. 

 

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.

Unique Optical Design

RASA’s optical design is patented (US 2016/0299331 A1). The design consists of a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, lens group, and optical window. The lens group contains 4 elements and utilizes rare-earth elements. Unlike many telescopes that only perform well over the visible spectrum (400-700nm), the 8” RASA’s optics are designed to perform over a wider spectral range, from 390-800nm. This allows more of the light emitted from the astronomical object to be sharply focused in the image.

With many imaging systems, adding an extra piece of flat glass such as a filter does not change optical performance. However, that is not the case with super-fast optical systems like the RASA. Our engineers addressed this by designing the RASA with a removeable optical window, so you can maintain peak optical performance if a filter is added or if a camera has its own optical window. Celestron offers a Light Pollution Imaging Filter designed specifically for the 8” RASA, which mounts in place of the optical window.

All refractive optical surfaces are coated with StarBright XLT coatings, while the primary mirror uses enhanced aluminum coatings. This maintains high light transmission through the entire optical system.

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

Barcode: 050234120586