About this product
Model: cel_vx800_rasa
Part Number: 12032-CGL
RASA Performance Made for Everyone
This kit combines the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with the strong-yet-portable Advanced VX German equatorial mount.
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.
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 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 colour 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.
The new Advanced VX mount is specifically designed to provide optimum imaging performance for smaller telescopes. Features include permanent programmable periodic error correction, all star polar alignment, autoguider support and the ability to image across the meridian without doing a meridian flip so you can seamlessly image the best part of night sky. Compared to the earlier CG5-GT mount the Advanced VX also has larger base castings for improved stability under heavier loads and upgraded motors for more torque.
FEATURES
- 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.
- 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.
- Integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction eliminates recurring track errors from the worm gear.
- Autoguider port for long exposure imaging
- New motors offer improved tracking performance & provide more power to overcome load imbalances
- Updated industrial design offers more rigidity, less flexure and improved aesthetics
- New design allows viewing or imaging across the meridian without interference from the motors housings
- Improved latitude range. Can be used between 7 – 77 degrees latitude.
- NexStar+ hand control offers multiple language programming (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish)
NOTE: The 8” RASA is designed for imaging. It 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.
What's in the box
- Telescope OTA
- VX Mount
- 1x Counterweight
- NexStar+ Hand Control
- DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)
Specifications
| Optical Design | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt |
| 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 arcseconds |
| Resolution (Dawes) | 0.57 arcseconds |
| Image Circle | 22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15° |
| Useable field | 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength Range | 390 - 800nm |
| Spot Size | < 4.6 μm RMS across image circle |
| Optical Coatings | StarBright XLT |
| Off-axis illumination | 93% at 11mm (.43") off-axis |
| Optical Window | 46mm (1.81") Ø |
| Back focus with included camera adaptor | 25mm (0.98") |
| Back focus from top of threaded collar | 29mm (1.14") |
| Optical Tube | Aluminium |
| Optical Tube Length | 628mm (24.7") |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 235mm (9.3") |
| Focuser | Ultra-Stable Focusing System |
| Finderscope | Not included |
| Optical Tube Weight | 7.7kg |
| Other features | Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount |
| Dovetail | CGE Dovetail Bar |
| Mount Type | Computerized Equatorial |
| Instrument load capacity | 13.6kg |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod) | 1118mm - 1626mm (44" - 64") |
| Tripod Leg Diameter | 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel |
| Latitude Range | 7-77 deg |
| Mount Head Weight | 7.71 kg |
| Tripod Weight | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Counterweights | 1 x 12 lbs (5.4kg) |
| Slew Speeds | Nine slew speeds, 4 deg/sec maximum |
| Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes | EQ North and EQ South |
| Dovetail compatibility | Dual saddle plate (CG-5 and CGE saddle) |
| Number of auxiliary ports | 3x AUX ports (1 hand control and 2x AUX ports for optional accessories) |
| Autoguide Port | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes, input on Hand Control |
| Power Requirements | 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) |
| Alignment Procedures | 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align |
| Periodic Error Correction | Yes |
| Power Requirements | 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) |
| Database | 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
| Computerized Hand Control | NexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons |
| Software | Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight | 21.3kg |
Downloads / Manuals
The following manuals and downloads are available for this product:
Celestron Advanced VX Manual
8" Rowe-Ackermann f/2.0 Schmidt Astrograph
Customer reviews
FAQ
Please fill in the form below to ask a question.
Wish List
95% Positive Feedback
Easy 30 Day Returns
Friendly Expert Support
Competitive Pricing
Fast Worldwide Shipping
