Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2
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Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2
Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2

Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Astrograph (RASA) 11” v2

£4,799.00
  (1 Review)
✓ 2 year warranty

:  

Out of stock due 2-4 working days

About this product

Model:  cel_r-a_astrograph_11_ota_v2
Part Number:  91076-CGL

NEW upgraded v2 model with improved Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS) to reduce focus shift and mirror flop. 

"The [Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt] Astrograph’s performance was extremely good. Using a DSLR with an APS-C sensor, the scope gave us a measured field of view of 1.6x2 degrees. We found our images went deep very quickly, a five-second test at ISO 1600 showing a tremendous amount of detail in and around the Orion Nebula, M42. The billowing nebula had lots of fine structure in it and this was even more impressive when we compared the shot with a similar field taken by a 4-inch apochromatic refractor. The larger aperture of the RASA really delivered a tremendous improvement in resolution. The start were sharp across the entire field and showed no serious distortion right to the frame corners. The four-element lens group in the centre of the corrector really did its job well; the quality of the field was quite superb." Pete Lawrence writing for BBC Sky at Night magazine. 

The NEW Celestron astrograph telescope features 11" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt optics and rare-earth glass for images free from false colour, coma and field curvature. 

52 mm imaging circle ensures pinpoint stars to the edges of the largest imaging sensors.

Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing reduces image shift and provides precise, smooth focussing.

Built-in, quiet, high-output 12v MagLev fan to reduce cooldown time and block dust.

Celestron’s new Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, the perfect companion to today’s top DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. This fast, wide-field f/2.2 system offers two advantages over traditional f/10 astroimaging: better apparent tracking and shorter exposures. That means you’ll create better-looking astroimages in a fraction of the time. Because shorter exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount won’t need to accurately track over extended periods. 

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph builds on the legacy of Celestron’s Schmidt Camera, which allowed astrophotographers to produce images on film in the 1970s.

Today, with CCD sensor sizes as large as film—or larger—the Schmidt Astrograph offers a full 52 mm optimised image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. Combine this large image circle with a focal length of just 620 mm and you have an instrument suitable for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and even comet hunting.

Optical Performance

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph features newly designed optics with 4-element rare-earth glass for images free of false colour and aberrations like coma and field curvature. The optical quality and spot size across the entire image circle is unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting. 

Advanced Features

Advanced features include a custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing for fine focus adjustments and a 12V MagLev fan to reduce cooldown time and provide optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.

Engineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph is optimised for peak performance with DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras. Down to the thickness of the glass used in the included fully-multicoated optical window or an optional imaging filter, every component of the system has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly.

Motorised Focus

Celestron's newly announced Focuser Motor (available separately) provides precise electronic focus control using a Celestron handset (if using a Celestron mount) or via a PC using the supplied focuser utility software or a number of 3rd party programs (e.g. Sequence Generator Pro, Maxim DL etc). 

NOTE: The Celestron RASA is a fast astrograph telescope so best suited to experienced astronomers. 

Rowe-Ackermann Tour

Telescope Field of View Simulator

Specifications

Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt
Aperture 279 mm
Focal Length 620 mm
Focal Ratio 2.22
Backfocus from front lens assembly 73 mm
Backfocus from included camera adapters 55 mm
Central obstruction diameter 114 mm
Finderscope Not included
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) 1588x
Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
Total Telescope Kit Weight 43 lbs (19.5 kg)

Customer reviews

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One of the finest light buckets you can buy
12 June 2015  | 

I remember the late 1970's when I dreamed of either a Celestron 5 or 8" Schmidt camera which used film which you had to bend around a specially crafted holder in a light bag then place back into the focal plane of the camera. I never did realise that dream & I'm glad I waited until now.

The RASA has none of the previous follies bestowed on the earlier cameras. It is a monster- sucking up vast amounts of light &squirting it into your chosen camera.

If you have a Celestron 11" OTA be prepared for a surprise. The RASA seems much bigger. I would suggest you make sure you have a medium class of mount with a very sturdy tripod or pier- nothing less will carry this beast adequately. I don't think the issue is just weight it is the extra length of the OTA.

The RASA comes with a battery adapter to power the Maglev fan on the back of the OTA. This power-pack is functional but is very cheap & is not becoming of the rest of the instrument quality. You get 2 camera adapters to fit most popular CCD cameras like Atik & a larger 48mm adapter for DSLR cameras.

If you use the RASA in a light polluted location you will need the 72mm LPR filter which whilst being expensive (made by Astrodon) is pretty much an essential accessory. The existing glass filter is replaced with this filter in a matter of seconds and you are good to go. This filter leaves no noticeable image cast on the CCD subs from what I've tested.

The short focal length of 620mm (f2.2) means exposures for deep sky objects are counted in seconds & not minutes. The field of view is simply amazing- swarms of stars in quantities never envisaged with a lessor instrument. The field is very flat although the light drop off at 20% on the corners will require flat field correction. This can be problematic as the camera is on the front & not the back like a traditional telescope. Use a dew shield on the front so not as to contaminate from oblique light sources.

You will enjoy this imaging super power but you need to pay careful attention to the quality of the mount to get the best results.

Enjoy!

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