Celestron RASA 8 Schmidt Astrograph Telescope - OTA Only

Introducing the Celestron 8" RASA Astrograph: a game-changer in wide-field astrophotography. This portable, 17-pound Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) is a dream come true for astrophotographers, combining a lightning-fast f/2.0 focal ratio with a patented optical design. Capture the cosmos in stunning clarity and detail with minimal effort and no need for an autoguider in many cases. It's the ideal match for modern color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCDs, and mirrorless cameras.

The 8" RASA isn't just any imaging telescope. It's a breakthrough in achieving flat-field imagery without optical distortions, producing razor-sharp stars across a broad field. This model democratizes deep-sky imaging, offering a more compact and affordable alternative to the larger systems, without sacrificing quality. Inspired by the success of the acclaimed RASA 11 introduced in 2014, this version extends the exceptional RASA features to a wider audience.

Key features of the 8" RASA include an integrated air-cooling system, an internal filter mount, and a sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar. Designed exclusively for imaging, it foregoes traditional eyepiece accommodation for a prime focus focal plane at the front of the optical system.

The f/2.0 optical system of the 8” RASA allows for shorter exposure times, capturing faint object details swiftly. Coupled with sensitive cameras and live stacking software, it provides a near real-time observing experience. Images appear on your computer instantaneously, brighter and more detailed than what many larger telescopes can reveal.

The 400mm focal length of the 8" RASA reduces the demands on equatorial tracking, often eliminating the need for autoguiding. Its lightweight design makes it compatible with a variety of mounts, enhancing its portability.

Celestron introduces an ultra-stable focus system with the 8" RASA. This innovative design minimizes primary mirror lateral movement during focusing, slewing, or tracking. The system's stability is ensured by two sets of precision bearings, aligned and tested meticulously, making focusing more straightforward and precise.