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.
saxon HEQ5 Pro Mount
Take your astrophotography to the next level with the saxon HEQ5 Pro Mount, a precision-engineered German equatorial mount designed for serious observers and imaging enthusiasts. With advanced computerised GoTo functionality and exceptional tracking accuracy, this mount simplifies celestial navigation and ensures stable, pinpoint alignment of your target objects.
Capable of supporting payloads up to 13.7kg, the HEQ5 is well-suited for popular imaging configurations such as ED80 telescopes with guidescopes and cameras. Its dual saddle head accommodates both Vixen-style (G5) and CGE-style dovetail bars, offering outstanding compatibility across various telescopes and accessories.
Whether you're observing star clusters or capturing faint galaxies, the HEQ5 Pro Mount offers smooth, accurate tracking and access to a database of nearly 42,000 celestial objects—so you can spend more time exploring and less time aligning.
Key Features:
- German equatorial mount with high-precision GoTo system
- Supports payloads up to 13.7kg – ideal for imaging setups
- Compatible with Vixen-style and CGE-style dovetail bars
- Access database of ~42,000 celestial objects
- Reliable tracking performance for long-exposure astrophotography
