Description

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.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

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.

The latest addition to the RASA family, this 8” version is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11, which was introduced to much acclaim in 2014. With the 8” RASA joining the lineup, a wider range of astroimagers can enjoy the benefits of the RASA design. It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its “big brother” RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.

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.

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 a precision linear ball bearing, which is 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 color 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.

Camera	Compatible with RASA 8?	Adapter required
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with C-mount	Yes	C-mount adapter (included)
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with M42-thread mount	Yes	M42 adapter (included) with M42 extension tubes (not included)
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with other mount	Yes	Custom camera adapter
Canon mirrorless with APS-C sensor	Yes	Canon mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Sony mirrorless with APS-C sensor	Yes	Sony mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Canon mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor	Yes, but not optimized across the full sensor	Canon mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Sony mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor	Yes, but not optimized across the full sensor	Sony mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
DSLR	No	--

Technology

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.

Specifications

PTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design:	Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture:	203mm (8")
Focal Length:	400mm (15.74")
Focal Ratio:	f/2.0
Central obstruction diameter:	93mm (3.66") (46% of aperture diameter)
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye):	843x
Resolution (Rayleigh):	0.68 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes):	0.57 arc seconds
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 - 800 nm
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 adapter:	25mm (.98")
Back focus from top of threaded collar:	29mm (1.14")
Optical Tube:	Aluminum
Optical Tube Length:	628mm (24.7") length \| 235mm (9.3") diameter
Focuser:	Ultra-Stable Focusing System
Finderscope:	Not included
Optical Tube Weight:	17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Other Features:	Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount
Included items:	M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery pack
Dovetail:	CGE Dovetail Bar
Solar Warning	Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.

Downloads

8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Manual

Whitepaper RASA

How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video

Camera Adapter requirements

Celestron Optical Tubes

Filters

8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 8) Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)

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