Celestron 8" RASA, Advanced VX

Technical Details

Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope This comprehensive set marries the 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph with the Advanced VX German equatorial mount, offering a potent yet transportable solution for deep-sky imaging.

It's crafted for astrophotographers across the spectrum of expertise, furnishing all the necessary components to seize breathtaking wide-field images when coupled with a fitting mirrorless or astronomical camera. The system strikes a balance between performance and convenience, rendering it ideal for both home use and excursions to dark sky locales.

Key Features

• Fast and Accessible Astrograph Performance
• Optimised for Modern Cameras
• Precision Optics and Stable Focusing
• Advanced VX Mount and Tracking Capability
• Integrated Software for Complete Control

Fast and Accessible Astrograph Performance

The 8" RASA features an exceptionally fast f/2.0 optical system, enabling the capture of detailed deep-sky images in significantly shorter exposure times.

Its advanced optical design produces a flat field with minimal aberrations, ensuring sharp stars across a wide field of view. Weighing just 7.7 kg, the optical tube remains highly portable while still delivering results comparable to larger and more expensive imaging systems.

It is purpose-built for imaging and cannot be used for visual observation due to its front-mounted focal plane.

Optimised for Modern Cameras

This astrograph is designed to work seamlessly with modern colour astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. It performs best with sensors up to 22mm, though it can accommodate sensors up to 32mm with good results.

While full-frame sensors can be used, edge performance and illumination may be reduced. The system is not compatible with DSLR cameras. Included and optional adaptors support a wide range of camera mounts, allowing flexibility for different imaging setups.

Precision Optics and Stable Focusing

The RASA's patented optical design incorporates a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, and a four-element lens group to deliver excellent performance across a wide spectral range of 400 to 800nm. All optical surfaces feature high-quality coatings to maximise light transmission. A removable optical window ensures optimal performance when using filters.

The Ultra-Stable Focus System, featuring a precision linear ball bearing, reduces mirror shift during focusing and tracking, providing improved accuracy and consistency.

Advanced VX Mount and Tracking Capability

The Advanced VX mount offers a robust and reliable platform for the RASA 8, with a payload capacity of 13.6 kg.

Its computerised GoTo system automatically tracks celestial objects, while features such as All-Star Polar Alignment and permanently programmable periodic error correction enhance tracking precision.

The mount includes a sturdy steel tripod with a wide stance for improved stability, along with a dual saddle plate compatible with both CG-5 and CGE dovetails. Its portability makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced users.

Integrated Software for Complete Control

Included with the system is Celestron's PWI telescope control software, developed in collaboration with PlaneWave Instruments.

This advanced software provides a graphical planetarium interface, precise mount modelling, and full ASCOM compatibility for integration with third-party applications. Also included is Starry Night Special Edition software, which offers detailed celestial data and observation planning tools. Together, these software solutions provide a complete and intuitive control experience for imaging and telescope operation.

Top Three Features

Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope Fast and Accessible Astrograph Performance: The 8" RASA's fast f/2.0 optical system allows for quick and detailed deep-sky imaging. Its advanced optical design ensures sharp stars across a wide field of view. Despite its compact size, it delivers results comparable to larger, more expensive systems.

Optimised for Modern Cameras: This telescope is designed to work seamlessly with modern colour astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. It can accommodate a variety of sensor sizes and includes adaptors for a range of camera mounts, offering flexibility for different imaging setups.

Integrated Software for Complete Control: The Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope comes with Celestron's PWI telescope control software and Starry Night Special Edition software.

These provide a complete and intuitive control experience for imaging and telescope operation, including a graphical planetarium interface and detailed celestial data.

Our expert's opinion about the Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope

The Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope is a comprehensive set that offers a potent yet transportable solution for deep-sky imaging.

It's crafted for astrophotographers of all levels, providing all the necessary components for breathtaking wide-field images.

The system balances performance and convenience, making it ideal for both home use and excursions to dark sky locales. Its fast and accessible astrograph performance, optimisation for modern cameras, and integrated software for complete control make it a standout choice for astrophotography enthusiasts.