This Package Includes:

Celestron RASA 8-inch OTA.
M42 Camera Adapter.
C-Thread Camera Adapter.
Fan Battery Pack.
CGX Equatorial Head.
CGX Tripod and Accessory Tray.
(2x) 11-pound Counterweights.
NexStar Hand Control and Holster.
8 mm Allen Wrench.
12V DC Power Cable.

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, known mainly as the Celestron RASA, became one of the best astrophotography telescopes the moment it was released. Since then, its popularity has only grown due to the incredibly fast optics for efficient imaging, absurdly clear optics from edge-to-edge of the aperture, and the fact that it's one of the most reasonably priced, professional-grade telescopes available. Any astrophotographer will say the same great things about the Celestron RASA astrograph telescope. Experience as close to perfection as you can get in a portable package with the RASA series telescopes.

Paired for Excellence with the Celestron CGX

The Celestron RASA 8-inch has been paired with the CGX equatorial mount to bring out the best in your astrophotography system. With a load capacity of 55-pounds, you can fully customize your RASA to be the ultimate imaging rig. This mount is also fully-equipped with some of the best astrophotography software available, like StarSense and CPWI to bring professional-grade performance to an amateur-friendly system.

Fast Optics for Short Exposures and "Real-Time" Observing

Use shorter exposure times to capture detail in faint objects with its f/2.0 optical system. When combined with sensitive cameras and the proper live-stacking software, the 8-inch RASA can provide an almost real-time observing experience. Instantly view images on a computer that are brighter and more detailed than what you would see with the naked eye threw bigger telescopes.

Because shorter exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount won't need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8-inch RASA’s relatively short 400 mm focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required.

Below you'll see an incredible image of the Rosette Nebula taken by Jason Guenzel using the Triad Ultra filter on the super-fast f/2.2 Celestron RASA telescope!

An Astrograph for Everyone

The 8-inch 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.

It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its big brother, the RASA 11, including; the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.

Focusing Made Easy

Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable with a focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when tracking, focusing, or slewing. Two sets of precision bearings are precisely aligned and tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.

Imaging in the Modern Age

Designed to pair with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras, this RASA is optimized for sensors with up to a 22 mm diagonal. It can accept larger sensors (up to a 32 mm diagonal) as well as APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras.

Camera adapters, to connect C-mount cameras and cameras which mount with M42 threads are included.

Please note: The 8-inch RASA will not work with standard DSLR T-Ring systems. OPT offers optional adapters to connect your 8-inch RASA to Sony(#CE-93405), Canon (#CE-93406), or other mirrorless cameras.

Unique Optical Design

The RASA 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 to 700 nm), the 8-inch RASA’s optics are designed to perform over a wider spectral range, from 390 to 800 nm. This allows more of the light emitted from the astronomical object to be sharply focused on 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. The design engineers addressed this by designing the RASA with a removable optical window, so you can maintain peak optical performance if a filter is added or if a camera has its own optical window. Celestron designed a Light Pollution Imaging Filter (#CE-93614) designed specifically for the 8-inch 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.

Highlighted Features of the Celestron RASA

Designed with a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, lens group, and optical window.
The 8-inch RASA’s optics are designed to perform over a wider spectral range, from 390 to 800 nm. This allows more of the light emitted from the astronomical object to be sharply focused in the image.
A removable optical window, so you can maintain peak optical performance if a filter is added or if a camera has its own optical window.
Celestron deigned a Light Pollution Imaging Filter designed specifically for the 8-inch 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.

Incredible clarity from edge to edge of your image circle.
Portable and powerful for all astrophotographers.
Paired with the CGX Equatorial Mount for a precise and efficient astrophotography system.
Aperture: 203 mm (8-inch).
Telescope weight: 17-pounds.
Focal length: 400 mm.
Back focus: 29 mm (25 mm with included adapters).
Optimized for sensors with a 22 mm diagonal.
Please Note: The 8-inch RASA will not work with standard DSLR T-ring systems.