Capturing impressive deep-sky astroimages is easier than ever with Celestron’s new RASA (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) - the perfect companion to today’s DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. This fast, wide-field f/2.2 system offers two huge advantages over traditional f/10 for astrophotography: better apparent tracking and shorter exposures. This means that you’ll be able to create better-looking astroimages in a shorter time period, even without the use of an autoguider.

With today's CCD sensor sizes as large as film,the RASA offers a 43.3mm optimized image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. Combined with a focal length of 620mm, the RASA is your must-have instrument for wide-field imaging, surveying, comet hunting, and creating beautiful mosaics of the night sky.

Optical Performance:

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph features newly designed optics with 4-element rare-earth glass for images without false colour and aberrations like coma and field curvature. The optical quality and spot size across the entire image circle is unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting.

Advanced Features:

Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearings and FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob allow you to make the fine adjustments needed to capture the perfect shot, while a 12V MagLev fan reduces cool down time and provides optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.

Engineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the RASA is optimized for peak performance with DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras. Every assembly piece, down to the thickness of the glass used in the included fully-multicoated optical window or an optional imaging filter has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly.

RASA (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) Features:

• Ultra-fast, 11" f/2.2 optical design with rare-earth glass for images free of false color, coma, and field curvature; Cuts imaging time by more than half
• Expansive 43.3 optimized image circle maintains pinpoint stars to the far corners of even the largest astroimaging sensors, while the usable field extends even further to 52mm for larger format sensors.
• Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing reduces image shift, while dual-speed 10:1 FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob provides the most precise focusing
• Quiet, high-output 12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and blocks dust
• Common camera adapters (T-thread and M48) included for easy attachment to popular CCD and DSLR cameras

CGX Mount and Tripod Features:

The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. It is Celestron's new equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.

• Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
• Increased load capacity to 25kg
• Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads
• Heavy duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike
• Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation
• Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
• Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
• Brand new control software developed for professional level control operation and imaging
• Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging
• Wider tripod stance for improved stability
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
• Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle

Improved tripod includes:

• 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
• "Jack of all trays" to hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories
• +20° of additional tracking past the meridian on either side
• Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport

Improved Ergonomics:

• Two handles for easy pickup and transport
• New ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
• Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system
• All-new ergonomic adjustment knobs with reduced friction for smooth and easy positioning under full loads 
• Optional add-on polar axis finderscope

Electronics:

• NexStar+ hand control with USB port
• Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)
• USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
• Autoguider port
• PPEC ready
• Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector
• Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved

Compatible with:

Optical Tube Info:

Mount Info:

About Celestron
Celestron was founded by Tom Johnson whose first telescope design was a simple 6-inch reflector, built for his young son. He gradually progressed to making larger scopes in more sophisticated designs. Today, the Celestron company is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing optical equipment including telescopes (computerised and non-computerised), binoculars, spotting scopes and its accompanying accessories. Celestron's legacy spans 50 years, and has grown to enjoy recognition from amateurs to serious astronomers globally. The company seeks to remain innovative by growing its product offerings, while supporting science education around the world.