Celestron CGX RASA 8 Computerised Telescope
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This kit consists of the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with Celestron's sleek CGX German equatorial mount. All you need is to simply attach your camera and you'll be taking spectacular astrophotography of wide-field deep sky objects in no time.
Despite being the same size as the CGEM II, Celestron's CGX is a big step up in performance and features, especially for imaging applications.
RASA Performance Made for Everyone
Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s new portable astrograph - the CGX Equatorial 800 RASA Telescope! This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to today’s color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras, and allows you to produce sharp, detailed images (skipping the autoguider completely in many cases). Furthermore, it's convenient and easy to transport at just under 8kg. Note that the 8" RASA is purely designed for imaging and cannot be used visually.
The latest addition to the RASA family, this 8” version is a much more portable and affordable version of the famous RASA 11. It delivers the same quality flat field without optical abberations, allowing you to capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the difficulties of longer focal length instruments, doing so at a much lower cost! 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.
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. The RASA will show images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than those using much bigger telescopes with the naked eye.
Ultra-Stable Focus System
Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable than ever! Celestron unveiled a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing or tracking. The key to their ultra stable focus system is two sets of precision bearings that are precisely aligned (and individually tested during assembly) to ensure perfect results.
Built for Today’s Latest Cameras
Unlike the larger RASAs that are designed specifically for DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8” RASA was specifically created 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, and 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.
Camera Compatibility
Camera | Compatible with RASA 8? | Adapter required |
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with C-mount | Yes | C-mount adapter (included) |
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with other mount | Yes | M42 adapter (included) with M42 extension tubes (not included) |
Canon mirrorless with APS-C sensor | 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 | -- |
Unique Optical Design
RASA’s optical design is patented. 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.
Celestron's engineers designed 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, whilethe primary mirror uses enhanced aluminum coatings. This maintains high light transmission through the entire optical system.
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
Compatible With
Full Specifications
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) |
Optical Design | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) |
Aperture | 203mm (8-inches) |
Focal Length | 400mm (15.74-inches) |
Focal Ratio | f/2.0 |
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° |
Usable Field | 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6° Only Minimal Performance Loss at Edge of FOV |
Wavelength Range | 400 - 800nm |
Spot Size | < 4.6 μm RMS Across Image Circle |
Central Obstruction | 93mm (3.66") |
Central Obstruction by Diameter | 46% |
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 (0.98") |
Back Focus from Top of Threaded Collar | 29mm (1.14") |
Focuser | Ultra-Stable Focusing System (USFS) |
Other Features | Air-Cooling System Integrated Filter Mount |
Optical Tube Construction | Aluminium |
Optical Tube Length | 628mm (24.7") |
Optical Tube Diameter | 235mm (9.3") |
Optical Tube Weight | 7.7kg |
Dovetail | CGE Dovetail Bar |
Computerised Mount |
Mount Type | Computerised Equatorial (EQ) |
Payload Capacity | 25kg |
Tripod Material | Stainless Steel |
Height Adjustment Range (Including Mount and Tripod) | 1200.15 - 1968.5mm |
Tripod Leg Diameter | 50.8mm (2") |
Tripod Weight | 8.7kg |
Accessory Tray | Yes |
Mount Head Weight | 20kg |
Slew Speeds | 9 Slew Speds (Max Speed 4° / Second) |
Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
Tracking Modes | EQ North, EQ South |
GPS | N/A |
Dovetail Compatibility | Dual Saddle Plates (CG-5 / CGE) |
Auxiliary Ports | 2 Aux Ports |
Autoguide Port | Yes |
USB Port | Yes (Hand Controller Input) |
Power Reqiurements | 12V DC 4A (Tip Positive) |
Motor Drive | DC Servo Motors |
Alignment Procedures | 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align |
Periodic Error Correction | Yes |
Computerised Hand Controller | Double Line, 18 Character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 Fiber Optic Backlit LED Buttons and USB 2.0 Port for PC Connection |
NexStar+ Database | 40,000+ Objects with 100 User Defined Programmable Objects and Enhanced Information on Over 200 Objects |
Software | CPWI Telescope Control Software, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App |
Total Kit Weight | 56.3kg |
Warranty | Celestron 2 Year Warranty |
Recommended Accessories
About Celestron
Imagine a humble beginning – a 6-inch reflector telescope crafted by Tom Johnson for his young son. This was the spark that ignited a transformative journey. As time passed, his designs evolved into larger, more sophisticated scopes. Today, Celestron shines as an industry trailblazer, renowned for crafting precision optical equipment. From computerised marvels to traditional telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and more, Celestron's portfolio is a universe of possibilities. With a legacy spanning over 50 illustrious years, Celestron has earned admiration from both avid hobbyists and dedicated astronomers worldwide. But they don't rest on their laurels; innovation propels them forward. They constantly broaden their product horizons while illuminating minds through global science education initiatives. Celestron's story is one of innovation, evolution and a passion for the cosmos. Join them on this extraordinary journey of discovery and inspiration.
Product Code: 12058
Optical Design | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) |
---|---|
Aperture | 203mm (8") |
Focal Length | 400mm (15.74") |
Focal Ratio | f/2.2 |
Mount Type | German Equatorial |
Tube Length | 628mm (24.7") |
Electronic Hand Control | Yes |
Motor Drive | Yes |
Warranty Information | 2 Years Warranty |
1 x RASA 8-inch OTA
1 x CGX Equatorial Head
1 x CGX Tripod
1 x Accessory Tray
2 x 5kg Counterweights
1 x NexStar+ Hand Control
1 x 8mm Allen Wrench
1 x 12V DC Power Cable
1 x Hand Control Holster
Is my camera compatible with the RASA 8?
The below cameras are compatible.
Camera | Compatible with RASA 8? | Adapter required |
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with C-mount | Yes | C-mount adapter (included) |
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with other mount | Yes | M42 adapter (included) with M42 extension tubes (not included) |
Canon mirrorless with APS-C sensor | 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 | -- |