Celestron

      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. 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 Computerised Mount Features: New CGX-L Features: Increased 34kg load capacity; Exceptional load capacity to weight ratio Additional aux accessory ports and autoguider port on the dec axis for a better cable management system Larger 144mm diameter worm wheels that provide smoother viewing operation and drive heavier loads more accurately Longer 270mm dovetail saddle that support larger optical tubes easily Massive 70 mm stainless steel tripod legs with a wider stance for improved stability under heavy loads New accessory tray holds three 1.25” and two 2” eyepieces with an upright stand for your smartphone or tablet Heavy duty, 31.5 mm stainless steel counterweight shaft to support additional counterweights Optional add-on polar axis finderscope custom designed for CGX and CGX-L Supports WiFi and wireless operation accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal Wi-Fi Module (sold separately) Mount Features: Compact, lower profile equatorial head provides improved stability and portability. Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads Heavy duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation at full capacity Clear windows built into motor covers so pulleys and belts can be monitored 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 lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags Internal hard stops for both axes prevent 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 Includes Celestron's new PWI telescope control software that features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy Software Polar Align: “All-Star Polar Alignment” allows quick and very precise polar alignment. Align on any bright named star without extra polar alignment accessories, apps, or other assistance Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range Dual-fit Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE dovetail saddle +20° of additional tracking past the meridian on either side Redesigned tripod has a widened stance for added stability. The minimum tripod height has also been lowered per user feedback Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport Improved Ergonomics: Integrated handles for easy transport and portability All-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. Stationary latitude knob with a newly-designed linkage system greatly reduces the amount of friction when polar aligning the mount. Redesigned azimuth adjustment with low-friction Teflon bearings to make adjustments easy under full load. No more binding, rough adjustments! Easy to read latitude scale Electronics: NexStar+ hand control with USB port USB 2.0 port used to connect directly to PC with PWI Software 2 available autoguider ports for optimum cable management PEC sensor and PPEC ready Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved) On/Off rocker switch with red LED     Optical Tube Info: Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Aperture  279.4mm (11") Focal Length 620mm (24.4") Focal Ratio f/2.2 Central obstruction diameter 114mm (4.48") (41% of aperture diameter) Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.49 arc seconds Resolution (Dawes) 0.41 arc seconds Image Circle 43.3mm (1.7") Ø , 4.0° Useable Field 52mm (2.04") Ø , 4.8° only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV Wavelength Range 400 - 700 nm Spot Size < 4.4 μm RMS across FOV Optical Coatings StarBright XLT Off-axis Illumination 83% at 21mm (.82") off-axis Optical Window 68mm (2.67") Ø Back focus with included camera adapter 55mm (2.16") Back focus from top of threaded collar 72.8mm (2.86") Optical Tube Aluminum Optical Tube Length 838.2mm (33") Optical Tube Diameter 330.2mm (13") Focuser FeatherTouch microfocuser Coarse and fine focus Finderscope Not included Optical Tube Weight 19.5kg Other Features Ventilation fan Dual dovetail mounting bars Mirror support clutches Included Items 42mm (1.65”) T-thread camera adapter 48mm (1.89”) camera adapter Fan battery pack Dovetail CGE Dovetail Bar   Mount Info: Mount Type Computerised Equatorial                                                       Instrument Load Capacity 34kg Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod) 908.05mm - 1339.85m Tripod Leg Diameter 69.85mm (Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section) Latitude adjustment range 3° - 65° Mount Head Weight 23.8kg Accessory Tray Yes Tripod Weight 21kg Weight of Counterweights 1 x 22lbs (10kg) Slew Speeds 9 slew speeds - max speed 3°/second Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Tracking Modes EQ North & EQ South GPS N/A Dovetail Compatibility Dual saddle plates (Vixen and CGE saddle) Auxiliary ports 4 Aux ports (Hand Control can use any Aux port, 2 are located near dovetail saddle) Autoguide port 2 ports (one is located near the dovetail saddle) USB Port 1 port (for Mount and Hand Control) Power Requirements 12V DC, 3 amps Motor Drive DC servo motors Alignment Procedures 2-Star Align 1-Star Align Solar System Align Last Alignment Quick Align Periodic Error Correction Yes Computer Hand Control Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC connection NexStar+ Database 40,000+ objects; 100 user defined programmable objects  Enhanced information on over 200 objects Software PWI Telescope Control Software Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software SkyPortal App Total Kit Weight 74.3kg Included Items CGX-L Equatorial Head CGX-L Tripod Accessory Tray 1 x 22 lbs (10kg) counterweights  NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable  8mm Allen wrench (contained in rear carry handle)     About CelestronCelestron 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.   Product Code: CLS-12074