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Celestron Advanced VX 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph

050234120326

Celestron



Regular price £3,369.99
Sale price £3,369.99 Regular price
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Celestron Advanced VX 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) Telescope

Fast, Portable, and Built for Imaging

The Advanced VX 8” RASA brings professional-quality astrophotography into reach for more astronomers than ever before. Designed purely for imaging, this f/2.0 system offers unmatched speed, wide-field performance, and sharp, coma-free images across APS-C sensors—paired with Celestron’s robust and portable Advanced VX equatorial mount.


Key Features

  • 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)
    Ultra-fast f/2.0 design for wide-field imaging with today’s CMOS, CCD, and mirrorless cameras.

  • Flat Field with No Optical Aberrations
    Edge-to-edge sharpness across the field of view with minimal vignetting—even for large APS-C sensors.

  • Advanced VX Equatorial Mount
    German equatorial mount with 30 lb payload capacity, PEC, autoguider port, and dual saddle plate compatibility.

  • Ultra-Stable Focus System
    Linear ball bearing system ensures smooth, precise focusing with virtually zero image shift.

  • Integrated Air-Cooling System
    12V MagLev fan helps maintain thermal equilibrium and prevents dust intrusion.

  • Internal Filter Mount
    Supports Celestron’s Light Pollution Imaging Filter for better contrast and image quality.


Purpose-Built for Imaging

This is not a visual telescope—it’s designed exclusively for astrophotography. The RASA 8 positions the focal plane at the front of the tube, making traditional eyepiece use impossible. Instead, it’s optimised for sensors up to 22mm diagonal and works well up to 32mm.

⚠️ Not compatible with standard DSLR cameras or cameras larger than 4” in body diameter.


Compatible Camera Types

Camera Type Compatible? Required Adapter
CMOS/CCD (C-thread) C-thread adapter (included)
CMOS/CCD (M42) M42 adapter (included) + extensions
Mirrorless (APS-C) Brand-specific adapter (sold separately)
Mirrorless (Full Frame) Edge performance reduced
DSLR Not compatible

Rapid Imaging Performance

  • Shorter exposure times mean less strain on mount tracking and easier image acquisition

  • Capture nebulae, star fields, and galaxies in minutes

  • Live stacking software can deliver near real-time imaging


Advanced VX Mount

The Advanced VX equatorial mount is a powerful, compact platform tailored for imaging. Key features include:

  • 30 lb instrument capacity

  • All-Star Polar Alignment and PPEC

  • Dual dovetail saddle (CG-5 & CGE compatible)

  • 2" stainless steel tripod legs for improved stability

  • NexStar+ hand control with 40,000+ object database


Included Accessories

  • M42 camera adapter

  • C-thread camera adapter

  • 12 lb counterweight

  • Accessory tray

  • DC power cable

  • NexStar+ Hand Control

  • Starry Night Special Edition software


Optical Tube Specs

Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture 203mm (8")
Focal Length 400mm (f/2.0)
Image Circle 22mm (ideal), 32mm (usable)
Light Gathering Power 843x (human eye)
Resolution (Rayleigh/Dawes) 0.68"/0.57"
Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
Cooling Integrated 12V fan
Weight 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Optical Tube Length 628mm (24.7")

Mount Specifications

Mount Type Computerised German Equatorial
Payload Capacity 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Tripod Height 1118–1626mm (44–64")
Slew Speed Up to 4°/second
Tracking Modes EQ North / EQ South
PEC Yes
Power 12V DC, 3.5A
Ports USB, autoguider, 3 AUX
Software CPWI & Starry Night SE

Total Kit Weight

47 lbs (21.31 kg) – includes mount, OTA, tripod, and counterweight.


Solar Safety Warning

Never observe the Sun without a certified solar filter. Permanent eye damage may occur. Always supervise use around children.


Item #: 12032 / 12032-CGL
Model: Advanced VX 8" RASA Computerised Imaging Telescope Kit

Shipping Options

Fast & Reliable UK Delivery

We offer flexible delivery options across the UK, with free shipping available on qualifying orders.

  • FREE Next Working Day Delivery (Mon–Fri)
    On all orders £300 and over
  • FREE Express Delivery (1–3 Working Days)
    On orders £49.99 – £299.99
  • Express Delivery – £3.99
    On orders under £49.99
  • Standard Delivery (2–4 Working Days) – £2.99
    A great value option for smaller orders
  • Priority Shipping – £8.99
    A fully tracked, guaranteed delivery service, including Saturday delivery options

Order Fulfilment

Some items, as clearly stated on the product page, may be fulfilled directly by our partners or manufacturers. In these cases, your order will be shipped to you straight from the brand’s warehouse. This helps us provide a wider range of specialist equipment and may result in slightly different delivery times.

Returns Policy

If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.

  • Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
  • Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
  • For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
  • If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs

Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

Fulfilled By Celestron

Celestron logo with orange and gray design on a white background

Products marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” are shipped directly from the manufacturer.

When you place an order with Welsh Astronomy Centre, the order is processed by us as normal. We then securely forward the order details to Celestron, who dispatch the item directly to your delivery address.

How it works

  • You place your order with Welsh Astronomy Centre
  • We process the order and send the fulfilment request to Celestron
  • Celestron ships the item directly to you

Mixed Orders

If your basket contains a mix of items:

  • In-stock items from Welsh Astronomy Centre will be shipped directly from us
  • Items marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” will be dispatched separately by the manufacturer

This means your order may arrive in separate deliveries.

Questions about this product?
Don't be a stranger.

Does it come with a warranty?

All our products are UK stock so come with manufacturers warranty

What happens if I don't like it?

We always want you to be happy with your purchase — so if you’re unsure, please ask us first. We’re always happy to give honest advice before you buy.

If the product arrives and you simply decide it isn’t for you, you can usually return it within the cooling-off period — as long as it’s unused, in perfect condition, and returned with all original packaging and accessories.

Because telescopes and optical equipment are large, delicate and expensive to ship, you’ll need to cover the cost of sending it back, and if we originally subsidised delivery, we may deduct our outbound shipping costs from your refund.

We’re a small specialist business, and unnecessary returns genuinely hurt us — so if you’re unsure at all, please talk to us first. We’d rather help you choose the right item than process a return.

How fast is shipping?

We aim to ship in-stock items as quickly as possible.

  • Most in-stock orders dispatch within 1–2 working days
  • Delivery usually takes 1–3 working days after dispatch (UK mainland)
  • Heavier / oversized items and special orders may take a little longer

You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order is on its way.

Astronomy equipment often requires specialist packing and trusted couriers — we do this to keep your gear safe, not to slow things down. If you need something urgently, just ask and we’ll do our best.

What's the returns policy?

If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.

  • Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
  • Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
  • For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
  • If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs

Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

What are your opening hours?

Monday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Tuesday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed