Celestron RASA 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2 OTA

Celestron 11" Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 11) V2 Optical Tube Assembly – CGE Dovetail

Ultra-fast f/2.2 wide-field imaging for serious astrophotographers

Capture stunning deep-sky images in dramatically shorter exposure times with the RASA 11 V2 — a professional-grade, ultra-fast astrograph engineered specifically for modern astrophotography. Built by Celestron, the 11" Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph combines a powerful 279mm aperture with a blazing f/2.2 optical system, delivering pinpoint stars across massive sensors and wide fields of view that traditional telescopes simply can’t match.

Designed purely for imaging, the RASA 11 V2 is the perfect platform for DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras, offering exceptional resolution, minimal aberrations, and reduced tracking demands.

Important: This is a dedicated imaging telescope. It does not support visual observing with eyepieces.

Ultra-Fast f/2.2 Performance = Shorter Exposures, Easier Tracking

With its 620mm focal length and f/2.2 focal ratio, the RASA 11 V2 gathers light incredibly efficiently, allowing you to:

• Capture faint deep-sky objects in much shorter sub-exposures

• Reduce strain on your equatorial mount

• Often image without autoguiding

• Produce wide-field mosaics with ease

• Perform sky surveys or even comet hunting

Compared to traditional f/10 systems, you’ll achieve equivalent signal in a fraction of the time — without sacrificing resolution.

Huge Image Circle for Today’s Largest Sensors

The RASA 11 V2 is optimised for modern large-format cameras, featuring:

• 43.3mm fully corrected image circle for pinpoint stars to the corners

• Usable field up to 52mm, still delivering excellent performance

• Ideal for full-frame DSLRs and large astronomical CCD sensors

This makes it a standout choice for astrophotographers working with high-resolution, wide-area imaging setups.

Advanced Optical Design with Rare-Earth Glass

The RASA 11 V2 uses a sophisticated 4-element rare-earth optical system to suppress:

• Coma

• Field curvature

• Chromatic aberration

Combined with Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings, this delivers:

• Outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness

• Minimal vignetting

• High contrast and light throughput

Spot sizes remain under 4.4 μm RMS across the field — exceptional performance for an astrograph in this class.

Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS)

Critical focus at f/2.2 demands absolute mechanical stability — which is why Celestron introduced the Ultra-Stable Focus System.

At its core is a precision linear ball bearing that:

• Minimises focus shift

• Reduces mirror flop when slewing

• Improves repeatability during long imaging sessions

The system is also compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor, making automated focusing straightforward.

Integrated Cooling & Imaging-Ready Design

Every element of the RASA 11 V2 is engineered for astrophotography:

• Integrated 12V MagLev cooling fan for faster thermal stabilisation

• Dust-filtered ventilation ports

• Fully multicoated optical window

• Included T-thread and M48 camera adapters

• Dual CGE dovetail bars for mounting accessories such as guide scopes

From optical spacing to airflow, this is a complete imaging system — not just a telescope.

Key Features

• 279mm (11") Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph

• Ultra-fast f/2.2 optical system

• 43.3mm corrected image circle (usable to 52mm)

• Rare-earth glass optics for coma-free, flat-field imaging

• Ultra-Stable Focus System to minimise image shift

• Integrated MagLev cooling fan

• StarBright XLT coatings

• CGE dovetail mounting bars (top & bottom)

• Optimised for DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras

Optical Specifications

• Optical Design: Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph

• Aperture: 279mm (11")

• Focal Length: 620mm

• Focal Ratio: f/2.2

• Image Circle: 43.3mm (optimised)

• Usable Field: 52mm

• Resolution (Dawes): 0.41 arc sec

• Light Gathering Power: 1588× human eye

• Wavelength Range: 400–700nm

• Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT

Physical Specifications

• Optical Tube Length: 838.2mm

• Optical Tube Diameter: 330.2mm

• Weight: 43 lb (19.5kg)

• Construction: Aluminium

• Focuser: Ultra-Stable Focus System

• Dovetail: CGE

Included Items

• 42mm T-thread camera adapter

• 48mm camera adapter

• Dust cover

• Fan battery pack

• CGE dovetail bars

Why Choose the Celestron RASA 11 V2?

• Extremely fast f/2.2 system for rapid deep-sky imaging

• Massive corrected image circle for large sensors

• Professional optical quality with rare-earth glass

• Reduced tracking and guiding requirements

• Ultra-stable focusing for critical f/2 performance

• Integrated cooling and imaging-ready design

If you’re looking for a high-end, wide-field astrograph capable of producing professional results with modern large-format cameras — while dramatically cutting exposure times — the Celestron RASA 11 V2 stands as one of the most powerful imaging platforms available in its class.

Solar safety reminder: Never observe the Sun without a certified solar filter.