{"product_id":"celestron-advanced-vx-8-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astro","title":"Celestron Advanced VX 8\" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCelestron Advanced VX 8\" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) Telescope\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast, Portable, and Built for Imaging\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUltra-fast f\/2.0 design for wide-field imaging with today’s CMOS, CCD, and mirrorless cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlat Field with No Optical Aberrations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdge-to-edge sharpness across the field of view with minimal vignetting—even for large APS-C sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced VX Equatorial Mount\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGerman equatorial mount with 30 lb payload capacity, PEC, autoguider port, and dual saddle plate compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-Stable Focus System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLinear ball bearing system ensures smooth, precise focusing with virtually zero image shift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated Air-Cooling System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e12V MagLev fan helps maintain thermal equilibrium and prevents dust intrusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Filter Mount\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSupports Celestron’s Light Pollution Imaging Filter for better contrast and image quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePurpose-Built for Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠️ Not compatible with standard DSLR cameras or cameras larger than 4” in body diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Camera Types\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCamera Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequired Adapter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCMOS\/CCD (C-thread)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✅\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC-thread adapter (included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCMOS\/CCD (M42)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✅\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM42 adapter (included) + extensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirrorless (APS-C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✅\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand-specific adapter (sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirrorless (Full Frame)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✅\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEdge performance reduced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e❌\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot compatible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRapid Imaging Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShorter exposure times\u003c\/strong\u003e mean less strain on mount tracking and easier image acquisition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture nebulae, star fields, and galaxies in minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive stacking software can deliver near real-time imaging\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdvanced VX Mount\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Advanced VX equatorial mount is a powerful, compact platform tailored for imaging. Key features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30 lb instrument capacity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll-Star Polar Alignment and PPEC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual dovetail saddle\u003c\/strong\u003e (CG-5 \u0026amp; CGE compatible)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\" stainless steel tripod legs for improved stability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNexStar+ hand control\u003c\/strong\u003e with 40,000+ object database\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded Accessories\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM42 camera adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eC-thread camera adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 lb counterweight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccessory tray\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDC power cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNexStar+ Hand Control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarry Night Special Edition software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOptical Tube Specs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e203mm (8\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400mm (f\/2.0)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Circle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22mm (ideal), 32mm (usable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight Gathering Power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e843x (human eye)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolution (Rayleigh\/Dawes)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.68\"\/0.57\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Coatings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStarBright XLT\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated 12V fan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17 lbs (7.7 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Tube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e628mm (24.7\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMount Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputerised German Equatorial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePayload Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 lbs (13.6 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTripod Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1118–1626mm (44–64\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlew Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 4°\/second\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTracking Modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEQ North \/ EQ South\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePEC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V DC, 3.5A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB, autoguider, 3 AUX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCPWI \u0026amp; Starry Night SE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTotal Kit Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e47 lbs (21.31 kg)\u003c\/strong\u003e – includes mount, OTA, tripod, and counterweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar Safety Warning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever observe the Sun without a certified solar filter. Permanent eye damage may occur. Always supervise use around children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem #: 12032 \/ 12032-CGL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced VX 8\" RASA Computerised Imaging Telescope Kit\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55897326485878,"sku":"050234120326","price":3369.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0909\/2235\/3014\/files\/CelestronAdvancedVX8_Rowe-AckermannSchmidtAstroProductPhoto2.webp?v=1752833095","url":"https:\/\/welshastronomy.co.uk\/products\/celestron-advanced-vx-8-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astro","provider":"The Welsh Astronomy Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}