{"product_id":"celestron-rasa-8-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astrograph-ota","title":"Celestron RASA 8\" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCelestron 8\" RASA Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph – Ultra-Fast f\/2 Imaging Power\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture breathtaking wide-field deep-sky images in a fraction of the usual time with the Celestron 8\" Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). Built by Celestron, this portable \u003cstrong\u003ef\/2.0 astrograph\u003c\/strong\u003e is purpose-designed for modern astrophotography, delivering razor-sharp stars across a flat field with remarkably short exposure times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing just \u003cstrong\u003e17 lb (7.7 kg)\u003c\/strong\u003e, the RASA 8 is easy to transport to dark-sky locations and pairs beautifully with a wide range of equatorial mounts — making it a powerful yet accessible imaging platform for serious astro-imagers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The RASA 8 is a dedicated imaging telescope. It is \u003cstrong\u003enot designed for visual observing\u003c\/strong\u003e — the focal plane is located at the front of the optical system and does not accept eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUltra-Fast f\/2.0 Imaging = Shorter Exposures, More Detail\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a blazing-fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/2.0 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e400mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e, the RASA 8 dramatically reduces exposure times compared to traditional telescopes. This means:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaster acquisition of faint nebulae and galaxies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReduced tracking demands on your mount\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many cases, \u003cstrong\u003eno autoguiding required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for live stacking and near real-time deep-sky viewing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen paired with sensitive CMOS cameras and live-stacking software, you can produce bright, detailed images in seconds rather than minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlat Field, Sharp Stars — Built Purely for Imaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt design delivers a \u003cstrong\u003efully corrected, flat field\u003c\/strong\u003e with no field curvature, coma, astigmatism, or chromatic aberration across APS-C sensors — producing pinpoint stars edge to edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey optical benefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptimised image circle for modern astro cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutstanding performance from \u003cstrong\u003e400–800nm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpot sizes under \u003cstrong\u003e2.3 μm RMS\u003c\/strong\u003e across the image circle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelestron \u003cstrong\u003eStarBright XLT\u003c\/strong\u003e coatings for maximum light transmission\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers performance typically associated with much longer focal length systems — without their complexity or cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUltra-Stable Focus System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelestron’s \u003cstrong\u003eUltra-Stable Focus System\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a precision linear ball bearing to virtually eliminate image shift during focusing, slewing, or tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore accurate focusing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreater repeatability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproved stability for long imaging sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a major advantage when working at f\/2, where critical focus is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDesigned for Today’s Cameras\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RASA 8 is optimised for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAstronomical CMOS cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmaller CCD cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPS-C mirrorless cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt performs best with sensors up to \u003cstrong\u003e22mm diagonal\u003c\/strong\u003e, and remains usable up to \u003cstrong\u003e32mm\u003c\/strong\u003e with minimal edge degradation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull-frame (42mm) sensors will work, but are \u003cstrong\u003enot fully optimised\u003c\/strong\u003e, with reduced edge performance and illumination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot compatible with DSLR cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded adapters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42mm T-thread 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\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMirrorless adapters (Canon \/ Sony) are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt-In Imaging Conveniences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RASA 8 includes professional features usually reserved for much larger astrographs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated air-cooling system\u003c\/strong\u003e with 12V MagLev fan for rapid thermal stabilisation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal filter mount\u003c\/strong\u003e for light pollution or narrowband imaging filters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCGE dovetail bar\u003c\/strong\u003e for rock-solid mounting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAluminium optical tube for rigidity and thermal stability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll designed to streamline your imaging workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e203mm (8\") aperture Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra-fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/2.0\u003c\/strong\u003e system (400mm focal length)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlat, aberration-free field for APS-C sensors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra-Stable Focus System with precision bearing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntegrated air cooling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternal filter mount\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCGE dovetail mounting rail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLightweight 17 lb optical tube\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptimised for CMOS and mirrorless cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOptical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptical Design: Rowe–Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAperture: 203mm (8\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocal Length: 400mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocal Ratio: f\/2.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage Circle: 22mm (optimised), usable to 32mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResolution (Dawes): 0.57 arc sec\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight Gathering Power: 843× human eye\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWavelength Range: 400–800nm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCentral Obstruction: 46%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptical Coatings: StarBright XLT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePhysical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptical Tube Length: 628mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptical Tube Diameter: 235mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocuser: Precision Bearing System\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDovetail: CGE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction: Aluminium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncluded Items\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e42mm T-thread 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\u003eFan battery pack\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCGE dovetail bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the Celestron 8\" RASA?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra-fast f\/2 imaging for dramatically shorter exposure times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlat, corrected field for sharp stars across APS-C sensors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLightweight and portable for dark-sky travel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReduced tracking and guiding requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned specifically for modern astro cameras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional-grade features at an accessible size and price\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for a powerful, portable deep-sky imaging platform that delivers professional results without the complexity of long focal length systems, the \u003cstrong\u003eCelestron 8\" RASA\u003c\/strong\u003e is an outstanding choice — bringing fast, wide-field astrophotography within easy reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolar safety note: Never observe the Sun without a certified solar filter.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55897332711798,"sku":"050234910736","price":2729.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0909\/2235\/3014\/files\/Celestron-8-RASA-Optical-Tube-Assembly-CGE-Dovetail-91073-4.webp?v=1770298810","url":"https:\/\/welshastronomy.co.uk\/products\/celestron-rasa-8-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astrograph-ota","provider":"The Welsh Astronomy Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}