Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA

1. Optimized for Astrophotography: The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical design is specifically engineered for wide-field deep-sky imaging. Its incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio allows for significantly shorter exposure times, capturing more detail and fainter objects in less time, making it ideal for busy astrophotographers.

2. Advanced VX Mount: The included Advanced VX (AVX) GoTo Equatorial Mount is designed to provide robust and precise tracking for astrophotography. Its permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC) helps eliminate recurring tracking errors, ensuring pinpoint stars even during long exposures. This combination is a formidable setup for capturing stunning nebulae and galaxies.

3. Compact and Portable: This catadioptric (RASA variant) telescope offers a long focal length in a relatively compact optical tube. While delivering professional-grade imaging capabilities, its design remains manageable for transport to dark sky sites, striking an excellent balance between performance and portability for serious amateurs or semi-professional imaging.

4. Enhanced Connectivity: The system features an innovative USB 2.0 port on the hand control, allowing for seamless connection to a PC for direct control, autoguiding, and firmware updates. This modern connectivity simplifies setup and operation for complex imaging sessions, integrating smoothly with popular astrophotography software.

ABOUT THE CELESTRON ADVANCED VX 8" RASA

The Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA stands out as a dedicated astrophotography instrument, leveraging the revolutionary Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical system. Unlike standard Schmidt-Cassegrains, the RASA design features a custom lens group near the front of the optical tube, correcting for aberrations and creating a flat, coma-free image circle that is perfect for large format sensors. This allows photographers to achieve incredibly sharp, wide-field images with minimal vignetting. The ultra-fast f/2.0 focal ratio dramatically reduces required exposure times, making it possible to capture stunning deep-sky objects with unprecedented speed and detail. Paired with the highly capable Advanced VX (AVX) GoTo Equatorial Mount, this system provides precise tracking and accurate object location, essential for long-exposure astrophotography. The AVX mount's enhanced stability and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC) ensure that stars remain pinpoint even during extended imaging sessions. This telescope is an exceptional choice for astrophotographers seeking a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly setup to capture breathtaking images of the night sky.

ABOUT CELESTRON

Celestron, founded in 1960 by Tom Johnson in Torrance, California, USA, has grown to become one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and microscopes. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and optical excellence, Celestron pioneered mass-produced Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and introduced sophisticated computerized GoTo mounts to the amateur astronomy market. The company is celebrated for making advanced astronomical observations accessible to enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned astrophotographers. Their product philosophy emphasizes high optical quality, user-friendliness, and robust construction, providing reliable instruments that consistently deliver clear, bright views of the cosmos.

MAIN FEATURES

• Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with 8-inch (203mm) aperture, f/2.0 focal ratio, and 400mm focal length, optimized for wide-field astrophotography.

• Mount Type: Advanced VX (AVX) GoTo Equatorial Mount, providing stable tracking for long-exposure astrophotography and precise object location with a 40,000+ object database.

• Slewing Speed: 9 slew speeds, 3 degrees/sec maximum, for rapid object acquisition.

• Weight Capacity: Mount payload capacity of 30 lbs (13.6 kg), accommodating the RASA optical tube and additional astrophotography equipment.

• Optical Tube Material: Durable aluminum construction with a specialized optical design that minimizes coma and field curvature.

• Mounting Standard: Compatible with Vixen-style dovetail bars for secure attachment.

• Power Requirements: Operates on 12V DC, 3.5A, compatible with car battery adapters or AC power supplies.

• Ports: 2x Aux ports, Autoguider port, USB 2.0 port for PC connection and firmware updates.

• Compatibility: Designed for use with large-sensor DSLR and dedicated astrophotography cameras; compatible with StarSense AutoAlign for rapid alignment.

WARRANTY

This product is covered by a 2-year global warranty that includes defects in materials and manufacturing under normal use.

IN THE BOX

• Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

• Advanced VX GoTo Equatorial Mount

• Steel Tripod with 2" legs

• Accessory Tray

• NexStar+ Hand Control

• DC Power Cable (car battery adapter)

• 9x50 Finderscope

• 2" Visual Back (for optional eyepieces/diagonal)

• Star diagonal (for refractor/SCT only, not generally included with RASA)

• Instruction Manual

• Software CD-ROM (specific applications may vary)