Celestron CGX 800 RASA

1. Optical Design (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph): The Celestron CGX 800 RASA telescope features a revolutionary Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) design, specifically engineered for ultra-fast, wide-field astrophotography. This unique catadioptric system combines a Schmidt corrector with four-element lens group, minimizing optical aberrations across the entire image field, resulting in pinpoint stars from edge to edge.

2. Unmatched Speed and Light Gathering: With an incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio, the 8-inch RASA captures faint celestial objects with dramatically shorter exposure times compared to traditional telescopes. This speed means more photons per second hit your camera sensor, allowing you to achieve deeper images in a fraction of the time, even under light-polluted skies.

3. Superior Optical Performance: The RASA 8 incorporates Celestron's renowned StarBright XLT coatings on all optical surfaces, maximizing light transmission and enhancing contrast. This ensures crisp, bright images and allows the telescope to gather the maximum amount of light for unparalleled astrophotography results.

4. Optimized Thermal Management: An integrated 12V DC MagLev fan system actively cools the primary mirror, helping to achieve thermal equilibrium rapidly. This crucial feature minimizes tube currents and dewing, ensuring consistent, high-quality images throughout your imaging sessions.

ABOUT THE CELESTRON CGX 800 RASA

The Celestron CGX 800 RASA stands as a revolutionary optical instrument, uniquely designed from the ground up for high-speed, wide-field astrophotography. Unlike traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian designs, the 8-inch RASA is a dedicated astrograph, meaning every component is optimized for capturing stunning images of large nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies with exceptional clarity. Its crowning feature is the incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio, which funnels abundant light to your camera sensor, dramatically reducing exposure times and making it easier to capture faint details. This allows for superior performance even in light-polluted areas, capturing more data in less time. Constructed with precision-machined aluminum, the optical tube ensures robust stability and durability. This instrument is intended for serious astrophotographers who demand speed, a wide field of view, and excellent star-to-edge performance, proving itself an indispensable tool for both amateur and professional imaging setups.

ABOUT CELESTRON

Celestron, founded in 1960 in Torrance, California, USA, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality telescopes and outdoor observation equipment. The company rose to prominence by pioneering consumer-friendly Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and computerized GoTo mounts, making astronomy accessible to enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and optical clarity, Celestron continues to push the boundaries of astronomical technology, producing reliable, high-performance instruments trusted by both amateur astronomers and professional observatories. Their products are synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and user-friendly design, fostering a rich tradition in the astronomy community.

MAIN FEATURES

• Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA), an innovative catadioptric system optimized for wide-field astrophotography.

• Aperture: 8 inches (203 mm) for excellent light gathering capability.

• Focal Ratio: Ultra-fast f/2.0 for extremely short exposure times, ideal for capturing faint deep-sky objects.

• Focal Length: 400 mm, providing a wide field of view suitable for large nebulae and galaxy mosaics.

• Coatings: Advanced StarBright XLT coatings on all optical surfaces for maximum light transmission and enhanced image contrast.

• Back Focus: Generous back focus allows for a wide range of imaging accessories, including filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and camera rotators.

• Cooling: Integrated 12V DC MagLev fan system reduces cooldown time, optimizing optical performance by achieving thermal equilibrium quickly.

• Mounting: Vixen/CG-5 style dovetail bar for compatibility with a wide range of equatorial mounts, often paired with the Celestron CGX or CGX-L mounts for robust, precise tracking (mount sold separately).

• Construction: Precision-machined aluminum optical tube for durability and stability.

• Weight: Approximately 17 lbs (7.7 kg), making it relatively transportable for an 8-inch astrograph.

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 CGX 800 RASA optical tube assembly

• Integrated 12V DC MagLev cooling fan

• CGE dovetail bar (Vixen style)

• Lens cap

• User manual