Telescope Nerd » Celestron RASA 8

Celestron RASA 8

(9 customer reviews)

From: $2,499.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)

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The Celestron RASA 8 is a dedicated astrograph telescope designed for astrophotography. It features a 400 mm focal length, f/2.2 focal ratio, and a Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph optical design for wide, flat fields of view. The telescope produces razor-sharp stars across its entire field, excels at capturing nebulae and deep-sky objects, and is suitable for both beginner and experienced astrophotographers.

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Product Description

The Celestron RASA 8 telescope is a dedicated astrograph designed for astrophotography and imaging. Celestron RASA 8 features a unique Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical design that delivers a wide, flat field of view without aberrations. RASA 8 has a focal length of 400 mm and a focal ratio of f/2.2, allowing quick and efficient light collection onto a camera chip. Celestron RASA 8 produces razor-sharp stars across the entire field of view, making it ideal for capturing detailed images of vast portions of the night sky, including nebulae and deep-sky objects. RASA 8 is aimed at modern astro photographers who want to produce high-quality images without an eyepiece, suitable for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers.

Celestron RASA 8 produces razor-sharp stars across a wide field of view. The telescope has a focal length of 400 mm. Its portable astrograph design allows for easy transportation and setup. Celestron RASA 8 excels at wide-field imaging and capturing nebulae. The telescope efficiently collects deep sky images.

Celestron RASA 8 cannot hold eyepieces. It is strictly an astrophotography scope. The telescope is designed to produce high-quality results quickly. Astrophotographers use Celestron RASA 8 to capture stunning images of the night sky.

Should you buy Celestron RASA 8 as your first telescope?

The Celestron RASA 8 is not recommended as a first telescope for beginners. Celestron RASA 8 is designed specifically for telescope astrophotography and cannot be used for visual astronomy with eyepieces. The telescope’s complex design presents significant challenges for novice astronomers. Celestron RASA 8 requires precise focusing adjustments and frequent collimation due to its sensitive Schmidt optics. The fast f/2.2 aperture ratio introduces potential filter issues and vignetting. Celestron RASA 8 demands expertise in camera attachment, astrophotography techniques, and equipment handling. Beginners should start with more versatile telescopes for visual astronomy before transitioning to specialized astrographs like the Celestron RASA 8.

Is Celestron 8-inch RASA Astrograph easy to use?

The Celestron 8-inch RASA Astrograph is not easy to use for beginners but offers streamlined operation for experienced astrophotographers. RASA is designed specifically for astrophotography and cannot use traditional eyepieces. Camera attachment is quick and easy for photographers familiar with the process. The telescope weighs 28 lbs (12.7 kg) and measures 27 x 18 x 13 in (686 x 457 x 330 mm), allowing for easy transport with its light handle and sturdy tripod. The linear focuser enables smooth and precise adjustments. RASA requires understanding of its limitations and complex design, aiming at experienced photographers who can appreciate its advanced features. Users need expertise to fully utilize this powerful astrophotography tool and produce stunning images of the night sky.

Should you buy Celestron 8-inch RASA Astrograph for kids?

The Celestron 8-inch RASA Astrograph is not recommended for kids. This advanced imaging telescope is designed for serious astrophotographers and requires significant expertise to operate effectively. The telescope offers razor-sharp stars and a wide field of view but comes with a high price tag and complex features such as an internal fan, mirror locks, and flat field design. These advanced components demand careful handling and maintenance, which may overwhelm young or inexperienced users. The RASA Astrograph requires additional equipment like a mount and sensors, further increasing its cost and complexity. Beginners and children would benefit more from simpler, more user-friendly telescopes that align with their skill level and interests.

What can you see with Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph?

The celestial wonders you can see with Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph are detailed below.

  • Orion Nebula
  • Whirlpool Galaxy
  • Pleiades star cluster
  • Bright planets
  • Lunar features
  • Faint deep-sky objects
  • Nebulae
  • Galaxies
  • Star clusters

Should you buy RASA 8 Celestron Telescope to observe planets?

The RASA 8 Celestron Telescope is not recommended for observing planets. RASA 8 is designed specifically for astrophotography and excels in wide-field imaging of deep-sky objects. The telescope cannot hold eyepieces for visual astronomy and is not optimized for high-magnification views of planets. RASA 8’s complex design and astrograph limitations restrict its use for visual astronomy. Dobsonian telescopes offer better options for planetary observation with their wide field of view and good optical performance. Visual astronomers will be disappointed with RASA 8’s performance for planet viewing. RASA 8 provides a flat field and produces razor-sharp stars, making it an excellent choice for astrophotographers capturing stunning wide-field images of the night sky.

Should you buy Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph to observe galaxies?

The Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) is an excellent choice for observing galaxies through astrophotography. RASA captures deep-sky images with its fast f/2.2 optics and wide field of view. The 400 mm focal length matches the scale of many galaxies perfectly. RASA delivers razor-sharp stars and minimal distortion across a flat field. The telescope is made for imaging and compatible with DSLR and CCD cameras. Live stacking software enables real-time observing of galaxies forming on screen. RASA elevates astrophotography capabilities for capturing intricate details of galaxies and large galaxy clusters. The telescope is not suitable for visual observation.

Should you buy Celestron 8″ Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph for astrophotography?

The Celestron 8″ Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) is an excellent choice for serious astrophotographers seeking professional-grade results. RASA is designed specifically for astrophotography, providing fast imaging capabilities and capturing wide fields of view. The telescope delivers a flat field, eliminates optical aberrations, and produces sharp stars and detailed images. RASA offers short exposures for high-quality images without star trailing and enables real-time observing of captured images. The telescope is optimized for use with astrophotography-specific sensors and matches the focal length requirements of many cameras. RASA saves time by capturing high-quality images quickly and efficiently, achieving results that would be difficult with other telescopes. Potential buyers should consider if RASA suits their subject type and imaging goals, as it requires a proper camera and suitable mount to function optimally. RASA cannot be used visually due to its specialized design, making it a significant investment that needs careful consideration before purchase.

Is Celestron RASA 8-inch Telescope portable?

The Celestron RASA 8-inch Telescope is moderately portable. The telescope weighs 28 pounds (12.7 kg) and measures 27 x 18 x 13 inches (686 x 457 x 330 mm). Its compact size and manageable weight allow for transportation to distant dark sky locations. The telescope is designed as a portable astrograph with a fast focal ratio of f/2.2, enabling wide-field image capture of the night sky. It mounts easily onto the included CGX-L equatorial mount, enhancing its portability. Astronomers consider the RASA 8-inch’s portability a significant advantage for exploring different observing locations. The overall system, including mount and tripod, requires some effort for longer distance transportation.

Specifications

Telescope type

Schmidt-Cassegrain

Optics structure

Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph

Optical design

Schmidt

Optics material

Borosilicate glass

Aperture size

203 mm (8 in)

Focal length

400 mm (15.7 in)

Limiting stellar magnitude

12.5

Focal ratio

f/2.2

Aperture ratio

1:2.2

Resolution limit

0.68 arcseconds

Resolving capacity

0.68 arcseconds

Light gathering capacity

843x

Lowest useful magnification

29x

Maximum useful magnification

406x

Tube material

Aluminum

Tube diameter

9.5 in (241 mm)

Type of focuser

Linear focuser

Eyepiece size

42 mm (1.65 in)

Magnification of eyepiece

10 mm (0.39 in)

Mount type

Equatorial

Mount structure

CGX-L

GoTo controls

Yes

Motors

DC servo motors

Type of electronics

Computerized

Batteries

Not included

Power supply

12V DC, 5A

WiFi

Yes

GPS

Yes

Includes hand controller

Yes

Tripod height

35.5 in (902 mm)

Tripod leg diameter

2.75 in (70 mm)

Tripod material

Steel

Finderscope

9×50 optical finderscope

Barlow lens

Not included

Size dimensions

27 x 18 x 13 in (686 x 457 x 330 mm)

Weight

28 lbs (12.7 kg)

Portability

Moderate

Ease of use

Moderate

Assembly

Required

Release date

2019

Brand

Celestron

Telescope series

RASA

Manufacturer

Celestron

Country made in

China

9 reviews for Celestron RASA 8

  1. hnorton (verified owner)

    Celestron’s 8″ RASA delivers incredibly detailed and deep images with stunning clarity. The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 8″ uses a camera-specific design instead of a traditional focuser, which was flat at first but became intuitive with practice. Assembly was tricky, yet Celestron provided a comprehensive manual to make the process manageable.

  2. traviscameron (verified owner)

    The Celestron 203mm RASA telescope’s advanced technology and design make it a joy to use. I’m still learning the ropes, but the experience has been exceptional. The mechanical focus system took some getting used to initially. After figuring it out, it was smooth sailing. The tilt mechanism is a bit finicky, but that’s a minor quibble. The wide field of view really stands out. I’ve captured stunning video footage of stars and planets.

  3. Michael Howard (verified owner)

    RASA 8 telescope’s ability to capture stunning images of planetary objects is incredible. Jupiter shots revealed details I’d never seen before. Compact design makes the Celestron 8-inch RASA easy to transport and set up. Relatively small and lightweight, it’s perfect for on-the-go stargazing. Build quality is top-notch with a sturdy and sleek design.

  4. Luis (verified owner)

    The Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 8 has quite impressive specs, including a fast f/2 focal ratio and large 8-inch aperture. Celestron’s 8″ RASA is a superior instrument for deep space imaging. Used it for a few nights to capture galaxies and nebulae. Results are really stunning. The RASA 8 readily captures faint details with sharp, clear images. Planets look nice and crisp too. Easily saw Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings.

  5. Melissa Logan (verified owner)

    The image quality is top-notch, with crisp details and vibrant colors. RASA 8’s ease of use drew me in, as I’m not exactly a pro at astrophotography. Setup is straightforward, and the included software is very user-friendly. I got my first light images within hours of unboxing, which was a huge confidence booster. The modern design and advanced optics make capturing high-quality images of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects a breeze, even for a beginner like me. There’s still a learning curve, though. Some techniques can be tricky to master with the RASA 8.

  6. Purificación (verified owner)

    The 8-inch aperture gathers light incredibly effectively, capturing faint details in the night sky. Images are sharp, even at high ISOs. Setting up was tricky at first. I took a few nights to get everything dialed in. The results were nothing short of supernova once I got it right. Images are polished and professional-looking, with a level of detail I never thought possible. RASA 8 handles big, sprawling targets like nebulae and galaxies beautifully. It’s not the largest telescope on the market, but delivers maximum detail and resolution. I’ve captured some of the most iconic targets in the sky with stunning results. RASA 8 has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Lateral color correction is incredibly effective, minimizing chromatic aberration for remarkably sharp and detailed images.

  7. Onur (verified owner)

    The results are truly spectacular, surpassing my expectations. Compact design makes it easy to transport and set up. I was worried the sixty-eight-degree field of view might be too narrow. Surprisingly, it’s quite remarkable for capturing wide-field images. Image quality is epic, with minimal distortion and aberrations. I use it solely for deep-sky imaging. The RASA 8 can be finicky to set up and isn’t forgiving with collimation.

  8. sandralynn (verified owner)

    The Celestron RASA 203mm telescope has been an incredible addition to my astrophotography setup. The RASA 8 astrograph telescope captures stunning images with photographic quality detail and clarity. Minor details in nebulae and galaxies are visible that I never thought possible with my old scope.

  9. idillon (verified owner)

    RASA 8 Telescope’s innovative design allows for extremely fast focal ratios, making it ideal for planetary and deep-space imaging. Capturing high-quality images is easily accomplished with this telescope. I often find myself taking multiple shots of the same object solely to see how much detail I can capture. The diagonal viewfinder is a nice touch, making it comfortable to observe objects for extended periods. Stunning images of the moon and planets have been captured with the Celestron 8″ RASA. I’m excited to try my hand at some new deep-space objects. The focuser can be difficult to get precise focus at times. Poor weather in my area has kept me away from using the telescope more often. The complete package, including the mount and accessories, is pricey.

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