Celestron RASA 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA (V2)

Description

Celestron RASA 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA (V2)

The Celestron RASA 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA (V2) is a groundbreaking innovation in the world of wide-field astrophotography, designed to meet the needs of professional and advanced amateur astrophotographers. With its unmatched combination of aperture, speed, and optical performance, this state-of-the-art telescope is the ultimate tool for capturing stunning images of deep-sky objects. The second-generation design builds on Celestron’s reputation for excellence, incorporating user feedback and cutting-edge engineering to deliver an unparalleled imaging experience.

Massive Aperture for Exceptional Light-Gathering Power

The RASA 36cm features an impressive 14-inch (355.6 mm) aperture, giving it the capability to gather an extraordinary amount of light. This large aperture makes it ideal for imaging faint celestial objects like distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, ensuring every detail is captured with exceptional clarity. Whether you’re capturing expansive Milky Way mosaics or zeroing in on intricate nebular structures, the RASA 36 delivers results that rival professional observatories.

Ultra-Fast f/2.2 Focal Ratio

At the heart of the RASA 36 is its ultra-fast f/2.2 focal ratio, a feature that sets it apart from conventional telescopes. This rapid focal speed dramatically reduces exposure times, allowing you to capture high-quality images in just a fraction of the time required by slower systems. The fast optics are particularly beneficial for astrophotographers working in regions with limited clear skies or during brief imaging windows. Combined with the wide field of view provided by its 790 mm focal length, the RASA 36 is perfect for large-scale deep-sky imaging projects.

Advanced Optical Design

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) design is tailored specifically for flat-field astrophotography. By integrating a sophisticated lens group and Schmidt corrector plate, the RASA 36 ensures a perfectly flat imaging plane with pinpoint star sharpness across the entire field of view. The telescope boasts a corrected image circle of 60 mm, capable of accommodating today’s large-format CCD and CMOS cameras. This design eliminates common optical distortions like coma and field curvature, ensuring your astrophotography results are free from aberrations.

StarBright XLT Optical Coatings

Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT coatings enhance the RASA 36’s optical performance by maximizing light transmission and minimizing reflections. These coatings ensure bright, high-contrast images while protecting the optical surfaces from wear and tear. This means you’ll enjoy exceptional performance and longevity, even under demanding conditions.

Precision Engineering for Astrophotography

The RASA 36 is exclusively designed for imaging, not visual observing, and every aspect of its construction reflects this focus. The front-mounted camera adapter places your imaging sensor at the perfect position for optimal focus and alignment. This setup eliminates the need for complex back-focus calculations, allowing you to spend more time capturing breathtaking images.

Unmatched Versatility

This OTA supports a wide range of imaging equipment, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and large-format CCD and CMOS sensors. The generous 60 mm image circle accommodates the latest professional-grade cameras, ensuring compatibility with modern astrophotography workflows. Whether you’re working on wide-field sky surveys, detailed mosaics, or high-resolution astrophotography, the RASA 36 is up to the task.

Built for Reliability and Convenience

Astrophotography requires precision and durability, and the RASA 36 excels on both fronts. Its robust yet lightweight construction ensures stability while being manageable enough for transport and setup. The telescope includes a Losmandy-style dovetail rail for secure mounting on compatible equatorial mounts. To maintain optimal performance, the RASA 36 features an integrated cooling system with a high-efficiency fan to rapidly equalize the temperature of the optical tube, minimizing thermal effects on image quality.

Ideal for Wide-Field Imaging

The combination of a large aperture, wide field of view, and fast optics makes the RASA 36 perfect for capturing expansive regions of the night sky. It’s especially well-suited for imaging large celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, or North America Nebula in stunning detail. The telescope’s capability to capture wide fields with pinpoint stars also makes it a preferred choice for astrophotographers creating detailed mosaics of the Milky Way or conducting astronomical surveys.

Who Is the RASA 36 For?

The Celestron RASA 36 is tailored for astrophotographers who demand professional-grade performance. It’s a fantastic choice for observatories, advanced amateurs, and institutions engaged in wide-field sky surveys, exoplanet research, or astrophotography projects requiring fast, high-quality imaging. If you’re serious about astrophotography and ready to take your work to the next level, the RASA 36 offers a feature set that’s second to none.

Key Specifications

• Aperture: 355.6 mm (14 inches)
• Focal Length: 790 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/2.2
• Corrected Image Circle: 60 mm
• Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
• Weight: Approximately 46 lbs (21 kg)

Sample Astrophotography Images by Celestron RASA 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA (V2):

Source:  Search – AstroBin

Conclusion:

The Celestron RASA 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA (V2) is an astrophotographer’s dream come true. With its combination of a massive aperture, ultra-fast optics, and precise engineering, it offers unparalleled performance for wide-field imaging. Whether you’re capturing the grandeur of a galaxy or documenting the fine details of a nebula, the RASA 36 delivers results that inspire awe. Invest in the RASA 36 to unlock the full potential of the night sky and elevate your astrophotography to extraordinary heights.