Celestron 8” RASA Imaging Kit
Available on backorder
Key Features
- Ultra-Fast f/2.0 Astrograph – Capture deep-sky images up to 25× faster than traditional f/10 telescopes, even under light-polluted skies.
- 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Design – Delivers a flat, coma-free field with sharp stars across the entire image sensor.
- Optimized for Modern Cameras – Designed for astronomical CMOS, small CCD, and mirrorless cameras; ideal for APS-C sensors.
- Includes Two Dedicated Imaging Filters – Light Pollution Filter and Hα-Hβ-OIII Filter for enhanced contrast and nebula detail.
- Ultra-Stable Focus System – Precision linear bearing reduces mirror shift for reliable, repeatable focus.
- Lightweight Imaging OTA – <8 kg (17 lbs), compatible with a wide range of equatorial mounts for portable or permanent setups.
Description
The Celestron 8" RASA Imaging Kit is a complete, ultra-fast deep-sky imaging solution designed for astronomers who want stunning results with minimal setup time. Built around the acclaimed Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA), this kit delivers exceptional performance at f/2.0, allowing you to capture detailed nebulae and galaxies in minutes—even from light-polluted locations.
Ultra-Fast f/2 Astrograph
Unlike traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, the RASA places the camera at the front prime focus, eliminating the secondary mirror and dramatically increasing speed. Imaging at f/2 means exposure times are up to 25× shorter than f/10 systems, reducing tracking demands and making deep-sky imaging more accessible than ever. Short sub-exposures also make live stacking and near real-time viewing possible.
Optimized for Modern Cameras
The RASA 8 is purpose-built for astronomical CMOS cameras, compact CCDs, and mirrorless cameras. It is optimized for sensors up to 22 mm diagonal and performs well with APS-C formats. This optical design delivers a flat, well-corrected field, producing sharp stars across the frame without field curvature or coma.
Precision Focus and Stable Performance
Celestron’s Ultra-Stable Focus System minimizes mirror movement during focusing and tracking, ensuring consistent sharpness throughout your imaging session. The lightweight 7.7 kg optical tube pairs easily with many equatorial mounts, making it ideal for both permanent setups and portable imaging rigs.
Includes Two Essential Imaging Filters
This imaging kit includes two filters engineered specifically for the RASA 8’s ultra-fast optics:
- Light Pollution Filter – Suppresses common artificial light sources while preserving natural color balance and key nebular wavelengths.
- Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter – A narrowband filter that dramatically increases contrast in emission nebulae by isolating critical wavelengths and darkening the background sky.
Both filters mount internally in place of the optical window, preserving the telescope’s precise optical performance.
Additional information
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
|---|---|
| Manufactured in | China |
| Series | RASA |
| Colour | Black & White |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Area of application | Astrophotography |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Advanced observers, Astrophotographers |
| Type of build | Catadioptric |
|---|---|
| Optical Design | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
| Aperture | 203 mm (8") |
| Focal Length | 400 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/2.0 |
| Central obstruction diameter | 93mm (3.66") (46% of aperture diameter) |
| Coating | StarBright XLT |
| Resolving Power (Rayleigh) | 0.68 arcseconds |
| Resolving Power (Dawes) | 0.57 arcseconds |
| Magnitude Limit | 14 |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) | 843x |
| Maximum Magnification | 406x |
| Image circle | 22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15° |
| Useable field | 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°, only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength range | 400 - 800 nm |
| Spot size | < 2.3 μm RMS across image circle |
| Off-axis Illumination | 93% at 11mm (.43") off-axis |
| Optical Window | 46mm (1.81") Ø |
| Back Focus with Adapter | 25mm (.98") |
| Back Focus from Collar | 29mm (1.14") |
| Type of focuser | Precision Bearing System (PBS) |
| Optical tube material | Aluminum |
| Optical tube length | 628 mm |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 235mm (9.3") |
| Optical tube weight | 7.7 kg |
| Dovetail Compatibility | CGE Dovetail Bar |
| Dovetail Compatibility | CGE Dovetail Bar |
|---|
| Eyepiece | Not included |
|---|---|
| Finderscope | Not included |
| Barlow lens | Not included |
| Camera | Not included |
| Optical tube length | 628 mm |
|---|---|
| Optical tube weight | 7.7 kg |
| Package Contents | 42mm (1.65") T-thread camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, Fan battery pack, Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter, Light Pollution Imaging Filter |
|---|
| Other features | Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount |
|---|
Reviews
Downloads
Downloads
Manuals:
8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Manual
Software & Firmware:
Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)
Drawings:
8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Optical Tube Assembly Dimensional Drawing
Other Product Files:
Recommended
- On Back Order
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