Celestron Advanced VX 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astro Telescope

The Celestron 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with Advanced VX (AVX) German Equatorial Mount combines a fast, wide-field astrograph with a strong yet portable equatorial mount to create a capable platform for deep-sky astrophotography. Designed for imagers who want impressive results without a bulky setup, this combination provides a streamlined way to capture spectacular astronomical images. The 8" RASA is designed for wide-field deep-sky imaging, making it well suited for capturing expansive celestial targets with a mirrorless camera. Paired with the Advanced VX mount, the system brings together the optical performance of the RASA with a portable tracking platform that is practical for both home and remote observing locations. Simply add a compatible mirrorless camera, and you have a complete foundation for exploring wide-field deep-sky astrophotography. Whether you're building your first serious imaging setup or looking for a portable system for capturing the night sky, this RASA and AVX combination provides a versatile solution.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s portable astrograph, the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to today’s color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. Thanks to its fast focal ratio and patented optical design, you can produce sharp, detailed images and, in many cases, skip the autoguider completely. Weighing in at just 17 pounds, it’s easy to transport your 8” RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

The 8” RASA is an imaging telescope that delivers a flat field without optical aberrations for razor sharp stars across a wide field of view. It can capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the challenges typically presented by longer focal length instruments at a fraction of the cost of those systems. The latest addition to the RASA family, this 8” version is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11, which was introduced to much acclaim in 2014. With the 8” RASA joining the lineup, a wider range of astroimagers can enjoy the benefits of the RASA design. It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its “big brother” RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar. Purely designed for imaging, the 8” RASA cannot be used visually. The prime focus focal plane is located at the front of the optical system, so it cannot accommodate a traditional eyepiece.

Features

• Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Optical Design – 8” f/2.2 flat field imaging system with rare-earth glass for outstanding images free of optical defects like field curvature, coma, astigmatism and chromatic aberration across an entire APS-C sensor.
• Unlike the larger RASAs that work with DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8” model was designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. The astrograph does not work with standard DSLR cameras.
• Ultra-Stable Focus System – precision linear ball bearing virtually eliminates image shift.
• Integrated air-cooling system –12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal air flow while filtering out dust.
• Internal filter mount – seamlessly accommodates a Light Pollution Imaging Filter into the optical path.
• Performs over a wider spectral range than most telescopes, from 400-800 nm, so more of the light passing through the astrograph is in sharp focus.
• Advanced VX, the most compact and portable of Celestron’s German equatorial mounts, offers a maximum instrument capacity of 30 lb with the same rigidity as our larger mounts and minimal flexure.
• This mount offers every feature an astroimager wants: PEC, an autoguider port, the ability to image across the meridian, and more.
• Dual saddle plate is compatible with narrow CG-5 dovetails and wider CGE dovetail. Also compatible with Vixen format dovetails longer than 100mm, but not compatible with Losmandy D format plates.
• Accessories included: M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, and fan battery pack.