Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Check Out This High Performance Celestron AVX 800 RASA Computerized Telescope!
The highly regarded Celestron 8” Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt (RASA) delivers stunning, bright images, and when paired with the high performance Advanced VX, this system is sure to impress! Imaging at an incredibly fast focal ratio of f/2 is an astrophotographer’s dream, and the wide field of view lets you capture immense clouds of nebulosity in a single frame. This OTA is constructed with premium glass that eradicates coma and aberration, and features supreme optical coatings that maximize its light gathering power. With quality like this, Celestron delivers an astrophotography experience that's a cut above the rest!
A telescope of this caliber needs a just as impressive support system in place to optimize its abilities. This is why the Celestron AVX German Equatorial Mount is the prime choice to pair with this 8” RASA. The payload of 30lbs comfortably supports this 17lb, 400mm focal length telescope, providing smooth, even tracking across the night sky. As the most compact of the high performing Celestron German Equatorial Mounts, this system can easily be taken with you on all of your astronomy endeavors! Enjoy operating this setup through the multiple means of control that are available, and have fun adding user supplied accessories to elevate the experience even further!
The Unmatched Optical Design of the Celestron RASA
Celestron has built upon the design of the famed Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes to bring an OTA that pushes the limits of amateur astrophotography. This patented Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt Astrograph design consists of a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, lens group, and optical window. Coma, field curvature, and false color are eliminated thanks to the four element rare-earth glass utilized within this system. Vignetting is also significantly minimized for heightened field illumination. As opposed to typical f/10 systems, the Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt Astrographs feature an outstanding f/2 focal ratio for wickedly fast imaging. This lower focal ratio means much more signal is collected in less amount of time for brighter, more detailed images while upholding image resolution. The RASA is 20x as fast as an f/10 SCT. To put this into perspective, a 30 second exposure with the RASA is equivalent in brightness to an exposure of 10 minutes with an f/10 system! A shorter focal length of 400mm is featured within this 8” RASA, giving you the ability to capture vast regions of the night sky. The wider field of view and speedy focal ratio is less demanding on the telescope mount, and autoguiding may not even be necessary in some situations. The improved 390nm to 800nm spectral range of the Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt Astrographs delivers greater collection of signal from celestial bodies as opposed to the 400nm to 700nm spectral range typical with other telescopes. The refracting elements of this RASA come furnished with the patented Celestron StarBright XLT coatings, and enhanced aluminum coatings can be found on the primary mirror. These additions greatly improve light transmission for even better performance.
Preserving image stability during image capture is necessary for the best astroimages possible. That’s why Celestron has fitted the RASA OTAs with an internal focuser and built-in fan. The Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS) includes precision linear ball bearings for reduced image shift while focusing. This helps you achieve the best possible focus for sharp and clear images. Also, this reduces the effects of mirror flop, the unwanted primary mirror movement during different telescope pointing positions. Temperature equilibrium is also an important factor to consider when imaging. If the internals elements of telescope are a different temperature than its surroundings, currents will form within the tube, causing less than ideal image quality. The 12V DC MagLev fan helps this RASA quickly reach temperature equilibrium with its external surroundings and provides dust filtered airflow through the optical tube. These carefully engineered additions aid in delivering peak performance for images brimming with clarity!
Expand the Possibilities of Amatuer Astrophotography With This Celestron Computerized Telescope!
This Advanced VX 800 RASA delivers high quality images and precise tracking abilities. After attaching your camera, you have yourself the perfect backyard astroimaging system! Accessories of your choice can be added to enhance your experience, making this a versatile set up for any astroimaging session. Read more about this Celestron Computerized Telescope below!
Effortless Camera Attachment
Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt Astrographs are designed solely for astrophotography purposes, and cannot be used visually. When it comes to camera attachment, this 8” RASA is optimized for sensors with a 22mm diagonal. APS-C sized color CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras are suitable options to pair with this OTA. DSLRs are incompatible with the RASA 8, and camera bodies larger than 4” are not recommended as field illumination decreases with increased camera size. To assist you in camera connections, this RASA 8 comes complete with a M42 adapter and C-thread adapter. The M42 adapter offers use with the majority of cameras with a standard T-thread, and requires 25mm of back spacing. Please note that the addition of user supplied M42 extension rings may be necessary. For instance, if your camera has a back focal distance of 17.5mm, you will then need an added 7.5mm of M42 spacers to reach proper focus. If the C-thread adapter and your camera meets the C-thread standard of 17.5mm of back focus, no additional spacers are needed to reach proper focus. When ready to affix your camera to this RASA 8, a few simple steps ensue: (1) Place the included knurled retaining ring over the appropriate camera adapter, then loosely thread it onto the front housing of the RASA; (2) next, thread your camera onto the adapter; and (3) finish threading in the retaining ring to secure everything in place, ensuring that you are not over-tightening as to prevent damage to the telescope. Now you’re all set to image! This retaining ring can be loosened and retightened to allow for camera rotation as well.
A Steadfast, High Payload Telescope Mount
A medium payload capacity, accurate tracking, and many other features make the Celestron Advanced VX a fitting choice to pair with the 8” RASA. This AVX can be loaded with up to 30lbs of equipment (noting its payload capacity does not include the weight of the included 12lb counterweight), and carries this 17lb telescope with ease. Integer gear ratios coupled with programmable periodic error correction (PPEC) help improve tracking and GoTo performances for steady views and images. Also, built in backlash compensation reduces any play that may exist between the gears for even higher accuracy. This AVX has been strategically designed to break down into multiple components to make traveling a breeze, and with the mount head weighing only 17lbs and tripod 18lbs, you're sure to be out and observing as often as possible! Multiple ports make it easy to add user supplied devices such as an autoguider, and the tripod spreader bar doubles as an accessory tray to help keep you organized. Additional qualities such as an extended operational latitude range from 7° to 77°, a threaded power port, and a dual-saddle plate elevate your experience even more! Please note: while supporting Celestron CG-5, CGE, and Vixen style dovetail bars, the AVX is not compatible with Losmandy D-style plates.
Included NexStar+ Hand Controller
Celestron has fitted this AVX 800 RASA computerized telescope with their powerful NexStar+ hand controller. This device has been programmed with over 40,000 objects within its database, and allows the addition of 100 user-defined objects as well! Not sure what you want to observe? This hand controller is equipped with a Sky Tour feature that shows you the most popular objects for the time and location you are observing. The red backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen is clear and easy to read, and nineteen large backlit buttons make navigating through the controls effortless. In addition, this controller has a mini-USB port for connection to a PC for computer control.Please note: Celestron does not include a USB cable with their hand controller. We recommend the Apertura USB 2.0 Cable for Celestron NexStar+ Hand Controllers.
Optimized for Portability or Backyard Observatories
Looking to travel to dark skies or wanting to simply engage in backyard imaging? The Celestron AVX 8” RASA is the perfect option for you! As one of the high performing German EQ Mounts produced by Celestron, this Advanced VX delivers the same incredible tracking precision within a portable, easy to transport package. Take this system with you on your next camping trip and discover the power of the 8” Rowe-Ackerman Schmidt under dark skies. While this computerized telescope can be taken anywhere, it’s also optimal for those who want a more stationary at-home set up. With features like these, the Celestron Advanced VX 8” RASA Computerized Telescope earns our High Point Scientific badges of Portable Grab & Go and Backyard Observing!
Upgrade Your Experience with a Myriad of Accessories!
On the body of this AVX, you’ll find three AUX ports. While one of these AUX ports is meant for connection with the hand controller, the additional AUX ports allow attachment of user supplied accessories! Make aligning with the night sky much easier through the Celestron StarSense AutoAlign, or even add Wi-Fi capabilities with the SkyPortal WiFi Module. The Celestron Focus Motor makes focusing a breeze, as it lets you focus with the hand controller for smooth, hands-free focusing. Even light pollution is a non-issue with the addition of the RASA 8 Light Pollution Imaging Filter from Celestron. Connect the StarSense Autoguider to this Advanced VX for improved tracking and even sharper astroimages! With this multitude of accessories and upgrades, outgrowing your Celestron AVX 800 RASA computerized telescope is a thing of the past.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Choosing the Best Deep Sky Camera |
| 10 Things You Need to Know About Nebulae |
| How to Balance Your Equatorial Mount |
| Autoguiding |
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