This Celestron RASA Package Includes:

• Celestron RASA 8-inch telescope OTA.
• M42 camera adapter.
• C-thread camera adapter.
• Fan battery pack.
• Advanced VX equatorial head.
• Tripod and accessory tray.
• 12-pound counterweight.
• NexStar+ hand control.
• DC power cable.

This kit combines the 8-inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with the strong-yet-portable Advanced VX German equatorial mount. Simply add your mirrorless camera and this package offers everything you need to take spectacular images of wide-field deep-sky objects.

Performance Made for Everyone

Capture spectacular wide-field deep-sky images in seconds with Celestron's portable astrograph, the 8-inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion for 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-inch RASA to the most remote dark-sky locations.

The 8-inch 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.

This member of the RASA family is an 8-inch version and is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11. With the 8-inch RASA, a wider range of astro-imagers 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, an internal filter mount, and a sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.

Purely designed for imaging, the 8-inch 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.

Shorter Exposure Times and Virtual "Real-Time" Observing

Since it is an F/2.0 optical system, imagers can use shorter exposure times to capture detail in faint objects. When combined with sensitive cameras and the proper live- stacking software, the 8-inch RASA can provide an almost real-time observing experience. View images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than can be seen threw much bigger telescopes with the naked eye.

Because shorter exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount won’t need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8-inch RASA's relatively short 400 mm focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required. Weighing only 17-pounds, this optical tube pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mounts.

Below you'll see an incredible image of the Rosette Nebula taken by Jason Guenzel using the Triad Ultra filter on the super-fast f/2.2 Celestron RASA telescope! 

Ultra-Stable Focus System

With the launch of the 8-inch RASA, Celestron unveiled a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking. Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable than ever. The key to the Ultra-Stable Focus System is two sets of precision bearings that are precisely aligned and tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.

Built for Today's Latest Cameras

Unlike the larger RASAs that work with DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8-inch model was designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. The telescope does not work with standard DSLR cameras. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22 mm diagonal but performs well with sensors up to a 32 mm diagonal. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. 42 mm full-frame sensors will also work, but performance will be poor at the edges of the sensor and field illumination will be reduced. Additionally, Celestron does not recommend pairing a RASA 8 with any camera body more than 4-inches in diameter. See the chart below to determine if your camera is compatible with the RASA 800.

Advanced VX Mount and Tripod

The Advanced VX mount is designed to provide superior performance for smaller telescopes while taking advantage of Celestron's most advanced technologies: All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).

If you're an experienced imager, you’ll love taking this portable mount to a dark sky site and enjoying all the conveniences of a larger observatory mount. Or, if you're new to imaging, Advanced VX will help you get started and keep up with your needs for years to come.

Computerized German equatorial mount

The Advanced VX is the smallest of Celestron's German equatorial mounts. The computerized GoTo capability automatically tracks objects as they move across the night sky. The Advanced VX mount includes ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories.  The NexStar+ hand control gives you instant access to all the functions your mount has to offer. With automatic slewing and menu descriptions, astronomers of all skill levels can master this mount in just a few observing sessions. The Advanced VX also has an impressive tripod for its class with 2-inch diameter steel tripod legs, providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.

Payload capacity

The payload capacity for the Advanced VX is 30-pounds. It offers a sturdy platform for the 8-inch RASA optical tube, even when paired with optional accessories like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera. The AVX's payload capacity does not include the weight of the counterweights. 

Dual saddle plate

Advanced VX mounts now include a dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Switching between the two saddle plates is as simple as moving the hand knobs into a separate set of holes. Now you can use your Advanced VX mount not only with the 8-inch RASA but virtually any optical tube within Advanced VX's weight limit.

The Ultimate Astronomy Software Suite

All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software suite provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Celestron's experts co-developed CPWI with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments. The result is an all-in-one solution offering you many of the same features used on PlaneWave's observatory-class telescopes.

• Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modeling allows you to add 100+ points to your alignment model for the most accurate pointing and tracking possible.
• Ideal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope.
• Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third-party software applications.

Free Starry Night Software Included

Also included with your purchase is a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The special edition software also includes telescope control via your PC.

• AVAILABLE IN LATE NOVEMBER
• To properly power this product, you will need the AC adapter listed in the recommended items below.
• The Celestron RASA 8 OTA paired with the AVX EQ mount.
• An excellent astrophotography system for all astrophotographers.
• Portable for the mobile astronomer.
• Dual saddle plate compatible with both narrow CG-5 dovetails and larger CGE dovetails.
• PLEASE NOTE: The manufacturer has stated this mount is unable to accept D-Style (Losmandy style) dovetail plates

• The Advanced VX RASA 8. 
• M42 camera adapter.
• C-thread camera adapter.
• Fan battery pack.
• Advanced VX equatorial head.
• Tripod.
• Accessory tray.
• 12-pound counterweight.
• NexStar+ hand control.
• DC power cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket).