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Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope

Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA Telescope

by Celestron
SKU CEL-12032
$2,899.00 - $2,899.00
$2,899.00
$2,899.00 - $2,899.00
$2,899.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 203mm (8") Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
  • Incredibly fast f/2.0 optical system with 400mm focal length
  • Advanced VX computerized German equatorial mount with 30 lb load capacity
  • Optimized 22mm image circle for modern CMOS and mirrorless cameras
  • Ultra-Stable Focusing System minimizes mirror shift
  • NexStar+ hand control with a 40,000+ object database
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron Advanced VX 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) Telescope

    This Celestron Advanced VX 8" RASA Telescope package combines a 203mm (8") f/2.0 astrograph with the robust Advanced VX equatorial mount, creating a complete imaging system ready for wide-field deep-sky objects. The RASA's 400mm focal length captures vast swaths of the night sky, while the AVX mount's 30 lb instrument capacity provides a stable platform for the 17 lb optical tube and your camera. With light gathering power 843x that of the human eye, this setup allows you to capture detailed images with exposure times measured in seconds, not minutes.

    The 8" RASA: An f/2.0 Astrograph for Imaging in Seconds

    The 8" RASA is engineered for one purpose: capturing stunning astronomical images with unparalleled speed. Its native f/2.0 focal ratio dramatically reduces exposure time, allowing you to collect deep data on faint nebulae and galaxies quickly. This speed, combined with a relatively short 400mm focal length, lessens the demands on tracking accuracy, often eliminating the need for an autoguider altogether.

    The patented 4-element lens group and StarBright XLT coatings deliver sharp, coma-free stars across a wide field of view, with a spot size of less than 4.6 μm RMS across the image circle. This optical precision ensures that from the core of the Orion Nebula (M42) to the sprawling arms of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), your images are filled with pinpoint stars and rich detail.

    Ultra-Stable Focuser and 22mm Optimized Image Circle

    Celestron developed the Ultra-Stable Focusing System specifically to address the challenges of imaging. This system uses a precision linear ball bearing to mitigate lateral movement of the primary mirror during focusing or slewing, ensuring your target remains perfectly centered and sharp. The result is easier, more accurate, and repeatable focusing, session after session.

    Designed for modern cameras, the 8" RASA features a 22mm image circle optimized for today's color CMOS, smaller CCD, and mirrorless cameras with APS-C sized sensors. The system provides 93% illumination at 11mm off-axis, ensuring bright, evenly lit frames without significant vignetting. This dedicated design makes it a perfect match for the most popular imaging sensors on the market.

    Advanced VX Mount: 30 lb Capacity and GoTo Precision

    The Advanced VX mount is the workhorse of portable astrophotography, providing the stability and precision needed for the RASA optical tube. Its 30 lb payload capacity easily handles the 17 lb RASA and a full imaging train, while the 2" diameter stainless steel tripod legs create a solid, vibration-dampening foundation. The included 12 lb counterweight ensures the system is properly balanced for smooth tracking.

    The computerized GoTo system is powered by the NexStar+ hand control, giving you access to a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. Advanced features like Permanently Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) allow you to train out the worm gear's periodic errors, enabling longer, more accurate unguided exposures. The dual CG-5 and CGE saddle plate adds versatility, allowing you to use other optical tubes with the mount.

    RASA 8 vs. Hyperstar SCT: The Dedicated Astrograph Advantage

    While a Hyperstar lens converts a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope into a fast imaging system, the RASA is a purpose-built astrograph from the ground up. This integrated design provides distinct advantages. The RASA's optical system is holistically optimized for a flat, aberration-free field at f/2.0, resulting in better star shapes and more even illumination across the entire frame compared to a converted SCT.

    A significant trade-off of the RASA's dedicated imaging design is that it cannot be used for visual observation; there is no place to insert a traditional eyepiece. However, for the dedicated astroimager, this singular focus yields a system that outperforms more generalized setups, delivering professional-grade results in a portable package.

  • What cameras are compatible with the Celestron 8" RASA?

    The 8" RASA is designed for color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22mm diagonal, such as APS-C formats. It is not compatible with standard DSLR cameras due to their deep body design. Adapters are included for C-mount and M42-threaded cameras.

    Can I use the Advanced VX 8" RASA for visual observing?

    No. The 8" RASA is purely a photographic instrument. Its prime focus is located at the front of the optical tube, leaving no room to accommodate a diagonal or a traditional eyepiece for visual use.

    How does the 400mm focal length of the 8" RASA affect imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    The 400mm focal length provides a very wide field of view, making it ideal for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). Paired with an APS-C sensor, you can easily frame the entirety of M31 and its satellite galaxies M32 and M110 in a single shot, something impossible with longer focal length telescopes.

    Is the 30 lb payload capacity of the AVX mount enough for the 8" RASA and my imaging gear?

    Yes, comfortably. The RASA 8 optical tube weighs only 17 lbs. This leaves a generous 13 lbs of capacity for your camera, filter drawer, guide scope, and other accessories, keeping the total weight well within the mount's imaging-rated limit for stable, precise tracking.

    Do I need an autoguider with the Advanced VX 8" RASA?

    Not always. Due to the extremely fast f/2.0 optics, exposure times are very short. For many objects, you can capture excellent detail with exposures of 30-60 seconds, which the Advanced VX mount can typically handle without autoguiding, especially after using its PPEC function. For longer exposures or maximum sharpness, an autoguider can still be beneficial.

    How does the All-Star Polar Alignment work if I can't see Polaris from my backyard?

    Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment is a key feature of the Advanced VX mount. After performing a standard 2-Star Alignment, you can choose any bright star from the NexStar+ database. The mount will slew to where the star *should* be if perfectly aligned, and you then use the mount's manual adjustment knobs to center the star in the eyepiece. This allows for a highly accurate polar alignment without needing a view of Polaris.

  • Optical Tube Specifications
    Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
    Aperture 203mm (8")
    Focal Length 400mm (15.74")
    Focal Ratio f/2.0
    Light Gathering Power 843x (Compared to human eye)
    Image Circle 22mm (.86") Ø, 3.15°
    Useable Field 32mm (1.26") Ø, 4.6°
    Spot Size < 4.6 μm RMS across image circle
    Wavelength Range 400 - 800 nm
    Central Obstruction Diameter 93mm (3.66") (46% of aperture)
    Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.68 arc seconds
    Resolution (Dawes) 0.57 arc seconds
    Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
    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")
    Focuser Ultra-Stable Focusing System
    Features Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount
    Optical Tube Material Aluminum
    Optical Tube Length 628mm (24.7")
    Optical Tube Diameter 235mm (9.3")
    Optical Tube Weight 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
    Dovetail CGE Dovetail Bar
    Mount Specifications
    Mount Type Computerized German Equatorial
    Instrument Load Capacity 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
    Tripod 2" Stainless Steel Legs
    Mount Head Weight 17 lbs (7.71 kg)
    Tripod Weight 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
    Counterweights 1 x 12 lbs
    Total Kit Weight 47 lbs (21.31 kg)
    Latitude Adjustment Range 7° - 77°
    Motor Drive DC servo motors
    Slew Speeds 9 speeds, max 4°/second
    Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
    Tracking Modes EQ North & EQ South
    Alignment Procedures 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
    Periodic Error Correction Yes
    Dovetail Compatibility Dual saddle (CG-5 and CGE)
    Ports 1x Hand Control, 2x AUX, 1x Autoguide, 1x USB (on Hand Control)
    Hand Control NexStar+ with 40,000+ object database
    Power Requirements 12V DC, 3.5A (tip positive)
    Software Celestron Starry Night Special Edition, SkyPortal App

    • 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Optical Tube

      × 1

    • Advanced VX Equatorial Head

      × 1

    • Advanced VX Tripod

      × 1

    • Accessory Tray

      × 1

    • 12 lb Counterweight

      × 1

    • NexStar+ Hand Control

      × 1

    • DC Power Cable (Cigarette Lighter Socket)

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Telescope Warranty