Open Box – Advanced VX 8″ Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (12032) Celestron

THIS IS AN OPEN BOX UNIT AND HAS ONLY BEEN USED ONCE FOR A DEMONSTRATION BY CELESTRON, AND IS RESEALED IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Overview

• 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 – six precision sealed ball bearings virtually eliminate 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 390-800 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.
• NEW dual saddle plate accommodates both the narrow CG-5 and larger CGE dovetail.
• Accessories included: M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, and fan battery pack.

Description 

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

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s new 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.

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” 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 in 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” RASA’s relatively short 400mm focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required. Weighing only 17 lb, this optical tube pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mounts.

Ultra-Stable Focus System

With the launch of the 8” RASA, Celestron is unveiling a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking with the astrograph. 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” 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 22mm diagonal, but performs well with sensors up to 32mm diagonal. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. 42mm full frame sensors will also work, but performance will be poor at the edges of the sensor and field illumination will be reduced. Additionally, we do not recommend pairing RASA 8 with any camera body more than 4” in diameter. See the chart below to determine if your camera is compatible with RASA 8.

 

Camera	Compatible with RASA 8?	Adapter required
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with C-mount	Yes	C-mount adapter (included)
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with M42-thread mount	Yes	M42 adapter (included) with M42 extension tubes (not included)
Astronomical CMOS/CCD camera with other mount	Yes	Custom camera adapter
Canon mirrorless with APS-C sensor	Yes	Canon mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Sony mirrorless with APS-C sensor	Yes	Sony mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Canon mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor	Yes, but not optimized across the full sensor	Canon mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
Sony mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor	Yes, but not optimized across the full sensor	Sony mirrorless adapter (sold separately)
DSLR	No	—

 

Advanced VX & 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 with the hobby 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”-diameter steel tripod legs, providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.

Payload capacity
The payload capacity for the Advanced VX is 30 lb. It offers a sturdy platform for the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph optical tube, even when paired with optional accessories like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera. Celestron’s payload capacity does not include the weight of the counterweights. 

Dual saddle plate
As of early 2019, Advanced VX mounts now include a new 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” RASA, but virtually any optical tube within Advanced VX’s weight limit.

 

Software

Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software
Your 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 modelling 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

For more information on CPWI and to see the user interface, click here.

Starry Night Software
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.

Accessories Included

The Advanced VX RASA 8 comes complete with a M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, and fan battery pack.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design	Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
Aperture	203mm (8″)
Focal Length	400mm (15.74″)
Focal Ratio	f/2.0
Central obstruction diameter	93mm (3.66″) (46% of aperture diameter)
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye)	843x
Resolution (Rayleigh)	0.68 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)	0.57 arc seconds
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	390 – 800 nm
Spot size	< 4.6 μm RMS across image circle
Optical Coatings	StarBright XLT
Off-axis Illumination	93% at 11mm (.43″) off-axis
Optical Window	46mm (1.81″) Ø
Back focus with included camera adapter	25mm (.98″)
Back focus from top of threaded collar	29mm (1.14″)
Optical Tube	Aluminum
Optical Tube Length	628mm (24.7″)
Optical Tube Diameter	235mm (9.3″)
Focuser	Ultra-Stable Focusing System
Finderscope	Not included
Optical Tube Weight	17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Other Features	Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount
Included items	M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery pack
Dovetail	CGE Dovetail Bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type	Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod)	1118mm – 1626mm (44″ – 64″)
Tripod Leg Diameter	50.8mm (2″) Stainless Steel
Latitude adjustment range	7° – 77°
Mount Head Weight	17 lbs (7.71 kg)
Accessory Tray	Yes
Tripod Weight	18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Weight of Counterweights	1 x 12 lbs
Slew Speeds	9 slew speeds – max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes	EQ North & EQ South
GPS	N/A
Dovetail Compatibility	Dual saddle plates (Vixen and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary ports	3 Aux ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories)
Autoguide port	Yes
USB Port	Yes, input on Hand Control
Power Requirements	12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
Motor Drive	DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures	2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error Correction	Yes
Computerized Hand Control	NexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database	40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software	Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight	47 lbs (21.31 kg)
Included Items	Advanced VX Equatorial Head| Tripod| Accessory Tray|1 x 12 lbs counterweight| NexStar+ Hand Control| DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)
California Residents	View Proposition 65 Warning