Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0 OTA Only White. This incredibly fast f/2.0 system is the perfect companion to todays 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 its 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 wont need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8 RASAs 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 Todays 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. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22mm diagonal but still performs well with larger (up to 32mm diagonal) sensors. As such it works well with APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras. Camera adapters to connect C-mount cameras and cameras which mount with M42 threads are included. Celestron offers optional adapters to connect your 8 RASA to Sony or Canon mirrorless 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. Specifications for Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0 OTA Only: Manufacturer: Celestron Included Accessories: M42 camera adapter C-thread camera adapter fan battery pack Objective Aperture: 203 mm Focal Length: 400 mm Focal Ratio: f/2.0 Color: White Optical Coating: StarBright XLT Features of Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0 OTA Only: Flat field free of optical aberrations like field curvature coma astigmatism and chromatic aberration across an entire APS-C sensor. NEW 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. CGE dovetail mounting rail. 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. Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph