The Celestron 8" f/2.0 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) is specifically designed for astrophotography and astro-imaging with a large aperture and fast focal ratio. Using four-element rare-earth optical glass lenses ensures accurate color rendition and eliminates aberrations such as coma and field curvatures. The improved StarBright XLT multi-coating system, which includes anti-reflection coatings on the lenses and highly reflective coatings on the mirrors, increases light transmission throughout the entire optical path. An integrated fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the optical tube assembly (OTA) while filtering harmful dust from the interior.

The astrograph design is defined by its fast focal ratio, which reduces exposure times without sacrificing image quality and gives you more time for multiple shots of the same object for layering or with different filters. Its internal Ultra-Stable focusing mechanism enables very precise focusing to clearly resolve topographic details on the Moon or split double stars and reveal details of most other celestial objects in between, while minimizing unwanted lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing or slewing. Since this OTA is designed as an imaging scope, a 42mm camera T-adapter and C-mount imager adapter are included that are compatible with most camera-specific T-rings that are widely available.

Patented Design Optimized for Imaging    400mm Focal Length/ f/2.0 Focal Ratio    StarBright XLT Optical Coating System    4-Element Rare-Earth Optical Glass    Not Recommended for Visual Use    Advanced VX GoTo German Equatorial Mount    NexStar+ GoTo Hand Controller    40,000+ Database, User-Defined Objects    Multiple Alignment Procedures    2" Steel Adjustable Tripod with Tray

• 203mm (8") diameter aperture enables near- and deep-sky viewing without being prohibitively large or heavy for easy transport to viewing locations
• 400mm focal length helps to produce a fast focal ratio
• Fast f/2.0 focal ratio requires significantly lower exposure times versus slower ratios to produce the same results
• Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt astrograph (RASA) design is purpose built for astrophotography and imaging performance, and is not recommended for visual use
• Proprietary StarBright XLT fully multi-coated optical system
• Four-element rare-earth glass for true color rendition without aberrations across the entire field of view
• Wide 390-800nm spectral range improves images of deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae
• Image circle: 22mm (0.86")
• Resolution: 0.68 arcsec (Rayleigh), 0.57 arcsec (Dawes)
• Back focus: 25mm (0.98") with included camera adapter, 29mm (1.14") from top of threaded collar
• Optical window can be removed and replaced with optional filters such as a light pollution filter
• Integrated cooling fan brings optical system to ambient air temperature for better performance
• Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12VDC power adapter

• Multi-layer mirror coatings made from layers of aluminum, SiO2 (silicon dioxide), and TiO2 (titanium dioxide)
• Reflectivity is flat across the light spectrum, for both astrophotography/astro-imaging
• Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings made from layers of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide)
• High-transmission water white glass corrector lens with 97.4% light transmission

• Focusing system moves primary mirror forward and back to achieve tack-sharp images
• Ultra-stable design minimizes unwanted lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing or slewing
• Fine adjustments for precise focusing, approximately 30 turns of the knob runs through the focus range

• OTA only, mount and tripod required for proper use
• Includes large CGE/Losmandy-D dovetail plate for use on larger more stable mount heads
• Weight: 17 pounds

• Standard M42 camera T-adapter accepts most camera-specific T-rings to directly mount DSLR and mirrorless cameras
• CCTV/Imager C-thread adapter accepts most camera-specific video T-rings to mount imaging and video cameras
• Battery pack takes eight user-supplied AA batteries to power the integrated cooling fan

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hi, Does this OTA supports the Celestron Fastar and can accommodate the Starizona Hyperstar?

A: The Celestron C6-A-XLT CG-5 6" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is compatible with the Starizona Hyperstar. The Celestron Fastar is not made anymore.

Q: 2. Will this OTA fit on a Nexstar Evolution Mount?

A: The Celestron EdgeHD CGE 8" f/10 Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) BH #CEEDGEHD800 • MFR #91030-XLT weight is 14 lbs. It can be supported by the Nexstar Evolution Mount.

Q: 3. Does it come with a polar scope?

A: It comes with a 6x30 Finderscope 1.25" 90° Star Diagonal

Q: 4. The description does not describe the telescope, only the mount. Is the Celestron 8" Newtonian is included?

A: It comes with the telescope, the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) There is very little information available on Celestron website. 8” (200mm) f/5 optical design provides excellent wide field views Parabolic primary mirror minimizes spherical aberration to produce a better image.

Q: 5. Does this include the mount and computer? That is, does it include everything listed in the description? It says that it's OTA.

A: The Celestron Advanced VX 9.25" EdgeHD Telescope BH #CEAVX925EHDK • MFR #12033 comes with: Celestron EdgeHD 9.25" f/10 Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) Celestron Luminos 23mm Eyepiece (2") 9x50 Finderscope 2" 90° Star Diagonal 1.25" Eyepiece Reducer Adapter Limited 2-Year Warranty Celestron Advanced VX GoTo German Equatorial Mount Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray Counterweight Bar 12 lb Counterweight Hand Controller Holder NexStar+ Hand Controller 12 VDC Car/Vehicle Power Cord Declination Motor Cable Limited 2-Year Warranty Celestron 12-Pound Counterweight for Advanced VX Two-Year Limited Warranty Yes it comes with the mount and tripod.

Q: 6. Can I attach a Nikon Z9 with appropriate adapters or is it too heavy?

A: The Celestron CGEM II 800 8" f/10 EdgeHD Aplanatic SCT GoTo Telescope can be used with a Nikon Z9 camera with this Neewer adapter: https://bhpho.to/48kjNBq

Q: 7. Can you use a 2" visual back and 2" eyepieces?

A: The iOptron Photron 150mm f/9 Ritchey-Chrétien Catadioptric Telescope (OTA Only) BH #IO6111 • MFR #6111optical tube is outfitted with a standard 1.25" visual back to make it easier to find eyepieces, accessories, and imaging gear. For visual observations, a 1.25" star diagonal is included along with a 40mm Plössl eyepiece that yields 51x magnification. You would need to reoutfit it with a 2" diagonal and eyepiece

Q: 8. Does the mount come with a cable to connect the NexStar hand controller to a laptop?

A: It does not. You will need a micro USB To USB-A cable: BH# PECUAMUMBM6Q

Q: 9. Is the dovetail compatible with an Orion Starseeker IV mount?

A: The Celestron C6-A-XLT CG-5 6" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope has a standard Vixen dovetail rail so it will fit any brand mount that uses a Vixen dovetail. We do not sell Orion brand mounts but based on the specs on Orion's website, the Celestron telescope not will fit. Plus the Orion mount only supports 13 pounds. The Celestron scope weighs 10. I would recommend using a stronger mount for the Celestron such at this scope and mount kit: https://bhpho.to/2YyNBqG

Q: 10. What adapters are needed to install **Astromania 2" Multiple 5-Position Filter Wheel** on the telescope?

A: The Starlight Xpress USB Filter Wheel with 5-Position 2" Eyepiece Filter Carousel (Female/Male T-Mounts) BH #STSXUFW2T • MFR #SXUFW-2T comes with the necessary adapters to mount it to the scope.