The Celestron CGX 800 8" f/2 RASA GoTo Telescope is a complete rig specifically designed for astrophotography and astroimaging with a large aperture and fast focal ratio. Supporting the OTA is a precision GoTo mount and a solid, sturdy stainless steel tripod.
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.
- 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
Celestron's CGX GoTo EQ Mount Head improves on their venerable CGEM platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for large optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 55-pound payload, it has high-torque motors and heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash which enable it to smoothly and accurately track near- and deep-sky objects for long periods of time. Its Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle makes the mount compatible with most plates in use today.
The brain of the CGX EQ is the NexStar+ computer controller. Equipped with a database of 40,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up to 100 user-defined objects and filters for custom lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface allows you to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds and three tracking rates, plus anti-backlash compensation and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for smoother movements in the motors and improved tracking over time. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar+ controller easy to use for new users and experienced stargazers.
- German equatorial mount, when properly polar aligned, provides precise tracking on the Right Ascension axis allows the optical tube to follow objects without field rotation—making it ideal for astrophotography and imaging
- 55 lb payload capacity
- 3 to 65° latitude adjustment range
- 20° of additional tracking past the meridian provides greater usability
- Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders for smooth tracking and quiet operation
- High-torque motors provide smooth tracking and slewing for heavy OTAs
- Internal belt-drive system provides smooth, vibration-free tracking while minimizing backlash
- Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and improve gear meshing
- Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail-safe
- Internal hard stops for both axes prevent cable tension and tripod strike
- Autoguider port for making corrections while astroimaging
- Dual Vixen/Losmandy dovetail saddle, compatible with CG-5 and CGE bars
- Long clutch levers make tightening and loosening of clutches easier for manual movement
- Internal "Real Time Clock" keeps time and site information saved when power is turned off
- Internal cables/wires for snag-free operation
- Runs on included 12 VDC, 4A car/vehicle power supply
- Intuitive menu-driven user interface
- Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 0.3°/sec, 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 4°/sec
- Three tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, and Solar
- Anti-backlash correction: Trains out intrinsic play in gears for smoother movement and tracking
- Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC): Improves tracking precision for long-exposure astrophotography and imaging
- Alignment options: One or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last
- Sky Tour: Based on location, date, and time, the system shows the best objects in the sky and automatically slews to them
- Object info: Provides useful information about the selected object such as magnitude and constellation; includes extended information about 200 popular objects
- 2-line, 18-character LCD window with red backlighting for comfortable viewing without affecting night-adjusted vision
- 19 function keys, backlit in red
- Mini-USB port: Connect to a computer, for use with software programs for point-and-click slewing capability and updating firmware via PC
- 40,000-object database
- 400 user-defined objects for customization
- Filters for creating custom object lists
- Solar System: All seven planets plus the moon, sun, and Pluto
- Custom lists of all the brightest stars, double stars, variable stars, and asterisms
- Custom lists of all the best galaxies, nebulae, and clusters, as well as the complete Messier catalog and select NGC objects
Designed to support their CGX equatorial mount, the Celestron CGX Tripod has large 2" diameter legs to provide a solid and sturdy platform for the mount head plus an optical tube assembly and accessories. To accommodate a variety of users, optical tube styles, and viewing positions, the legs can adjust from 47.25 to 77.5" and terminate with spikes to provide solid footing. Graduated markings on the lower leg sections enable you to accurately repeat settings, saving setup and leveling time if you observe from the same location every night. Adding greater stability and vibration suppression, the center accessory tray acts as a leg spreader to lock them in-place while providing a convenient place to keep eyepieces, filters, or your phone safe and close to hand. Two 11-pound counterweights come in the box to assist in properly balancing your OTA on the mount head.
