Celestron RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph with SESTO SENSO: main features
Celestron RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph with Losmandy bar is the portable 203mm f2 astrograph that allows you to capture spectacular wide-field deep sky astrophotography images with short expositions. 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 7,7 kg, it’s easy to transport your 8” RASA to the most remote dark sky locations. 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.
- Celestron RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph is a D:203mm F:400mm f/2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph telescope
- SESTO SENSO 3 SC is the best robotic focusing motor for SC type telescopes
SESTO SENSO 3 SC: the most advanced robotic focusing motor for SC type telescopes
This special version of the Celestron RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph includes SESTO SENSO 3 SC, the robotic focusing motor specifically designed for telescopes with internal focusing mechanisms, such as Schmidt-Cassegrain, EdgeHD, and RASA models. Developed and manufactured in Italy by PrimaLuceLab, SESTO SENSO 3 SC introduces key innovations like the Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) — a backlash-free belt coupling that ensures precise motorized focusing while still allowing manual adjustments at any time. The integrated position encoder keeps track of the focuser position even during manual movements, with an Automatic Position Recovery option. Its high-resolution motor provides up to 2 million steps, delivering maximum precision and control regardless of the telescope’s mechanical reduction ratio. With USB-C connectivity and built-in WiFi, you can control SESTO SENSO 3 SC from your computer or wirelessly through the Virtual HandPad using your smartphone or tablet. Compatible with ARCO camera rotators, ASCOM drivers, and PLAY software, and supporting EAGLE’s GHOST mode and DARK mode with dimmable LED lights, SESTO SENSO 3 SC sets a new standard in robotic focusing for telescopes with internal focusers.
Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph with SESTO SENSO and the following optional accessories: 495mm PLUS Losmandy type bar (above the OTA) with thee EAGLE installed in parallel (above the telescope).
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 micro 4/3 or APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. FullFrame 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 |
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Celestron RASA Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt 8" astrograph with Losmandy bar: scope of delivery
- Celestron Rowe-Ackermann 8" optical tube
- SESTO SENSO 3 SC robotic focusing motor for SC type telescopes
- 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.
- Adapter for C-thread camera
- Adapter for T2-thread camera
- Losmandy style Losmandy bar
