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Sky & Telescope’s Hot Products 2019 Award
"Incredibly fast optical speeds allow deep-sky imaging with short exposures, opening up a new world of scientific- and recreational-astrophotography possibilities."
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.
Celestron updates their venerable and versatile mid-level mount with the CGEM II GoTo EQ Mount. Engineered to carry a 40-pound payload and high-torque dual DC servo motors, it is able to smoothly and accurately slew and track heavier optical tube assemblies (OTAs) and rigs up to an 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain. Its Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle makes the mount compatible with most plates used today. Celestron also improves its usage by adding compatibility with their SkySync GPS unit for a higher level of precision during setup and alignment. To provide a stable platform for the mount and your OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod is included that sports large 2" legs and an accessory tray that doubles as a stabilizer.
The brain of the CGEM II 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 100 custom user-defined objects with filters added for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface provides the power 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 and invaluable to new users and experienced stargazers.