Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only Review

Let’s Talk About Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is a game-changer for astrophotography, especially for those looking to capture stunning deep-sky images without the frustration of long exposure times. Offered by Celestron, the RASA 8 (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) is designed for unparalleled speed and wide-field imaging. Its fast f/2.0 optics dramatically reduce exposure times, making it possible to capture faint nebulae and galaxies with remarkable detail even from light-polluted areas. The integrated cooling fan, ultra-stable focusing system, and internal filter mount round out a package that promises serious performance for the serious astrophotographer.

I had been struggling with my older Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, fighting light pollution and long exposure times to get decent images. The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only promised to alleviate both of these issues.

Unboxing the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only was an experience. It felt solid and well-built, despite its relatively compact size. The white finish is sleek and professional, and the included accessories felt high-quality.

Compared to my previous Celestron 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain and a friend’s Takahashi refractor, the RASA 8 stood out for its sheer speed and intended purpose. While the Schmidt-Cassegrain was versatile for visual observing and planetary imaging, and the refractor offered stunning sharpness, the RASA 8 was purpose-built for deep-sky astrophotography with exceptional speed. I chose the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only because I wanted to specialize in capturing wide-field images of nebulae and galaxies quickly.

My initial impression of the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension. I was excited by the potential to capture images I previously only dreamed of, but also intimidated by the specialized nature of the instrument.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only was at a dark sky site about an hour outside of my city. The sky was clear, but the air was humid. Setting up the telescope was straightforward, although the short focal length required precise focusing.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only’s performance in the humid conditions was surprisingly good. The integrated cooling fan quickly stabilized the temperature of the optics, minimizing any potential for condensation issues. I was able to capture several test images of the Orion Nebula with incredibly short exposure times – just 30 seconds – that revealed details I had never seen before with my previous telescope.

It took some time to get used to the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only’s unique focusing mechanism and to find the perfect backfocus. After a couple of hours, I started to feel confident in my ability to operate the instrument. The speed of the RASA 8 was truly astonishing and I saw immediate improvements over my previous setup.

The only initial issue was getting used to the extremely narrow field of sharp focus due to the fast f/2.0 aperture. This meant that even small errors in focus would be very noticeable, but once dialed in the resulting images were incredible.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only, it has become my go-to instrument for deep-sky astrophotography. It has consistently delivered stunning images, even from my somewhat light-polluted backyard.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only’s durability has been impressive. Despite being transported to several different dark sky sites, it shows no signs of wear and tear. The optical tube assembly (OTA) is well-constructed and the internal components seem robust.

Maintaining the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is relatively easy. The optical surfaces are coated with Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings, which are resistant to dust and moisture. The cooling fan filter is easily accessible and can be cleaned with compressed air.

Compared to my previous experiences with slower telescopes, the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only has significantly outperformed expectations. It has allowed me to capture far more detail in my astrophotography images and has reduced my exposure times dramatically.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only

Specifications

• Objective Aperture: 203 mm (8 inches). This provides significant light-gathering ability for capturing faint objects.
• Focal Length: 400 mm. A short focal length contributes to the wide field of view and fast focal ratio.
• Focal Ratio: f/2.0. This is the standout specification, allowing for extremely short exposure times.
• Optical Coating: StarBright XLT. Celestron’s proprietary coatings maximize light transmission and contrast.
• Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph. This design corrects for aberrations and provides a flat field of view.
• Wavelength Range: 390-800 nm. This broad spectral range allows the telescope to capture more light, resulting in brighter and more detailed images.
• Central Obstruction Diameter: 93mm (3.66″). This is a significant obstruction, but the fast focal ratio minimizes its impact.
• Image Circle: 22mm (.86″). This is sufficient for most APS-C sensors.
• Mounting Rail: CGE dovetail. Allows for easy attachment to a variety of equatorial mounts.
• Included Accessories: M42 camera adapter, C-thread camera adapter, fan battery pack. These accessories provide the necessary connections for attaching cameras and powering the cooling fan.

These specifications translate directly into the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only’s exceptional performance as an astrograph. The fast f/2.0 focal ratio allows for capturing faint objects with short exposure times, while the StarBright XLT coatings and Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph design ensure high-quality images with minimal aberrations.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only excels at its intended purpose: capturing wide-field images of deep-sky objects with exceptional speed. Its accuracy is dependent on precise focusing, but once dialed in, the images are sharp and well-defined across the field of view.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only’s strengths lie in its speed, wide field of view, and flat field performance. Its main weakness is the critical focus requirement, which can be challenging for beginners.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only has exceeded my expectations in terms of its ability to capture faint details in deep-sky objects.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is well-built, with a solid and robust construction. The white finish is attractive and functional, reflecting sunlight and minimizing thermal expansion.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is relatively user-friendly, but it requires some experience with astrophotography to fully utilize its capabilities. The short focal length and fast focal ratio demand precise focusing and collimation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only appears to be durable and well-constructed. The materials used are high-quality and the optical tube assembly is sturdy.

Maintaining the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is straightforward. Cleaning the optics and replacing the cooling fan filter are the primary maintenance tasks.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only comes with several essential accessories, including M42 and C-thread camera adapters.

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including different camera adapters, light pollution filters, and electronic focusers. The internal filter mount allows for seamless integration of light pollution filters.

Pros and Cons of Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only

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Who Should Buy Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only?

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is perfect for experienced astrophotographers who want to capture wide-field images of deep-sky objects with exceptional speed. It’s also suitable for those who live in light-polluted areas, as the short exposure times minimize the impact of light pollution.

Beginners who are new to astrophotography may find the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only challenging to use due to its critical focus requirement. Those primarily interested in visual observing may prefer a telescope with a longer focal length and greater versatility.

A must-have accessory for the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is a high-quality camera with a cooled sensor. An electronic focuser can also greatly improve the ease and accuracy of focusing.

Conclusion on Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only

The Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is a specialized instrument that delivers exceptional performance for deep-sky astrophotography. Its fast f/2.0 focal ratio and flat field design allow for capturing stunning images with short exposure times, making it a valuable tool for experienced astrophotographers.

The price of the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only is justified by its unique capabilities and exceptional performance. While it may not be suitable for beginners, those who are serious about deep-sky astrophotography will find it to be a worthwhile investment.

I would highly recommend the Celestron Telescope RASA 8 f/2.0, OTA Only to any astrophotographer looking to capture wide-field images of deep-sky objects with exceptional speed and detail. Consider adding this gem to your collection, and unlock the universe.