Let’s Talk About Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless accessories come and go. But, in the realm of astrophotography, having the right mounting solutions is paramount, which is why I was interested in the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models. This unassuming piece of kit promises to unlock a new level of versatility for Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) 8″ owners, allowing for the seamless attachment of various accessories using widely compatible CGE or Losmandy-D dovetail plates.
I needed a stable and adaptable platform for mounting guiding systems and other essential astrophotography tools onto my RASA 8, which led me to this accessory bar. When I first unboxed the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and clean design. It felt robust, the aluminum offering a reassuring weight without being cumbersome, promising a stable platform for my accessories.
Compared to generic dovetail bars, the Celestron offering stood out because it’s specifically designed for the RASA 8″. It eliminates the guesswork and potential compatibility issues. It seemed a far better solution than attempting to adapt universal bars, which can sometimes compromise stability.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was hoping it would deliver on its promise of easy installation and rock-solid accessory mounting. The potential to streamline my astrophotography setup was genuinely exciting, though I reserved final judgment until I put it through its paces under the stars.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models was at a dark sky location about two hours outside the city. I mounted a small guide scope and camera onto the bar and then attached it to my RASA 8. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, utilizing the existing threaded holes, and the included hardware was spot-on.
Under a clear, but slightly breezy night sky, the bar held the guide scope firmly in place. The stability was remarkable, even when adjusting the telescope’s position. I was concerned about flexure impacting guiding accuracy, but the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models delivered a rock-solid performance.
The only minor issue was ensuring the bar was perfectly aligned during initial installation. It took a few adjustments to get everything perfectly square, but once tightened down, it remained secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models continues to impress. The aluminum finish shows no signs of wear, despite being exposed to dew and fluctuating temperatures. I’ve also experimented with mounting heavier accessories, such as a motorized focuser, and the bar has handled the increased load without any noticeable flex or instability.
Maintaining the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models is practically effortless; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed. Compared to my previous setup, which involved a precarious arrangement of adapters and clamps, this dovetail bar has vastly improved the reliability and stability of my astrophotography rig.
This dovetail bar has vastly improved the reliability and stability of my astrophotography rig compared to my previous set up. It outperforms those earlier attempts with ease and provides a stable and secure platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models
Specifications
- Material: The Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models is constructed from aluminum. This provides a good balance of strength and weight.
- Compatibility: The dovetail bar accepts accessories that mount onto CGE or Losmandy D-series dovetail plates. This broad compatibility allows a wide range of accessories to be used.
- Mounting: Designed specifically for the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 8″. The bar uses existing threaded holes and includes all necessary hardware.
- Function: The bar provides a stable mounting platform on top of the RASA 8″ optical tube. This enables the attachment of guiding systems, cameras, and other astrophotography equipment.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the stability and versatility of the RASA 8″. The aluminum construction ensures a rigid platform, while the CGE/Losmandy-D compatibility opens up a vast ecosystem of accessories.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models performs its job admirably. It provides a secure and stable platform for mounting accessories on the RASA 8″.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation, while a potential improvement would be integrated bubble levels for perfect alignment. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a purpose-built accessory bar.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is clean and functional. It prioritizes stability and ease of use.
The build quality is excellent, the aluminum feels robust, and the weight is well-balanced. No significant learning curve is required, the installation process is self-explanatory, and the user manual is clear and concise.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests excellent long-term durability. The finish appears resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dust or dew. Its robust design and simple construction suggest a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. No additional accessories are included in the box.
Its primary customization option is the selection of accessories that can be mounted via the CGE/Losmandy-D dovetail interface. It is compatible with a wide range of accessories from various brands that utilize those dovetail standards.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models
Pros
- Provides a stable and secure mounting platform for accessories on the RASA 8″.
- Easy to install, utilizing existing threaded holes and included hardware.
- Compatible with CGE and Losmandy-D dovetail plates, offering broad accessory compatibility.
- Durable aluminum construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Significantly improves the versatility of the RASA 8″ for astrophotography.
Cons
- Initial alignment can be a little fiddly, integrated bubble levels would be helpful.
- Only compatible with RASA 8″ telescopes; not a universal accessory.
Who Should Buy Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models?
This accessory bar is perfect for astrophotographers who own a Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 8″ and want to expand its capabilities. It allows for easy attachment of guiding systems, filter wheels, and other essential accessories.
Those who don’t own a RASA 8″ or are looking for a universal dovetail bar should skip this product. A must-have modification would be the addition of small bubble levels to aid in precise alignment.
Conclusion on Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models
The Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models is a well-designed and essential accessory for anyone serious about astrophotography with a RASA 8″. It addresses a critical need for a stable and versatile mounting platform.
At $67.95, the price is justified considering the quality of construction and the improved functionality it brings. I would absolutely recommend it to fellow RASA 8″ owners.
If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your RASA 8″ and streamline your astrophotography setup, then the Celestron Dovetail Accessory Bar CGE, RASA 8, – 1 out of 5 models is a worthy investment. It’s a simple yet effective tool that will make a noticeable difference in your imaging experience.