Let’s Talk About Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 represents a significant leap in accessible astroimaging technology. Manufactured by Celestron, this system combines a fast, portable astrograph with a robust equatorial mount, promising stunning wide-field deep-sky images with relative ease. The Celestron RASA telescopes have gained popularity for their speed and ease of use, especially for those new to astrophotography.
I’ve always been captivated by astrophotography, but the long exposure times and complex setup often felt daunting. I was looking for a system that could deliver impressive results without requiring an advanced degree in astrophysics. I wanted something portable, relatively easy to set up, and capable of capturing detailed images of deep-sky objects.
Unboxing the Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 was an exciting experience. The components were well-packaged and the build quality seemed impressive right out of the box. The telescope itself felt surprisingly lightweight for its size, and the CGEM II mount looked sturdy and capable of handling the load.
Compared to a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with a reducer or a refractor with a flattener, the Celestron RASA stood out for its incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio. This speed promised shorter exposure times and the ability to capture faint details more easily. I also considered the Explore Scientific ED127 APO refractor and the Meade LX200, but the Celestron RASA’s portability and speed ultimately swayed me.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 seemed to offer everything I was looking for. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 at a dark sky location about an hour outside of the city. The skies were clear, with minimal light pollution, perfect for deep-sky imaging. Setting up the CGEM II mount was straightforward, and the All-Star Polar Alignment procedure made polar alignment surprisingly easy.
I encountered some dew formation on the corrector plate due to the humid conditions. However, this was easily remedied with a dew heater. The Celestron RASA’s performance was impressive, capturing detailed images of the Orion Nebula with only a few seconds of exposure time.
It did take some fiddling to get the back focus correct, which is crucial for sharp images with such a fast system. I was surprised by how much detail I could capture even without guiding, thanks to the short exposure times.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 has proven to be a reliable and capable imaging platform. The CGEM II mount has consistently tracked accurately, even during longer imaging sessions. The optical tube assembly has held up well, with no signs of significant wear and tear.
I’ve noticed that keeping the optics clean is crucial for optimal performance, especially in dusty environments. Cleaning the corrector plate requires care, but it’s a relatively straightforward process. Compared to my previous experience with a slower Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, the Celestron RASA has significantly reduced my imaging time while delivering comparable or even better results.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0
Specifications
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 boasts an 8-inch (203mm) aperture and a focal length of 400mm. This yields an incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio. The central obstruction diameter is 93mm, representing 46% of the aperture diameter.
The system’s light gathering power is 843x compared to the human eye. It has a Rayleigh resolution of 0.68 arc seconds and a Dawes resolution of 0.57 arc seconds. The usable field is 32mm (1.26″), and the wavelength range spans from 390 to 800 nm.
The CGEM II mount has a 40 lb load capacity. It comes with a NexStar+ hand control and a 17 lbs counterweight. These specifications translate to exceptional light-gathering ability and a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing large deep-sky objects.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 excels at capturing wide-field images of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The fast f/2.0 focal ratio significantly reduces exposure times, allowing imagers to gather more data in less time. Its main strengths include its speed, portability, and ease of use.
One area for improvement is the focuser, which can be a bit sensitive. A fine-focusing mechanism would be a welcome addition. Despite this, the Celestron RASA meets and often exceeds expectations for those seeking a fast and portable astroimaging solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 features a well-designed optical tube assembly. It is constructed from lightweight materials, making it relatively easy to transport. The CGEM II mount is robust and stable.
The telescope is reasonably user-friendly, although achieving perfect focus requires some practice. The NexStar+ hand controller is intuitive and provides access to a vast database of celestial objects.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 appears to be built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning of the optics is essential, especially in dusty environments. The CGEM II mount requires occasional lubrication to ensure smooth tracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 comes with a CGEM II equatorial head, tripod, accessory tray, counterweight, and NexStar+ hand control. It also includes camera adapters for C-mount and M42 threaded cameras.
Celestron offers optional adapters for Sony and Canon mirrorless cameras. The telescope is compatible with a range of filters, including light pollution filters designed specifically for the RASA. There are also options to upgrade the focuser for more precise adjustments.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0
Pros
- Incredibly fast f/2.0 focal ratio allows for very short exposure times.
- Portable and relatively lightweight for its aperture.
- CGEM II mount provides stable and accurate tracking.
- Wide field of view is perfect for capturing large deep-sky objects.
- Relatively easy to set up and use, especially with the All-Star Polar Alignment procedure.
Cons
- Focuser can be sensitive and difficult to adjust precisely.
- Achieving perfect focus requires some practice and patience.
Who Should Buy Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0?
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 is perfect for astrophotographers who want a fast, portable, and relatively easy-to-use system for capturing wide-field images of deep-sky objects. It’s also a great choice for those who live in light-polluted areas, as the short exposure times can help to minimize the impact of light pollution.
Those who prioritize visual observing or require extremely high magnification should skip this product. An upgraded focuser is a must-have accessory for achieving optimal image sharpness. A dew heater is also recommended for preventing dew formation on the corrector plate.
Conclusion on Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0
The Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 is a remarkable astroimaging system that delivers exceptional performance in a relatively portable and easy-to-use package. The fast f/2.0 focal ratio is a game-changer, allowing imagers to capture stunning deep-sky images with shorter exposure times than traditional telescopes. The price is justified considering the speed, portability, and image quality.
I would personally recommend the Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 to any astrophotographer looking for a fast and efficient way to capture wide-field images of the night sky. If you’re ready to take your astroimaging to the next level, the Celestron RASA is an excellent choice. Invest in the Celestron Telescope RASA CGEM II 800, f/2.0 and unlock the hidden beauty of the universe.