$2000 - $4000

91073 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA by Celestron

Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron's new portable astrograph, the 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). 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 17 pounds, it's easy to transport your 8" RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.

• Flat field free of optical aberrations like field curvature, coma, astigmatism and chromatic aberration across an entire APS-C sensor.
• 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.
• NEW Ultra-Stable Focus System - precision linear ball bearing virtually eliminates 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.
• CGE dovetail mounting rail.
• Performs over a wider spectral range than most telescopes, from 390-800 nm, so more of the light passing through the astrograph is in sharp focus.

RASA Performance Made for Everyone

The 8" RASA is an imaging telescope that delivers a flat field without optical aberrations for razor sharp stars across a wide field of view. It can capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the challenges typically presented by longer focal length instruments at a fraction of the cost of those systems.

The latest addition to the RASA family, this 8" version is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11, which was introduced to much acclaim in 2014. With the 8" RASA joining the lineup, a wider range of astroimagers can enjoy the benefits of the RASA design. It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its "big brother" RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.

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.

Shorter Exposure Times and Virtual "Real-Time" Observing

Since it is an F/2.0 optical system, imagers can use shorter exposure times to capture detail in faint objects. When combined with sensitive cameras and the proper "live stacking" software, the 8" RASA can provide an almost real-time observing experience. View images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than can be seen in much bigger telescopes with the naked eye.

Because shorter exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount won't need to accurately track over extended periods. The 8" RASA's relatively short 400mm focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required. Weighing only 17 lb, this optical tube pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mounts.

Ultra-Stable Focus System

With the launch of the 8" RASA, Celestron is unveiling a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking with the astrograph. Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable than ever. The key to the Ultra-Stable Focus System is a precision linear ball bearing, which is tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.

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 APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. 42mm full frame 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.

91079 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 8) Imaging Kit by Celestron

Armed with the RASA 8 Imaging Kit, you can create stunning, deep-sky astroimages in minutes and seconds–not hours or days!–even from a light-polluted backyard. Discover the fun and excitement of astroimaging the easy way with the acclaimed Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) telescope and two indispensable imaging filters: the Light Pollution Filter and Hα-Hβ-OIII Filter. Whether you're new to imaging or a seasoned pro, you'll enjoy unparalleled convenience and stunning results–even when photographing the most elusive deep-sky targets.

RASA: Imaging at f/2.0

At Celestron, we love astroimaging. But we're well aware of the challenges our favorite hobby can sometimes involve: trekking long distances to dark skies, precisely aligning and guiding an equatorial mount, and capturing hours of very long exposures to gather enough photons to see the spiral arms and faint details of our favorite celestial objects. In a quest to solve all those challenges, our engineers joined forces with storied optical designers Dave Rowe and Mark Ackermann to create RASA.

While a traditional SCT telescope places the imaging sensor at the Cassegrain focus at the rear of the telescope, RASA places the sensor at the prime focus at the front of the telescope. Instead of imaging at f/10 like you do with an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT), RASA works at lightning speed, f/2—25 times faster! In 10 minutes with RASA, your image is as bright as it would be in 4+ hours with an SCT (albeit with a wider field of view).

When you image with a RASA 8, you can use much shorter exposure times. Add a sensitive camera and the proper "live stacking" software, and the 8" RASA can provide an almost real-time "observing" experience—even from the city. View images on a computer in seconds that are brighter and more detailed than you'd see through a much bigger telescope with the naked eye. Or capture and stack lots of short exposures and process the data; you'll be stunned at the details you can bring out.

What's more, RASA's speed lessens the tracking demands on your mount. You'll be using shorter sub-exposures so you won't need to track accurately over extended periods. In many cases, you won't even need to use an autoguider. And since RASA 8 weighs just 17 lb, it pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mounts, including the grab-and-go Advanced VX.

Although RASA has revolutionized the world of astroimaging, its influence goes far beyond astroimaging. Researchers and government agencies around the world have discovered that RASA is the ideal tool for detecting errant space junk and asteroids. Arrays of RASAs are deployed worldwide, scanning the skies and protecting our satellites in orbit.

Flat-field Performance Perfectly Paired with Today's Cameras

The 8" RASA delivers a flat field without optical aberrations for razor-sharp stars across a wide field of view. It can capture detailed deep-sky astronomical images at a fraction of the cost of other slower and smaller telescope designs, like refractors.

The RASA 8" has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its "big brother" RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar. Purely designed for imaging, the 8" RASA cannot be used visually. The focal plane is located at the front of the optical system, so it cannot accommodate a traditional eyepiece.

Unlike the 11" and 14" RASA, which both work with DSLR and large astronomical cameras, we designed the 8" model with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. (RASA 8 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 a 32mm diagonal. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. Note that 42mm full-frame sensors can also work, but performance diminishes at the edges of the sensor, and field illumination is reduced. We don't 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.

Ultra-Stable Focus System

With the launch of the 8" RASA, Celestron unveiled a new focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking with the astrograph. Precise focusing is easier and more stable than ever. The key to the Ultra-Stable Focus System is a precision linear ball bearing, which we individually test during assembly to ensure optimal results.

Includes Two Must-have RASA 8" Imaging Filters

Along with the RASA 8" optical tube, this kit also includes the Hα-Hβ OIII Imaging Filter and the Light Pollution Imaging Filter. This kit maximizes your RASA 8" telescope's potential to capture stunning images under any sky conditions, ensuring precise targeting of specific celestial objects and optimal light transmission.

Light Pollution Imaging Filter - This broadband filter effectively blocks specific wavelengths of artificial light while allowing the desired wavelengths of light emitted by celestial objects to pass through. When you add this filter to your RASA, you'll see vibrant, detailed celestial objects that "pop" against a dark sky background with excellent overall contrast. This filter blocks light from some of the most common sources of artificial and natural light pollution between 400 and 700 nm (i.e., the visible spectrum), including high- and low-pressure sodium-vapor streetlights, mercury-vapor streetlights, and natural airglow caused by oxygen in the atmosphere.

Unlike some light pollution filters, Celestron's filter blocks only specific areas of the spectrum instead of wide regions. This helps to maintain image brightness and color balance. In addition, particular wavelengths associated with emission nebulae, such as H-α (656nm), H-β (486nm), OIII (496nm and 501nm), and SII (672nm), are highly transmitted, ensuring minimal loss of image brightness for those objects.

H-α H-β OIII (Hα-Hβ-OIII) Imaging Filter — The specialized Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter, also known as the Nebula Filter, is a narrowband filter that allows very high transmission of select wavelengths of light from emission nebulae while blocking the rest of the spectrum. You'll immediately notice much higher contrast in your images, even from your light-polluted backyard! And since the transmission at the critical wavelengths is so high, the nebulae are not dimmed—only the background is made blacker.

The H-α H-β OIII Imaging Filter is perfect for imaging emission nebulae like the North America Nebula (NGC 7000), Lagoon Nebula (M8), Orion Nebula (M42), and the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372). The transmission spectrum for the H-α-H-β OIII Imaging Filter is 85% or greater at key wavelengths (486nm, 496nm/501nm, 656nm) and less than 0.5% transmission elsewhere. And while other nebula filters can't keep up with RASA's fast optics and end up blocking some of the the wrong wavelengths, this filter is engineered to pair perfectly with this ultra-fast f/2 system.

Both the Light Pollution Filter and the H-α-H-β-OIII Imaging Filter are custom-engineered to work with RASA 8, so they won't block any of the "good" wavelengths, specifically targeting light pollution and other undesired wavelengths. The filters fit directly into the internal filter mount in RASA 8's front lens cell, where the optical window normally mounts. To use a filter, you first remove and replace the clear window with the desired filter. Since you are not introducing new layers of glass into the system when you swap out the window with the filter, you maintain RASA's exacting performance.

Each filter has a plastic storage case to safely store the filter or the optical window that came with your RASA when not in use. You will also receive a spectral transmission graph unique to each individual filter, verifying its performance.

• A Winning Astrophotography Kit – Combine the legendary 8" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph with two must-have filters – the Light Pollution Reduction Filter and the Hα-Hβ-OIII Filter – for a blazing-fast f/2.0 system that can produce stunning images of a wide array of astroimaging targets.
• Ultra-fast Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt f/2.0 Optics – Don't spend hours capturing your images – with RASA 8's f/2.0 optical system, you can gather the same image brightness 25 times faster than an f/10 system. And RASA 8 images aren't just bright and full of detail; they're also free from optical defects like field curvature, coma, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration.
• Patented Technology that Researchers Trust – Beyond imaging, RASA is the perfect tool for detecting errant space junk and asteroids. Scientists and government agencies use RASA arrays to monitor the space environment and protect our satellites.
• Built for Today's Cameras – Designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind, RASA 8's flat field provides pinpoint stars and excellent performance across an entire APS-C sensor.
• Ultra-Stable Focus System – A precision linear ball bearing virtually eliminates image shift. RASA performs over a wider spectral range than most telescopes, from 400 nm to 800 nm, so more of the light passing through the astrograph is in sharp focus.
• Includes Two RASA Imaging Filters – When you purchase this kit, your RASA is ready to handle a variety of imaging targets and observing conditions right out of the box. The Light Pollution Reduction Filter and Hα-Hβ-OIII Filter enhance your images of faint targets like nebulae by blocking light pollution, improving image contrast, and darkening the sky background. Celestron engineers designed each filter to fit seamlessly into RASA 8's optical path.

91523 CGEM II EQ Mount by Celestron

A fresh update to the venerable CGEM mount, the CGEM II has a contemporary, attractive, bold appearance and is capable of carrying Celestron's higher-end SCT optical tubes (up to 11") securely and vibration free, which is ideal for both imaging and visual observing. Capable of holding 40 lbs. of payload and slewing at 5° per second, you will be able to instantly point to any of the celestial objects in the database.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

CGEM II was designed to be ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy polar alignment adjustment. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring provides a clean look and an easy and trouble free set up.

INNOVATION

The CGEM II series features Celestron's innovative All-Star Polar alignment procedure. All-Star allows you to accurately polar align the mount using any star, even ig the celestial pole cannot be seen. Another great feature of the CGEM II sure to please astroimagers, is the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) which will allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings.

PERFORMANCE

For objects near the Meridian (imaginary line passing from North to South), the CGEM II will track well past the Meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. The CGEM II mount has a robust database with over 40,000 objects, 100 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects. Celestron's CGEM II mount is the perfect fit between the Advanced VX Series and CGX Series.

91530 CGX Equatorial Mount and Tripod by Celestron

For eight years, Celestron's workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron's engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.

The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, we've made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is our new Equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.

4543752 X-am 5000 Multi-Gas Detector, EX/O2/CO/H2S,NiMH BAT&CHRG(US) by Draeger

The Draeger X-am® 5000 belongs to a generation of gas detectors, developed especially for personal monitoring applications. This 1- to 5-gas detector reliably measures combustible gases and vapors as well as O₂ and harmful concentrations of toxic gases, organic vapors, odorant and amine.

Ergonomic mobile phone design

Despite its advanced functionality, the Draeger X-am® 5000's practical mobile phone design and light-weight make it comfortable to carry. Reduced to its essentials, the two-button control panel and easy-to-follow menu allow for intuitive use.

Flexible sensor exchange

It is easy to exchange, upgrade, or calibrate the sensors to other gases. The ability to customize the Draeger X-am® 5000's sensors makes more applications possible including the possibility to deploy in a rental fleet.

Poison-resistant Ex sensor

For improved safety when facing unknown and potentially explosive hazards—the Draeger X-am® 5000 provides dependable warnings in the event of explosive atmospheres due to the high level of sensitivity of the innovative catalytic ex sensor. It not only responds quickly to explosive gases and combustible organic vapors, it is also highly resistant against sensor poisons such as silicone and hydrogen sulfide. In combination with its long-term stability, this offers an extraordinarily long sensor lifetime of over four years. This will reduce operational costs.

Durable sensor technology

Equipped with durable XXS sensor technology, the Draeger X-am® 5000 offers maximum security at extremely low operational costs. The sensor's resistance, in combination with its long-term stability, provides the sensor with a lifetime in excess of four years, which can help reduce operational costs.

Robust and watertight

The Draeger X-am® 5000 is water and dust resistant, according to IP67 standards. The detector remains fully functional and ready for use, even after being dropped into water. The integrated rubber protection and shockproof sensors provide additional resistance to impact and vibration. Moreover, the Draeger X-am® 5000 is resistant to electromagnetic interference.

External pump

The optional external pump, which operates with a hose length of up to 45 meters (147 feet) long for the Mark II pump, makes it possible to use the detector for pre-entry measurements into confined spaces such as tanks, shafts, etc. The pump starts automatically when attached to the gas detector.

Area monitoring

In combination with the Draeger X-zone® 5500, the gas detector can be used for various area monitoring applications. Up to 25 Draeger X-zone® 5500 units can be automatically interconnected to form a wireless fence line. This interconnection of the area monitoring devices allow for the fast securing of larger areas, e.g. pipelines or industrial tanks—even within the scope of industrial shutdowns.

Optimum solutions for function or bump tests and calibrations

Simple, fast, and professional: from a function or bump test to complete documentation, users can choose from a range of practical, on-site solutions that offer maximum safety for every application. The automatic test and calibration station Draeger X-dock® and the Draeger Bump Test Station are ideal system extensions that save time and reduce workload. Fresh air, mixed gas and single gas calibrations can be done directly using the Draeger X-am® 5000 menu.

Flexible power supply

The Draeger X-am® 5000 can be used with the standard alkaline batteries. In addition, it can be fitted with a T4 battery that can be charged while still inside the instrument. The optional Save Energy Mode makes it possible to increase the operating time of the Draeger X-am® 5000 to more than 40 hours. This is done by selecting a measurement interval of either one second (the standard), 10 or 20 seconds for the CatEx sensor.

8326521 X-am 5000 Multi-Gas Detector, 4Gas-EX,O2,CO-LC,H2S-LC by Draeger

The Draeger X-am® 5000 belongs to a generation of gas detectors, developed especially for personal monitoring applications. This 1- to 5-gas detector reliably measures combustible gases and vapors as well as O₂ and harmful concentrations of toxic gases, organic vapors, odorant and amine.

Ergonomic mobile phone design

Despite its advanced functionality, the Draeger X-am® 5000's practical mobile phone design and light-weight make it comfortable to carry. Reduced to its essentials, the two-button control panel and easy-to-follow menu allow for intuitive use.

Flexible sensor exchange

It is easy to exchange, upgrade, or calibrate the sensors to other gases. The ability to customize the Draeger X-am® 5000's sensors makes more applications possible including the possibility to deploy in a rental fleet.

Poison-resistant Ex sensor

For improved safety when facing unknown and potentially explosive hazards—the Draeger X-am® 5000 provides dependable warnings in the event of explosive atmospheres due to the high level of sensitivity of the innovative catalytic ex sensor. It not only responds quickly to explosive gases and combustible organic vapors, it is also highly resistant against sensor poisons such as silicone and hydrogen sulfide. In combination with its long-term stability, this offers an extraordinarily long sensor lifetime of over four years. This will reduce operational costs.

Durable sensor technology

Equipped with durable XXS sensor technology, the Draeger X-am® 5000 offers maximum security at extremely low operational costs. The sensor's resistance, in combination with its long-term stability, provides the sensor with a lifetime in excess of four years, which can help reduce operational costs.

Robust and watertight

The Draeger X-am® 5000 is water and dust resistant, according to IP67 standards. The detector remains fully functional and ready for use, even after being dropped into water. The integrated rubber protection and shockproof sensors provide additional resistance to impact and vibration. Moreover, the Draeger X-am® 5000 is resistant to electromagnetic interference.

External pump

The optional external pump, which operates with a hose length of up to 45 meters (147 feet) long for the Mark II pump, makes it possible to use the detector for pre-entry measurements into confined spaces such as tanks, shafts, etc. The pump starts automatically when attached to the gas detector.

Area monitoring

In combination with the Draeger X-zone® 5500, the gas detector can be used for various area monitoring applications. Up to 25 Draeger X-zone® 5500 units can be automatically interconnected to form a wireless fence line. This interconnection of the area monitoring devices allow for the fast securing of larger areas, e.g. pipelines or industrial tanks—even within the scope of industrial shutdowns.

Optimum solutions for function or bump tests and calibrations

Simple, fast, and professional: from a function or bump test to complete documentation, users can choose from a range of practical, on-site solutions that offer maximum safety for every application. The automatic test and calibration station Draeger X-dock® and the Draeger Bump Test Station are ideal system extensions that save time and reduce workload. Fresh air, mixed gas and single gas calibrations can be done directly using the Draeger X-am® 5000 menu.

Flexible power supply

The Draeger X-am® 5000 can be used with the standard alkaline batteries. In addition, it can be fitted with a T4 battery that can be charged while still inside the instrument. The optional Save Energy Mode makes it possible to increase the operating time of the Draeger X-am® 5000 to more than 40 hours. This is done by selecting a measurement interval of either one second (the standard), 10 or 20 seconds for the CatEx sensor.

8326590 X-am 5100 Single-Gas Detector, H2O2 (US) by Draeger

For manufacturing petrochemical products, aseptic packing, or handling of rocket fuel: the Draeger X-am 5100 portable single-gas detector ensures safe handling of HF, HCl, H₂O₂ or hydrazine – thanks to proven Draeger sensor technology and a device design which is perfectly customized to reactive gases.

YOUR ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

• Continuous, precise and reliable measurement
• A special device design with direct gas entry provides fast sensor response and precise measurement data by preventing gas adsorption on the device housing
• Lightweight and robust
• Slip-proof and compact design
• Triple alarm: visual (360°), audible (multi-tone), vibration
• Easy to use: two-button operation and user-friendly menus
• Highly resistant to impacts, vibrations and electromagnetic radiation
• Can be operated using replaceable alkaline batteries or a T4 NiMH rechargeable battery, which can be charged right in the device

8326838 X-am 5100 Single-Gas Detector, Hydrazine (CA) by Draeger

For manufacturing petrochemical products, aseptic packing, or handling of rocket fuel: the Draeger X-am 5100 portable single-gas detector ensures safe handling of HF, HCl, H₂O₂ or hydrazine – thanks to proven Draeger sensor technology and a device design which is perfectly customized to reactive gases.

YOUR ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

• Continuous, precise and reliable measurement
• A special device design with direct gas entry provides fast sensor response and precise measurement data by preventing gas adsorption on the device housing
• Lightweight and robust
• Slip-proof and compact design
• Triple alarm: visual (360°), audible (multi-tone), vibration
• Easy to use: two-button operation and user-friendly menus
• Highly resistant to impacts, vibrations and electromagnetic radiation
• Can be operated using replaceable alkaline batteries or a T4 NiMH rechargeable battery, which can be charged right in the device