GSO RC 12" 304/2432 f/8 Ritchey-Chretien M-LRC OTA (White)

The GSO RC OTA stands out as an exceptional optical tube designed exclusively for astrophotography purposes. It incorporates a real Ritchey-Chretien system that offers full correction of coma and astigmatism, making it one of the most highly regarded optical constructions in the realm of astronomical telescopes. Unlike other telescopes, the RC utilizes two hyperbolic mirrors that effectively eliminate coma and astigmatism. Furthermore, its design lacks correctors and lenses, ensuring the absence of chromatic aberration.

Originally conceptualized and developed by George Ritchey from the United States and Henri Chrétien from France, the RC system presents a flawless optical system that is devoid of coma, which is a common defect found in nearly all telescopes. By employing hyperbolic mirrors, this drawback has been entirely eradicated. Additionally, as a mirror-based construction, the RCT system does not exhibit the typical chromatic aberrations associated with catadioptric systems.

Key Features

The GSO RC OTA boasts an impressive combination of aperture, quality, weight, and price. Its optical system, founded upon hyperbolic mirrors, ensures the absence of chromatic aberration and coma while maintaining exceptional resolution. Moreover, its relatively low weight and affordable price make it a highly favorable choice.

One standout feature is its rapid cooling capability, which surpasses other telescopes in its class. The open design of RC tubes enables them to cool approximately twice as fast as closed tubes like Maksutov and SCT, even when possessing the same aperture.

Another advantage is the absence of dew-related issues. In most cases, dew settles on the meniscus of catadioptric tubes and refractor lenses. However, the RC tube lacks a meniscus, rendering the condensation of dew on the optics an extremely rare occurrence.

The GSO RC OTA also excels in providing high contrast. Its tube interior incorporates numerous baffles (diaphragms) and is meticulously blackened, effectively eliminating unwanted stray rays and resultant glare.

Noteworthy Technical Parameters

• Optical system: Ritchey-Chretien
• Mirror diameter: 304 mm
• Focal length: 2432 mm
• Speed: f/8
• Tube weight: 20.5 kg
• Extension weight (combined): 780 g
• Clamp weight (2 pieces): 1,900 g
• Dovetail weight (2 pieces): 1,600 g
• Optical tube length: 82 cm without extractor / 101 cm with extractor
• Length of optical tube with extensions and extractor (max): 111 cm / 116 cm with extended extractor
• Focuser travel range: 5 cm
• Outer tube diameter at the front: 36 cm

Equipment

The GSO RC OTA is equipped with a range of essential accessories to enhance its functionality and usability, including:

• 2x dovetails in the Losmanda standard, along with clamps
• Crayford 3"/2"/1.25" modular eyepiece extractor featuring a 10:1 microchip and a 5 cm extension with graduations
• Front and back tube covers
• Extractor extensions (2 x 2.5 cm optical length, 1 x 5 cm optical length, passage 77.5 mm)
• Tube finder adapter compatible with SkyWatcher/Vixen standard

In conclusion, the GSO RC OTA represents a groundbreaking optical tube explicitly designed for astrophotography enthusiasts. With its impeccable correction of coma and astigmatism, thanks to the innovative Ritchey-Chretien system, it offers unparalleled image quality. Moreover, its exceptional cooling capabilities, resistance to dew-related issues, high contrast features, and the inclusion of essential accessories make it an outstanding choice for capturing breathtaking celestial images.