GSO RC Ritchey-Chretien 12" 304/2432 f/8 Carbon Truss OTA

The GSO RC 12 "f / 8 telescope is an ideal astrograph designed specifically for the requirements of small observatories. Constructed with carbon fibers and a 3-inch monorail, it features a lattice design that ensures stability and durability.

The GSO RC OTA is a specialized optical tube designed for astrophotography. It employs a Ritchey-Chretien optical system, highly regarded as one of the most superior constructions in the field of astronomical telescopes. This system utilizes two hyperbolic mirrors that effectively correct coma and astigmatism, eliminating the need for correctors and lenses and resulting in a chromatic aberration-free imaging experience.

Originally conceptualized and developed by American astronomer George Ritchey and French engineer Henri Chrétien, the RC system represents an optical triumph in astrophotography. Coma, a common flaw present in many telescopes, is completely eliminated through the use of hyperbolic mirrors. Additionally, the mirror-based design of the RC system ensures the absence of chromatic aberration, a typical issue with catadioptric systems.

Key Features:

• Optimal balance of aperture, quality, weight, and price: The RC system, built upon hyperbolic mirrors, guarantees both exceptional resolution and freedom from chromatic aberration and coma. It achieves these characteristics while remaining relatively lightweight and offering excellent value for money.

• Rapid cooling capability: The open design of RC tubes enables them to cool approximately twice as fast as closed tubes like Maksutovs and SCTs of the same aperture.

• Dew resistance: Unlike catadioptric tubes and refractor lenses, which often experience dew settling on their meniscus surfaces, the RC tube's design eliminates this issue, making condensation of dew on the optics an extremely rare occurrence.

• Quartz master mirror: The master mirror boasts an accuracy of no less than 1/12 λ and features dielectric coatings, providing a remarkable 99% light reflection. Furthermore, its low temperature expansion ensures consistent performance.

Technical Specifications:

• Optical system: Ritchey-Chretien

• Mirror diameter: 304 mm

• Focal length: 2432 mm

• Aperture ratio: f / 8

• Resolution: 0.38 arcseconds

• Tube weight: 24 kg

• Outer tube diameter at the front: 48.5 cm

• Mounting compatibility: 2 Losmandy rails

• Focuser: 3" M-LRN Monorail with microfocusing and a lifting capacity of 5 kg

Included Equipment:

• 2x standard Losmandy dovetail with a clamp

• Crayford 3"/2"/1.25" modular eyepiece holder with a 10:1 microfocus ratio, equipped with a 5 cm extension and graduated markings

• Front and rear tube caps

• Focuser extensions (2 x 2.5 cm optical length, 1 x 5 cm optical length, passage 77.5 mm)

• Finder scope adapter: Yes, compatible with SkyWatcher/Vixen standard