Celestron Telescope Astrograph S 203/400 RASA 800 AVX GoTo SET (83308)

This set includes:

• Celestron Telescope Astrograph S 203/400 RASA 800 AVX GoTo

• Celestron Camera StarSense Autoguider

• Celestron Counterweight for Advanced VX Mount

The Celestron RASA 800 (Rowe-Ackermann-Schmidt Astrograph) is a high-performance astrograph designed for wide-angle astrophotography. With a 203 mm aperture and ultra-fast f/2 optics, it delivers exceptional image quality while drastically reducing exposure times. The advanced four-lens corrector system, made with rare earth glass, minimizes chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature, ensuring sharp stars across the entire image field. This makes the RASA 800 ideal for capturing stunning wide-field images of nebulae and galaxies. Its design also features low vignetting and StarBright XLT coatings for excellent light transmission.

The RASA 800 is optimized for mirrorless cameras and small CCD/CMOS astronomical cameras. It is not compatible with standard DSLR cameras due to its short back focus. The system includes a quiet MagLev fan for rapid cooling and dust prevention, as well as a FeatherTouch micro-focuser for precise adjustments. With a focal length of 400 mm, the RASA 800 excels at wide-field imaging while maintaining excellent optical performance.

The Advanced VX mount complements the RASA 800 by providing a stable and portable platform for astrophotography. It supports telescopes weighing up to 14 kg and features periodic error correction (PEC) for precise tracking during long exposures. The mount’s high-torque servomotors ensure smooth operation, even with minor imbalances, while its wide base enhances stability under heavy loads. Whether you are an experienced astrophotographer or looking to advance your skills, the Advanced VX mount provides excellent functionality and portability.

Key Features of the RASA 800:

• Super-fast f/2 optics: Captures images twenty times faster than f/10 systems, ideal for short exposures without tracking.

• Wide field of view: A 400 mm focal length makes wide-angle shots effortless while maintaining sharpness across the entire image field.

• Advanced optical design: Corrects chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature for distortion-free imaging.

• Innovative cooling system: MagLev fan ensures rapid cooling while preventing dust entry into the optical tube assembly (OTA).

• Precision focusing: FeatherTouch micro-focuser allows highly accurate adjustments for sharp imaging.

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Reflector

• Type of build: Astrograph (RASA)

• Aperture (mm): 203

• Focal length (mm): 400

• Aperture ratio (f/): 2

• Resolving capacity (arcseconds): 0.68

• Limit magnitude: 13.3

• Light gathering capacity: 843x compared to the human eye

• Coating: StarBright XLT

• Tube material: Aluminum

• Tube diameter (mm): 235

• Tube length (mm): 628

• Tube weight (kg): 7.9

Reflector Details

• Secondary mirror obstruction (%): 46%

• Ventilation for central mirror: Yes

Focuser

• Type of build: Linear Crayford

• Backfocus (mm): 29 & 25

Mount Specifications

• Mounting type: Equatorial (Advanced VX)

• GoTo control: Yes

• Motors: Servomotors with encoders

• Load capacity (kg): 14 kg

GoTo Control Features

• Database entries: 40,000 objects

• Alignment methods: Quick Align, Solar System Align, 2-Star Align, etc.

Tracking Features and Interfaces:

• PEC correction: Yes

• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, solar, lunar modes available

Tripod Specifications:

• Material: Steel tripod legs with a diameter of 51 mm

• Height range (cm): 112 - 163 cm

Included Accessories:

• Counterweights (2 x 5 kg)

• Eyepiece (16 mm, 2")

• Star diagonal (2", 90°)

• Camera adapters (M42 & C-Mount)

• Cigarette lighter socket power cable

General Information:

• Total weight of the system (kg): 21 kg

• Suitable for astrophotography (very good), Moon & planets, nebulae & galaxies

• Not recommended for solar observation without an appropriate solar filter

• Recommended for advanced users only