Celestron Telescope Astrograph S 279/620 RASA 1100 V2 OTA (66036)

This advanced astrograph is designed to make capturing stunning astrophotos simple and efficient when paired with a modern DSLR or astronomical CCD camera. Its innovative optical design features a four-lens corrector made with rare earth glass, which effectively suppresses chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature. This level of optical quality, combined with minimal vignetting, is unmatched in its price range.

Key Features:

• Super-Fast 11" f/2.2 Optics: Provides sharp imaging for APS-format sensors and is optimized for sensor sizes up to a 70mm field diagonal.

• Extremely Short Exposure Times: Captures images 20 times faster than an f/10 system. A 30-second exposure at f/2.2 is equivalent to a 10-minute exposure at f/10, eliminating the need for tracking control.

• Huge Field of View: With a 620mm focal length, this astrograph makes wide-angle shots effortless while providing an expansive overview of the night sky.

• Excellent Focusing Mechanism: New bronze bearings reduce image shift, while the 10:1 FeatherTouch micro-focuser ensures precise focusing.

• Innovative Features: A quieter 12V MagLev fan reduces cooling time, prevents dust contamination, and optimizes air circulation in the optical tube assembly (OTA). Various adapters for popular camera brands are included. Back focus distances: 55mm for supplied adapters and 69.26mm for the front lens group.

RASA Technology:
RASA stands for Rowe-Ackermann-Schmidt Astrograph, named after Dave Rowe and Mark Ackermann—renowned optical designers with numerous patents to their names. This astrograph combines their expertise to deliver exceptional performance.

Ultra Stable Focus System (USFS):
The new V2 version is equipped with the Ultra Stable Focus System (USFS), which focuses by moving the primary mirror. To eliminate image shifting and tilting, focusing is controlled via a precise linear ball bearing system. The Celestron focusing motor can also be used for enhanced convenience.

Camera Compatibility:
This Schmidt astrograph offers an image circle of 43mm, providing sharp stars even on large sensors (usable up to 52mm). Its large illuminated image circle and short focal length of 620mm make it ideal for astrophotography of wide areas of the night sky and extended astronomical objects. It is perfect for creating mosaics of the entire night sky or searching for variable stars, supernovae, or comets.

Specifications

Optics:

• Type: Reflector

• Build: Astrograph

• Aperture: 279mm

• Focal Length: 620mm

• Aperture Ratio: f/2.22

• Resolving Capacity: 0.41 arcseconds

• Light Gathering Capacity: 1588x (compared to the human eye)

• Tube Length: 840mm

• Coating: Starbright XLT

• Tube Material: Aluminum

• Tube Weight: 19.5kg

• Tube Construction: Full tube

Reflector Details:

• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 41%

• Secondary Mirror Diameter: 114mm

• Central Mirror Ventilation: Yes

Focuser:

• Back Focus: 72.8mm & 55mm (depending on configuration)

• Gear Reduction: None

• Build Type: Primary mirror focusing system

• Camera-Side Thread Connection: M48

Mount:

• Mounting Type: No mount included (OTA only)

Included Accessories:

• Prism Rail: Losmandy-style rail included

• Camera Adapter: T2 (M42 x 0.75) connection included

• Finder Scope: Not included

• Battery Compartment: Yes (for fan operation)

• Carrying Handle: Yes

General Information:

• Series: RASA

Applications:

• Moon & Planets: No

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: No

• Astrophotography: Yes (primary use)

• Sun Observation: No

Recommended For:

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: Yes