ASI183MM Pro

Introducing the ASI183 camera series, the most sensitive cameras in ZWO history. Peak Q.E. of the mono sensor reaches 84%!

Using the Sony IMX183CLK-J Mono Sensor with high resolution 2.4 μm pixels, it includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer.

 ASI183 QE peak reaches a remarkable 84%. In Ha channel, QE is still over 60%.

DDR Memory Buffer

The ASI183 Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.

DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “Cool” and “Pro” cameras.

Astrophotography Performance

The ASI183 cameras has a very large full well capacity（15000e） for such small pixel size, 1.6e read noise @ 30DB, and 12stops dynamic range @ Gain=0. The ASI183 cameras also utilize firmware features to minimize amplifier glow for maximum performance in astrophotography.

Reliable Mechanics

ASI183 Pro has same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable.

Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI183 Pro will still work fine without dew problems.

High Speed

Fast FPS can be used in solar and lunar imaging, as well as for live viewing/EAA.The high speed readout may also be used for real-time focusing, true lucky imaging of double stars and other small objects, planetary imaging of the major planets in the solar system, and much more.

10Bit ADC
5496×3672 19fps
3840×2160 41.04fps
1920×1080 80.10fps
1280×720 117.30fps
12bit ADC
5496×3672 19fps
3840×2160 36.12fps
1920×1080 70.48fps
1280×720 103.23fps

High QE

Sony’s back-illuminated Exmor R technology, giving it excellent Deep Sky performance. ASI183 QE peak reaches a remarkable 84%. In Ha channel, QE is still over 60%.

Having high QE means more of the light that enters your telescope and reaches the sensor is actually used. With 84% peak Q.E. and no less than ~50% within the visible spectrum, the ASI183 will utilize a high percentage of the light that reaches it, improving your signal quality.

Dark Current

The dark current of the ASI183 is extremely low, based on our test results.

USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB

USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI183 Pro to run at 19 fps (12bit, normal mode) or 19 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution(20.18Mega).

Recommended cooler power supply: 12V @ 3-5A (or more) DC adapter (2.1×5.5mm, center pole positive). Also suitable: DC battery with 9-15V.

Using a battery with 9-15V is also suitable for the cooler power supply.

USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can better manage your cables. The ASI183 Pro includes two short 0.5m USB 2.0 cables. The integrated USB 2.0 hub is powered by the external power source if you connect one.

Cooling System

The ASI183 Pro has a 2-stage TEC cooling system that enables deep cooling (40°C-45°C below ambient). The cooler requires an external power supply, which is not included with the camera.

Connecting Drawing

1. M43-T2 adapter

2. EOS-T2 adapter

3. 2”Filter (optional)

4. 1.25” T-Mount

5. 1.25” Filter (optional)

6. M42-1.25” Filter (optional)

7. T2 extender 11mm

8. M42-M48 extender 16.5mm

9. T2-T2 adapter

10. EFW mini

11. EOS adapter for EFW

Mechanical Drawing

What is in the box?

ASI183 Pro box includes all necessary cables, adapters, and manuals.

Camera Technical Details

Cooling & Power

Environmental Conditions

Max FPS at Full Resolution (10-bit ADC)

Max FPS at Full Resolution (12-bit ADC)

Celestron has reinvented the Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This large-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for serious beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. The large aperture will ensure that you won’t outgrow the telescope as you continue on in your astronomical adventures.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

An ultra-stable Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. It features large diameter altitude bearings with variable tensioning, Teflon azimuth bearings, and braces on the side panels for extra stability (unlike most 8” Dobsonian bases). The altitude bearings provide a smooth up-and-down motion while the integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis for smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. The panning knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic grip so you can precisely point the telescope without introducing heat from your hands into the optical system. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to easily follow them with minor adjustments to the telescope’s position.

Dazzling Views with High-Quality Optics

With a large 8" Newtonian reflector optical tube, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects while remaining remarkably portable. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the gaseous glow of the Orion Nebula, dust lanes in the Lagoon Nebula, and our neighbor galaxy, Andromeda. Compared to the StarSense Explorer DX 130 AZ, the 8" Dobsonian has 240+% more light gathering area, providing better views of faint objects.

All mirror surfaces are coated with our XLT optical coatings to visibly increase contrast and light throughput for brighter views. With XLT, you'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae. The mirrors are made of low-expansion optical glass, which helps ensure the best images under changing environmental conditions.

This telescope also comes with a high-quality 2” Crayford focuser. The Crayford design provides precise and smooth movements without focus shifting. It also includes a 2” to 1.25” adapter and a 2” extension tube, so you can use virtually any 1.25” or 2” telescope eyepiece with your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian. The focuser also features a thumbscrew so you can lock in the sharpest focus.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8” Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Alberio, the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 8" Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

Transporting your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian is easy thanks to the ergonomic carry handles located at the balance point of the tube and base. Dust covers are also included for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

Enhance Your Setup

Keep your phone charged all night while exploring with your StarSense Explorer by adding the PowerTank Glow 5000 to your must-have accessories (sold separately). This 2-in-1 accessory was made with the StarSense Explorer Dobs in mind, it has a red flashlight PLUS a USB power bank for charging mobile devices in the field. Connect the PowerTank Glow 5000 to the two posts at the front of the StarSense Explorer dock with the included bands so it is held in a convenient location for charging your smartphone while in use.

For a pair of binoculars that's great for both astronomy and long-distance terrestrial observation, you'll want the saxon 20x80 Night Sky Waterproof Binoculars.

Images will come up bright, clear and crisp with these binoculars' large, oversized 80mm objective lens with anti-reflection coatings, BaK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens.

To start using your binoculars, simply mount them on a tripod using the built-in tripod mount and centre stabiliser rod. Waterproof and fog proof, these lightweight, long-eye relief binoculars promises a comfortable viewing experience wherever you go.

BINTEL is proud to announce a new range of high quality, value for money telescope eyepieces optimised for planetary and close up viewing of deep sky objects.

What sets the Bintel Premium Long Eye Relief range apart from just every other mid-priced short to medium length eyepiece is their remarkably flat field design, edge-to-edge sharpness and superb mechanical construction.

You’ll notice the difference in crispness when exploring the details on the surface of the Moon, gazing at the rings of Saturn or peering into the heart of a globular like Omega Centauri. Views will be razor sharp all the way out to the edge of their 55 degree field of view thanks to a modern multi-element design.

The 3mm size will let you use high magnification for seeing fine details when conditions are ideal.

Over 20mm of eye relief - the distance you can observe back from the eyepiece and still take in the entire field of view - makes for comfortable viewing with or without eye glasses.

The Bintel Premium Long Eye Relief Eyepieces are the perfect first upgrade from the standard eyepieces that come with your telescope.

Tele Vue Ethos 13mm Specifications

Introduced at the 2007 Northeast Astronomy Forum, Tele Vue once again broadened the amateur astronomer's perspective on the universe with: 100° of pure Tele Vue quality. The field area of this new eyepiece is more than 50% larger than an 82° field. The Tele Vue Ethos is essentially multiple eyepieces, delivering the true field size of a longer focal length, narrower apparent field eyepiece with the benefits of higher power and darker sky background.

We invited NEAF attendees to take a look and see the universe the way we think it was meant to be experienced, with a field of view incredibly wide and sharp! We were very pleased indeed by the response and validation of our design goals.

Backordered currently 3-4 Weeks

Related Links

•Eyepiece Distortion
Technical reference on rectilinear and angular magnification distortion.

•Majesty Factor
Compare eyepieces by quantifying contrast, power, and apparent field.

Nagler Type 6

ZWO-T2-1.25-3mm Adapter

Your camera has a T-Thread at the front and you want to load an IR or CLS filter to it. By using the ZWO-T2-1.25 3mm adapter you screw it into the T-Thread on the camera and the 1.25" filter into the adapter. Leaving you enough T-Thread to load it onto your scope.

Name: T2-1.25″ Filter adapter

Thread: outer M42*0.75 male thread, inner M28.5*0.6 female thread

SKU: ZWO-T2-1.25-3

Enhance your Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras with our Saxon T-Mount adapter, meticulously designed to marry your camera with the universe of telescopic imaging. This adapter is the linchpin for attaching your Canon mirrorless camera to a T2 (M42) thread, ensuring a flawless connection for your astronomical adventures.

The adapter comes with an ingenious removable internal M42 thread, easily detached with the included hex key, paving the way for a variety of additional connections (available separately). Upgrade to an M48 x 0.75 thread with our specialized adapter, ideal for those using full-frame sensors where a standard T2 connection may lead to vignetting.

This adapter maintains the critical 25mm distance from the sensor to the female thread, safeguarding the integrity of your imaging pathway. Whether capturing the majesty of a nebula or the intricate craters of the moon, our adapter ensures a comprehensive, unrestricted field of view for the most demanding astrophotographers.

The Saxon 10" DeepSky (254/1200）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.

This telescope comes with an aperture of 254mm and a focal length of 1200mm in a 10" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.

The Saxon 10" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.

What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

Did you know one of the best ways to stare up at the Universe is through a pair of binoculars, like these Sky-Watcher 15×70 Astro Binoculars.

They're not just for astronomical viewing but also for high powered terrestrial observation, and are perfect for bird watching, whale watching, and marine viewing. With a powerful 15x magnification and a generous 70mm aperture, you’ll be able to observe detailed and bright images, whether you are gazing at distant celestial objects or wildlife from afar.

For bird watchers, the large aperture will allow you to capture more light, revealing intricate plumage details and colors even in low light conditions. Whale watchers and marine enthusiasts will appreciate the wide field of view that will enable you to observe large areas of the ocean, making it easier to spot marine life from a distance.

The Sky-Watcher 15×70 Astro Binoculars include a handy carry bag, making them easy to transport and store safely when not in use.

Designed for both beginners and experienced observers, these binoculars offer a versatile and portable option for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring the night sky or the natural world around you, the Sky-Watcher 15×70 Astro Binoculars will provide you with bright, clear, and detailed images that will inspire awe and wonder.

Specifications:

New from ZWO

The ZWO New EFW-EOS II adapter has been designed as a short EOS adapter for EFW & Cooled camera(6.5mm backfocus version).

Extend distance: 17.5mm

So you can use Canon Lens with ASI1600 and EFW

Product Description

The DC Y Splitter cable is the enhanced DC cable that adopts pure copper as the wire core.

Usage: The dew heaters for telescopes

Material: Pure copper wire (internal)

Cable length: 150mm/150mm

Plug diameter: 4.5mm (outer)

Connector: 1x 5.5*2.1mm male, 2x RCA female

One of the most anticipated astrophotography products of the the year is on the way!

What accessories do I need to go with my telescope?

This is a question we get asked every day! We've put together some of our favourite accessories as the BINTEL Observer's Kit #1.

Included are:

BINTEL Plossl 32mm

Most telescopes come with at least one and sometime two eyepieces as standard. They usually offer a medium power around 25mm and a higher power 10mm. These are enough to get you started on your astro journey. While many beginners ask how to increase the magnification of their telescope with additional eyepieces, they often don't realise there's advantages to reducing the magnification with a longer focal length eyepiece.

Lower magnification brings a wider field of view. Some wonderful astro objects in the night sky such as large nebulae and star clusters might not fit into the eyepiece at higher magnifications. They'll need a wider view to see them in their fullest detail.

2x Barlow Lens with T-Adaptor

A Barlow lens effectively changes the focal length of each eyepiece. You insert the Barlow into your telescope and then your eyepiece into the Barlow. This doubles the magnification of each of your eyepieces. Your 10mm eyepiece becomes a 5mm, your 25mm a 12.5mm and so on. It's a quick and effective way of making your telescope more versatile.

This Celestron Barlow also had a T-Adaptor thread. If you have a DSLR camera, simply buy the matching low-cost T-ring for your camera body type (Nikon, Canon etc) here and this can be used to attach a DSLR to your telescope.

Celestron Night Vision Red Torch - RRP $29.95

Why do astronomers use red torches?

No matter the size of the telescope you're using, what's seen through the telescope will be faint. Luckily, our eyes get used to low light after spending a short time in the dark. It takes about 30-40 minutes for us to become "dark adapted". Our eyes are then some 10,000 to 1,000,000 more sensitive to light compared to when we're in full daylight.

(Needless to say, our eyes become less sensitive in the dark as we age and take longer to adapt.... )

This is something we're all used to seeing. At low light, our sight moves from full colour to black and white as different parts of our eyes become active. This dark adaption or night vision is especially important when observing at night. The problem is that even a short burst of white light from a car headlight, an outdoor light or a normal torch can "reset" dark adapted eyes and you need to start the entire process of adapting to the dark all over again.

It's easy to avoid the loss of night vision by using a low intensity red light. This Celestron Night Vision Red Torch lets you adjust your telescope, red maps and book or even attach cameras - all without losing your night vision. Many experienced astronomers will tell you their red lights are some their most used and handiest accessories in their observing toolkit!

Celestron Moon Filter RRP $19.95- yes, I wear my Sunglasses at Night

The Moon is bright enough to cast shadows! It's also sometimes overwhelmingly bright in a telescope eyepiece. The glare can make it uncomfortable to view.

A Moon filter simply reduces intensity to make the Moon easier to observe. With glare reduced, you'll also be able to pick out the finer details on the Lunar surface. This Celestron Moon Filter screws into the base of all 1.25" eyepieces.

Observer's Map of the Moon - RRP $19.95

This is a handy fold out, two-sided map of the Moon.

You can observe features with your telescope and locate them on the map or vice versa. This map also features a directory of all the key lunar regions with coordinates to find them.

On the reverse side of the map, there are close-up photos and information about the most exciting lunar regions to explore. You’ll also find images of the North and South polar regions for reference​. Refer to the lunar observing tips for practical information about using your telescope or binoculars to explore the Moon.

The Observer’s Map of the Moon is waterproof, tear-resistant, and can be folded into an 20cm x 10cm size, making it easy to take along on your next camping trip, star party, or evening in your backyard. When not in use, the Moon map will be a stylish decorative poster on your wall. It makes a great display for your classroom or astronomy club.

The Tele Vue DeLite 5mm is one of the 3 newest additions in the DeLite series. Revealed at the NEAF conference in April 2016 the Tele Vue DeLite 5mm is sure to become a favourite in any eyepiece collection.

Available in 18.2, 15, 11, 9, 7 and 5mm focal lengths, the DeLite series is a delightful addition to Tele Vue's visionary line of eyepiece developments. Named DeLite because that best describes the viewing experience, the name also recognizes designer Paul Dellechiaie's work. The Tele Vue DeLite 5mm is the shortest focal length available in the series and would be a great choice for planetary and lunar observing.

Tele Vue DeLite 5mm Specifications

Early reviews of the Tele Vue DeLite 62° Apparent Field Eyepieces

The Celestron Dew Heater Ring is the ideal dew prevention solution for your Celestron telescope. This must-have accessory will improve your observing or imaging nights year-round. The Dew Heater Ring permanently mounts to your 9.25" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD optical tube, replacing your retaining ring, so you'll never be caught without it. The installation process is quick and easy (follow the manual for instructions).

How it works

The Dew Heater Ring replaces the plastic retaining ring on your Schmidt corrector lens for efficient heating across the lens. The ring is constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum. Its rigid frame supports the cable circuity and the telescope's Schmidt corrector lens. Unlike other heating bands or strips that inefficiently heat the lens cell to warm the glass, the Celestron Dew Heater Ring heats the corrector glass directly, providing the most efficient transfer of heat to prevent dew formation.

Simply plug the ring into an external 12V DC power source for consistent, continuous heat that will prevent dew from forming even under heavy dew conditions. The Dew Heater Ring features two storage clips to keep the power and thermistor jacks secure when not in use while accommodating the telescope's dust cover.

The Dew Heater Ring also comes with a cable management clip that connects to the telescope's front cell. Corral the power and thermistor jack to prevent them from dangling and reduce unwanted pulls on the cable connection to the rings.

The Dew Heater Ring comes complete with:

• Dew Heater Ring
• Cable management clip
• Power jack extension cable
• Paper installation shield

Enhance your setup

To achieve the highest level of dew prevention while maximizing power efficiency, we strongly recommend pairing the Dew Heater Ring with a Smart DewHeater Controller (sold separately). The controller uses the ring's built-in thermistor and its internal environmental sensor to provide just the right amount of heat to the corrector to prevent dew based upon the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and temperature of the Schmidt corrector, which can dramatically reduce the ring’s power draw, greatly increasing battery life. The ring also includes an extension cable for connecting the ring directly to one of the controllers’ heater output ports, or to a third-party controller’s heater output port. (Note: the ring’s integrated thermistor is only compatible with the Celestron Smart DewHeater Controllers).

We also recommend adding a dew shield to your setup. While not mandatory, a shield will cut down on the amount of power the Dew Heater Ring needs to keep the optics clear.

Celestron 8" F/2 RASA - Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s 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.

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 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 two sets of precision bearings that are precisely aligned and 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. See the chart below to determine if your camera is compatible with RASA 8.

Unique Optical Design

RASA’s optical design is patented (US 2016/0299331 A1). The design consists of a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, lens group, and optical window. The lens group contains 4 elements and utilizes rare-earth elements. Unlike many telescopes that only perform well over the visible spectrum (400-700nm), the 8” RASA’s optics are designed to perform over a wider spectral range, from 390-800nm. This allows more of the light emitted from the astronomical object to be sharply focused in the image.

With many imaging systems, adding an extra piece of flat glass such as a filter does not change optical performance. However, that is not the case with super-fast optical systems like the RASA. Our engineers addressed this by designing the RASA with a removeable optical window, so you can maintain peak optical performance if a filter is added or if a camera has its own optical window. Celestron offers a Light Pollution Imaging Filter designed specifically for the 8” RASA, which mounts in place of the optical window.

All refractive optical surfaces are coated with StarBright XLT coatings, while the primary mirror uses enhanced aluminum coatings. This maintains high light transmission through the entire optical system.

When compared with “Hyperstar SCT” systems, the RASA 8 provides better optical performance and field illumination.

Load Capacity

Without counterweights, the ZWO AM5N can handle 15kg of astro gear

Lightweight and easy to setup

Ideal for transporting to dark sky site or setting up in your backyard

Improved tracking

For even sharper images

Cable Management Features

DC output and USB Type-C ports now standard

New Bluetooth Connectivity

For better mount control

EQ and Alt-AZ Modes

For both astrophotography and visual observing

It is recommended to use a counterweight of ≤5 kg. When using a 5 kg counterweight, the lever arm should be installed within the range of 20 cm to 30 cm. 
For counterweights of other masses, the installation position can be calculated as follows: 

Assume the counterweight mass is m kg. The allowable lever arm length L is defined by:
10 N·m ≤ m × g × L ≤ 15 N·m where g = 9.8 m/s2, 
which can be approximated as 10 m/s2.

For example, if a 2 kg counterweight is used, the allowable range of L is from
10 N·m / (2 × 10 m/s2) = 0.5 m to
15 N·m / (2 × 10 m/s2) = 0.75 m. 

Specifications

Included in the Box

Binoculars for the great Australia Outdoors!

Pentax's 10x50 S-Series SP Binocular features large oversized fully multicoated 50mm objectives to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path. Utilizing the traditional porro prism configuration gives scenes a rich depth of view for an immersive observation experience and provides a comfortable feel in the hand with a lot of surface area to maintain a sure grip. The large objectives and coatings maximize the amount of light getting to the user's eyes for exceptional low-light capabilities, and its high 10x magnification provides an immersive observation experience whether users are bird watching or comet hunting.

Fully-multi-coated optics assure maximum light transmission resulting in high quality viewing. Every surface of every element is fully coated minimizing internal glare and flare and giving a bright clear view. Aluminum-diecast body adds strength and durability. View your subjects even in dim light with high-quality BaK4 prisms that transmit more light at the edges to enhance illumination.

The Nagler eyepiece was revolutionary as the first eyepiece to deliver breath taking wide fields of view while still providing sharp images from edge to edge. In contrast to the objective of your telescope which rarely covers an image angle of more than 2°, Nagler eyepieces remain sharp over an angle of 82° to truly inspire a spacewalk vista. For this reason extreme care must be taken to correct for aberrations - especially away from the optical axis.

Al Nagler has refined this series of eyepieces taking advantage of different exotic glasses and improved coatings to deliver quite simply the best performance you can get out of an eyepiece. While other manufacturers may boast impressive field sizes, Tele Vue's philosophy of inspiring spacewalk vistas always keeps their optical devices well ahead of the pack.

Specifications

The design has been developed to be sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
Increased load capacity to 25kg (55lb)
Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads
Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads

Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike

Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation

Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
Control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging
Wider tripod stance for improved stability
Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3º-65º latitude range
Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle

Improved tripod includes:

2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
"Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories
+20º of additional tracking past the meridian on either side
Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport

Improved ergonomics:

Two handles for easy pickup and transport

Ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system

Ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads
Optional add-on polar axis finderscope - coming soon

Electronics

NexStar+ hand control with USB port
Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)
USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
Autoguider port
PPEC ready
Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector
Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved)

Celestron CGX German Equatorial Mount and Tripod Specifications

Download the Celestron PWI Software for PC control of the Celestron CGX Mount here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diM2-oBYI3A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmnNr_H9ZQI

A Visual Back is a metal adapter that screws onto the standard rear cell threads of Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes and accepts 1.25” accessories, including diagonals, eyepieces (for straight-through viewing), Barlows, webcams, and any other accessory with a 1.25” insert barrel.

All Celestron 5”, 6”, 8”, 9.25” and 11” Schmidt-Cassegrains come standard with the 1.25” Visual Back.

To use 2” diagonals on a Celestron 5” - 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain, remove the visual back and thread on a 2” diagonal made especially for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, such as the Celestron 2” XLT Diagonal (#93527).

Celestron Dovetail Bar (CGE) 11 Inch

11-inch Dovetail bar (CGE)

Note: No Hardware screws included

Instruction Manual Addendum

Work smarter, not harder, when it comes to combating dew. The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x prolongs your battery life by optimizing power usage for up to two dew heaters. The controller gathers and analyzes information in real time to warm your optics just enough to prevent dew.

The Smart DewHeater and Controller comes with two ports to control two dew heaters at once. You can use one port to heat your optical tube while the other warms a second optical tube, a guide scope, an eyepiece, or another accessory. The controller also features an additional 12V DC output port so you can power another 12V DC device, such as your mount.

The Smart DewHeater and Controller works seamlessly with Celestron’s Dew Heater Rings, which have a built-in thermistor to provide temperature readings of the corrector lens. Third-party dew heater bands or straps are also compatible; you simply need to add Celestron's Thermistor for Smart DewHeater Controllers (sold separately).

Smart Controls

At the heart of the controller is a powerful microprocessor that gathers information from the sensors, computes the data, and automatically adjusts your dew heaters. The controller monitors the ambient temperature and humidity using its integrated environmental sensor and monitors the heaters’ temperatures using thermistors.

You can run the Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x as a standalone accessory. Or, if you want to view data from the controller and make manual adjustments, you can connect it to your Celestron telescope’s hand control or your PC. The controller works with NexStar+ or StarSense hand controls running the latest firmware or Celestron CPWI telescope control software, included with every Celestron mount.

Power

The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x runs on a 12V DC battery (like our PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17) and can handle a maximum power of 120W (10A max current @ 12V DC). The controller also features a 12V DC output port. You can use this extra port to power another device, like your mount. This way, you can power your entire setup from a single source. Resettable electronic fuses prevent damage if input or output current draw becomes too high.

NOTE: If you are using two dew heaters in heavy dew conditions and powering a 12V DC device, the controller may be operating near its power limit. In this case, one PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17Ah will not have enough capacity to run your setup all night; you'll need a larger capacity battery or multiple batteries.

Unique Industrial Design

The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x features a heavy-duty metal housing. Inside, a cooling fan protects the controller’s electronics.

The Bridge – On top of the controller, you will find the bridge, which is home to the device’s status LEDs and environmental sensors. It also helps with cable management. We have positioned the temperature and humidity sensors here, away from the control box and other components that could generate heat. Unlike competitor products, our sensors do not require additional cables to obtain accurate readings.

The LED lights on the bridge indicate the device’s current status. The LEDs provide warnings if the controller is drawing more current than your power source can supply or if the battery charge needs recharging. You can dim the lights if you are under dark skies.

Mounting – The Celestron Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x mounts on your CGE or CG-5 dovetail with the integrated dovetail clamps. If you prefer to mount the controller on your tripod leg, use the included strap.

Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x comes complete with:

• Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x
• Tripod leg strap
• Controller power cable
• Power cable for external 12V DC device
• AUX cable for connecting to Celestron mounts
• Thermistor extension cable to attach to Celestron’s Dew Heater Ring

Enhance your setup

We highly recommend pairing this controller with Celestron Dew Heater Rings. They fit seamlessly on your Schmidt corrector lens and will improve your observing or imaging year-round.

For the highest level of dew prevention, we also suggest adding a dew shield to your setup. While not required, a dew shield will cut down on the amount of power the controller needs to provide to the dew heater rings to keep your optics clear.

The saxon 9x50 Erecting Finderscope (90 degree) is the solution for those who find conventional finderscopes too confusing or disorienting.

The presence of an erecting prism in the finderscope provides you with correct image orientation so that you can look through the finderscope the same you look at the sky.

90 degree viewing angle allows for a comfortable viewing position when looking overhead, and 9x magnification and 50mm aperture give a clear, crisp image.

Simplify your observation sessions with the saxon 9x50 Erecting Finderscope (90 degree).

Hone in on objects with the cross-hair reticle before you observe with your telescope. The 9x magnification and 50mm aperture on the  saxon 9x50 Erecting Finderscope (90 degree) will give you crisp and clear images as you search for stars and planets, while your neck will thank you for comfortable viewing angle afforde by the 90 degree viewing angle as you browse the night sky.

What many will appreciate from the  saxon 9x50 Erecting Finderscope (90 degree) will be that its image orientation is correct (upright, non-reversed). Look through your finderscope the same way you look at the sky.

Fits all dovetail mounting brackets.

NOTE THIS IS THE PLUG for 2" accessories, eyepieces only

A simple plastic cover designed to keep dust out 2" accessories. This includes all standard barlows, diagonals, focusers, eyepieces, etc. Perfect to replace the factory plugs you may have misplaced since buying your telescope.

Use a dust cap to cover the front end of your eyepieces and barlows by capping it on top of the lens.

Use a dust plug to cover the back end of your accessories by plugging it inside the optical tube.

A low-power eyepiece, good for open clusters, nebulae and galaxy clusters. Includes a soft rubber eyeguard and an M42 T-thread for projection photography. High quality optics, fully multi coated, and affordable!

The Bintel Superview Camera Projection eyepieces are one of the simplest ways to couple your DSLR to a telescope. The top section of the eyepiece unscrews allowing a T-Ring to be fitted, thus adapting to your DSLR camera.

ZWO Counterweight Bar is designed for when using more than 13kg on the AM5 mount.

Machined from 304 Stainless Steel 230mm in length, 20mm in diameter with an M12 1.75 thread. It will match many other mounts.

SKU: ZWO-BC230