{"title":"Christoph Kaltseis Celestron Picks","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"36-cm-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astrograph-rasa-36-v2-optical-tube-assembly-cge-dovetail","title":"36 cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 36) V2 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) V2 is a cost-effective optical system for space surveillance, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/blogs\/news\/celestron-s-rasa-36-protecting-global-communications-systems-and-producing-world-class-astroimages\"\u003eSpace Situational Awareness (SSA)\u003c\/a\u003e, other scientific applications, and advanced wide-field astroimaging. It offers unprecedented value in aperture, speed, field of view, and optical performance. The RASA design has a convenient external prime-focus image capture location with a flat focal plane, providing small spot sizes to the edge of a wide field. Images are free of optical defects like field curvature, off-axis coma, and astigmatism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Performance \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 36 cm aperture version is the largest RASA Celestron manufactures; it is the biggest and fastest (f\/2.2) optical instrument of its kind available “off-the-shelf.” Unlike most telescopes, which only focus visible light (400-700 nm), the RASA 36 cm focuses an extended spectral range (400-900 nm), allowing a brighter signal to be detected by a camera sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRASA 36 V2 features the new Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS). At the heart of this system is a precision linear ball bearing. The bearing minimizes focus shift (unwanted lateral movement of the primary mirror during focusing, which causes shifting of the image) and mirror flop (movement of the primary mirror when the telescope is pointing to different positions in the sky). The USFS is compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A). The integrated 12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the dust-filtered optical tube. RASA 36 cm’s ample back-focus distance (77.5 mm) accommodates a wide variety of imaging sensors. You may add a custom camera adapter for a field of view up to 4.4 degrees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional Features\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelestron’s proprietary XLT coatings, consisting of high-transmission multi-coatings for lenses and high-reflectivity aluminum coatings, ensure good light throughput for the optical system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated cooling fan helps optics cool down to ambient temperature and pulls air through vents with micromesh to prevent dust ingress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual dovetail bars offer flexibility to mount the optical tube and conveniently attach additional accessories. Accommodates “CGE\/Losmandy” style dovetails.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo sets of 2x threaded insert holes in the rear cell provide additional mounting options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMove and mount your optical tube with ease with carrying handles on the rear cell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlthough not normally needed, there are 3x sets of push-pull screws to adjust the lens group to achieve optical alignment for the entire system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes M48 camera adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant freight requirement – \u003c\/strong\u003eRASA 36 cm is a professional-caliber, high-precision instrument. Our technicians manufacture and align each RASA 36 cm to an exacting standard to provide exceptional optical performance. We package the telescope to ensure it retains alignment and performance during transport. However, due to the weight, size, and known stresses of shipping via parcel service, Celestron has determined that the ideal transport is a palletized delivery via LTL truck freight. For all domestic deliveries, Celestron will ship via this method. We also \u003cstrong\u003erequire \u003c\/strong\u003ethis shipping method for all deliveries from Celestron dealers to end customers.    \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46381990904065,"sku":"91078-CGL","price":12499.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0755\/6857\/8817\/files\/91078_Rowe-Ackermann_Schmidt_Astrograph_36cm_v2_01.jpg?v=1749501179"},{"product_id":"11-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astrograph-rasa-11-v2-optical-tube-assembly-cge-dovetail","title":"11\" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA 11) V2 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCapturing impressive deep-sky astroimages is easier than ever with Celestron’s Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) V2, the perfect companion to today’s top DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. This fast, wide-field f\/2.2 system allows for shorter exposure times compared to traditional f\/10 astroimaging, without sacrificing resolution. Because shorter sub-exposure times are possible, your equatorial mount won’t need to accurately track over extended periods. The short focal length also lessens equatorial tracking demands. In many cases, autoguiding will not be required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRASA 11 V2 builds on the legacy of Celestron’s Schmidt Cameras, which allowed astrophotographers to produce images with much shorter exposure times on film in the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, with CCD sensor sizes as large as film or larger, the RASA 11 V2 offers a 43.3mm optimized image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. Optical performance for huge sensors with diagonals of up to 52mm wide is still excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombine this large image circle with a focal length of just 620mm and you have an instrument suitable for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and even comet hunting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe RASA 11 V2 features optics with 4-element rare-earth glass for images free of false color and aberrations like coma and field curvature. The optical quality and spot size across the entire image circle are unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eRASA 11 V2 utilizes the new Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS). At the heart of this system is a precision linear ball bearing. The bearing serves to minimize focus shift (unwanted lateral motion of the primary mirror during focusing which causes shifting of the image) and mirror flop (movement of the primary mirror when the telescope is pointing to different positions in the sky). The USFS is also compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A). The integrated 12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the RASA 11 V2 is optimized for peak performance with DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras. Down to the thickness of the glass used in the included fully-multicoated optical window or optional imaging filter, every component of the system has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly. \u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDovetail CGE bars on the top of the optical tube provides a connection for use of optional accessories like a guidescope.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46382025310465,"sku":"91076-CGL","price":4212.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0755\/6857\/8817\/files\/91076_Rowe-Ackermann_Schmidt_Astrograph_v2_01.jpg?v=1749502198"},{"product_id":"edgehd-14-optical-tube-assembly-cge-dovetail","title":"EdgeHD 14\" Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee the Universe in HD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdgeHD is an aplanatic, flat field Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that produces aberration-free images across a wide visual and photographic field of view. The optical system was designed to reduce more than just off-axis star coma; it also provides an astrograph-quality flat focal plane all the way to the edge of the field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrue Astrograph Quality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany optical designs that advertise themselves as \"astrographs\" actually only produce pinpoint stars across a curved focal plane. While this may be acceptable for some visual observing, stars will appear out of focus at the edge when used with the flat chip sensor of a digital camera. EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane more than three-times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and dramatically flatter than competing coma-free designs. This guarantees you visibly sharp stars across some of the largest CCD chips available today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuperior edge performance not only creates rounder, more pleasing stars, but actually improves the resolution and limiting magnitude when compared to telescopes of equal aperture. With Celestron’s StarBright XLT optical coatings on every surface, EdgeHD optics gives you maximum light throughput across the widest visual and photographic spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical Features\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn addition to EdgeHD’s optimized optical design, the telescope tube has been redesigned to make sure you get the most from your optics each and every night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMirror clutches\u003c\/strong\u003e - Flexible tension clutches hold the mirror in place and reduce image shift when taking long exposure astro-images. Once focused, the flexible rods allow the mirror to be held in place without putting any force or pressure on the mirror assembly, keeping the image centered in the eyepiece (or on the sensor).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTube vents\u003c\/strong\u003e - Cooling vents located on the rear cell allow hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror. Each vent has an integrated 50-mesh filter guaranteed to let warm air out without letting dust in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFastar versatility\u003c\/strong\u003e - EdgeHD is the most versatile imaging telescope available today. At its native f\/11, you can achieve the image scale necessary to capture the smallest of deep sky objects. Add the optional reducer lens—custom-designed for your size EdgeHD tube—and you can increase your field of view without sacrificing optical performance. A Barlow gives you added power for high-resolution planetary, lunar and solar imaging. All EdgeHD optical tubes are Fastar-compatible, allowing the secondary mirror to be removed and replaced with a third party lens accessory for ultra-fast f\/2 wide field imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndividually Tested\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery EdgeHD that ships has been tested not only for the surface quality of each optical component, but also with a camera and artificial star to ensure the imaging system meets our rigid quality assurance. This “final acceptance test” confirms the EdgeHD will perform in the field and deliver high-quality astroimages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46382084686081,"sku":"91060-XLT-CGL","price":8599.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0755\/6857\/8817\/files\/91060-xlt_cge_pro_1400_hd_1.jpg?v=1749504001"},{"product_id":"edgehd-925-optical-tube-assembly-cge-dovetail","title":"EdgeHD 9.25\" Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee the Universe in HD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdgeHD is an aplanatic, flat field Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that produces aberration-free images across a wide visual and photographic field of view. The optical system was designed to reduce more than just off-axis star coma; it also provides an astrograph-quality flat focal plane all the way to the edge of the field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrue Astrograph Quality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany optical designs that advertise themselves as \"astrographs\" actually only produce pinpoint stars across a curved focal plane. While this may be acceptable for some visual observing, stars will appear out of focus at the edge when used with the flat chip sensor of a digital camera. EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane more than three-times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and dramatically flatter than competing coma-free designs. This guarantees you visibly sharp stars across some of the largest CCD chips available today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuperior edge performance not only creates rounder, more pleasing stars, but actually improves the resolution and limiting magnitude when compared to telescopes of equal aperture. With Celestron’s StarBright XLT optical coatings on every surface, EdgeHD optics gives you maximum light throughput across the widest visual and photographic spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to EdgeHD’s optimized optical design, the telescope tube has been redesigned to make sure you get the most from your optics each and every night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMirror clutches\u003c\/strong\u003e - Flexible tension clutches hold the mirror in place and reduce image shift when taking long exposure astro-images. Once focused, the flexible rods allow the mirror to be held in place without putting any force or pressure on the mirror assembly, keeping the image centered in the eyepiece (or on the sensor).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTube vents\u003c\/strong\u003e - Cooling vents located on the rear cell allow hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror. Each vent has an integrated 50-mesh filter guaranteed to let warm air out without letting dust in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFastar versatility\u003c\/strong\u003e - EdgeHD is the most versatile imaging telescope available today. At its native f\/10, you can achieve the image scale necessary to capture the smallest of deep sky objects. A Barlow gives you added power for high-resolution planetary, lunar and solar imaging. All EdgeHD optical tubes are Fastar-compatible, allowing the secondary mirror to be removed and replaced with a third party lens accessory for ultra-fast f\/2 wide field imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndividually Tested\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvery EdgeHD that ships has been tested not only for the surface quality of each optical component, but also with a camera and artificial star to ensure the imaging system meets our rigid quality assurance. This “final acceptance test” confirms the EdgeHD will perform in the field and deliver high-quality astroimages.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46382088192257,"sku":"91040-XLT-CGL","price":2808.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0755\/6857\/8817\/files\/91040-XLT_CGE_Pro_925_HD_1200x1200_3a018227-f0ea-42e9-9a4c-cef9bbe203b0.jpg?v=1749504015"},{"product_id":"reducer-lens-7x-edgehd-1400","title":"Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 1400","description":"\u003cp\u003eCelestron’s EdgeHD reducers feature a custom 5-element optical design engineered to maintain the flat-field performance of our award-winning EdgeHD optical system. 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