
( Brand: Celestron ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 12020 ), ( UPC: 050234120203 ), ( Type: Telescope )
The Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is a powerful and versatile instrument designed for serious astronomers and astrophotographers. This Ritchey-Chretien design telescope boasts an impressive 8-inch aperture, providing exceptional light gathering capacity and sharp, detailed images.
The CGEM 800 RASA features a focal length of 6,360mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/8. This combination allows for a wide field of view, making it ideal for observing deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. The telescope's optical tube is made of high-quality aluminum and is coated with Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings, ensuring superior light transmission and contrast.
The CGEM 800 RASA is mounted on Celestron's CGEM computerized GoTo equatorial mount, which offers precise pointing and tracking capabilities. The mount features a built-in autoguider port, making it easy to use for long-exposure astrophotography. The mount is also capable of handling up to 55 pounds, providing plenty of room for future upgrades.
The RASA (Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph System Adapter) on the CGEM 800 allows for easy use of a wide variety of imaging accessories, including cameras, filters, and guiders. The telescope comes with a 2-inch C-mount, but a 2-inch to T-2 adapter is also included for even more compatibility options.
The Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope comes with a high-quality, adjustable aluminum tripod, making it easy to set up and use in the field. The telescope is also fully collimatable, ensuring that it will stay in alignment over time, even with frequent use.
In summary, the Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is a powerful and versatile instrument for serious astronomers and astrophotographers. Its 8-inch aperture, Ritchey-Chretien design, and computerized GoTo mount make it ideal for observing and imaging deep-sky objects. The telescope's RASA system adapter and built-in autoguider port provide plenty of compatibility options for imaging accessories, making it a perfect choice for any advanced amateur astronomer.
Pros of Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA Telescope:1. High-quality optics: The Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope features high-quality optics, ensuring sharp and detailed images.
2. Wide field of view: With an aperture of 8 inches, this telescope provides a wide field of view, making it suitable for observing various celestial objects.
3. Excellent tracking system: The CGEM mount of this telescope has an excellent tracking system, allowing for smooth and accurate movement, which is essential for astrophotography.
4. RASA design: The RASA (Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph) design of this telescope provides excellent image quality, with minimal coma and other aberrations.
5. Durable construction: The telescope is made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
Cons of Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA Telescope:1. High price point: The Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is a high-end model, and its price point may be too high for some potential buyers.
2. Bulky and heavy: Due to its size and weight, this telescope may be difficult to transport and set up, especially for those without assistance.
3. Requires a computer for alignment: The mount requires a computer for alignment, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer a simpler setup.
Conclusion:The Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is an excellent choice for serious astronomers and astrophotographers. Its high-quality optics, wide field of view, and excellent tracking system make it an ideal tool for observing and capturing images of celestial objects. However, its high price point and bulky construction may be a disadvantage for some potential buyers. If you are willing to invest in a high-end telescope and can handle its size and weight, the Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is an excellent choice.
Recommendation:If the Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope is beyond your budget or you require a more portable option, I would recommend considering the Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope. It is a more affordable alternative that still offers high-quality optics, a wide field of view, and a computerized mount for easy alignment. While it may not have the same tracking accuracy as the Celestron 12020 CGEM 800 RASA telescope, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality telescope at a more reasonable price point.
Next Hand Control. Weighs just 17 pounds making it portable. Periodic error correction: Yes. Ultra-Stable Focus System six precision sealed ball bearings.
C-Thread Camera Adapter. Mount: Mount type: Computerized Equatorial. Accessory tray: Yes. Auto guide port: Yes.
Optical tube: Aluminum. Focused: Ultra-Stable Focusing System. Flat field free of optical aberrations. CGEM II: An Excellent Platform for RASA.
Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, Sky Portal App. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirror less cameras are a good choice. Other features: Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount. Fan Battery Pack.
The RMA# should be clearly inscribed on the shipping label. Spot size: Optical coatings: Star Bright XLT. Thanks to its fast focal ratio and patented optical design, you can produce sharp, detailed images and, in many cases, skip the auto guider completely. USB port: Yes, input on Hand Control.
View images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than can be seen in much bigger telescopes with the naked eye. All refractive optical surfaces are coated with Star Bright XLT coatings, while the primary mirror uses enhanced aluminum coatings. CGE dovetail mounting rail. Capture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron CGEM II 800 RASA Telescope.
Performs over a wider spectral range from 390-800 NM. The prime focus focal plane is located at the front of optical system, so it cannot accommodate a traditional eyepiece. The telescope does not work with standard DSLR cameras. Designed for use with CMOS, smaller CCD, and mirror less cameras.
Sturdy Equatorial CGEM II mount. Integrated air cooling system and filter mount. This maintains high light transmission through the entire optical system and provides better performance field illumination. It includes features such as the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.
The CGEM II has Permanent Periodic Error Correction PPEC. This allows more of the light emitted from astronomical object to be sharply focused in image. Dovetail compatibility: Dual saddle plates Vixen and CGE
CGEM II Equatorial Head. DC Power Cable. It can capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the challenges typically presented by longer focal length instruments at a fraction of cost those systems. Hand Control Holster.
Dovetail: CGE Dovetail Bar. Motor drive: DC servo motors.