Capturing impressive deep-sky astroimages is easier than ever with Celestron’s new Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, the perfect companion to today’s top DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. This fast, wide-field f/2.2 system offers two huge advantages over traditional f/10 astroimaging: better apparent tracking and shorter exposures. That means you’ll create better-looking astroimages in a fraction of the time, even without the use of an autoguider.
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph builds on the legacy of Celestron’s Schmidt Camera, which allowed astrophotographers to produce images on film in the 1970s.
Today, with CCD sensor sizes as large as film—or larger—the Schmidt Astrograph offers a 43.3 mm optimized image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. (Note: We previously published 70 mm which is actually the aperture of the last lens in the telescope. The optical design has not changed). Combine this large image circle with a focal length of just 620 mm and you have an instrument suitable for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and even comet hunting.
Optical Performance
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph features newly designed 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 is unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting.
Advanced Features
Advanced features like a custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing and FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob allow you to make the fine adjustments you need to capture the perfect shot. Meanwhile, a12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.
Engineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 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 an optional imaging filter, every component of the system has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly.
- 11-inch f/2.2 optical design with rare-earth glass for images free of false color, coma, and field curvature
- 43.3 mm optimized image circle maintains pinpoint stars to the far corners of even the largest astroimaging sensors, while the usable field extends even further to 52 mm for larger format sensors.
- Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing reduces image shift, while dual-speed 10:1 FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob provides the most precise focusing
- Quiet, high-output 12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and blocks dust
- Common camera adapters (T-thread and M48) included for easy attachment to popular CCD and DSLR cameras
Technical Specifications
| Optical Tube Info: |
|
| Optical Design: |
Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
| Aperture: |
279mm (11") |
| Focal Length: |
620mm (24.4") |
| Focal Ratio: |
f/2.2 |
| Central obstruction diameter: |
114mm (4.48") (41% of aperture diameter) |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): |
1588x |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): |
0.49 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): |
0.41 arc seconds |
| Image Circle: |
43.3mm (1.7") Ø , 4.0° |
| Useable field: |
52mm (2.04") Ø , 4.8° only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength range: |
400 - 700 nm |
| Spot size: |
< 4.4 μm RMS across FOV |
| Optical Coatings: |
StarBright XLT |
| Off-axis Illumination: |
83% at 21mm (.82") off-axis |
| Optical Window: |
68mm (2.67") Ø |
| Back focus with included camera adapter: |
55mm (2.16") |
| Back focus from top of threaded collar: |
72.8mm (2.86") |
| Optical Tube: |
Aluminum |
| Optical Tube Length: |
838.2mm (33") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: |
330.2mm (13") |
| Focuser: |
FeatherTouch microfocuser, coarse and fine focus |
| Finderscope: |
Not included |
| Optical Tube Weight: |
43 lbs (19.5 kg) |
| Other Features: |
Ventilation fan, dual dovetail mounting bars, mirror support clutches |
| Included items: |
42mm (1.65") T-thread camera adapter | 48mm (1.89") camera adapter | Fan battery pack |
| Dovetail: |
CGE Dovetail Bar |
In the Box
- Celestron 11" Rowe Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2 - RASA 11
- 9x50 Straight-through finder scope and bracket
- Feather Touch Focuser
Optional accessories Pack:
- Astrozap Dew Shield
- Dust Cover
- Top and Bottom CGE Dovetail Bars
- Telrad mounting base
- ADM radius block pair for 11" OTA
- Buckeye Stargazer RASA11 cable router, 78mm
- Buckeye Stargazer RASA11 cable router, 86mm
- Buckeye Stargazer RASA11 11" Tri-Bahtinov mask
- Buckeye Stargazer RASA11 Duncan mask
-
Celestron focus motor, brand new
-
Celestron focus motor adapter for RASA11
-
Kendrick 11" dew heater
