TS photo-optimized 12" f/6.4 RC Telescope with Carbon Truss Tube
Teleskop-Service offers an exciting instrument for the dedicated astrophotographer with this Ritchey-Chrétien telescope. The telescope is built by GSO for TS to our specifications. We select very good optics for this series and use a better focuser. A core part of the astrograph is the full frame format corrector, which is integrated in the focuser. The corrector is specially designed for RC telescopes and offers a very good field correction for sensors up to full frame format. This provides you with a fully equipped telescope for high resolution astrophotography, which does not need to shy away from the comparison to much more expensive instruments.
The mechanics - quality from Taiwan
The mechanics of these modern telescopes provide the basis for successful astrophotography. Primary and secondary mirrors are stably mounted and hold the collimation even during telescope slewing. The supporting elements are made of carbon, which reduces the dead weight and improves the focus stability, since carbon does not react to temperature changes as strongly as metal. The focuser can be tilted independently of the primary mirror, a hallmark of high-quality larger RC telescopes. This allows you to get the stars perfectly round even in the last corner.
The optics of the RC astrograph:
The hyperbolic primary mirror and secondary mirror are made of quartz glass and have a 99% coating. This makes the image brighter and rich in contrast. Each RC is tested before it is converted to a photo RC in our workshop. The primary focal ratio of the RC is f/8. The RC corrector and reducer improve the focal ratio to f/6.4. The 3-element corrector used is designed specifically for RC telescopes and is not simply a compressor. The result is significantly sharper stars across the entire field of view.
The anti-glare ring against reflexes
The baffle tube of the 12" RC is extra large. In case of strong sky illumination or an unfavorable position of a bright star, light can get past the secondary mirror into the interior of the baffle tube. This can cause reflections. The baffle ring reliably prevents stray light from entering. Nevertheless, the illumination is still given up to full frame format. The anti-glare ring is simply put over the baffle tube and fixed with 3 small grub screws.
The working distances for astrophotography:
The photo-optimized RC already comes with the right adaption for your camera. Of course, the cameras are screwed and not clamped.
♦ 55 mm working distance from the M48x0.75 thread:
With optional T-adapters, this makes it easy to connect astro cameras, system cameras and SLR cameras. The adapter from M68x1 thread on the focuser to M48x0.75 is already included in the scope of delivery.
♦ 73.7 mm working distance from the M68x1 male thread:
For all astrophotographers who like to prefer an individual adaptation and possibly want to use an off-axis guider, this connection is suitable. Of course we offer the matching articles, a large part is also linked.
Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin
The RC telescopes are very well suited for astrophotography. Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model:
Link to AstrobinThe visual use of the TSRC12T64:
Although the RC is mainly intended for photographers, observation is of course also possible. You can simply unscrew the insert with the corrector from the focuser and replace it with a 2" insert. The conversion takes only a few minutes and you have a classic RC telescope for observation or lunar and planetary photography. The insert to 2" and the reducer to 1.25" are of course included.
Adjusting the RC telescope
We recommend the TSRCKOLLI or an collimating telescope for adjusting the telescope. These tools are linked in the "Cleaning & Collimating" section.
