Celestron Telescope Astrograph RASA 279/620 V2 on CGX GoTo mount

Celestron Astrograph RASA 279/620 on CGX GoTo mount

Digital Schmidt camera for wide angle astrophotography!

This astrograph makes it very easy to create stunning photos with a modern DSLR or astronomical CCD camera. The new optical design has a four-lens corrector, incorporating rare earth glass, which suppresses chromatic aberrations and other problems such as coma and field curvature. Never before has an astrograph in this price range delivered such optical quality and spot size over the entire image field. The design also allows for a very low vignetting.

super-fast 11" f2.2 optics - sharply images APS format and is even optimized for sensor sizes up to a 70 mm field diagonal.

extremely short exposure times - the RASA Astrograph acquires images twenty times faster than at f10! Thirty seconds at f2.2 correspond to ten minutes at f10 - tracking control is hence superfluous!

huge field of view - with 620 mm focal length, makes wide-angle shots a piece of cake and you and always have an overview

excellent focusing mechanism - new bronze bearings reduce image shift, the 10:1 FeatherTouch dual-speed focuser allows highly precise focusing!

innovative Features - quiet 12 V MagLev fan reduces the cooling phase, keeps out dust and allows optimum air circulation in the OTA. Various adapters for popular camera brands are included. Back focus for the camera supplied adapters: 55 mm, back focus for the front lens group: 69.26 mm

RASA stands for Rowe-Ackermann-Schmidt Astrograph - Dave Rowe and Mark Ackermann are renowned optical instrument designers. Together, they hold numerous patents on their inventions. The RASA astrograph combines their expertise and experience.

CGX Equatorial Mount and Tripod:

For eight years, Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.

All-new design:

Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time

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

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

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 saddle plate

New improved tripod:

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

- Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport

Electronics:

All-new 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 12 V DC power input barrel connector

Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved)

The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, Celestron has made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is their new equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.

A picture is worth a thousand words - a video:

If you want to know more about the features and advantages of the CGX mount, we recommend the video of the manufacturer.