My biggest struggle with my RASA 11" is saving for it...

Great job Stace! I've had the broken mirror dream too! I also have the "raining on my gear" dream lol.

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😁 I must admit this one has plagued me a lot. I'll be quite happy to go back to my little refractor 🤭

I use an astrozap dewshield and 8 inch dew strap. Works fine.

My Mak 150 once fell off the HEQ-5 onto a concrete patio and didn’t even lose collimation- but I don’t recommend it!

Cool, this video was posted on my B-Day last year. I came to your channel, by way of your appearance in Dylan O'Donnell's video "How Astronomers Stay Awake", just this evening. (Side note: Luna is a super cutie puppo. My boy Rocky has the same "oh heck yeah!!!!", about balls, sticks, plastic wheels that he's ripped off of trashcans, ... EVERYTHING.)

Good review Stace!

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ray 😁

Thanks for the excellent objective review. It's good to hear about all aspects of actually using a scope rather than relying on the marketing blurb.

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

thanks Todd! that means a lot :)

Great review Stace! One of your best. A fair and balanced review and much appreciated. Keep em coming. More Luna please, not less!

Pros: F/2. Cons: Proprietery filter system, I need a tilt adapter to get focus consistent across my frame, flats are a pain in the ass, mono workflows are sucky.. I like mine but it is not a perfect scope by a long shot.

@AstroStace

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah agreed! I think if I had an observatory I might go for it, purely because the weather conditions in the U.K. are so poor, it’s would make grabbing data a lot quicker. Alas no observatory yet...one day :)

The RASA like SCT & Mak designs is a dew magnet because of the front corrector and different metal cooling coefficients. A reflectix barrier put around the OTA will deal with the basic dew issue (still use a dew strip around the front section. Use it as a dew shield making it extende about 12 inches past the corrector plate.

Great piece of kit for the serious image! Nice review Stacey!

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you :) indeed.... definitely not one for beginners :)

It seems to me a dew heater would have to be used as soon as you put this beast on the mount. I love the way you put this video together explaining the cameras and what you recommend for this scope. You didn't leave anything out or left me with any questions when I finished viewing it. Thank you!!!!

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Gary, really appreciate the great feedback :)

Stace, here is what I do when I had no dew shield. I usually connect a hair dryer before the imaging session starts and test it if it works okay. Then I go every 30 minutes and use hair dryer on top of the telescope. If you don't want to use hair dryer in the middle of the night, you can go to a crafts store and buy a black card board and cut it as dew shield to mount it. If it is too much dew you might have a wet card board but that is a temporary solution. If you want a permanent solution buy Astrozap dew shield with dew heater and mount it for RASA 8. It is available via amazon.

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Ray thanks for that. I was advised against card by celestron :) and as it is a loan scope I wasn't going to buy a dew shield... So I tried to be honest about the issues I faced with the equipment I had :)

@RaysAstrophotography

4 жыл бұрын

@@AstroStace LOL. I am not sure what they are doing sometimes!!

So glad you mentioned that focus wasnt as bad ad people made it out to be. Ive just picked up neq6 with rowan belts fitted and i was looking at this scope as my first serious one.

wrap cardboard around the end and tape crewed I know but cheap and works.

That looks an absolute beast of a scope! I live in the UK so I know what it's like with our grey skies! I have just bought a Celestron Asto-Fi 5" SCT scope which so far seems great-not been able to go beyond the back yard yet due to lockdown etc. I took it out on the driveway 2 nights ago and got some cracking views of Venus.

Great review. For a dew shield you can use a poster board wrapped around the OTA and taped to keep its shape. Then you can easily slide it on and off. Do this until you order a real shield. To keep things in perspective my Celestron 14” Edge HD OTA is 50 pounds

Beast! Nice shots, ive just ordered the edge 8 hd and gonna get hyperstar for it so hopefully best of both worlds

I've used some foam board as a shield, used kapton tape to wire in 15W of resistive wire around the aperture, cost me a few dollars works brilliantly

Nice review stace. You would imagine for that money that Celestron would put a vixen dovetail on the other side. Clear skies and move to Australia cos it's not so wet and cloudy

Hmm. Potentially if you leave it outside with the cap on for a few hours before use, the heat differential between the inside and the outer atmosphere might equalise and reduce the condensation problem.

Stace: I enjoyed your review. Sorry about the dew - that is a problem for all catadioptric telescopes and cameras. I am very pleased to learn that the imaging capabilities are living up to your expectations. I checked out your website - you have captured some amazing images. If you ever have questions, send me a note. Mark Ackermann

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark, firstly thank you for checking out my video and my images...and thank you for the great feedback on them too ! Sadly the RASA in this video was only a loaner...and conditions in the uk at the time weren’t too great which didn’t allow me to use it to its full potential before I had to send it back. That said I’ve now got a bigger mount and a more permanent set up (I built myself a pier etc) and one day I can definitely see myself buying a RASA . It’s just so cool and a great instrument for astrophotography. Thanks again. Best wishes, Stacey

another great video stace x

Great review,.pity about the dew problems and weather with the timing of your loan of the RASA but you did well with the time available. Any RASA owners check.out Baader filters ..they haves set of High Speed Filters such as Narrow Band for such Astrographs pricey I believe though

@joevekeman6262

4 жыл бұрын

thank you Les .

Wrap your RASA with a couple of layers of reflectix and use a foam camping mat to make a dewshield - that will keep the dew off 👍

I know what you mean about having nightmares of dropping the scope... I have a Vixen VC200L, and it has a carrying handle, it's an absolute godsend. You recommended installing a top rail on the RASA - maybe you could bolt on a carrying handle to the top rail?

Great review. I live in Birmingham UK too and am seriously considering the RASA 8. Thanks for the heads up regarding dew. Subbed👍

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Ah glad you found the video helpful! Let me know how you get on with the RASA! Thanks for the sub! :)

The Dew Shield DX for the 8" RASA (and others) is $29.95 in the U.S. at this time. Of course you can't find any scopes or mounts thanks to the stupid virus panic so in my case it doesn't matter.

I have a C9.25... dew is difficult and the shield gets you a little time... I have a dew controller on the way as I type. A shield works, but not long enough for my imaging.

As I found with my C925 Edge, handling is much easier once you get the upper dovetail on, which you can use as a handle :). And the RASA 8 is on my wishlist. Thanks Stace!

That was really concidaret not using the hair dryer, subscribed today don't have a telescope at the moment and had no idea dew can affect the optics.

I used to have a Celestron cpc 1100 and had a lot of trouble with the corrector plate. I found it was a real drag to be inspecting each image and wondering weather it was starting to dew up. I don't know if anyone else has done anything similar, but I made a dew sheild and cut a square hole in each side and mounted a 12v 50mm Computer fan on either side just above the end of the scope. This not only kept the dew at bay all night, but could also clear up the corrector plate if the dew had settled on it after leaving it too late to get the sheild on. The turbulence of the fan had absolutely no effect on my images either.

That thing looks huge , i already have a SCT 8" , i wouldn't like to have to move that thing every night , but great video ,great info yet again ,thanks ,Stace

I also use on mine dew strap and dew shield. U can use same one for 8" edge I believe. That's what I bought. Works great. Shame cant get in the states.

"That telescope is a monster...". You ought to see and handle the RASA 14" :). The dew problem is not related to the RASA, all the Schmidt Cassegrains will have the same problems. Then again, observing from the UK, you are asking for it :). One big improvment on mine (11") was to replace the aluminium tube by a carbon fiber one. It really stabilizes the focus.

@BBROPHOTO

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the RASA 11 and 14 are really huge compared to the 8 lol

I use my Rasa 8 with an AVX Mount. The weight that comes with the AVX is not heavy enough and you will need another three or four pounds. I can handle it without problems, but windy conditions affect stability.

Strap 3 hand warmers around the element and this will keep it clear for up to 5 hours.

Great video, not convinced on a dew shield. Astronomik light pollution filter is very good and very expensive, though I wouldn't bother if you already have the Celestron one, not sure if it's worth it. Keep the videos coming!

Hi Stace (new to the channel) I don't know what your housing situation is? But have you considered a little roll off roof shed conversation for this scope? Also any dew shield for an 8 inch scope should work. Astrozap are good or you can make your own with some camping mat. Nice video by the way 👍

Great Review. I think if I was gonna go the RASA route, I'd go big and get the 11". The 14" (36cm) is just too crazy-expensive

I can't believe that the image of the pacman nebula is only 9*30 second subs, f2 seems like a dream.

Any scope with a front corrector needs a dew shield at minimum. I bought the integrated Astro Zap one that has the heater built in. I run the basic Astro Zap dew controller as well and at the medium setting it holds back the dew. Our Midwest US climate is similar to yours I believe.

Dew heater strap or 8" SCT dew shield will work fine for your new rasa. Clear skies!

@MrPedalpaddle

4 жыл бұрын

Sean Smith does the SCT dew shield require some modification to manage the cables from the camera?

g`day stace i use a astrozap dew shield with built in heater strip and two notches for the dovetail bars for my edge HD 8" i would think it would fit the rasa and you could use one of the notches for the camera cables to pass through i got mine from OPT in the usa great people to work with...love ya work stace the pics looked awesome you have me thinking of getting a hyperstar for the 8" edge and giving F2 a run cheers james D

Great review Stace such a shame the weather didn't play ball. Image's you got look amazing. I still like refractors but I'm probably saying that as I have not used a Rasa. :)

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tony. Yes indeed it's been really hard. Very few clear nights and when they've come it's been a dew fest! :(

I use a Dew band around the OTA of my 9.25" SCT controlled using a "Hitechastro" dew heater controller (4 ports) most nights this is enough but if its really bad I fit a dew shield which was supplied with the scope (Kendrick given the Celestron version was not available at the time) I really have no issues with Dew and also use a home made shield on my 150 mm Maksutov with similar positive effect.

Well, hopefully you have this under control by now but if not, I recommend the Astrozap dew shield (flexible) for the Celestron 8" SCT's. You'll probably have to do some surgery on it to create the notch you'll need. That's my two cents from across the Pond. I'm sure you already have an 8" dew strap available in the UK. Good video review; not a lot of them out there yet. Nice pics, too, Stace!

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Brian! Sadly I only had it on loan :( so it’s gone back now. But this advice is useful to the other rasa owners out there :)

Hello, i got one in Paris, close to sell it back, just what to give a try in a dark country place in burgundy... if i sell it i will buy a SW esprit 120 ed...The RASA is to massive for the focal range....yes F2 but ok...Sorry, here are my state of mind for now on...

Awesome video, Stace. And with that f/2.0, you only need about 30 minutes of imaging time, right?!? Dew be damned! haha! ;)

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

indeed! it just got a bit frustrating 🙈

When I mount my Meade 10 inch SCT (28lbs), I always have my wife help. It would be so easy to drop. My ES 152 has a handle and causes me no concern. I'd love to add a top rail and handle to the 10. Life would be easier. Good review.

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Yes this thing has caused me no end of anxiety !

Great review!

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😁

I suppose a SCT will have the same problem?

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Yes that's correct

I usually get dewshields from the States and they arrive promptly. astrozap.com/collections/dew-shields I don't understand why you can't use a dewstrap. Didnt it work? Bhatinov masks are readily available. Try Rothervalley Optics or FirstLight Optics! Thanks for your thoughts Stace, always enjoy your videos. Who would have guessed your troubles, those images are great for unguided 30s subs! How was the cooling fan for the primary?

Good job !! Keep going !

That is a really nice scope, I wish I had money to buy one

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Same! 🙈 It's way out of my price range

Hi Stace. If its of any help to you. I think it was Trevor Jones (aby) who sometimes uses a summer cooling fan, to reduce moisture on his scope. They are as good as quiet. If a dew shield isn't possible, would a dew heater strap on the camera face end and one on the outer edge of the RASA help. Just thinking, warmth travels from inner and outer of corrector plate. If not too warm for the camera, nor too much wire across view. Clear sky's.

A dew shield is essential - I would recommend the Astrozap. It’s nice and light and does an excellent job. I should also say that the celestron autofocuser is also a must if you plan to use this scope all night long. It’s been working beautifully and keeps my focus tight throughout my imaging session. Check out instagram.com/astrocapetown/ instagram.com/astrocapetown/

I think this may be my next astrograph? I live in Colorado where I don't care what you bring into this state it's going to dry out. No Dew Problems here. ;o)

Hi! Nice vid. How do you like the tracking with the Rasa on the heq5?

Good honest review. F2 sounds great but I don't think its for me, I just know I would drop it.

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

same, I've decided it's definitely not for me. I had quite a few nightmares about it!

Not true, will take DSLR mirrorless cameras. Of which every brand is going to nowadays, half the canon dslr's are mirrorless. EOS m's are $100 used off ebay every day

hi stace i run a astronomy club in sutton coldfeild called sutton coldfeild astonomical club and i am a member Of Birmingham astronomical society love the videos

Can 3d print t u a dew shield if you like. Good review keep it up!

Hey Stacey, sorry to hear about your issues. I'm from Belgium and our fog/dew issues are very similar to the UK I believe. I started using this dew shield: www.astroshop.eu/dew-shields-hard-cap/astrozap-dew-shield-feste-taukappe-fuer-celestron-c8-edghehd-mit-hyperstar/p,59409 It's for an 8" Hyperstar-ed EdgeHD but it works well enough for the RASA8. It would fit better with the top mounting plate on my RASA (same goes for the "official" RASA8 dew shield), but it is kept in place well enough with the knobs on the shield. I plan on designing and 3d printing a shim to stand in for the top bar to hold it better. With a dew shield and the warm air from the TEC cooled ASI183 Pro I managed to keep dew off my corrector plate until ambient air moisture gets around 90% (measuring using the sensor on my pocket power box). Above that I still had some fogging over. So for peace of mind I added in a generic dew strap for 8" SCTs and together they hold the scope dew free until the ambient moisture gets so bad the stars are completely obscured (and that street light 200m away too)

Astrozap has a dew shield for the RASA 8 and 11. It has 4 screws to hold it in place. Where I am based it would be cheaper to make it than buy it. On the dew issue and I still have to experience it. I have seen that people who use cooled cameras,say they drop the sensor temp as low as possible and the heat radiated away with a dew shield on helps stop dew forming. astrozap.com/collections/dew-shields/products/celestron-8-rasa-aluminum-dew-shield

How's the image quality? Distortion/coma/abberations/..?

Is it okay to mount this scope on heq5? I am planning to use my sony mirrorless since it has an adapter to crop sensor

@scottwilkins6966

3 жыл бұрын

Since the camera is in the front, that would mean blocking light. It doesn't sound like a great idea.

You can make a dew shield but you should get a dew zaper

F2 is very fast just right for astrophotography 🔭💥💨🌃🌌 but anyway you have your self a very nice scope 🙌

Nice scope

Very cute to.

I love science videos and science people's

Check out Ray's RASA setup and his dew shield - I found this quite useful: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zqyfpteco5bFpZs.html

#awesome

I’ve not heard of a rasa. I have a 10 inch sct.

@michaeljustice4806

4 жыл бұрын

Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). 👍

Where is it made is it in China. Trying to avoid purchasing any thing that is made there, for obvious reasons

When do you plan to raffle it off so that a poor boy like me might have such a beauty?

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

sadly I don't get to keep it. it's being returned to celestron tomorrow

Big Fucking Scope)

#besten#Liebe#Soll#schönen#Highlight#Episode

Forget dew strap, get an electric blanket around that thing lol

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

100% it has been a nightmare haha. But a great experience!

@tomwall8403

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting idea. I wonder if using a common, household heating pad would be a poor-man's dewstrip?

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

@@tomwall8403 I wouldn't, it would be too powerful and also maybe introduce heat currents into the tube maybe

@I_Spaced_Out

4 жыл бұрын

@@AstroStace ^^^THIS^^^

#arbeitet stars

Hello from UKRAINE! Please on future add photo to your review,how this telescope photographing and other=))))

@AstroStace

4 жыл бұрын

Hello! There are images taken with this scope at the end of the video :)

いーのかったねーー　まろも欲しい

#edu

#properties #