COSMETIC ITEM: Celestron takes great pride in our quality control, not only with optical and mechanical performance, but also with the cosmetic appearance of our products. Our quality assurance team will periodically identify minor cosmetic issues and, due to our tight quality tolerances, will determine the product cannot be sold as new. In these cases, Celestron may choose to offer the product at a significant discount as a “cosmetic” unit. Any cosmetic flaws in the telescope will be minor in nature, and will have zero affect on mechanical or optical performance. All cosmetic units undergo the same rigorous testing and promise the high performance you would expect from Celestron. Minor aesthetic imperfections such as external scratches, paint discolorations, metal casting imperfections and other minor flaws may exist, but nothing that would degrade the optical or mechanical performance of the telescope. And just like all Celestron telescopes, it includes our full two year warranty with unlimited support from Celestron in Torrance, California.
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) V2 is a cost-effective optical system for space surveillance, , other scientific applications, and advanced wide-field astroimaging. It offers unprecedented value in aperture, speed, field of view, and optical performance. The RASA design has a convenient external prime-focus image capture location with a flat focal plane, providing small spot sizes to the edge of a wide field. Images are free of optical defects like field curvature, off-axis coma, and astigmatism.
Optical Performance
The 36 cm aperture version is the largest RASA Celestron manufactures; it is the biggest and fastest (f/2.2) optical instrument of its kind available “off-the-shelf.” Unlike most telescopes, which only focus visible light (400-700 nm), the RASA 36 cm focuses an extended spectral range (400-900 nm), allowing a brighter signal to be detected by a camera sensor.
Advanced Features
RASA 36 V2 features the new Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS). At the heart of this system is a precision linear ball bearing. The bearing minimizes focus shift (unwanted lateral movement of the primary mirror during focusing, which causes shifting of the image) and mirror flop (movement of the primary mirror when the telescope is pointing to different positions in the sky). The USFS is compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A). The integrated 12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the dust-filtered optical tube. RASA 36 cm’s ample back-focus distance (77.5 mm) accommodates a wide variety of imaging sensors. You may add a custom camera adapter for a field of view up to 4.4 degrees.
Important freight requirement – RASA 36 cm is a professional-caliber, high-precision instrument. Our technicians manufacture and align each RASA 36 cm to an exacting standard to provide exceptional optical performance. We package the telescope to ensure it retains alignment and performance during transport. However, due to the weight, size, and known stresses of shipping via parcel service, Celestron has determined that the ideal transport is a palletized delivery via LTL truck freight. For all domestic deliveries, Celestron will ship via this method. We also require this shipping method for all deliveries from Celestron dealers to end customers.
For all orders exceeding a value of 100USD shipping is offered for free.
Returns will be accepted for up to 10 days of Customer’s receipt or tracking number on unworn items. You, as a Customer, are obliged to inform us via email before you return the item.
Otherwise, standard shipping charges apply. Check out our delivery Terms & Conditions for more details.
