Is the RASA right for me?

[scitmon]

So I am expecting Santa Claus to possibly bring me Universal/FLO vouchers which I will of course be spending on improving my DSO imaging kit.  As you would expect, I have an FLO wish list ready to be bought, but I do like to plan ahead so I don't waste money.  The next logical purchase is a mono camera and filters... however I want to make sure that my purchase is compatible with my future desired imaging telescope.  Up until recently, I was 90% sure this would be an Esprit 100 Refractor, however my head has been turned by the Celestron RASA 8.  I do have a small reservation which I'm hoping people with experience of this scope can alleviate or confirm...

- Collimation.  From what I've read (albiet not much info out there), it holds collimation well (even from the factory), is this true?  I have never owned a scope that has needed collimation (only owned ed80 and skymax 180), it's not a task that should overwealm a noobie if it does need doing?

 

Basically, would I be biting off more than I can chew?  If not, This means I will go with an appropriate mono cam, faster filters that will suit the RASA, skip buying a autofocusser for the ed80, and get a filter slider instead of a wheel.

 

[Davey-T]

A few members have this scope some not without problems, not sure if the cause was ever resolved satisfactorily as to mount or scope but Alex has been busy making a filter wheel and OAG which may be of interest to you.

Dave

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/330812-strange-star-elongation-issue/

 

[andrew s]

Mono camera and filters are not RASA friendly. 

Regards Andrew 

[Ibbo!]

Depends on the camera back focus.

I looked at the 200mm and decided that the 25mm back focus was an issue with the cameras that I already have.

[scitmon]

I think I'm sufficiently put off the RASA now... also reading issues with sensitivity to tilt.  I think I'll go back to my Esprit 100 plan.  Thanks for the inputs!

[Davey-T]

11 minutes ago, scitmon said:

I think I'm sufficiently put off the RASA now... also reading issues with sensitivity to tilt.  I think I'll go back to my Esprit 100 plan.  Thanks for the inputs!

Certainly be an easier, works straight out of the box solution 

Dave

[ollypenrice]

25 minutes ago, scitmon said:

I think I'm sufficiently put off the RASA now... also reading issues with sensitivity to tilt.  I think I'll go back to my Esprit 100 plan.  Thanks for the inputs!

A sound decision, in my view. A very fast scope which is being tuned on clear nights is not a very fast scope...   AP is hard enough without adding the risk of further complication.

Olly

[steppenwolf]

2 hours ago, scitmon said:

I think I'm sufficiently put off the RASA now... also reading issues with sensitivity to tilt.  I think I'll go back to my Esprit 100 plan.  Thanks for the inputs!

I think this is a very wise decision and it will result in some great images with the minimum of hassle. Be sure to purchase the matching field flattener as well. 

[newbie alert]

My mind was made up before the RASA was launched..faststar , hyperstar initially interested me but never has done since