Qu'est-ce qu'on peut voir avec le TS-Optics GSO RC 8″ Carbone ?

Avec 203 mm de diamètre ouvert à f/8 et 1624 mm de focale, c'est d'abord un instrument d'astrophotographie : avec une caméra, il est fait pour photographier les petits objets : galaxies, nébuleuses planétaires et amas globulaires, qu'il montre en grand.

Est-il facile à transporter ?

Oui, c'est un instrument léger : le tube pèse environ 7,6 kg pour environ 58 cm de long.

Faut-il le collimater ?

Oui, de temps en temps : un Ritchey-Chrétien demande un alignement précis de ses deux miroirs, surtout après un transport. Un outil de collimation pour Ritchey-Chrétien facilite le réglage, que l'on affine ensuite sur une étoile.

Peut-on faire de la photo ?

Oui, c'est sa vocation : il se monte sur une monture équatoriale motorisée (non fournie) avec une caméra astro ou un appareil photo. À f/8 et 1624 mm de focale, il demande un suivi précis : prévoyez un autoguidage pour les longues poses. Avec un tube d'environ 7,6 kg (sans accessoires), choisissez une monture dont la capacité de charge laisse de la marge.

Que contient la boîte ?

Tube optique Ritchey-Chrétien 203/1624 mm, porte-oculaire MONORAIL 2″ double vitesse, 2 queues d’aronde (GP/Vixen et Losmandy), rallonges M90.

Ritchey-Chrétien TS-Optics GSO 8" RC Pro Carbone

Name: Ritchey-Chrétien TS-Optics GSO 8" RC Pro Carbone - Deep space astronomy
Brand: TS-Optics
Price: 1399.00 CHF
Availability: BackOrder

Product description

TS-Optics GSO 8″ RC Pro Carbon 203/1624 – Focus Stability for Astrophotography

The Ritchey-Chrétien TS-Optics GSO 8″ (203 mm, 1624 mm, f/8) with carbon tube is the ideal instrument for demanding astrophotography: more stable focus in the face of thermal variations, rapid cooling thanks to the open tube, and fine stars in a field naturally corrected by the RC design (hyperbolic mirrors).

Highlights

Genuine RC coma-free, relatively flat field, excellent sharpness across the entire sensor.
Carbon tube almost zero expansion → very stable focus in long exposures.
Quartz mirrors (fused silica) with 94 % reflectivity brighter, higher-contrast image.
Open construction : bringing to temperature faster, less internal turbulence.
Generous backfocus (≈159 mm at 2″) Easily integrates corrector, gearbox, OAG and filter wheel.
MONORAIL 2″ Focuser double speed: greater rigidity than a Crayford, 360° rotation, graduation, motorization possible.
Double dovetail Losmandy below, Vixen above → easy accessory mounting.

Astrophotography

Without corrector, sensors up to APS-C are perfectly usable. For full format, a dedicated RC corrector is recommended. Visit CCD47 reducer 0.67× changes the focal length from approx. 1624 mm to ≈1088 mm and the aspect ratio from f/8 to f/5.36, reducing exposure times by more than 50 % and opening up framing for nebulae and diffuse galaxies.

Why a carbon tube?

Mass changes only marginally (~300 g), but the increased firebox stability when temperature drops is determining: metal → contraction → frequent refocusing; carbon + quartz mirrors → refocusing. focus that hardly moves, essential for long imaging sessions and cool nights.

RC vs SCT/Mak advantages

No Schmidt blade less fogging, better transmission (including near-IR).
Path 100 % reflective no permanent glass → more photons to the sensor.
No mirror shift Fixed primary, MAP via rigid external focuser.

In the box

8-inch f/8 Carbon Fiber RC Telescope
MONORAIL 2" Focuser (+ 1.25" Adapter)
Losmandy & Vixen dovetails
M90 extension rings
Protective cap

Aesthetic note some photos show a black front ring; the version supplied has a red front ring.

In a nutshell

The TS-Optics GSO 8-inch RC Carbon combines the precision of a true RC, the stability of a carbon tube and simplicity of integration (long backfocus, double dovetail, rigid focuser). A premium choice for those who want sharp long exposures and an upgradeable setup (corrector, gearbox, OAG, filter wheel) without compromise.

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Frequently asked questions

What can you see with the TS-Optics GSO RC 8″ Carbon?

With an aperture of 203 mm at f/8 and a focal length of 1,624 mm, it is primarily an astrophotography telescope: When used with a camera, it is designed to photograph small objects—such as galaxies, planetary nebulae, and globular clusters—which it displays in great detail.

Is it easy to carry?

Yes, it's a lightweight instrument: the tube weighs about 7.6 kg and is about 58 cm long.

Should we aim it at him?

Yes, from time to time: a Ritchey-Chrétien telescope requires precise alignment of its two mirrors, especially after being transported. A collimation tool for a Ritchey-Chrétien telescope makes it easier to adjust, and you can then fine-tune it using a star.

Can we take pictures?

Yes, that's what it's designed for: it mounts on a motorized equatorial mount (not included) with an astro camera or a regular camera. At f/8 and a focal length of 1624 mm, it requires precise tracking: be sure to use autoguiding for long exposures. With a tube weighing approximately 7.6 kg (without accessories), choose a mount with a load capacity that leaves some margin.

What's in the box?

203/1624 mm Ritchey-Chrétien optical tube, 2″ MONORAIL dual-speed eyepiece holder, 2 dovetails (GP/Vixen and Losmandy), M90 extensions.

Technical specifications

Optical type: Ritchey-Chrétien
Diameter: 203 mm
Focal length: 1,624 mm
Focal Ratio (f/D): f/8.0
Maximum magnification: 406 ×
Separating power: 0.57″
Lens holder: 2" MONORAIL, dual speed 1:10, with 1.25" adapter
Backfocus: 254 mm from the rear of the tube (159 mm from the 2″ coupler); M90×1 thread
Corrector / Reducer Available: Yes
Conversion tools / reducers in-store: TS-Optics 2″ 0.67× CCD Reducer – For RC, Astrophysics gearbox for RC 0.67x
Tube length: 58 cm
Tube weight: 7.6 kg
Uses: Deep Sky, Astrophotography