Ritchey-Chrétien TS-Optics GSO 8″ RC Pro Carbon

TS-Optics GSO 8″ RC Pro Carbone 203/1624 - Focused 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.
• Focuser MONORAIL 2″ 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.

Technical specifications

In the box

• RC 8″ f/8 carbon 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

Visit TS-Optics GSO 8″ 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.