CHF 6'490
In stock with supplier (usual lead time approx. 10 working days)
Visit TS-Optics GSO RC 355 mm f/8 Gen. II is a 14-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescope designed for demanding astrophotography and visual observation from a fixed location. Its open carbon-fiber lattice structure, lightweight primary mirror, and reinforced optics provide excellent stability while keeping the tube’s weight to approximately 25 kg.
Thanks to its hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors, this all-reflective optical system provides a well-corrected field of view, free of chromatic aberration. It is also suitable for infrared imaging with a compatible camera. Its 355-mm aperture ensures high light-gathering power, ideal for photographing galaxies, planetary nebulae, globular clusters, and other compact deep-sky objects.
The mirrors are treated with 94 % with improved reflectivity, producing a bright, high-contrast image. The telescope offers a useful field of view of approximately 70 mm and a naturally well-corrected field of approximately 35 mm in diameter. Sensors up to APS-C format can therefore be used without a corrector. For larger or full-frame sensors, the use of a suitable corrector is recommended to optimize star quality at the edge of the field of view.
The native aspect ratio of f/8 provides a focal length of 2,845 mm, which is particularly well-suited for high-resolution imaging. Optional focal reducers also make it possible to achieve a brighter system and shorten exposure times.
The quartz glass primary mirror features a honeycomb structure that significantly reduces the instrument’s mass. It is held in place laterally by ten support points and supported by an 18-point optimized barrel. This design limits stress on the mirror and helps maintain collimation, even during significant changes in orientation.
The open carbon-fiber lattice structure improves focus stability as the temperature changes. Three fans located at the rear help the primary mirror reach operating temperature more quickly. Internal diaphragms reduce stray reflections and enhance contrast.
The 3-inch RAP eyepiece holder uses a rack-and-pinion drive and stainless steel rail guidance with ball bearings. This mechanism ensures precise movement and high rigidity, even with a heavy camera and accessories.
Two Losmandy-standard dovetails are mounted on the tube. The first allows the telescope to be securely attached to a compatible mount, while the second can accommodate various accessories. With its generous backfocus of 280 mm, the telescope provides ample space to integrate a camera, a corrector, a focal reducer, or a binocular head.
This telescope is primarily intended for observatories and fixed or semi-fixed installations. Due to its long focal length and weight, a sturdy equatorial mount with sufficient load capacity is essential.
| Lens type | Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) |
|---|---|
| Opening | 355 mm / 14″ |
| Focal length | 2,845 mm |
| Focus report | f/8 |
| Reflectivity | Processing improved to 94 % |
| Lens holder | RAP 3" Gen. II Rack-and-Pinion, Two-Speed |
| Eyepiece Holder Travel | 50 mm |
| Accessory connection | 2″ and 1.25″ pipes, with additional threads for screw-on adapters |
| Backfocus | 280 mm from the rear of the tube |
| Rear thread on the tube | M117 × 1 male |
| Tube diameter | 535 mm |
| Tube length | 1,140 mm with eyepiece holder / 990 mm without eyepiece holder |
| Center of Gravity | About 260 mm from the back of the tube |
| Tube weight | 25 kg |
| Obstruction of the secondary mirror | About 170 mm |
| Dovetails | 2 × standard Losmandy |
| Tube structure | Carbon lattice |
| Ventilation | 3 rear fans |
| Number of packages | 1 |
| Package Dimensions | 127 × 69 × 64 cm |
| Shipping dimensions | 150 × 80 × 120 cm |
| Package weight | About 45 kg |
