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iOptron Photron™ 8-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope (RC8) - iEAF compatible

SKU 6112

Manufacturer Part # 6112

by iOptron
Original price $1,178.00 - Original price $1,178.00
Original price
$1,178.00
$1,178.00 - $1,178.00
Current price $1,178.00
Availability:
More on the way

The iOptron Photron™ RC8 is the perfect entry point into true Ritchey-Chrétien imaging. Compact, lightweight, and optically refined, this 8" (203mm) solid-tube RC telescope offers coma-free, wide-field performance that’s well-suited for everything from galaxies and globulars to lunar and planetary detail. With quartz optics, internal light baffles, and a rock-solid steel OTA, the RC8 punches well above its weight for visual and photographic use.

Whether you're upgrading from a beginner scope or looking for a high-resolution astrograph that doesn’t dominate your mount’s payload capacity, the RC8 delivers sharp performance in a travel-friendly package.


Quartz Optics and True RC Design

The RC8 uses a true Ritchey-Chrétien optical system, with hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors crafted from low-expansion quartz. These mirrors are finished with high-reflectivity dielectric coatings for maximum contrast and light throughput. The result is a flat, coma-free field across full-frame sensors—without needing any correctors or field flatteners.

Because the primary mirror is fixed, there’s no image shift when focusing—so your target stays centered and sharp, even with long exposure sequences.

With a focal length of 1624mm at f/8, the RC8 is fast enough for deep-sky imaging but still provides tight resolution on small targets.


Steel Tube with Internal Baffles

The steel OTA is built for durability and thermal consistency. Inside, eight knife-edge baffles are spaced along the optical path to absorb stray light and suppress internal reflections. This improves contrast and makes the RC8 a great performer even under suburban skies.

The solid-tube construction offers a more closed system than a truss tube, making it better suited to environments where dew, dust, or wind might interfere with performance.


Crayford Focuser with iEAF Option

The RC8 includes a 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, offering fine control for both visual use and astrophotography. For those looking to automate focus routines, the focuser is compatible with iOptron’s iEAF electronic automatic focuser (sold separately), which integrates easily with ASCOM-compliant software for remote and robotic imaging control.

Three threaded extension rings (2x 1", 1x 2") are included to help you achieve the correct back focus spacing for your camera or imaging train.


Active Cooling Fans

Three rear-mounted cooling fans are built into the back of the primary mirror cell to speed thermal equalization. A battery pack is included to power the fans in the field, helping you get imaging or observing faster on nights with large temperature swings.


Specifications

  • Aperture: 8" (203mm)

  • Focal Length: 1624mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/8

  • Optical Design: True Ritchey-Chrétien

  • Mirror Material: Quartz with dielectric coatings

  • Tube Construction: Steel tube with 8 internal knife-edge baffles

  • Focuser: 2" dual-speed Crayford

  • Focuser Compatibility: iEAF (sold separately)

  • Extension Rings: 2x 1" (25mm), 1x 2" (50mm) threaded

  • Cooling Fans: 3 rear-mounted, powered by included battery holder

  • Tube Length: 22.5" (570mm)

  • OTA Weight: 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)

  • Mounting: Dual Losmandy-style dovetail plates (top and bottom)


Included Accessories

  • RC8 OTA with 2" Crayford focuser

  • 2x 1" and 1x 2" threaded extension rings

  • 2" to 1.25" adapter

  • Cooling fan battery pack

  • Primary and secondary mirror covers

  • Top and bottom Losmandy dovetail plates


Observing Tip

The RC8 is an excellent match for mid-class mounts like the GEM45 or CEM40, offering excellent imaging capability without overtaxing your gear. Its low weight, fast cooldown, and sharp optics make it a portable powerhouse—especially when paired with the iEAF for fully automated imaging.


Solar Use Warning

Never look at the Sun through this telescope—or any telescope—without the proper solar filter installed. Permanent eye damage or blindness will result. Always use approved filters designed specifically for solar observing.

Pictured finderscope, diagonal and eyepiece not included

Package includes
#6112 8" RC OTA only

  • OTA w/2" dual-speed Crayford focuser
  • 2X25mm, 1X 50mm focus extension
  • 1.25" accessory adapter
  • Top Vixen-style mounting bar and bottom Losmandy-style dovetail bar

Tech Details: 

Optical Design Ritchey-Chretien
Clear Aperture 200mm
Focal Length 1624mm
Focal Ratio f/8
Resolving Power 0.58 arc seconds
Limiting Magnitude 14.2
Highest Useful Magnification 236X
Secondary Mirror Size 95mm
Focuser 10:1 Crayford dual-speed
Focuser size 2”
Dovetail Bar Losmandy-style
Mounting Bar (Top) Vixen-style
Finderscope Base Yes
Finder scope Optional
Tube material Steel
Tube Length 22.0”
Tube Weight 18 lbs
Other Accessories 2” to 1.25” compression ring adapter;
1" long extension tube X2
2" long extension tube X1
Gross Weight 25 lbs
Warranty One year limited

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