Celestron RASA 36 V2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Optical Tube Assembly
Item #91078
A professional f/2.2 wide-field astrograph with a 36 cm aperture. Built for science. Priced within reach.
The RASA 36 cm V2 is not just a telescope—it’s a gateway to wide-field celestial imaging on a professional scale. Designed from the ground up for demanding applications in astrophotography, space surveillance, and scientific research, the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) 36 V2 brings together massive aperture, high speed, and exquisite field flatness into one precision-engineered package. Whether you’re conducting near-Earth object tracking, performing wide-field sky surveys, or building an observatory-class imaging setup, the RASA 36 delivers an unmatched blend of speed and resolution.
This is Celestron’s flagship astrograph—the largest and fastest in the RASA lineup, and the most powerful off-the-shelf imaging telescope in its class.
Ultra-Fast, Ultra-Wide, Ultra-Precise
At the core of the RASA 36 is a 355.6mm (14") aperture optical system operating at an extraordinarily fast f/2.2 focal ratio. This combination offers an enormous light grasp and very short exposure times, allowing imagers to reach deep-sky targets quickly—even with narrowband filters. With a focal length of 790mm and an optimized image circle of 60mm, the RASA 36 supports some of the largest imaging sensors on the market, with stars that remain tack-sharp across the entire 4.4° field of view.
The 4-element lens group, mounted in front of the corrector plate, includes extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for exceptional color correction and suppression of chromatic aberration. The design produces tiny RMS spot sizes under 6.3 microns across the entire field, virtually eliminating coma, field curvature, and off-axis astigmatism. Whether you're using a full-frame CMOS camera or an oversized CCD sensor, you'll see pinpoint stars from edge to edge.
Scientific Imaging from 400 to 900nm
While most optical systems are optimized for the visible spectrum, the RASA 36 has been carefully engineered to maintain focus across an extended spectral range from 400 to 900 nanometers. This enhanced response includes the near-infrared portion of the spectrum—an increasingly important region for astrophysical imaging, exoplanet searches, and astronomical surveys. With modern sensors that offer increased sensitivity in the 700–900nm band, the RASA 36 lets you extract more signal in less time, without compromising optical clarity.
Stability You Can Count On
To match the optical precision of the RASA 36, Celestron introduced the Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS)—a major leap forward in mirror support and focusing mechanics. At the heart of the system is a precision linear ball bearing that prevents unwanted lateral movement of the primary mirror during focus changes (commonly known as image shift), as well as mirror flop when slewing to different parts of the sky. Whether imaging at the zenith or near the horizon, your focal plane stays locked.
The USFS is fully compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A), allowing for motorized focus control without introducing flex or backlash.
A built-in 12V MagLev cooling fan helps the massive optical tube reach thermal equilibrium faster, maintaining image quality throughout the night. Air flows through micromesh-filtered vents that keep dust and debris from entering the optical system—crucial for remote or robotic observatories.
Engineered for Flexibility
The rear cell includes dual dovetail mounting bars, supporting both Losmandy-style plates and a wide variety of accessory options. Carry handles are built in to help safely lift and install the 75-pound OTA, and Celestron includes both 77.5mm and 55mm back focus interfaces to support a range of camera configurations. Fine alignment of the lens group can be achieved using the integrated push-pull collimation screws, though the system is pre-aligned at the factory to exacting tolerances.
Rounding out the optical performance is Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT multi-coatings, delivering high transmission and low reflection across the full working spectrum. The optical tube is constructed from machined aluminum and measures 42.5" long with a 16" outer diameter—designed to last, even under continuous use in observatory conditions.
Freight and Delivery Note
Due to its size, weight, and the precision alignment of its optics, the RASA 36 V2 ships via palletized LTL freight. This protects the telescope from transport damage and ensures it arrives aligned and ready for performance. Celestron requires this shipping method for all deliveries, including those from authorized dealers to end users. An additional freight charge applies.
Technical Specifications
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Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
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Aperture: 355.6mm (14")
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Focal Length: 790mm
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Focal Ratio: f/2.2
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Image Circle: 60.1mm (4.4° field)
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Back Focus: 77.5mm from top of collar; 55mm with included M48 adapter
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Spot Size: <6.3 microns RMS
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Wavelength Range: 400–900nm
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Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.39 arcseconds
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Central Obstruction: 158mm (44%)
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OTA Weight: 75 lbs (34.02 kg)
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OTA Length: 1079.5mm (42.5")
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Included Accessories: M48 camera adapter, fan battery pack
Observing Tip
Because of its extreme speed and wide field, the RASA 36 is a phenomenal match for large-format sensors—especially when paired with cooled monochrome cameras for narrowband imaging. To get the most from your system, use high-quality filters and a rigid mounting platform. The f/2.2 beam is demanding on filter tilt and thickness tolerances, so expect better performance from filters with excellent optical flatness and tight mechanical tolerances.
Final Thoughts
The RASA 36 V2 stands at the frontier of optical capability for wide-field astrophotography and scientific imaging. It brings together Celestron’s long heritage of Schmidt designs with modern innovation in stability, spectral response, and imaging convenience. Whether you're imaging the Milky Way in a single frame or running a multi-camera sky survey, the RASA 36 opens a window to the sky that few other systems can match—especially at this price.
For universities, observatories, research programs, and serious imagers who demand fast, flawless performance across massive sensors, the RASA 36 isn’t just a good option. It’s the benchmark.
