Confused about 8" RC Astro-tech for visual.

[Pharian (Christopher)]

Hi all,

Quick question. I have been considering buying an 8" RC, the rebadged astrotech but someone told me that I wouldn't be able to use it for visual viewing at all because the focal position is too far forward it won't resolve into an eyepiece.

Is that right? I was planning to use it visually as well.

[glend (Glen)]

The GSO RC08 (aka bagded as Orions, Astrotech, and others) can be used visually but it requires the use of both extension tubes whereas with a camera nly the single longer extension is required. I have used mine visually for testing so i know it can be done. However it s not a great visual scope compared to others. Where it shines is in fairly long focal length imaging.

Once you have it set up for imaging I would suggest not changing it, as you need to collimate it for your camera.
Don't buy one if your not prepared to learn how to collimate it correctly.
There are other things you would need to buy as well, like the GSO collimation ring, that allows you to properly align tge focuser. The stock GSO focuser can be a pain to keep aligned due to the bevel edge mount of the tube which can shift when camera weight is applied. Most people eventually install a Moonlight focuser or equivalent.
Good luck.read all you can about RC collimation before you buy.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Why not just get a newt if you want the same fl use a Barlow

[Atmos (Colin)]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

Why not just get a newt if you want the same fl use a Barlow

The problem with using a RC for visual is that it has a huge secondary mirror. Great for imaging but it drastically reduces the contrast when used visually. A 8-10" newt will be FAR better to use visually, easier to collimate (I haven't actually attempted collimating a RC but I have heard about it) but you will need to get a coma corrector for imaging.