Ritchey-Chrétien Astrograph optical tube TS-Optics GSO RC 10" f/8 truss type with carbon fiber and focuser with tilter

Ritchey-Chrétien astrograph optical tube TS-Optics GSO RC 10" f/8 truss type with carbon fiber and focuser with tilter

Telescope TS-Optics GSO 10" f/8 RC Ritchey-Chrétien telescope with carbon tube

Most large professional telescopes are built to the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) design. Until a few years ago, these telescopes were unattainable for amateurs, but the RC telescopes from TS -Optics are intended especially for amateur astronomers with an interest in high-resolution astrophotography.

Although their main application is astrophotography, they can also be used for visual observation, where the large corrected field allows for sharper and more defined stars than, for example, a Schmidt-Cassegrain.

Advantages of the RC telescopes from TS-Optics

• Hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors provide a wide, fully illuminated field.

• Astrophotography with sensors up to 30 mm diameter possible without corrector. For larger sensors, such as full-frame, TS-Optics offers ready-to-use correctors.

• High reflectivity of 94% on primary and secondary mirrors for brighter images.

• Faster cooling due to open construction and active ventilation of the primary mirror.

• Internal baffles in the tube enhance contrast.

• Large back-focus, ideal for correctors, reducers and binocular observation.

• High quality 3" MONORAIL focuser with M77x0.75 and M74x0.75 threads and 2" and 1.25" adapters.

Astrophotography with the RC telescope

Thanks to the large corrected field, it is possible to use DSLR cameras up to APS-C format without corrector, turning the RC into a pure mirror system for razor-sharp astrophotography. To attach the camera directly to the focuser, M117x1 extension tubes are supplied, which are threaded between the telescope and the focuser, reducing back-focus.

The generous back-focus also allows the attachment of correctors recommended for full-frame sensors and focal reducers to increase the effective speed of the telescope. The camera connects via the 2" receptacle or through the threads of the focuser and extension tubes, with adapters available in the accessories section.

Advantages of carbon tube over metal tube

Although the weight reduction is minimal (approx. 500 g), the great benefit of carbon is the focus stability against temperature changes, essential in astrophotography. Metal tubes expand or contract, causing focus shifts and the need to refocus. The carbon tube, combined with quartz mirrors, maintains sharpness even over long exposures.

Carbon fiber truss design

Carbon fiber truss tubes are lightweight and strong, with minimal thermal expansion. This reduces focus shifts due to temperature changes. The trusses flex uniformly, maintaining collimated optics regardless of telescope position.

3" Monorail Focuser

The Monorail focuser is an evolution of the Crayford design. The load does not rest on bearings, but on a stainless steel guide, preventing tilting and bending even with heavy weights. An adjustable center screw ensures precise alignment of the inner tube.

Technical specifications:

• Stroke: approx. 80 mm

• Free opening: 68 mm

• Guide: massive steel rail

• 1:10 transmission for precise focusing

• 360° rotation

• Adaptable to 2" and M68 female thread, compatible with off-axis guides of TS

Quartz mirrors with 94% reflectivity

Quartz glass does not deform with temperature changes, ensuring stable focus over long exposures. Both mirrors are coated with 94% reflectivity, providing brighter images than telescopes with only 90% reflection.

Advantages of RC for astrophotography

The TS RC telescopes are true Ritchey-Chrétien. Unlike Maksutov or Schmidt-Cassegrain, which need correctors and have field aberrations, RCs with hyperbolic mirrors offer ultra-sharp, coma-free fields.

Superior to Schmidt-Cassegrain with correctors:

• Pure reflection system without lenses, exploiting all light, even in infrared.

• Flat, coma-free fields by design.

• Brighter images and shorter exposures.

No shifting problems:
Focusing is done by the high quality focuser, without moving the primary mirror. This ensures the optimum distance between primary and secondary, always guaranteeing the best image quality.

Adjustment and collimation

To adjust the telescope we recommend tools like TSRCKOLLI or collimating telescopes, available in the "Cleaning and collimation" section.

Technical specifications - TS-Optics GSO 10" f/8 RC Ritchey-Chrétien

• Optical design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) with hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors

• Aperture: 10" / 250 mm

• Focal length: 2000 mm

• Focal ratio: f/8

• Mirror material: Low thermal expansion quartz glass (primary and secondary)

• Reflectivity: 94% with enhanced coating

• Back Focus: 210 mm from the M117x1 male thread of the tube

• Resolution: 0.46

• Tube: Carbon truss with 2 type dovetails Losmandy

• Tube weight: 16.5 kg including focuser

• Focuser weight: 1 kg

• Tube diameter: approx. 420 mm

• Focuser: 3" Monorail M-LRN with micrometric drive and 5 kg load capacity

• Connection on the eyepiece holder: 2" and 1.25"

• Additional threads: Female thread M77x0.75 on extension tube and male thread M74x0.75

• Working distance from the 2" socket: 131 mm

• Working distance from the M117x1 thread on the tube: 226 mm

BOX CONTENTS:

• RC Astrographic Telescope 10" f/8
• 3" Monorail focuser with double speed 1:10 micrometer transmission
• 2" and 1.25" adapters
• 2 dovetails Losmandy style for accessories and guiding

Ritchey-Chrétien astrograph optical tube TS-Optics GSO RC 10" f/8 truss tube with carbon fiber and focuser with tilter