telescopecomparison · 2-way
Astro-Tech AT8RC vs Astro-Tech AT12RC


Astro-Tech
AT12RC
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a permanent observatory setup.
Key differences
-33% focal length
-33% aperture
Specifications
| Specification | Astro-Tech AT8RC | Astro-Tech AT12RC |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | RC | ritchey-chretien |
| Optical design | Ritchey-Chrétien | Truss Ritchey-Chrétien |
| Aperture | 203mm | 305mm |
| Focal length | 1624mm | 2432mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/8.0 | f/8.0 |
| Image circle | 42mm | — |
| Full-frame support | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 10.0kg | 26.5kg |
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Wider field — 1624mm vs 2432mm focal length
- Larger image circle (42mm) — supports bigger sensors
- Lighter (10kg vs 26.5kg) — easier to travel with
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT12RC
- Tighter framing — 2432mm vs 1624mm focal length
- 50% more light-gathering aperture
Best for — Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Astro-Tech AT12RC
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Astro-Tech AT8RC — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.27° × 0.85°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.83° × 0.55°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.40° × 0.40°Scale: 0.48"/px
Astro-Tech AT12RC — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.85° × 0.57°Scale: 0.32"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.55° × 0.37°Scale: 0.32"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.27° × 0.27°Scale: 0.32"/px
Astro-Tech AT8RC — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.
Astro-Tech AT12RC — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a permanent observatory setup.