Astrophotoguru · Compare

telescopecomparison · 2-way

Astro-Tech AT8RC vs Astro-Tech AT12RC

Astro-Tech AT8RC
Astro-Tech

AT8RC

Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.

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

SpecificationAstro-Tech AT8RCAstro-Tech AT12RC
Optics
TypeRCritchey-chretien
Optical designRitchey-ChrétienTruss Ritchey-Chrétien
Aperture203mm305mm
Focal length1624mm2432mm
Native f/ratiof/8.0f/8.0
Image circle42mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight10.0kg26.5kg
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.

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