Obtaining your own images of the most elusive deep space objects require instruments of discerning quality and precision. To help make your efforts successful, we offer the complete Orion Deepest Space, Clearest Images Astro-Imaging Bundle. Our innovative SteadyStar Adaptive Optics Guider and StarShoot Autoguider ensure meticulously accurate guided tracking of the Atlas EQ-G mount, while the significant 8-inch aperture and virtually coma-free Ritchey-Chretien astrograph gathers and transmits ample amounts of light through specialty LRGB filters to our 8.3 megapixel Parsec 8300M Astronomical Imaging Camera. Images obtained through this admirable assembly of imaging gear are sure to amaze friends and family alike!

Orion 8-inch f/8.0 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph telescope
The included Orion 8-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope utilizes hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors to achieve wonderfully flat images that are virtually coma-free. Mirrors are made of BK-7 optical glass with enhanced aluminum 94% - 96% reflectivity coatings, to provide diffraction-limited performance. Since there are no lenses involved, images are also free from chromatic aberration, which affects all but the finest, most expensive apochromatic refractors.

The Orion 8-inch Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope is ideal for use with CCD-chip cameras such as our Orion Parsec 8300M Astronomical Imaging Camera. The telescope's wide, fully illuminated flat field produces pinpoint star clarity all the way to the edge of the camera's sensor. The Orion 8-inch Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph features a machined, dual-speed (10:1) linear-bearing Crayford-style focuser with an engraved millimeter scale on the drawtube. The robust focuser provides precise fine focus adjustment without slippage or flexure with heavy accessories attached. One 2-inch and two 1-inch extension rings are included for adjusting the focus position for various cameras. Focus travel readily accommodates popular imaging accessories. The 21-inch enameled steel optical tube weighs only 15.8 lbs. and features a dovetail mounting bar underneath, for trouble-free setup on the included Orion Atlas EQ-G mount. The inside of the optical tube is fortified with ten computer-positioned light baffles, and the primary mirror baffle tube and secondary mirror light shield are also highly baffled to ensure maximum image contrast.

Orion Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Mount and Tripod
The included Orion Atlas EQ-G is equipped with a computerized GoTo hand controller with a database of 42,900 celestial objects to explore. The mount supports imaging equipment payloads weighing up to 40 lbs. and boasts 2-inch diameter stainless steel legs. Internal DC stepper motors offer nine slew rates ranging from 2x to 800x sidereal and three tracking rates: sidereal, lunar, and solar. The Atlas EQ-G's computerized GoTo controller allows you to select from 42,900 objects and command the mount to automatically pinpoint them. Backlash compensation and programmable PEC provide the responsiveness for guiding and the tracking accuracy needed for astrophotography. There's also a jack for the StarShoot AutoGuider to be plugged right in, without the need for an ancillary adapter. The Orion Atlas EQ-G mount includes RS-232 interface cable, two 11-lb. counterweights, illuminated polar-axis scope, and 13-inch dovetail mounting bar. Operation requires an external 12-volt DC power source such as the Orion Dynamo Pro, or an AC-to-DC wall adapter (both sold separately).

Orion Parsec 8300M Monochrome Astronomical Imaging Camera
The included Orion Parsec 8300M Monochrome Astronomical Imaging Camera provides all the cutting edge technology and features that today's serious CCD imager demands, such as regulated dual-stage cooling, internal shutter, internal full-frame 32 megabyte memory buffer, and more. The high performance Parsec 8300M is built around the CCD chip's square 5.4 micron x 5.4 micron pixel size for superior resolution using Kodak's microlens technology for maximum sensitivity. Regulated dual-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and an adjustable on-board cooling fan dramatically reduces thermal noise. Accurate dark frames can be taken automatically. Thanks to the internal shutter there's no need to cover the telescope! The internal full-frame memory buffer ensures reliable image downloads every time, through a USB-2.0 connection (10-foot USB cable and 10-foot power cable compatible with 12 volt DC cigarette lighter sockets included).

The Parsec 8300M features a monochrome imaging CCD chip, capable of performing advanced tri-color imaging techniques with proper filters. It has standard T-threads on the camera body, removable 2-inch nosepiece threaded for filters, an included custom hard carrying case, and a free full version 60-day trial of MaxIm DL Pro software for camera control and image processing. Parsec cameras feature 16 bit A/D conversion. Windows XP, 7 and Vista 32 bit and 64 bit compatible. ASCOM compatible. The Parsec is a small package (32 oz.) that packs a huge imaging wallop.

As an added bonus, Orion Parsec owners receive $100 off MaxIm DL Pro software!

Orion SteadyStar Adaptive Optics (AO) Guider The SteadyStar Adaptive Optics (AO) Guider makes any imaging-capable mount, even if a modest one, perform more effectively. Precise tracking is one of the most critical facets of astrophotography and this tracking is limited to the accuracy of your mount, plus external factors like wind and atmospheric seeing conditions. The SteadyStar AO Guider overcomes these limitations and challenges and takes control with super fast and accurate guiding. Traditional autoguiding involves moving the mount and telescope, along with all of your attached imaging accessories to correct for tracking errors. Furthermore, autoguiding can typically only make a single correction every couple of seconds or so; during that time your tracking is vulnerable to periodic error from your mount, wind, and atmospheric seeing conditions.

The SteadyStar AO Guider can easily make several tracking corrections in one second without lugging the weight and inertia of the whole telescope. Rather than move all that weight, the SteadyStar AO Guider makes guiding corrections by tilting its on-board optical window, allowing for quick and precise movements several times faster than any traditional autoguider could ever hope to correct. A slight tilt of the optical window actually moves the imaging plane in your camera. This refractive correction, while different than the adaptive optics used in professional observatories, is capable of making extremely fast movements to overcome even the most severe tracking errors. Even though most tracking errors can be compensated by tilting the optical window, the SteadyStar can still send corrections to your mount like a traditional autoguider if the optical window's tilt range is exceeded.

Orion StarShoot AutoGuider
The StarShoot AutoGuider's sensor is a high-resolution, 1/2-inch format 1.3-megapixel CMOS monochrome chip, with 5.2µ x 5.2µ pixels for highly accurate guiding. That high accuracy due to the small pixel size means you can use the AutoGuider with smaller, less expensive guide scopes than is possible with other guide cameras (such as the now-discontinued ST-4). The chip resides in a super-compact, anodized aluminum housing that measures just 2.5-inch wide by 2.35-inch long and weighs a mere 4.4 oz. It has a 1.25-inch nosepiece that can be removed to access a T-thread interface. And the AutoGuider's short inward focus requirement of only 15mm from a typical 1.25-inch Plossl telescope eyepiece makes it compatible with virtually any telescope.

Orion Nautilus 4x2-inch Motorized Filter Wheel
To easily transition filters for LRGB imaging, just load up to four 2-inch filters into the Nautilus 4x2-inch and use your imaging software to change filters automatically. Let your PC do the work while you grab the separate exposures you need through each filter. Versatile threading and adapters provide several attachment methods, including T-threads for focusers with camera adapters, a removable 2-inch nosepiece to allow maximum field illumination to the camera, and a removable T-thread adapter for camera attachment. The Nautilus Motorized filter wheel is powered by the USB connection, needing no other cable or power. ASCOM compatible, Windows XP, 7, and Vista 64bit compatible. Consuming a mere 1-inch of focus travel, the Nautilus 4x2-inch Motorized Filter Wheel is ideal for use with the Parsec 8300M Monochrome Astronomical imaging Camera. Filters are easily changed by removing four screws with the provided hex key. Convenience and time-saving are just the beginning.

Orion 2-inch LRGB Filter Set
Our 2-inch Orion LRGB filters (Luminance, Red, Green and Blue) are useful for a variety of imaging systems including larger format CCDs. These specialized filters are designed for creating high-quality composite color astrophotos of deep sky objects with Orion monochrome imaging cameras or similar monochrome cameras. Combining separate images taken through these four filters with a monochrome CCD provides a higher resolution final image with better color rendition than an image from a comparably sized color CCD. Orion's 2-inch LRGB filter set features robust dichroic glass filters designed for maximum light transmission. The color filters have an IR (infrared) and UV (ultraviolet) blocking coating, and all filters are parfocal to eliminate the tedious task of refocusing between exposure sets. Foam-lined filter case included.

This complete astro-imaging solution bundle also provides an amazing value. Save an astonishing $1475 compared to purchasing each included item separately!

The Orion Deepest Space, Clearest Images Astro-Imaging Bundle Includes:

• Orion 8" f/9.0 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph telescope
• Orion Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Mount and Tripod
• Orion Parsec 8300M Monochrome Astronomical Imaging Camera
• Orion SteadyStar Adaptive Optics (AO) Guider
• Orion StarShoot AutoGuider
• Orion Nautilus 4x2-inch Motorized Filter Wheel
• Orion 2-inch LRGB Filter Set

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.