{"product_id":"stellalyra-8-f-8-m-lrs-ritchey-chretien-carbon-fibre-telescope-ota","title":"StellaLyra 8\" F\/8 M-LRS Ritchey-Chrétien Carbon Fibre Telescope OTA","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.dcs-rc8c{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;color:#243445;font:inherit;line-height:1.7;text-align:left;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.dcs-rc8c *{box-sizing:border-box}.dcs-rc8c h2,.dcs-rc8c h3{color:#091725;line-height:1.25;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left}\n.dcs-rc8c h2{font-size:clamp(25px,3vw,34px);margin:0 0 18px}.dcs-rc8c h3{font-size:23px;margin:0 0 16px}\n.dcs-rc8c p{margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-rc8c figure{margin:0;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e0e5e9;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}\n.dcs-rc8c img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;max-width:600px;margin:auto;object-fit:contain}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-feature,.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-intro{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,280px),1fr));gap:clamp(20px,4vw,40px);align-items:center;margin:0 0 38px}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-intro{padding:24px;background:#091725;border-top:4px solid #c89524;border-radius:12px}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-intro h2,.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-intro p{color:#fff!important}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-label{font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-panel{background:#f3f5f7;border-radius:12px;padding:24px;margin:0 0 32px}\n.dcs-rc8c ul{padding-left:22px;margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-rc8c li{margin-bottom:8px}\n.dcs-rc8c table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;table-layout:fixed;margin:16px 0 28px;font-size:15px}\n.dcs-rc8c th,.dcs-rc8c td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;white-space:normal}\n.dcs-rc8c th{background:#f3f5f7;color:#091725}.dcs-rc8c th[scope=row]{width:42%}\n.dcs-rc8c details{border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;padding:16px 0}.dcs-rc8c summary{cursor:pointer;font-weight:700;color:#091725}.dcs-rc8c details p{margin:12px 0 0}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-note{border-left:3px solid #c89524;padding:14px 18px;background:#fff8e8;margin:28px 0}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:24px 0}.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-links a{padding:12px 18px;border-radius:6px;background:#c89524;color:#091725!important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none!important;min-height:44px}\n.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-links a:last-child{background:#f0f3f6}.dcs-rc8c a:focus-visible,.dcs-rc8c summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #2874aa;outline-offset:4px}\n@media(max-width:600px){.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-intro,.dcs-rc8c .rc8c-panel{padding:18px}.dcs-rc8c th,.dcs-rc8c td{padding:9px 7px;font-size:14px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"dcs-rc8c\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"rc8c-label\"\u003eStellaLyra · 8-inch f\/8 Carbon-Fibre RC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGive smaller deep-sky targets more of the frame.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StellaLyra 8-inch carbon-fibre Ritchey–Chrétien combines a 200mm aperture and 1600mm focal length in a compact optical tube. It is a platform for a dedicated camera system, with a fixed primary mirror and manual rear focusing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it when you want to move beyond wide-field framing and have a mounting, guiding and focusing plan that suits the longer focal length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-mlrs-carbon-rc-ota.jpg?v=1789723229\" alt=\"StellaLyra 8-inch f\/8 M-LRS carbon-fibre Ritchey-Chretien optical tube\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStart with the images you want to make.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA longer focal length gives a tighter field with the same camera. That can suit a smaller galaxy or compact nebula that occupies too little of a wide-field image, while larger subjects may need a mosaic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut your camera and several intended targets into a field-of-view planner before choosing. Compare both framing and image scale with your existing system. A larger target on the sensor is useful only when the tracking, focus and atmospheric conditions support the detail you want to record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-carbon-rc-detail-2.jpg?v=1789816176\" alt=\"Front aperture, secondary mirror and baffles of StellaLyra 8-inch carbon RC\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRC optics with a fixed primary mirror.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ritchey–Chrétien design uses hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors to correct coma. Internal baffles help control stray light, and the primary remains fixed during focusing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComa correction is not a promise of a flat, fully corrected field across every camera sensor. Choose any reducer or flattener for the RC design and your camera, rather than carrying a Newtonian coma corrector over from a different telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-carbon-rc-detail-1.jpg?v=1789816164\" alt=\"StellaLyra 8-inch f\/8 carbon-fibre RC with upper and lower rails\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCarbon construction in a compact tube.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe published tube dimensions are 457mm long and 229mm in diameter, with a weight of 7.48kg including the supplied accessories. Upper and lower mounting rails provide attachment points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the supplied rail format against your mount saddle before ordering. Add the camera, filters, guiding equipment and cables to your payload calculation, then assess the complete assembly for both balance and tracking performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLeave room for the equipment behind the telescope.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical tube is only part of the assembled length. Extension rings, camera adapters and filter hardware add equipment behind the rear cell, shifting the balance and reducing clearance around the mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalance with the actual imaging train fitted. Check saddle travel and movement near the tripod or pier, and route cables so they remain supported without restricting the mount. Carbon-fibre construction does not remove the need to recheck focus as conditions change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-carbon-rc-detail-3.jpg?v=1789816188\" alt=\"Rear dual-speed focuser on StellaLyra 8-inch carbon RC\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCoarse and fine control at the rear focuser.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 2-inch dual-speed manual focuser provides the focus adjustment, with a 1.25-inch adapter supplied. Approach focus with short exposures, then refine it using a repeatable focus measurement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport the camera while securing the connections and check the assembled load at different telescope orientations. If matching an autofocus motor, bracket or threaded adapter, ask us to confirm the current focuser revision and connections before ordering those accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSet extension length and optical spacing separately.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo 25mm and one 50mm extension rings are included to position the focuser for different equipment arrangements. Use the combination your camera setup needs; all three are not automatically required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reducer or flattener has its own specified distance to the sensor. Account for the camera’s sensor recess, adapters and any filter equipment, then check that the complete system reaches focus. Record the arrangement so you can reassemble it accurately after removing the camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlan a first session around checking the system.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a tracking and guiding arrangement suited to 1600mm imaging, and allow time for the telescope to settle towards outdoor conditions. Check collimation with a method appropriate to an RC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with short star-field exposures and inspect the centre and corners before committing to a long sequence. If the result is uneven, separate focus, tilt, alignment, spacing and tracking checks. Change one thing at a time and avoid adjusting an already well-aligned system without evidence of a problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded and purchased separately\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eSupplied with the telescope\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eChoose separately\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon-fibre RC tube with rear focuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTracking mount and tripod or pier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper and lower mounting rails\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera, filter hardware and camera adapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAny RC-compatible reducer or flattener\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo 25mm and one 50mm extension rings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinder, guiding equipment and power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinder base and front dust cover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEyepieces and diagonal for visual use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDesign \/ aperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRitchey–Chrétien \/ 200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal length \/ ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1600mm \/ f\/8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTube construction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon fibre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFocusing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed primary; 2-inch dual-speed manual focuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTube length \/ diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e457mm \/ 229mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eWeight with included accessories\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.48kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBefore choosing the 8-inch RC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs this supplied with a finder or camera?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The finder base is provided, but the finder and camera are separate purchases. Tell us what equipment you already own so the remaining components can be identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes a 2-inch focuser guarantee full-frame coverage?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Camera coverage and star quality depend on the complete optical and mechanical arrangement. Check the sensor size, correction optics, connections and clear apertures together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat should I compare with the 6-inch carbon RC?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompare target framing with your camera, the total mounting load and the cost of the complete system. A smaller setup that tracks and focuses reliably can be a better fit than a larger tube that stretches the rest of the rig.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-note\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplier-stock availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailability reflects supplier stock and can change. Contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if you need the telescope for a particular date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8c-links\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/stellalyra\"\u003eExplore the StellaLyra range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:contact@darkclearskies.co.uk?subject=StellaLyra%208-inch%20carbon%20RC\"\u003eCheck mount and camera compatibility\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"StellaLyra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55665192632696,"sku":null,"price":1099.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-mlrs-carbon-rc-ota.jpg?v=1789723229","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/stellalyra-8-f-8-m-lrs-ritchey-chretien-carbon-fibre-telescope-ota","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}