{"product_id":"stellalyra-8-f-8-m-lrs-ritchey-chretien-telescope-ota","title":"StellaLyra 8\" f\/8 M-LRS Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope OTA","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.dcs-rc8m{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;color:#243445;font:inherit;line-height:1.7;text-align:left;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.dcs-rc8m *{box-sizing:border-box}.dcs-rc8m h2,.dcs-rc8m h3{color:#091725;line-height:1.25;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left}\n.dcs-rc8m h2{font-size:clamp(25px,3vw,34px);margin:0 0 18px}.dcs-rc8m h3{font-size:23px;margin:0 0 16px}\n.dcs-rc8m p{margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-rc8m figure{margin:0;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e0e5e9;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}\n.dcs-rc8m img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;max-width:600px;margin:auto;object-fit:contain}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-feature,.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-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-rc8m .rc8m-intro{padding:24px;background:#091725;border-top:4px solid #c89524;border-radius:12px}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-intro h2,.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-intro p{color:#fff!important}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-label{font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-panel{background:#f3f5f7;border-radius:12px;padding:24px;margin:0 0 32px}\n.dcs-rc8m ul{padding-left:22px;margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-rc8m li{margin-bottom:8px}\n.dcs-rc8m table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;table-layout:fixed;margin:16px 0 28px;font-size:15px}\n.dcs-rc8m th,.dcs-rc8m td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;white-space:normal}\n.dcs-rc8m th{background:#f3f5f7;color:#091725}.dcs-rc8m th[scope=row]{width:42%}\n.dcs-rc8m details{border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;padding:16px 0}.dcs-rc8m summary{cursor:pointer;font-weight:700;color:#091725}.dcs-rc8m details p{margin:12px 0 0}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-note{border-left:3px solid #c89524;padding:14px 18px;background:#fff8e8;margin:28px 0}\n.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:24px 0}.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-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-rc8m .rc8m-links a:last-child{background:#f0f3f6}.dcs-rc8m a:focus-visible,.dcs-rc8m summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #2874aa;outline-offset:4px}\n@media(max-width:600px){.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-intro,.dcs-rc8m .rc8m-panel{padding:18px}.dcs-rc8m th,.dcs-rc8m td{padding:9px 7px;font-size:14px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"dcs-rc8m\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"rc8m-label\"\u003eStellaLyra · 8-inch f\/8 M-LRS Metal RC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMove from wide fields to closer compositions.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StellaLyra 8-inch metal Ritchey–Chrétien pairs a 200mm aperture with a 1600mm focal length. Its folded optical design puts that focal length into a short tube, with a fixed primary mirror and a separate rear focuser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild around it when smaller deep-sky targets are your priority and you want to choose the camera, guiding and correction optics as a complete imaging system.\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-rc-ota.jpg?v=1789723238\" alt=\"StellaLyra 8-inch f\/8 M-LRS metal Ritchey-Chretien optical tube\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere the metal model fits in the range.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model has the same aperture and focal length as the 8-inch carbon-fibre RC. With the same camera and optical accessories, it therefore provides the same framing. The published weight with accessories is 8.5kg, compared with 7.48kg for the carbon version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompare the complete system cost alongside handling and mounting requirements. The tube is one part of the investment: reliable tracking, suitable camera connections and a repeatable focusing routine all matter to the finished image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-metal-rc-detail-3.jpg?v=1789816664\" alt=\"Front aperture and lower mounting rail of StellaLyra 8-inch metal RC\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAn RC design for imaging smaller targets.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors form the coma-corrected Ritchey–Chrétien system. Internal baffles help control stray light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest your intended galaxies and nebulae in a field-of-view planner with your actual sensor. Longer focal length can give a useful closer composition, while larger subjects may call for mosaics. Check image scale as well as framing: atmospheric seeing and mount performance influence how much detail the setup can record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMatch any correction optics to the RC system.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComa correction does not guarantee a flat, sharp field over every sensor. Choose any reducer or flattener for the RC design and the camera you intend to use, checking sensor coverage and mechanical connections together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Newtonian coma corrector is not an interchangeable solution. If you already have accessories, send us their exact model names before ordering adapters. A shared barrel size is only one part of compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-metal-rc-detail-2.jpg?v=1789816652\" alt=\"Rear dual-speed focuser on StellaLyra 8-inch metal RC\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRefine focus while the primary remains fixed.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2-inch dual-speed linear-bearing Crayford focuser provides coarse and fine manual control at the rear of the tube. Focusing moves the camera or eyepiece rather than the primary mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport the camera while securing it, then check the assembly through different telescope orientations. Approach focus with short exposures and refine it using a consistent measurement. Recheck during the night as conditions change, and confirm motor and bracket compatibility separately if you plan autofocus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-metal-rc-detail-1.jpg?v=1789816639\" alt=\"StellaLyra 8-inch f\/8 metal RC showing upper and lower rails\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBalance the finished rig, including its rear extension.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tube is 457mm long and 229mm in diameter, with upper and lower mounting rails supplied. Confirm the supplied rail format against your mount saddle when planning the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour camera, filter equipment and extension rings add length and weight behind the telescope. Fit those parts before balancing, then check saddle travel, pier or tripod clearance and cable movement. Include every accessory when assessing the mount load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse the extension rings to suit your camera.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo 25mm rings and one 50mm ring are supplied. Select the combination needed to place your camera within the usable focusing range; all three are not automatically required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reducer or flattener has a separate specified sensor distance. Account for the camera’s sensor recess, filter hardware and adapters when setting that spacing. Keep a record of the final arrangement so removing the camera does not mean starting the setup process again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGive the first session to setup checks.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow time for the telescope to settle towards outdoor conditions, and check collimation with a method appropriate to an RC. Avoid adjusting a well-aligned system without evidence that it needs attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake short star-field exposures and inspect the centre and corners before committing to a long sequence. Work through focus, alignment, tilt, spacing and tracking one factor at a time if the stars are uneven. A compact tube still needs a tracking and guiding arrangement suited to its long focal length.\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\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\u003eMetal RC tube and fitted 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, filters 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 material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetal\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 linear-bearing Crayford\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eLength \/ 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\u003e8.5kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon buying questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes it include everything needed for imaging?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The optical tube package needs a suitable mount, camera and connections, plus any guiding and correction optics required by your plan. Ask us to check the equipment you already own and identify what remains.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs the finder included?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. A mounting base is supplied, but the finder is purchased separately. An optical finder is a pointing aid and does not provide tracking or autoguiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I use an eyepiece?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, with suitable accessories and an appropriate focus arrangement. If visual observing is your main aim, compare the full mounting and accessory requirements with the other telescope types in the StellaLyra range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rc8m-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=\"rc8m-links\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/stellalyra\"\u003eCompare the StellaLyra range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:contact@darkclearskies.co.uk?subject=StellaLyra%208-inch%20metal%20RC\"\u003eCheck your proposed setup\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"StellaLyra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55665192665464,"sku":null,"price":899.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-8-f8-mlrs-rc-ota.jpg?v=1789723238","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/stellalyra-8-f-8-m-lrs-ritchey-chretien-telescope-ota","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}