{"product_id":"rc24-telescope","title":"PlaneWave RC20 F\/7 OTA","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"207\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"207\"\u003ePlaneWave RC20 – 20-Inch Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"321\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"321\"\u003eA compact, high-precision RC instrument engineered for demanding astronomical research and astrophotography.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"753\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"327\" data-end=\"345\"\u003ePlaneWave RC20\u003c\/strong\u003e telescope system features a 20-inch (508mm) aperture and a classic Ritchey-Chrétien optical design—delivering superb image quality, reduced optical aberrations, and excellent contrast. The carbon-fiber dual-truss construction ensures stability, strength, and minimal thermal expansion, making the RC20 an ideal instrument for observatories seeking sharp, professional-grade imagery and reliable performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"758\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"760\" data-end=\"786\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"764\" data-end=\"786\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"1144\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"807\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)\u003cbr data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"832\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"851\"\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 508mm (20 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"868\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"884\"\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/7\u003cbr data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"891\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3556mm\u003cbr data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"918\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"933\"\u003eBack Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 147mm from fully racked-in focuser\u003cbr data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"971\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"988\"\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual carbon-fiber truss design\u003cbr data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1022\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1039\"\u003eWeight Class:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightweight yet rigid for high-performance mounting\u003cbr data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1094\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1113\"\u003eFocus Position:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cassegrain \/ Instrument side\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1149\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1151\" data-end=\"1185\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1185\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003eHigh-Resolution Imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eOptimized for reduced off-axis coma and astigmatism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eDelivers a flat, high-contrast field ideal for large-format CCDs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1370\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1368\"\u003eScientific Research:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1428\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eSuitable for photometry, astrometry, and spectroscopy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1428\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eSupports professional observatory installations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1510\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eConstruction Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1565\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eCarbon fiber materials minimize thermal distortion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1565\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eLightweight frame enables fast slewing and easier mount integration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1642\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1715\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eLet me know if you'd like a matching layout for a mount or another OTA!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49937788829984,"sku":"240125Q","price":66000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/image_2025-09-16_100842959.png?v=1758042523","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/rc24-telescope","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}