Images of the Canon EOS Ra appear – UPDATE

Product images of the upcoming EOS Ra have appeared.  It’s very likely we’ll see this camera very shortly.
The EOS-Ra is an EOS R with a sensor modification that allows for h-Alpha wavelengths to pass through unimpeded by the IR cut filter that sits in front of the sensor.  Normally a stock IR Cut filter that digital cameras employ has around a 2-3 stop loss at the h-Alpha wavelength of 656.28nm.

Why is this good for astrophotography? Atypically emission nebulae emit this wavelength, and as well, the Sun’s atmosphere (take proper precautions if you try this!).  Letting more of this light to reach the sensor allows for better contrast and detail when it comes to nebulae and deep sky astrophotography.
Since the EOS Ra is modified to pass more light of the 656nm wavelength, white balance and colors will be a bit off for normal photography.  You can, however, use a hot mirror filter that screws on the front of your lens to correct the filtering for normal color photography...

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This is a great announcement. It is the specialist elements of the Canon system which are about to bring me back from a few years with Fuji - the newer T/S lenses with more advanced movements and this astro-specific camera really show that Canon cares about the needs of every photographer. I really like the way they have thought about the new RF 2.8 zooms, like the 70-200 and lost a lot of size and weight making the most of mirrorless too. Bravo, bravo.
 
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Aug 29, 2019
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Also, the RF to EF adapter with a drop in filter is a great solution for IR-filtering instead of front filters for the EOS Ra. (only works for EF lenses though, but for all of them).

Is this drop in IR filter something that already exists or are you saying it would be logical to offer it that way? If that’s all you meant, then I totally agree.
 
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tron

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I would like to see a sample from an Astro camera taking regular shots. Just curious as the look. If it more or camera looking or something else.
Reasonable request. At the Adorama site they mentioned:

"With a 30.3-Megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor and Digic 8 image processor, the EOS Ra produces stunning image results, day or night."

Which looks like marketing to me. Nothing concrete.
 
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Jan 5, 2016
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I think this model makes sense.

The EOS 60Da was released in 2012, seven years after the 20Da. Seven years & a new mount later, I'm not surprised there's another astronomy model coming out.

My guess is Canon makes good money on a very little investment in those models (probably very little beyond the IR filter, e.g. change model number in ROM), and leaving customers who shoot astronomy without an upgrade path when their camera goes out of maintenance is bound to piss them off and lead to negative PR.
 
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Joules

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Any recommendations on a suitable telescope with tracking ability? (auto alignment if possible).
It is not required to go full out on astro gear to capture deep sky images. I got myself a Fornax Lightrack II portable tracking mount and use my Sigma 150-600mm lens, which is still a combination I could take out into the field when I want to escape the light pollution. I haven't done that yet, but I'm pleased with the results so far.

For less extreme focal lengths, a more inexpensive tracking mount like a Skywatcher Star Adventurer or something from iOptron are good choices as well. If you really want advice in a telescope, I'm not sure I would seek it in this forum. It's a pretty niche topic and I believe there are more fitting forums for it.
 
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