Starlight focusers are known worldwide as the finest focusers available to serious amateur astronomers today. Precision crafted and aesthetically styled, Starlight's Feather Touch^® focusers feature a full range of options for virtually every astronomical need.

Note: Base Plate & Eyepiece Adapters sold separately.

Standard Features -Ultra-smooth coarse/fine focus knobs (10:1 Ratio) -Glare resistant black internal baffling -Durable hardened stainless steel, steel, and aluminum construction -Anodized aluminum fine focus knob -Standard Draw Tube with nylon-tipped stainless steel set screws (gentle on eyepieces) -Ultra-Low backlash system for accurate control -52mm threaded Draw Tube to accommodate filters -Sleek aesthetic design

We have recently introduced a new design that incorporates a brass compression ring. This ring acts as a buffer between the thumb screws and your eyepieces so that it will not mar them. The Compression Ring also has improved holding power over the nylon tipped screws. NOTE: There are two thumb screws on our draw tubes with the Compression Ring. The right screw is used for 2” eyepieces and the left screw is used for 1 ¼ eyepieces. The left thumb screw is nylon tipped and can also be used in addition to the right thumb screw. When used with our 1 ¼ -2 inch zero length adapter, the left thumb screw is used to hold the 1 ¼ eyepiece in place.

NOTE:

1. All draw tubes are machined with internal anti-reflection baffling.

2. All draw tubes also have a 52 mm thread machined on the back surface. This will accommodate permanent or semi permanent filters if desired, such as Light Pollution Filters, clear filters for dust protection, etc. Step down adapters that reduce the 52 mm thread to 48 mm threads are available through larger camera stores.

Internal Brake System (IBS)

In some Newtonian telescopes the brake option may be needed. If the draw tube motion is not horizontal and has a vertical component, the brake option should be considered. This may be needed if heavy eyepieces or accessories are used that may result in the draw tube to drift from its set position. This is necessary because our focusers are so smooth and move so freely. Although they will hold some weight in the vertical position without drifting (generally about 1 lb.), if more control is needed the IBS should be considered.

The brake consists of a lever arrangement internal to the pinion block. By adjusting the thumb screw on the pinion block this lever presses a friction pad onto the pinion thereby increasing the torque that is needed to turn the focus knobs. If the thumb screw is turned all the way in, the pinion shaft and the draw tube will be locked. Opposite this thumb screw is a small set screw that is factory set and should not be adjusted by the customer.

Standard Flat Base

Generally a flat base can be used for most Newtonian applications if the optics are in proper alignment and if the upper cage or telescope tube has a flat mounting surface. If adjustments are necessary the focuser base can be shimmed underneath the base. Although this method may be a bit more time consuming, it is less likely to change over time especially when wooden or cardboard tubes are used. Mounting hardware is supplied with each focuser base. A 2 5/8 - 2 ¾ inch diameter hole is required for the draw tube clearance while the base itself uses a 2 ¾ inch square bolt hole pattern. The screws used to attach the focuser base to the tube are 8-32 Socket Head Cap Screws (Allen Heads). NOTE: A 2 5/8 - 2 3/4 inch diameter hole is required for the draw tube clearance and the bases uses a 2 ¾ inch square bolt hole pattern. The screws used to attach the focuser base to the tube are 8-32 Socket Head Cap Screws (Allen Heads).

Standard Flat Leveling Base

The flat leveling base uses four brass leveling screws to assist in the adjustment and collimation of the focuser. The screws have a specially designed domed face so that they contact more of the wood or cardboard surface to prevent seating of the screws. The focuser will have to be loosened and rotated to make this adjustment using the two set screws on the base.

Custom Machined Curved Base

A curved base can be custom machined to match your tube diameter if it does not have a flat mounting surface.

NOTE:

1.) A 2 5/8 - 2 3/4 inch diameter hole is required for the draw tube clearance and the bases uses a 2 ¾ inch square bolt hole pattern. The screws used to attach the focuser base to the tube are 8-32 Socket Head Cap Screws (Allen Heads).

2.) ***When ordering, you must supply us with the outside tube diameter of your scope. For custom radius bases please measure the tube diameter across two perpendicular distances through the centerline of the tube and average these two values.

3.) Mounting hardware is included with the base.

Custom Machined Curved Leveling Base

The curved leveling base uses four brass leveling screws to assist in the adjustment and collimation of the focuser. The leveling screws are drilled at an angle for improved contact between the screw face and the tube. The focuser will have to be loosened and rotated to make this adjustment using the two set screws on the base.