Starlight Instruments' Focuser Tutorial

What kind of telescope do you have?

For Newtonians (And Dobsonians)

Focusers

For a Newtonian style telescope, we recommend our models FTF2015, FTF2020, or FTF2025 and their variants.  When you choose a focuser, you will need to consider the "focus travel." The focus travel, or "Draw Travel," is the total distance an inserted eyepiece moves in and out of the focuser housing as a result of turning the focus knob on the focuser.  The Starlight Feather Touch® focusers recommended for Newtonian style telescopes have draw travel lengths of 1.5'', 2.0'', and 2.5'' inches. 

Options

Some astronomers prefer our draw tube compression ring system as a way of holding the eyepiece in the focuser rather than the standard nylon tipped screws.  The compression ring allows for a more secure hold for the eyepiece by utilizing the surface area of the ring. 

Another option you may wish to consider is the internal brake system.  This system allows the focuser to hold heavier loads.  While not usually required on Newtonian scopes,  you may wish to consider it if you'll be using heavy eyepieces and equipment or if the focuser is positioned on your telescope vertical to the ground.

Base Plates

Base plates are mounted on a Newtonian (or Dobsonian) style telescope to hold the focuser in place.  Your choice of base plate depends mainly on the surface characteristics of your telescope.  Is the place you're going to mount the base curved or flat?  If it's curved, as in the case of a tube design, you'll  likely need either our Customized Curved Base or our Customized Curved Leveling Base.  In both of these cases you will need to supply Starlight Instruments, Inc. with the outside diameter of the tube upon which you'll be mounting the base. 

If the place you'll be mounting the base is flat, you'll likely choose either our Standard Flat Base or our Standard Flat Leveling Base.  Leveling bases, whether flat or curved, assist in the adjustment and collimation of the focuser.  Feather Touch® focusers can be detached from Starlight Instruments' bases.

Adaptors  

Adaptors are used in conjunction with a focuser to allow more flexibility with respect to eyepiece choice.  Our adaptors are available in three types:  Low Profile, Easy Grip, and Standard.  Each one has characteristics that you may wish to consider and all accommodate standard 1 1/4 inch diameter eyepieces.  Details about each kind can be reached through their respective hyperlinks listed in the Optional Features & Equipment Section of the appropriate telescope type.

For Schmidt-Cassegrains

Focusers

For Schmidt-Cassegrain style telescopes, we recommend our models FTF2008BCR or FTF2015B or FTF2015BCR.  All three of these focusers come with our internal brake system standard.  Our draw tube compression ring comes standard on model FTF2008BCR and is also available on model FTF2015BCR. 

More to come!

For Refractors

Focusers

Starlight Instruments provides various options for Refractor owners.  Recommended models in 2 inch sizes are the FTF2015, FTF2020, and FTF2025 and their variants.  Note: Models featuring our internal brake system are strongly recommended for most Refractor applications. 

We also provide our model FTF3545B which fits the exquisite Astro-Physics™ brand telescope. Our internal brake system comes standard on this model. 

Micros

A Micro is a focusing knob that can be attached to an existing focuser housing.  With our Micros you can enjoy the smooth performance of a Feather Touch® focuser using your own existing focuser.  For example, our model TRF 102 can be retrofitted to a Takahashi 102 telescope focuser to obtain ultra-smooth focusing performance. 

Ordering