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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Starlight Instruments 2.0" Base Flat w/ Leveling Screws
Starlight Instruments 2.0" Base Flat w/ Leveling Screws

Starlight Instruments 2.0" Base Flat w/ Leveling Screws

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-BA20FL
$90.00 - $90.00
$90.00
$90.00 - $90.00
$90.00
Price Match Policy!
  • For 2.0" Feather Touch Focusers
  • Flat Base for Flat Mounting Surfaces
  • Includes Integrated Leveling Screws for Collimation
  • Provides Rigid, Tilt-Free Focuser Alignment
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments 2.0" Base Flat w/ Leveling Screws

    The Starlight Instruments 2.0" Flat Base is the critical mechanical link for attaching a 2.0" Feather Touch focuser to a flat-surface optical tube. Its integrated leveling screws allow for precise collimation of the 2.0" focuser, completely eliminating optical tilt at the source.

    Precise Focuser Collimation with Integrated Leveling Screws

    For astrophotography, perfect alignment between the camera sensor and the telescope's focal plane is non-negotiable. This flat base incorporates three leveling screws that allow you to make minute adjustments to the focuser's orientation. By tweaking these screws, you can remove any tilt in the imaging train, ensuring stars are perfectly round and sharp across the entire field of view—a critical step for achieving professional-grade results.

    Solid Mounting for Flat-Surface Telescope Designs

    This base is designed specifically for telescope tubes that have a flat mounting surface, such as the rear cell of a Cassegrain-style telescope or the side of a square-tube or truss-tube Dobsonian. It creates a solid, stable platform that will not flex under the weight of a heavy camera and filter wheel. Do not use this base on a standard, curved-wall solid tube Newtonian, as it will not seat correctly; for those applications, a curved base is required.

  • How do I use the leveling screws on this 2.0" Starlight Base to collimate my focuser?

    To collimate the focuser, you typically use a Cheshire eyepiece or a laser collimator placed in the focuser drawtube. By adjusting the three leveling screws on the Starlight Instruments 2.0" Flat Base, you can tilt the entire focuser assembly until the laser or crosshair is perfectly centered on your primary mirror's center mark and the return reflection is centered in the collimator. This process ensures the focuser's mechanical axis is aligned with the telescope's optical axis.

    Will this Starlight Instruments Flat Base fit the back of my 8" SCT?

    Yes, this flat base is suitable for mounting a 2.0" Feather Touch focuser onto the rear cell of most Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs), which typically have a flat mounting surface. You will also need the appropriate tube adapter to connect the focuser to your specific SCT model's threads after the stock visual back is removed.

    What is the purpose of the leveling screws on the Starlight Instruments 2.0" Flat Base?

    The leveling screws are a high-precision collimation tool. They allow the user to make very fine adjustments to the angle of the focuser relative to the telescope tube. This is essential for eliminating optical tilt, a common problem in astrophotography that causes misshapen stars in the corners of an image. By adjusting the screws, you ensure your camera sensor is perfectly perpendicular to the incoming light path.

    Can I use this Starlight flat base on a standard round-tube Newtonian telescope?

    No. This base is specifically designed for flat surfaces. Attempting to mount it on a curved tube will result in an unstable connection and make proper collimation impossible. For standard round-tube Newtonians, you must use a Starlight Instruments curved base that matches the diameter of your optical tube.

    Why should I choose this Starlight base with leveling screws over one without?

    While a standard base provides a solid connection, a base with leveling screws adds a crucial layer of mechanical adjustment. If your telescope's tube end is not perfectly square or your focuser has a slight alignment issue, the leveling screws allow you to compensate for these imperfections and achieve a perfectly collimated imaging train. For serious imagers, this feature is considered essential.

    What tools are needed to install the Starlight Instruments 2.0" Flat Base?

    Installation typically requires basic hand tools. You will need a set of hex keys (Allen wrenches) to adjust the leveling screws and secure the focuser to the base. You will also need the appropriate screws or bolts to attach the base to your specific telescope tube, the type of which will depend on your telescope's construction material (e.g., wood, metal, or carbon fiber).

  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty