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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 Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FTM-CPC8
$350.00 - $350.00
$350.00
$350.00 - $350.00
$350.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Replaces stock SCT focuser with a dual-speed mechanism
  • Eliminates image shift for high-magnification viewing and imaging
  • Designed for specific Celestron scopes with a triangular-pattern rear cell
  • Compatible with select Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains
  • Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC800/RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8Edge HD 8SE SCT and Sky-Watcher 150/180mm Mak

    The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser replaces the coarse, single-speed stock focuser on compatible Celestron and Sky-Watcher telescopes with a robust, dual-speed mechanism for achieving critical focus without image shift. This upgrade is essential for high-magnification planetary imaging and visual observation where the slightest mirror movement can degrade the view. This FTM-CPC8 model is specifically engineered for modern Celestron telescopes that feature a triangular-patterned rear cell.

    Precision Fine-Focusing Without Image Shift

    Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov telescopes focus by moving the primary mirror, a mechanism that often causes the image to jump or shift, especially when changing direction. The Feather Touch Micro Focuser solves this by providing an ultra-precise fine-focus knob that makes minute adjustments to the focus shaft, bypassing the source of the image shift. The result is a stable, buttery-smooth focusing experience with virtually zero backlash, allowing you to nail perfect focus on planetary details or split tight double stars.

    Compatibility Check: For Celestron Triangular Back Cells

    This is the "CPC" version of the Feather Touch Micro Focuser, designed for specific Celestron models. Before ordering, you must check the rear cell of your telescope. If your telescope has a triangular pattern on the back, this is the correct model. If your telescope has a flat back, you need the standard "C" version of the Micro Focuser instead.

    • Confirmed Fit: Celestron CPC-800, RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, C8 EdgeHD, and NexStar Evolution 8" telescopes with the triangular rear cell.
    • Sky-Watcher Fit: Also compatible with Sky-Watcher 150mm and 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes.

    Starlight Instruments FTM-CPC8 vs. The Stock SCT Focuser

    The stock focuser on most SCTs is functional for casual, low-power viewing, but it presents a significant limitation for more demanding applications. The Feather Touch is a direct mechanical upgrade that addresses these shortcomings.

    • Stock Focuser: A single-speed knob that moves the entire primary mirror. Prone to image shift, backlash, and a sometimes stiff or inconsistent feel, making fine adjustments difficult.
    • Feather Touch FTM-CPC8: A dual-speed system that provides both coarse and extremely fine control over the existing focus mechanism. It eliminates image shift at the point of focus, offers a consistent and precise tactile feel, and allows for repeatable, critical focus adjustments necessary for astrophotography.

    American-Made Machining for Lasting Reliability

    Every Feather Touch Micro Focuser is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA from high-grade materials, including hardened stainless steel and anodized aluminum. This commitment to in-house manufacturing ensures exceptional build quality and durability that mass-produced focusers cannot match. This is not just an accessory; it's a permanent, professional-grade upgrade to your telescope's optical system.

  • How does the Feather Touch Micro Focuser FTM-CPC8 improve focusing on a Celestron C8 EdgeHD?

    On a C8 EdgeHD, which is a flat-field imaging scope, achieving perfect focus is critical. The FTM-CPC8 provides a dual-speed mechanism that allows for extremely fine adjustments, eliminating the image shift and mirror flop inherent in the stock focuser. This makes it possible to achieve sharp, stable focus for both high-resolution imaging and visual observation of planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

    How do I know if this Feather Touch Micro Focuser will fit my Celestron SCT?

    You must visually inspect the rear cell of your telescope. This model, the FTM-CPC8, is designed for Celestron scopes that have a triangular pattern on the back. If your telescope has a flat back, you will need the standard "C" version instead. This model is confirmed to fit the CPC-800, RASA 8", NexStar 6SE, and C8 EdgeHD with the correct back plate.

    Does the FTM-CPC8 Micro Focuser completely eliminate SCT image shift?

    It eliminates image shift during fine focusing. You will still use the telescope's original knob for large, coarse focus adjustments, which may still exhibit some shift. However, once you are close to focus, you switch to the Feather Touch's fine-focus knob, which makes adjustments so precisely that it does not cause the mirror to shift, allowing you to finalize focus perfectly.

    Is the Starlight Instruments Micro Focuser difficult to install?

    No, installation is straightforward and can typically be completed in a few minutes using simple hand tools. The Micro Focuser is designed as a direct replacement for the stock focuser knob assembly. Detailed instructions are included and available for download.

    Is this FTM-CPC8 focuser upgrade necessary for visual observing or just for imaging?

    While it is considered essential for imaging, the Feather Touch Focuser is a dramatic upgrade for visual observers as well. At high magnifications on planets or double stars, the ability to make tiny, precise focus adjustments without the image jumping around the field of view makes for a much more satisfying and effective observing session.

    Will this focuser help me achieve sharp focus on Jupiter's cloud bands with my Sky-Watcher 180mm Mak?

    Absolutely. The Sky-Watcher 180mm Mak is a powerful planetary instrument, but its long focal length makes precise focusing critical. The dual-speed control of the Feather Touch FTM-CPC8 allows you to make the minute adjustments needed to resolve fine details like the Great Red Spot, shadow transits, and individual cloud bands on Jupiter, which is often impossible with the stock single-speed focuser.

  • Made In USA (designed, machined and assembled)
  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty