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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 for Meade 8.0" SCT (Including Meade LX90, LX200GPS, LX200 Classics & 7" Mak)

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade 8.0" SCT (Including Meade LX90, LX200GPS, LX200 Classics & 7" Mak)

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FTM-M8
$350.00 - $350.00
$350.00
$350.00 - $350.00
$350.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Replaces stock focuser on Meade 8.0" SCTs and 7" Maksutovs
  • Adds dual-speed, ultra-fine focusing control
  • Eliminates image-shift and coarse focus jumps
  • Essential upgrade for high-magnification planetary imaging
  • Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
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  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade 8.0" SCT (Including Meade LX90, LX200GPS, LX200 Classics & 7" Mak)

    The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade 8.0" SCT brings precision control to popular telescopes like the LX90, LX200GPS, and the 7" Maksutov, replacing the stock knob to eliminate the coarse focusing and image shift that plagues these mirror-focus designs. This upgrade is critical for high-magnification work, and for certain 6" and 8" models, verifying the 38mm focuser flange is a key installation step.

    Precision Dual-Speed Control for Meade 8.0" and 7" Telescopes

    The primary mirror focusing mechanism on Meade Schmidt-Cassegrains and Maksutovs is prone to image shift, where the view jumps sideways during fine adjustments. The Feather Touch Micro Focuser replaces the original single-speed knob with a dual-speed planetary reduction system, giving you ultra-fine control that makes achieving critical focus on planets and double stars possible.

    This upgrade doesn't just add a fine-focus knob; it replaces the entire mechanism with Starlight Instruments' backlash-free assembly. The result is smooth, repeatable focusing without the frustration of overshooting the mark, turning your Meade SCT into an instrument capable of serious high-resolution imaging.

    Compatibility Check: The 38mm Flange Explained

    While this Micro Focuser fits most Meade 8.0" SCTs and the 7" Maksutov, certain models require a specific check before ordering. Meade has shipped some telescopes, including the 6″ LX80, LS8-ACF, and LT8-SC, with two different sizes of focuser flanges.

    To ensure a perfect fit, you must measure the flange of your telescope's stock focuser knob. If you have one of the listed models and the flange measures 38mm, please notify us when ordering so the correct small-flange focuser body can be supplied. This simple check prevents installation issues and guarantees the focuser will mount correctly to your telescope.

    Feather Touch Micro vs. Stock Meade Focuser

    The difference between the stock focuser and the Feather Touch upgrade is immediate and significant. Where the standard knob offers only coarse, often sticky adjustments, the Feather Touch provides two distinct speeds for rapid and micron-level precision.

    • Stock Focuser: Prone to significant image shift, making it difficult to achieve and hold critical focus at high power. The single-speed control often feels coarse, causing you to "chase" focus back and forth.
    • Feather Touch Micro: Virtually eliminates image shift by providing a robust, backlash-free mechanism. The dual-speed control allows for rapid changes with the coarse knob and perfectly smooth, minute adjustments with the fine-focus knob, which is essential for both visual observers and imagers.

  • Will the Feather Touch Micro completely stop image shift on my Meade LX200 Classic 8"?

    It will dramatically reduce or eliminate the image shift caused by the focusing mechanism itself. The Feather Touch provides a much smoother, more precise action than the stock knob, which prevents the mirror from tilting as it moves. This is the single most effective upgrade for combating focus shift on Meade SCTs.

    How difficult is it to install the Feather Touch Micro on an LX90?

    Installation is straightforward and can typically be done in under 30 minutes with simple hand tools (the required hex wrench is often included). The process involves removing the stock rubber knob and plastic housing and replacing it with the Feather Touch assembly. Starlight Instruments provides detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

    Is this focuser necessary for visual observing or just for imaging with my Meade 8" SCT?

    While it's considered essential for imaging, it's a massive improvement for visual observing as well. When you're trying to split a tight double star like Epsilon Lyrae or see fine detail in Jupiter's cloud bands at 250x, the stock focuser's "jumpiness" makes it nearly impossible. The Feather Touch allows you to snap objects into perfect focus with ease.

    I have a Meade 6" LX80; how do I know if this Feather Touch Micro will fit?

    For the 6" LX80 and several other models, you must measure the diameter of the flange on your telescope's current focuser knob. If it measures 38mm, this focuser will fit, but you must specify this when ordering to receive the correct version. If it is a different size, this model is not compatible.

    Does the Feather Touch Micro work with the Meade 7" Maksutov?

    Yes, this model is fully compatible with the Meade 7" Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. It provides the same significant improvement in focusing precision and reduction of image shift as it does on the 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain models.

    Why can't I just use an external Crayford focuser instead of the Feather Touch Micro?

    An external Crayford focuser adds to the optical train length and still requires you to use the stock mirror focuser for coarse adjustments, leaving the original image shift problem unsolved. The Feather Touch Micro corrects the problem at its source by upgrading the primary mirror focusing mechanism itself, which is a more direct and effective solution.

  • Compatibility Note For 6″ LX80, LS8-ACF, LT8-ACF, LT8-SC and LS8-SC, measure the stock focuser flange. This model fits the 38mm version.
    Country of Origin USA (designed, machined and assembled)
  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty