Skip to content
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 Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FTF2015BCR-RP
$690.00 - $690.00
$690.00
$690.00 - $690.00
$690.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 13-15 pound lifting capacity for heavy imaging trains
  • Rack and Pinion drive for zero-slip focusing
  • 10:1 dual-speed fine focus mechanism
  • Fully rotatable body for precise camera framing
  • 2.0" compression ring end cap
Backordered
Request Stock Alert
Availability Info
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser

    The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" Rack & Pinion Focuser is purpose-built for astrophotography, supporting imaging payloads up to 13-15 pounds without flexure or slippage. Its 10:1 dual-speed mechanism provides the critical precision needed for achieving perfect focus with heavy camera systems. This focuser combines the robust drive of a rack and pinion design with the legendary smoothness that defines the Feather Touch name.

    Heavy-Duty Imaging: A 13-15 Pound Rack & Pinion Drive

    This focuser's core is a robust rack and pinion drive system engineered for a lifting capacity of 13-15 pounds. By incorporating the pinion assembly from their larger 3.0" focusers, Starlight Instruments ensures this 2.0" model can handle a full imaging train—including a large sensor camera, filter wheel, and off-axis guider—without slipping or sagging, even when pointed near the zenith.

    The Feather Touch Standard: 10:1 Dual-Speed Focusing

    The acclaimed Feather Touch fine-focus system delivers a 10:1 reduction ratio, translating ten turns of the fine focus knob into one turn of the coarse knob. This allows for minute, repeatable adjustments essential for locking in sharp stars on high-resolution sensors. The mechanism operates with virtually zero backlash, providing the immediate response required for both manual focusing and automated routines.

    360° Rotation for Perfect Framing

    To achieve ideal composition, the entire focuser body rotates a full 360 degrees within its tube adapter (sold separately). Three oversized thumb screws allow for easy adjustment and secure locking without tools, even with gloves on. The focuser is constructed from hardened stainless steel, steel, and anodized aluminum, with glare-resistant internal baffling to maximize image contrast.

    Feather Touch 2.0" R&P vs. Crayford: Choosing for Your Payload

    Starlight Instruments offers both Crayford and Rack & Pinion (R&P) versions of their 2.0" focuser. While the Crayford design is known for its exceptional smoothness, its friction-based drive is best suited for lighter visual setups or smaller cameras. This R&P model is the definitive choice for astrophotography.

    • Crayford Focuser Advantage: Unmatched smoothness for visual observation where payloads are minimal.
    • Rack & Pinion (This Model) Advantage: A positive, gear-driven engagement that provides a significantly higher lifting capacity of 13-15 pounds, eliminating any possibility of slippage under heavy load.

  • What is the main advantage of the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser over the Crayford version?

    The primary advantage is lifting capacity. The Rack and Pinion (R&P) drive has a stated capacity of 13-15 pounds, making it ideal for heavy astrophotography setups. A Crayford focuser uses a friction drive, which is exceptionally smooth but can slip under the weight of a heavy camera, filter wheel, and guider combination.

    What is the focus reduction ratio on the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser?

    This focuser features a 10:1 dual-speed mechanism. This means that ten full turns of the fine focus knob are equivalent to one full turn of the coarse focus knob, allowing for extremely precise adjustments.

    How do I motorize this Feather Touch R&P focuser?

    This focuser is compatible with Starlight Instruments' motor systems. You will need either the HSM30 Handy Stepper Motor or the PDMS-2.5/3.0" Posi Drive Motor System for automated focusing.

    Does the Starlight Instruments 2.0" R&P focuser come with a telescope adapter?

    No, the tube adapter required to mount the focuser to your specific telescope is sold separately. This allows you to purchase the correct adapter for your instrument's thread type or tube diameter.

    I'm imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a heavy camera. How does the 13-15 pound capacity of this Feather Touch focuser help?

    When imaging a large target like M31, your telescope is often pointed at a high angle for extended periods. The 13-15 pound lifting capacity and rack and pinion drive of this focuser prevent the imaging train from sagging or slipping due to gravity. This ensures that focus remains constant throughout your imaging session, preventing elongated or soft stars in your final stacked image.

    When focusing on Jupiter with my SCT, my stock focuser has a lot of image shift. Will this 2.0" R&P focuser solve that?

    Yes. Stock SCT focusers move the primary mirror, which often causes "image shift." By adding this external Feather Touch focuser, you lock the primary mirror in place and perform all focusing with the focuser's drawtube. The precision rack and pinion mechanism eliminates the source of the shift, keeping Jupiter centered and stable in the field of view as you make fine adjustments.

  • Reduction Ratio 10:1
    Focus Knobs Dual speed coarse/fine, anodized aluminum fine focus knob
    Drive Mechanism Rack & Pinion
    Lifting Capacity 13-15 pounds
    Construction Hardened stainless steel, steel and anodized aluminum
    Internal Baffling Glare-resistant black
    Set Screws Tipped stainless steel, gentle on eyepieces
    Country of Origin USA (designed, machined and assembled)

    • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rotatable 2.0" R&P Focuser

      × 1

  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty