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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 Larger Fine Focus Knob
Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob

Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-MAK
$40.00 - $40.00
$40.00
$40.00 - $40.00
$40.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Ergonomic upgrade for finer focus control
  • Larger diameter provides a smoother, more precise feel
  • Ideal for high-magnification imaging and visual use
  • Compatible with nearly all Feather Touch focusers
  • Simple, direct-fit installation
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob

    The Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob is a direct-fit ergonomic upgrade for Feather Touch 2.0", Micro, Retrofit, 2.5", 3.0", and 3.5" focusers, designed to provide a smoother, more precise feel for critical focusing adjustments. This simple component enhances the already legendary Feather Touch mechanism, giving you a tangible improvement in control, especially when working at high magnifications or in cold weather with gloves.

    Finer Control for 2.0" to 3.5" Feather Touch Focusers

    By increasing the diameter of the fine focus knob, you gain mechanical advantage that translates into smoother, more deliberate adjustments with less effort. This upgrade makes it significantly easier to find and hold perfect focus, eliminating the minute vibrations or overcorrections that can occur with a smaller knob during the final moments of tweaking an image on a planet or splitting a tight double star.

    • Enhanced Tactile Feedback: The larger surface area gives your fingers more purchase and leverage, making subtle movements more intuitive and repeatable. This is especially beneficial for imagers using software to evaluate star sizes (FWHM) in real-time.
    • Broad Compatibility: This knob is designed to fit a wide range of Starlight Instruments focusers, including the popular 2.0" Crayford and rack-and-pinion models, all Micro and Retrofit pinion assemblies, and the larger 2.5", 3.0", and 3.5" heavy-duty focusers.
    • Simple Installation: Swapping the knob is straightforward and requires only a small hex key. It's a quick, reversible modification that provides an immediate improvement to your focusing routine.

  • Why upgrade the stock knob to the Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob?

    The Larger Fine Focus Knob provides a smoother, more controlled feel. Its increased diameter gives you more leverage, allowing for more minute and deliberate adjustments. This is especially helpful for high-magnification planetary imaging or visual observing where achieving critical focus is paramount.

    Will the Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob fit my specific Feather Touch focuser?

    This knob is designed for broad compatibility across the Feather Touch lineup. It fits the 2.0" focusers, all Micro focusers for SCTs, Retrofit pinion assemblies (like those for Tele Vue or Takahashi), and the heavy-duty 2.5", 3.0", and 3.5" focusers.

    How difficult is it to install the Larger Fine Focus Knob?

    Installation is very simple. The stock knob is typically held in place by a small set screw. You just need the appropriate hex wrench to loosen the screw, remove the old knob, slide the new one on, and tighten its set screw. The entire process usually takes less than a minute.

    I do planetary imaging with a C11 and a Feather Touch Micro Focuser. Is this knob a worthwhile upgrade?

    Absolutely. For planetary imaging, where you are working with very long focal lengths and trying to resolve tiny details on Jupiter or Saturn during moments of steady seeing, this knob is a significant quality-of-life improvement. It allows for finer, more controlled adjustments, helping you nail focus without disturbing the telescope.

    When imaging faint details on galaxies like the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) with my large Dobsonian, will this knob help?

    Yes. While deep-sky imaging is often done at lower magnifications than planetary work, achieving the tightest possible stars is still crucial for a sharp image. The Larger Fine Focus Knob helps you make the tiny adjustments needed to perfect focus on faint stars, ensuring you capture the maximum detail in galactic dust lanes or faint nebulae.

    Is there any downside to using the Starlight Instruments Larger Fine Focus Knob?

    The only potential trade-off is minimal. The knob has a larger profile, so it will stick out slightly farther from the focuser body. In very tight or custom-built setups, you should ensure there is adequate clearance, but for the vast majority of telescopes, this is not an issue.

  • Compatible Focuser Sizes 2.0", Micro, and Retrofit focusers, 2.5", 3.0", 3.5" Focuser
  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty