Which Starlight Instruments focusers is this 2.0" adapter for the Astro-Tech 65mm designed for?
This adapter is designed to mount any standard Starlight Instruments 2.0" Feather Touch Focuser, including both the Crayford (FTF20xx series) and Rack & Pinion (FTF20xx-RP series) models, onto the optical tube of an Astro-Tech 65mm telescope.
Why would I need this Starlight Instruments adapter for my Astro-Tech 65mm telescope?
You need this adapter if you want to replace the standard focuser on your Astro-Tech 65mm with a superior Starlight Instruments Feather Touch focuser. The adapter provides the necessary mechanical interface, allowing the aftermarket focuser to be securely threaded onto the telescope tube for a no-flex connection.
Will this adapter introduce any flexure when imaging with my Astro-Tech 65mm and a heavy camera?
No, the adapter is designed to prevent flexure. It creates a solid, threaded metal-to-metal connection between the telescope and the 2.0" Feather Touch focuser. This rigidity is the primary reason for the upgrade, as it eliminates the sag and tilt common with stock focusers when supporting a camera, filter wheel, and guide scope.
Is the installation of the Starlight Instruments 2.0" adapter on an Astro-Tech 65mm reversible?
Yes, the process is typically reversible. This adapter threads onto the rear cell of the Astro-Tech 65mm after the stock focuser is removed. You can typically reinstall the original focuser later if you choose, as no permanent modification to the telescope tube is required.
If I'm imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with my Astro-Tech 65mm, what benefit does adding a Feather Touch focuser with this adapter provide?
When imaging a bright, detailed target like the Orion Nebula (M42), critical focus is paramount for resolving the fine structures within the Trapezium cluster and surrounding nebulosity. This adapter enables the use of a Feather Touch focuser, whose fine-focus knob allows for the tiny, precise adjustments needed to get perfectly sharp stars across the wide field of view of the Astro-Tech 65mm.
I use my Astro-Tech 65mm as a guide scope. Is upgrading the focuser with this Starlight Instruments 2.0" adapter still beneficial?
Yes, it can be highly beneficial. A stable guide scope is critical for accurate tracking. Using this adapter to install a 2.0" Feather Touch focuser ensures that the guide camera's focus does not shift during the night due to temperature changes or mechanical sag. This leads to rounder stars in your main telescope's images.
