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.
