Arrived well packaged from Flo and contained the focuser, screws to secure the back plate to the sct and Allen key for the screws. There was also a CD Rom enclosed which I presume contained the instructions to remove the stock focus knob and replace it but I didn’t use this opting to follow the pdf link here on this page. Most computers now don’t have CD Rom drives so Starlight Instruments may want to adopt the approach that Primaluce use and enclose a usb drive if there is important information or downloads required, or simply include a leaflet with web links to the required data.

The instructions for removing and replacing the stock focuser are clear and precise. All I used was a small Allen key, adjustable wrench and a small screwdriver. One thing the instructions did not mention is the amount of grease contained on the focus spindle on the sct. Black gunk everywhere so be careful what you touch and where you install the focuser as it does drip.

Once finished I tested it out in the day time (Flo sent their box of clouds too!). Centering on some distant trees, the course focus was smooth and with a small amount of ‘resistance’ that made you realise this was a high quality piece of kit. Dialling in the focus with the fine tune knob was brilliant, you can just roll it clockwise/anti clockwise across the edge of a finger. Overall this unit gives you so much more control compared to the stock focus unit.

One last thing, I use a 2 inch Baader Click Lock to hold in my diagonal. The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch focuser extends out further than the stock focus unit which means that it could interfere with the locking knob on the Baader Click Lock adapter. For those that use this I would suggest removing the click lock before attaching the focus upgrade. Also, you will find that to reattach the click lock adapter the focuser gets in the way so you will need to remove the silver knob on the click lock to get around this. Some pliers help unscrew the knob and when reattached to the scope you can screw the knob back in to the click lock and check that it isn’t interfering with the focuser.

I am delighted with this purchase and upgrade. Starlight Instruments live up to their great reputation and I am happy to recommend this premium upgrade to other Nexstar users.

Hello,

I am very satisfied with this purchase. Carefully remove the original focuser and following the instructions I mounted this Microfocuser which is really high precision. I consider it an essential equipment for perfect focusing.

The focussing unit that comes with the standard SCT really isn't up to the job. Trying to get tiny movements from its high gear mechanism to get the perfect focus is very difficult. Using the low gear focuser on this unit is effortless, and it is easy to get a fine pinpoint focus every time. In particular I have noticed that it aids getting sharper focus at higher magnifications. The unit still has a high gear control to quickly move the focussing, so nothing is lost by replacing the old one.

The instructions for removing the old one, and fitting this are very detailed. Once I had gathered the correct tools together, and understood what needed to be done at each step it took me about 10 minutes, with no problems.

It seems like a lot of money to me. However, it is a good make, and I guess it uses the best materials, and is machined to the highest quality. So far it has worked perfectly. I did hesitate with the price, but I would hate to go back to not having one. In fact if I bought a new telescope I would factor in the extra cost of buying one of these from the start.