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GSO 2" Crayford Focuser for Refractors - Dual Speed (with 86.4mm Telescope Adapter)

4.8 (67 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand GSO
Part Number PAF-GS-CRF-MR
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

This very high quality, dual-speed Crayford focuser for refractor telescopes from Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) is beautifully machined and a joy to use. You will wonder how you ever lived without it once you install it!

1. Smooth Focusing Action
The Crayford style focusing control makes achieving precise focus for visual observations and astrophotography a breeze and you will experience very smooth and precisely controlled focuser motion with zero backlash and zero image shift.

2. High-Quality Construction and Features
CNC machined from aluminum and anodized black, this focuser comes with a base plate adapter to attach to refractor telescopes. The inner drawtube glides on 4 precision bearings and a roller shaft and provides 79mm (3.11") of focus travel. The inner barrel is baffled and painted a flat black to minimize reflections for maximum contrast.

The 2" focuser barrel features a brass compression ring so your eyepieces and other accessories will not be marred by the set-screw. Also included is a 1.25"-2" adapter with brass compression rings that is threaded to accept standard 2" filters.

The inner draw-tube barrel is anodized black and features a laser-etched scale.

3. Tension Adjustment and Focus-Lock
The focuser has two large thumbscrews on the underside. The thumbscrew on the telescope side can be used to lock the focuser, allowing the use of heavy accessories or cameras without fear or slippage or losing focus. The other thumbscrew on the eyepiece end can be used to adjust the tension of the focuser to achieve a focusing "feel" that you like. At the easiest (lightest) setting, the focuser moves extremely smoothly. At tighter settings, you can still use heavier accessories without sacrificing much of the smooth focuser action. GSO's rated load capacity for their Crayford focusers is about 6 lbs (2.7 kgs). 

4. 360-degree Rotation
These focusers are rotatable, i.e., you can turn the entire focuser body/diagonal/eyepiece combination into a better observing position by loosening or tightening a large silver thumbscrew on the top of the focuser. However, please note that this is a relatively weak feature of this otherwise excellent product. We inspect every single focuser and tweak/lube it as much as we can, but the rotation is often not smooth over the entire 360-degrees and may bind in a few spots, requiring additional effort to rotate it. This is probably a minor annoyance since most people will not use this feature very often.

5. Focuser Installation
The focuser is easily attached to a telescope tube with three M4 screws (not included) spaced 120 degrees apart on the flange. Installation is usually a 5 minute job that involves removing your old focuser, sliding in the new Crayford focuser, and screwing it on to the telescope tube. In almost all cases, the original screws used on your OEM focuser will also work for this Crayford focuser. If not, you will have to buy the M4 screws from a local hardware store. You will just need a Philips (cross-slot) screw-driver to perform this upgrade.

We strongly recommend that you make sure that you can remove your old focuser from your telescope tube before buying this item. Some OEM R&P focusers can be very hard to remove.

6. Selecting a Focuser Model for your Telescope
The focuser comes with an 86.4mm (3.40") base plate adapter.

Click here for a telescope compatibility table to see which focuser might work for you.
Click here to see photos of Crayford focuser installations on various telescopes.

If the basic focuser size (86.4mm) does not fit your telescope, we also sell some other adapters that can be used to connect this focuser to several telescope models from Antares, Meade, Celestron, and others. Adapters for the popular Celestron 80ED and 100ED refractors are also available.

7. Focus Travel Issues
Most Crayford focuser units are shorter than existing R&P focusers. So while you will typically have more in-focus travel with a new Crayford focuser (which is great for imaging applications), you might not have sufficient out-focus travel to reach focus with all your eyepieces/accessories. In such cases, the problem can be easily fixed with 2" extension tubes that are available separately.

8. Optional Finder Mounting Options
In many existing focusers, the base for your finder bracket is molded onto the focuser body. When you replace the existing focuser with a Crayford focuser, you will lose this base to mount your finder.

This version of the GSO focuser has one finder mounting screw on the upper left side of the body and one finder mounting screw on the upper right side of the body. Using one of these holes, you can mount the following finder bases/brackets, all of which are sold separately:
1) Agena modified Synta/Vixen style dovetail base for Crayford focusers # CFURB using one screw (on left or right side)
2) Agena Synta/Vixen style deluxe cross-slot dovetail base # XFURB using one screw (on left or right side)
3) GSO 50mm finder bracket with base # 8KB01 using one screw (on left or right side)

9. Focuser Specifications
• Flange outer diameter on telescope adapter: 86.4mm (3.40")
• Minimum focuser height (with 1.25" adapter and base flange) = 118mm (4.65")
• Maximum focuser height (with 1.25" adapter and base flange) = 197mm (7.76")
• Minimum focuser height (without 1.25" adapter but with base flange) = 108mm (4.25")
• Maximum focuser height (without 1.25" adapter but with base flange) = 187mm (7.36")
• Tube travel = 79mm (3.11")
• Focuser weight (with 1.25" adapter) = 1lb-13.8oz (844gm)
• Focus knob diameter = 40mm (1.57")
• Microfocus knob diameter = 26mm (1.02”)
• Laser-etched scale markings on focuser drawtube: Yes
• Rotatable: Yes (but see description above)
• Dust plug: One 1.25" dust plug included

Please note: Most GSO Crayford focusers have or will soon develop two bearing marks/lines on the upper side of the drawtube. This is caused by wear on the barrel anodizing where is makes contact with the roller bearings. In some focusers, you have to look hard to find these marks. In others, it is very prominent, even for brand new items received from GSO. This does not indicate a defective or used product and is essentially just cosmetic.

Reviews

4.8 (Based on 67 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by Ian D.
      1560784810
      Jun 17, 2019

      5.0 Great focuser for not a

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great focuser for not a lot of money.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

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      Review by RWC
      1550288232
      Feb 15, 2019

      5.0 Excellentt Focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Installed in 5 mins on my old 100 dollar Orion Short Tube 80.
      This old scope always was a little "off" when looking at stars. I thought it was because it was a cheap scope.
      After mounting this focuser onto the scope, the stars and star test were much, much better.
      Very surprised. It was the cheap focuser that came with scope that was the problem.
      Now I feel like I have a pretty decent scope with only 250 bucks total into it.
      This new focuser is very smooth and the dual speed was well worth the extra money.
      Very glad I bought this. Now I don't dream so much about an expensive scope.
      This set up is good enough.
      The focuser looks and operates like it should be on an expensive scope.
      Glad I bought it.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

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      Review by Keith N.
      1549488572
      Feb 6, 2019

      5.0 GSO 86.4MM CRAYFORD FOCUSER

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This focuser screams quality at you when you open up the box that it ships in. It's a heavy, well machined piece of metal. I installed it on a Meade Adventure Scope 80. Installation was easy as Mom's apple pie. Fit and finish are excellent. You haven't really lived astronomically until you use the fine focus utility on a focuser. Discard all of your cheap cast rack and pinion focusers for one of these. I'm not only sold on these 2 speed Crayford Style focusers, but, now I'm spoiled! My other telescopes I now look at, as handicapped! And Astro Agena gives excellent after purchase service also.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. Guest

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      Review by John J.
      1548942012
      Jan 31, 2019

      5.0 PERFECT FIT FOR CELESTRON 80MM F11.3

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Perfect upgrade for any of the 80mm long tube refractors. Exact match to original mounting holes using the 86mm adapter.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    5. Guest

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      Review by Phillip P.
      1537125860
      Sep 16, 2018

      5.0 New life for an old instrument

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I purchased this to upgrade an older Vixen Custom 90 with a .965 single speed focus . Had to open the mounting holes just a small amount. works very well and great old scope a new lease on life

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    6. Guest

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      Review by Kerry B.
      1530845927
      Jul 5, 2018

      5.0 Wow. This is a wonderful add-on

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      I was a little unsure how to put this on, and Emailed late at night, and I was so surprise within 20 minutes I got an email back that answered all of my questions. What a relief. It’s no wonder, star people are out at night. Great company. Thank you

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    7. Guest

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      Review by Ed G.
      1528109624
      Jun 4, 2018

      5.0 Crayford style focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This the best focuser I have ever used.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Robert F.
      1525401006
      May 3, 2018

      5.0 Robert F.

      Pros:

      Cons:

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      Works perfectly in my Celestron 100ED with the 100ED flange. Very smooth compared to the stock focuser. Focuses at infinity with all my eyepieces with about 10mm to spare. At closer focus, say looking at pine cones 2 blocks away, it would require an extension tube. At 4 blocks it has just enough. I am very happy with it.-Bob

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    9. joe1950

      joe1950 New Member

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      Review by JOSEPH D.
      1524668570
      Apr 25, 2018

      5.0 Nicely made 2X focuser at a reasonable price

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I find this focuser to be well made and free of any play or backlash. It's very smooth and the adjustments are helpful to get the right feel. The price is very reasonable and to me that is a factor.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    10. Guest

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      Review by Richard C.
      1524109008
      Apr 18, 2018

      5.0 Great Focuser

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      Comments:

      Installed in 5 minutes.
      Glad I got the dual speed focuser. It was well worth the money.
      My Orion Short tube 80 finally has a good star test.
      Stars are much sharper.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    11. Guest

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      Review by West S.
      1522634571
      Apr 1, 2018

      5.0 West Virginia Sky

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      Comments:

      I have been observing for 15 years. Never used a crayford focuser. Bought this for my 15 year old Short Tube 80.
      Installed this very nice looking focuser in 4 minutes.
      Incredible. Should have done this a long time ago.
      Stargazing just became a different experience.
      Very glad I sprang for the dual speed.
      That's most of the experience. The fine, smooth focus down to a beautiful airy disc.
      No more image shift, at all.
      It made my scope feel brand new and improved the quality of the star test.
      My stars look like little suns now.
      Best 137 dollars I ever spent.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    12. Guest

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      Review by Lawrence Y.
      1520958870
      Mar 13, 2018

      5.0 First Rate

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      I bought this to upgrade my ST80. It doubled the cost of my set up but allows me to use 2-inch eyepieces. The first thing I noticed is that it looks way nicer that the stock rack and pinion focuser. At first use, the difference is amazing! Buttery smooth focus and fine focus were flawless.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    13. Guest

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      Review by Oleksii T.
      1517472659
      Feb 1, 2018

      5.0 I really like my new

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      I really like my new GSO Focuser. It does the job, and does it well. I certainly would recommend it to anyone wishing to upgrade.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    14. Guest

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      Review by Jason C.
      1517357360
      Jan 30, 2018

      5.0 Well made and excellent for the price

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I put this on my Orion ShortTube 80 (purchased in early 2017) and it fit just as Agena Astro's website noted. It is solidly constructed and all the movements are smooth. I actually dropped my telescope from about 4 feet off the ground. The telescope slipped off my GEM and fell on the blacktop in my driveway at night. My telescope was undamaged because it landed on the focuser. Three of the set screws were bent out of shape, and the fine focuser knob was also bent. I bent the fine focuser knob back to its original place and replaced the screw on the 1.25" adapter. This screw was the only one that broke. I replaced the other screws because they were bent. I had lots of spare parts lying around. Well, the focuser works just as well as it did before the fall. As for the telescope, it didn't go out of collimation because the lenses are set in and not loose. The focuser took a beating and saved my scope from the impact. Seriously, this is a well-made focuser.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    15. Guest

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      Review by Kenneth S.
      1516227343
      Jan 17, 2018

      5.0 Crayford focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Wow a high quality product!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    16. Guest

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      Review by Kenneth A.
      1514926354
      Jan 2, 2018

      5.0 2" GSO Focuser fits Orion ST80

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      2" GSO Focuser fits Orion ST80. Very pleased.
      This was my second attempt to get a focuser to work on ST80.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    17. Guest

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      Review by gary p.
      1513993864
      Dec 22, 2017

      5.0 GSO 2" focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      VG build quality, 10 to one reduction works great for fine focus

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    18. Guest

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      Review by Brian M.
      1513842557
      Dec 20, 2017

      5.0 GSO 2” Crayford

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bough this to replace the cheap focuser on my Orion ST80 Autoguider scope. Great improvement over the stock focuser, definitely recommend this.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    19. Guest

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      Review by William L.
      1513397279
      Dec 15, 2017

      4.0 Nice focuser that feels very

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      Nice focuser that feels very precise except that the focus knob drives the draw tube by friction - not rack and pinion. If the tension is not set properly, the knob will turn without moving the draw tube. The same will happen at end-of-travel in either direction regardless of tension or if there is too much weight attached. This can likely happen with some of the massive 2-inch eyepieces. At least it will not stall an auto focus motor. [Auto focus would have to be a 3rd party, aftermarket addon.]
      The draw tube will move of its own accord if there is too much weight attached. To avoid this, there is a locking screw but it will defeat the focus knobs.
      As a manual focuser, these difficulties can be countered. For me it solves the problem of image shift and there is no discernible backlash.
      It attached snugly and securely to my OTA. It has a rotation collar that holds position and operates smoothly.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    20. Guest

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      Review by Norman H.
      1513306885
      Dec 14, 2017

      5.0 Easy DIY upgrade for ST-80

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      So easy and such a difference to be able to use 2 inch oculars with an ST-80! Smooth function, secure holding, rotatable, lockable focus—everything I could want and a very reasonable price in my opinion.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    21. Guest

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      Review by David V.
      1512871071
      Dec 9, 2017

      5.0 Perfect drop-in replacement

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I purchased this to replace the focuser on a Meade 80mm travel scope. It fits perfectly and has a smooth focusing action.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    22. Guest

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      Review by Carl W.
      1503674600
      Aug 25, 2017

      5.0 GSO Focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Bought this to update an old ST80 short tube for the eclipse. My Hershel Wedge needed a 2" focuser. The new focuser took all of about two minutes to install. It is a sturdy, well made product. It turned what was a toy of a telescope into a real working instrument. That scope with the Hershel on it was the hit of the public viewing party.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    23. Guest

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      Review by Donald C.
      1502762686
      Aug 14, 2017

      4.0 Fits and works well on Orion ST80 telescope

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I got this to replace the 1 1/4 focus inch assembly on the ST80. It fits the telescope perfectly and provides a 2 inch, two speed focus mechanism that performs very well. The friction adjustment and focus lock both work very well. I don't use the camera rotation function, as I'm not confident the accurate focus is maintained. It is a cost effective solution to my needs.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    24. Zigarro

      Zigarro Well-Known Member

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      User Notes:
      1500439449
      Jul 18, 2017

      5.0 Excellent Upgrade!

      Pros:

      The difference is like fishing with a Zebco and then moving up to a Penn Fathom; steppin' on up!

      Cons:

      Not one.

      Comments:

      I bought one of these fine focusers elsewhere since Agena was sold out (go figure). The difference in focusing from my scope's stock focuser is like night & day! This, coupled with a GSO 8x50 finder scope (bought at Agena) has reignited my interest in losing sleep in the wee hours! Thanks Agena!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
    25. Guest

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      Review by Elsie L.
      1500401321
      Jul 18, 2017

      5.0 Beautifully engineered ; has all the Bells & Whistles of a focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      My only criticism is with the two thumb screws underneath the focuser barrel. I can't determine what one of them does. I have discovered that one does indeed lock the focuser so that it cannot be moved in and out, but what the other one does I can't figure out. The one on top of the barrel is the rotational lock and it allows the barrel to be rotated, which I do use quite a lot since I use that refractor on an Equatorial Mount and the scope gets a lot of rotation in certain configurations.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    26. Guest

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      Review by GR
      1500354916
      Jul 17, 2017

      5.0 Orion ShortTube 80-A Perfect fit.

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Works perfectly with my Orion ShortTube 80-A Refractor. The three screw holes are a perfect fit. Installs in about 2-3 minutes. So far works great with my 1.25 and 2 inch eyepieces. Drawtube length just right when used with diagonal mirrors. Had to add extension only when I attached camera directly to tube without mirror.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    27. rainguy

      rainguy New Member

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      Review by Doug R.
      1489677198
      Mar 16, 2017

      5.0 MAJOR IMPROVEMENT ON ST-80A

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I replaced the stock single speed R&P focuser in my several years old Orion ST-80A . . . and what a difference! While the stock focuser is certainly serviceable, I found myself constantly doing the back and forth yo-yo trying to find that focus sweet spot. This GSO dual-speed instantly eliminated this dance, providing fast, efficient and precise focus.
      Fit and finish are, as per usual for GSO products, excellent, the mechanics outstanding. Just an overall well made product, a substantial piece of kit.
      For those of us who appreciate ‘scope aesthetics, who enjoy looking AT our instruments as well as through them, this focuser offers the bonus of giving the ST-80 a more high end vibe; it now has a sort of overall look of the 80mm ES ED refractors
      Installation was, as others have said, 3 screws out, remove stock focuser, install GSO dual-speed, 3 screws in. Done.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    28. Guest

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      Review by Tim S.
      1489583675
      Mar 15, 2017

      5.0 Perfect for SW Evostar 90

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This fits perfectly into the OTA of a Skywatcher Evostar 90. Admittedly this focuser is about the same price as the entire telescope, but it turns a great grab and go scope into something that is an absolute joy to use, as well as now allowing use of 2" eye pieces.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    29. Guest

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      Review by timothy c.
      1489246653
      Mar 11, 2017

      5.0 gso crayford focuser

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      this focuser is an excellent upgrade to your telescope, it has a feather touch operation .high quality cnc machined aluminum with roller bearings and you can attach a finderscope to it with an optional bracket.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    30. Guest

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      Review by Roel G.
      1488136390
      Feb 26, 2017

      5.0 super upgrade for my ST80

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Fine focusing makes a huge difference. This two speed crayford design fits my ST80 to a 'T'. This light weight fast archromat is a good scope now a very very good scope. I can have some apos to compare it with having dual speed focusers, this GSO focuser is a great investment for improving an achromat's performance with it features.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    31. Guest

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      Review by Garnett L.
      1483121246
      Dec 30, 2016

      5.0 Great product!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      https://youtu.be/MMfEmHJrNhg

      My review

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    32. alanoodle

      alanoodle Member

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      Review by Alanoodle of Long Island, NY.
      1463184000
      May 13, 2016

      5.0 Great Scope Upgrade

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Easy Installation,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      I purchased this focuser to replace the rack and pinion focuser on an Orion ST80 refractor. This solid, well made focuser actually turned the ST80 into a better scope, making it much easier to get a sharp focus. Motion is very smooth with no play or backlash. The entire focuser feels very well made. Nothing flimsy here. Installation was quick and easy: three screws out, three screws in. The rotating collar is a great addition, especially if the scope is used on an equatorial mount. I also like the screw holes for adding a finder mounting shoe either on the left or right side or both.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    33. Guest

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      Review by Mike of Oklahoma City, OK.
      1454630400
      Feb 4, 2016

      5.0 I have two of these

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I have two Celestron (Synta) refractors: an f/7.5 80 mm ED and a f/11 90 mm. Both came with rack and pinion focusers that were less than ideal. I replaced the one on the 80 mm several years ago and it worked great. I recently replaced the one on the 90 mm and, surprisingly, it took the same size GSO focuser.
      The process of replacing the original with the GSO focusers is easy and straight forward, the instructions are clear and accurate. I am very satisfied.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    34. Guest

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      Review by AtomB of Phoenix, AZ.
      1424736000
      Feb 23, 2015

      5.0 Excellent alternative to stock focuser

      Pros:

      Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bought this to replace the stock rack and pinion focuser on my C80ED (requires adapter). It is nicely machined and anodized. It is quite sensitive to drawtube tension, but I'm starting to prefer it this way. A nice feature is the graduated index marks on the drawtube, so you can better estimate the distance to focal plane when setting up the scope. I especially like the fact that the finder base (not included) is mounted on the part of the focuser that rotates, so that you can maintain the finder and diagonal in the most comfortable orientation, no matter which direction the scope is pointed when mounted to an equatorial mount.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    35. Guest

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      Review by Vit of Russia, Perm' town.
      1424476800
      Feb 20, 2015

      5.0 Good

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      Good upgrade for 90/700 refractor

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    36. Guest

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      Review by Which star is that? of UK.
      1410220800
      Sep 8, 2014

      4.0 Much better than the original

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      No Finder Dovetail

      Comments:

      Good, solid focuser that was easy to fit. Friction adjustment is a bit fiddly and needs setting when using heavy lenses or an SLR, but that is the way with Crayford focusers I suppose. No finder dovetail or adaptor is included and my original 'scope had the finder on the focuser, so I had to adapt one of the Agena Synta dovetail bases to fit, but Agena were very helpful with this.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    37. Guest

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      Review by South Shore Stargazer of NY State.
      1408147200
      Aug 15, 2014

      4.0 Best value for money in a Crayford

      Pros:

      Easy to install,High quality,Strong Construction,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Rough Rotating Focuser

      Comments:

      Product is installed on an Orion Astroview 90 EQ as a replacement for the stock Synta rack and pinion focuser. The GSO is the focuser this scope should come with in the first place. For visual use, it's best value for money I've seen.

      After using it for a while and enjoying the smooth accurate focusing it provides, I am glad I invested in this product.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    38. Guest

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      Review by Ed in Houston of Houston, Texas.
      1401494400
      May 30, 2014

      5.0 Great Focuser

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Accurate,Finely machined

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      I purchased a Meade 90mm f/8.8 tube assembly refractor on ebay for $37. As it turned out the optics were diffraction limited but the focuser was barely useable. Needless to say the 90mm was just begging for a finely machined focuser to go with it's great optics.

      The Meade tube had an inside diameter of 89mm. The GSO came with a 86.4mm adapter and it fit nicely into the Meade tube with no shims needed. Now I have a diffraction limted refractor with an excellent focuser. Thanks for the great product.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    39. Guest

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      Review by IslipPCTech of Islip, NY.
      1399334400
      May 5, 2014

      5.0 Very very good product

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      Fantastic focuser. Light years ahead of the stock focuser for my Orion Astroview 90 EQ telescope. Installation was a cinch and it works so much more smoothly now. I can use 2" eyepieces now and I bought the adapter to mount my 6x30 angled finders cope. Two small gotchas. The focuser adds more than 1 1/2 pounds of weight to the OTA. My tube now tips the scale at 7 pounds which is pushing the limits of the EQ-2 mount I use. Also needed to rebalance the scope in both RA and declination. Other gotcha is the scope is mounted forward in its tube rings to accommodate the additional weight. Regardless - it's an impressive product. Thanks.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    40. Guest

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      Review by Geoff M of Tahoe, CA.
      1390953600
      Jan 28, 2014

      4.0 Good Value Dual Speed Focuser

      Pros:

      Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Good dual speed focuser. This focuser and the available GSO finder bracket and red dot finder made a great upgrade on my old Taiwan-made Meade achro. I wish it rotated 360 degrees without hanging up a bit in spots (as stated in the literature), but for the price, this is a solid value.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    41. Guest

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      Review by Jean-marc of Nantes, France.
      1390780800
      Jan 26, 2014

      4.0 Perfect item as expected

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Worth The Value,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      I order this focuser to use it with an homemade refractor OTA 6"F10. I am very satisfied of it for the price. Just the rotation of the focuser is a bit hard when it hold heavy binoviewer.
      However I am very happy.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    42. CosmicLugNut

      CosmicLugNut Member

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      Review by CoosmicLugNut of SW Indiana.
      1386374400
      Dec 6, 2013

      5.0 Precision Marching and Buttery Smooth Op

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      GSO Crayford Focuser for Refractors - Dual Speed (with 86.4mm Telescope Adapter)
      The drawtube on the GSO Crayford Focuser for Refractors - Dual Speed (with 86.4mm Telescope Adapter) and compression ring visual back are machined from solid aluminum and affords smooth operation, great feel and precise adjustability. Internal baffling and anti-reflection blackening increases contrast and decreases ambient light reflections. The dual speed affords precise and accurate focus control. The GSO Refractor Crayford Focuser mounted directly to my Orion ST80 with the same screws that held the OEM focuser on the optical tube with no hassles whatsoever. Precision machining and smooth operation make thuis one of the best value focusers on the market today.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    43. Guest

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      Review by Sergio Castillo of Inglewood, California.
      1365206400
      Apr 5, 2013

      5.0 Smooth like butter Focuser

      Pros:

      Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I purchase this GSO focuser a while back. To replace the stock focuser on a 80mm refractor I bought for guiding. This focuser provided me with the best stability on my camera equipment. Focusing on targets was easy with the double speed performance of this product. I had no problem using most of my eyepieces and most important my cameras. I had done lots of imaging with this GSO crayford focuser and believe me I highly recommend this focuser as a great way to upgrade your scopes stock focuser.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    44. Guest

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      Review by Oz of Hopkinsville, KY.
      1363996800
      Mar 22, 2013

      5.0 Super upgrade

      Pros:

      Precise Control,Easy to Use,Accurate,Smooth,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Super easy to install, just three screws that I reused. Took all of thirty seconds to turn my mediocre ST80 into an impressive instrument. Much much better than that stock rack and pinion. Now I can precisely focus in on that sweet spot and push the little refractor to its limits and it performs. Yeah it doubled my investment and more than tripled the scopes performance. Has more focus travel than the stock focuser as well. Well worth the investment.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    45. Guest

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      Review by Roger of Maryland.
      1360540800
      Feb 10, 2013

      4.0 Big improvement!

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Can Slip If Not Careful

      Comments:

      This dual speed focuser is a huge improvement over the stock R&P unit that came with my Orion ST80. Moves very smoothly and focuses very well. The dual speed I bought on sale - great buy but wondering about it when compared to the cost of the scope. So consider that as well...

      Be sure to tighten appropriately when pointing towards zenith!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    46. Guest

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      Review by Steve of Sidney, ME.
      1360368000
      Feb 8, 2013

      5.0 Fantastic

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Accurate,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      I purchased this as a replacement for the stock rack and pinion focuser on my little Synta-made ST80 refractor. The focuser itself has quite a bit more mass than the rack and pinion did, lending a nice, solid feel. The new focuser was easy to install, with the screw-holes lining up perfectly. Much easier to use than the original focuser on my scope, with no backlash. It did take some fine tuning of the tension to keep from going out of focus when observing near the zenith.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    47. Guest

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      Review by exwizard of Londonderry, NH.
      1336608000
      May 9, 2012

      5.0 Perfect fit

      Pros:

      Compact,Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate,Lightweight

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      I bought the focuser as an upgrade for my Orion ST80 refractor. It was a perfect fit and it only required about five minutes to remove the old rack and pinion and install the Crayford. The focusing motion is now very smooth and backlash free.

      The ST80 normally functions as my guide scope for an 8 inch Meade LX200GPS. With the addition of the Crayford focuser I have also been able to use its short focal length for wide field LRGB imaging with my Atik 314L+. The focuser has no problem with the weight of the camera and filter wheel.

      Since the lens of the ST80 is only an acromat I expected that I would have to refocus for each filter and perfection, of course, demands that this be done. I find, however, that it is usually adequate to focus precisely for luminance and then to use a calibration of the fine focus knob to make the small changes for the color filters. The only unavoidable limitation for this use is that the achromat does have trouble with violet wavelengths so adding a minus violet filter or a skyglow filter can be helpful when imaging bright blue objects.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    48. Guest

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      Review by heliman41 of Valparaiso IN.
      1330128000
      Feb 24, 2012

      4.0 Well crafted & has nice finish.

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      For the price its one of the best dual speed crayfords out. The fit to my OTA was a precision snug slip in & the holes matched. Great improvement over the rack & pinion my refractor had & this focuser has no play/slop. Only thing I notice which is no big deal is that when using heavy large eyepieces at zenith I have to lock the focuser screw down or the focuser may slip a bit. Not an issue once the OTA has come to ambient temp & no longer needs focuser tweaking now & then. Its a LOT of finely machined alu for the price & a super focuser upgrade if you have a synta refractor or a SCT or Mak with mirror slop.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    49. Guest

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      Review by JCBC of Kentwood, MI.
      1324080000
      Dec 16, 2011

      4.0 Great Focuser

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Good quality,Easy to Use,Accurate

      Cons:

      No collimation,Heavy

      Comments:

      Great replacement for my Orion 80mm Short Tube, no adapters required, straight fit.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    50. KevinK

      KevinK New Member

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      Review by Kevin of Indiana.
      1320537600
      Nov 5, 2011

      5.0 Fantastic focuser

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bought this for use on my C80 ED. Got the adapter ring with it of course. What a huge upgrade. I love using this focuser! I always have this one in mind when thinking of buying different scopes, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    51. Guest

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      Review by telescope tom of Tucson AZ.
      1320537600
      Nov 5, 2011

      5.0 Great least expensive 2-speed focuser

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Nice and light weight, works good.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    52. Guest

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      Review by Jimmy of Boiling Springs, SC.
      1306627200
      May 28, 2011

      5.0 Easy and stylish upgrade

      Pros:

      Direct replacement,Smooth,Accurate,Stylish

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bought this focuser to upgrade my Short Tube 80mm refractor's rack and pinion 1.25" focuser. The upgrade took only a couple of minutes and the three screw holes matched perfectly. This focuser is a joy to use holding my heavy 2" eyepieces, as well as, my binoviewers. I highly recommend this item for a beautiful upgrade to these terrific little scopes.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    53. Guest

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      Review by Wade of NW Illinois.
      1294012800
      Jan 2, 2011

      5.0 Always a pleasure to do business here

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The focuser is great, too! :-) Buttery smooth and solid as a rock.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    54. Guest

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      Review by Coco of United Kingdom.
      1292889600
      Dec 20, 2010

      5.0 C80 Essential Add-on

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate,Strong Construction,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This focuser can easily micro focus my 314L+ & Filter wheel or EOS 40D & Focus reducer at the meridian without slippage or creeping. Once focused its not necessary to really over tighten the focus lock grub screw that much because it's is that good. The best thing about the focuser is its internal bearings, they run on both sides of the draw tube and hold up nicely eliminating flexure. I bought the micro 10:1 type but regularly don't bother using micro and just use the main focus knobs there that good.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    55. Guest

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      Review by Deneb of London, UK.
      1272758400
      May 1, 2010

      5.0 Quick & Easy

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The adaptor is a breeze to fit, the build quality is excellent.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    56. Guest

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      Review by Aragorn of Denver, CO.
      1271289600
      Apr 14, 2010

      4.0 Great product

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Accurate,Perfect Fit,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      We should have upgraded the focuser on our Celestron C80ED long ago. This is the perfect focuser for it. The dual-speed controls and smooth motions are just what we needed.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    57. Guest

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      Review by Top Jimmy of Ottawa, ON.
      1265932800
      Feb 11, 2010

      5.0 Sweet focuser for low cost!

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Shiny interior finish

      Comments:

      I bought this focuser for a home-built short focal length refractor. I needed a large focus tube to take full advantage of the short steep light cone from the objective. This big beautiful focuser works great! The focusing is like butter, and is adjustable in tension, and lockable. The whole focuser can easily spin around to suit the orientation of your telescope. It has an ample focus range of 80mm (3 1/8"). The focuser tube is sized for 2" eyepieces, but it comes with a 1.25" adapter, both of which have big thumbscrews and brass compression sleeves. My only qualm is that the whole thing has a nice glossy black anodize finish, which looks great on the outside, but is not so great on the inside. The focuser tube IS threaded (micro-baffles) which cuts most of the reflections, but the glossiness of the finish still reflects some. I ended up masking it off and painting the inside of the focuser tube and inside of the focuser body with flat black paint. Now its a black hole on the inside...sweet.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    58. eric_zeiner

      eric_zeiner New Member

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      Review by Eric R. Zeiner of North Georgia, USA.
      1260748800
      Dec 13, 2009

      5.0 An Awesome Upgrade To Any Scope

      Pros:

      Beautiful finish,Smooth Operation,Superior Consruction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is the third GSO Crayford style focuser that I have purchased from Agena and as always I am not disappointed. There is no better value for the dollar than this focuser and really no better upgrade that you can do to your scope. Its fit, finish, and functionality rival even some of the other custom focusers on the market. Whether it is an entry level scope or a high end professional scope, this focuser will bring something very good to the table.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    59. Guest

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      Review by BradleyB of Olympia, WA.
      1257984000
      Nov 11, 2009

      4.0 Improvement over original

      Pros:

      Smooth action,Nice Finish

      Cons:

      Rotation feature loose,Touchy adjustment

      Comments:

      I bought this focuser to replace the original unit on my C80ED scope. It is a far superior focuser to the original one. This is a nice looking focuser with a smooth machined finish with even black anodizing. The action of both the coarse and fine focus is good. The tension adjustment is pretty sensitive to get good action and still have adequate holding power. If the tension is too loose, the tube slides out when the scope is pointed high, and if it's too tight the fine adjustment slips instead of focusing. With a little finesse it can be adjusted just right. I also found that in cold conditions it needs to be adjusted slightly tighter, but this is very easily done even with gloves on. There is a rotating feature, where the angle of the focuser can be changed as the telescope changes angle, useful for use on an equatorial mount. It is a somewhat loose fitting mechanism, such that when the set screw is loosened to rotate it, the focuser flops around a mm or two. Once positioned and retightened however, it seems to maintain alignment just fine. The best part of this focuser is its ability to get very fine focus with no backlash, which is what is considered the main feature of a two speed crayford focuser in the first place.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    60. elmiko

      elmiko New Member

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      Review by elmiko of Arizona.
      1253059200
      Sep 15, 2009

      5.0 Great focuser

      Pros:

      Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Ordered the dual speed Crayford for my Orion ST 90 refractor. It works great! It was easy to install, using same three scews. Collimation was improved also, because of build quality apparently. Turned my [$] scope into $900 one! It was a pleasure doing business with you folks. Will definitely use you again for other astronomy accessories.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    61. Guest

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      Review by Q of Medford, Oregon.
      1244332800
      Jun 6, 2009

      4.0 Very nice focuser.

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Perhaps not quite as silky as a FeatherTouch (I've owned three) but still very nice. It does have advantages over a FeatherTouch. It is rotateable and has a longer travel but lacks a brake for very heavy loads. Since I don't use heavy loads I in the end prefer this focuser
      with its ability to rotate. It is mounted on a 12.5 inch Dall Kirkham with a truss tube. I machined the tube and all of the components for the scope and this focuser nicely complements the instrument.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    62. Guest

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      Review by [...] of Cibolo, TX.
      1243987200
      Jun 2, 2009

      5.0 Exactly what I was looking for!

      Pros:

      Quality Construction,Great Price

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      Okay, here's my story. Back in the late 90's, I purchased a Coulter 90mm short-tube refractor for use at public outreach events. My 10" Meade LX50 got to be such a chore to setup, and then take down again, that I started a search for a scope that was much lighter, and more transportable. My budget was VERY low, so the Coulter short-tube refractor (with alt/az mount and tripod) was what I ended up bringing home. Fast forward 10 years. The LX50 has long since been replaced by a downsized, yet computerized, 8" Meade LX200GPS, and the short-tube had been relegated to sitting in the corner of the room collecting dust. However, as of late, even the 8" SCT has become a chore. That's what happens as you get older! At any rate, I was once again looking to purchase a scope that was more "anti-backache" than the 8" SCT. After a lengthy search, I finally decided that it just might be time for me to think about simply upgrading the short-tube refractor. There were two things which needed upgrading - the mount/tripod and the focuser (Yes, we're finally getting to the focuser review). The focuser ended up being the first phase of the upgrade project. My focuser requirements were simple: I needed the capability to utilize my 2" eyepieces, dual-speed Crayford-style focusing, and a price that wouldn't break the bank. Boy, did I underestimate how hard a task it would be. Everything I could find on the Internet was in the realm of several hundred dollars! I was about to give up on my upgrade project, when a GOOGLE search produced a link to the AgenaAstro Products website. Lo and behold, there was the focuser of my dreams. Though it was initially hard for me to determine exactly which model would fit my refractor, the website offered images of other scopes which had used the company's focusers as upgrades. Luckily, there were at least two separate scopes that looked exactly like mine, and they were both upgraded with the same focuser. So, I was able to determine which GSO focuser model I needed.Though I had never heard of the brand before, and was a little apprehensive about making the purchase, the GSO 2" dual-speed focuser addressed every single one of my requirements, and an additional requirement that I hadn't even realized I needed. My eventual mount/tripod upgrade was one which utilized a "side mount" configuration. Therefore, I realized I had lucked out when I finally became aware that I needed a focuser that could also rotate at least 90-degrees. Installation for my particular focuser model was a breeze! Simply remove the 3 mounting screws from the old focuser, remove and replace with the new focuser, and reinsert the 3 mounting screws. Piece of cake! To the company's credit, they readily acknowledged a minor shortcoming to the GSO refractor focusers. It seems that manufacturing tolerances may not have been as strict as they should be, concerning the rotatable mounting collar. They indicated that users may experience some stickiness at certain points during a full 360-degree rotation of the collar. This was especially true of my particular unit. However, it is not an issue with me, as I do not foresee the need for me to continually rotate the focuser. I currently have it in the 90-degree offset needed for my application, and there it will stay.The fit and finish of the unit is on par with some of the more expensive units I've seen, and is well machined. The focusing mechanism is extremely smooth, and responsive. The thumbscrews for the focus lock, and focus tension, are logically placed and readily accessible. The graduated scale etched (and highlighted) into the drawtube is very handy, as it allows for quick and accurate refocusing when changing eyepieces. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with my focuser purchase!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    63. Guest

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      Review by Stefano from Italy of Modena, Italy.
      1243468800
      May 27, 2009

      4.0 Focuser and dual speed are very good

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact,Strong Construction,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Sorry for my english (I'm Italian ), the focuser GSO is very ok, and each components of micro regulation (focus ).

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    64. Kevin

      Kevin New Member

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      Review by Fishonkevin of Michigan.
      1243382400
      May 26, 2009

      5.0 What a Difference

      Pros:

      Accurate,No Slop or Slip,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The dual-speed is just one of the pluses of these focusers. The gradiated drawtube is very handy for repeating focus while doing astrophotography, and the rotation makes for an easy night on the neck (not to mention framing a picture). But the best thing is the tensioner and lock screws which prevent heavy accessories from causing the drawtube to slip and lose focus over time.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    65. Guest

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      Review by rcole_sooner of Norman, OK.
      1243382400
      May 26, 2009

      5.0 A must have upgrade

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This has been a fantastic upgrade for my C80ED. It makes focusing a breeze. It supports my Canon 40D and provides stable images. If you have a scope like the C80ED with a stock focuser, stop waiting and upgrade to this focuser.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    66. AstroGuy1

      AstroGuy1 New Member

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      Review by Stargazer of Michigan.
      1233619200
      Feb 2, 2009

      5.0 Get Focused!

      Pros:

      Low cost,Crayford smoothness

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      When I purchased a C80ED, I didn't plan on putting any more money into it. I just intended to use it out of the box, as is. The optics turned out to be great but I was getting a little frustrated with the rack and pinion focuser. I cleaned the heavy grease from it and re-lubricated it. This helped some but the more I used it, the more I disliked the image shift and somewhat jerky feeling when focusing...especially at higher powers. it was time to take a closer look at a Crayford-style focuser for this fine little refractor.

      Agena Astro has a relatively low cost GSO dual speed crayford and when they provided an adapter, specifically for the C80ED, I decided to go for it.

      Removing the old rack-and-pinion focuser is somewhat of a chore on the C80ED but getting a good grasp on the OTA is the key. I ended up placing the OTA vertically, with the objective end up (covered of course), and the focuser end in a vise. I used a soft-jawed vise and wrapped the OTA in a towel. Being careful not to over-tighten the vise, I could now get a firm grip, with both hands, to unscrew the OTA from the focuser.

      Installing the new GSO crayford focuser and adapter ring was a breeze. I think it took me all of about 2 minutes.

      The improvement to the telescope is outstanding! The focuser is now as smooth as butter, no image shift, and the fine micro adjustment gets you right where you want to be. I also bought the optional finder bracket for a few bucks more and plan on adapting my Rigel QuikFinder to it.

      The GSO Dual-Speed Crayford Focuser is a fine addition to any telescope and will only add to the value.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    67. dfrybarger

      dfrybarger New Member

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      Review by dfrybarger of San Francisco, CA.
      1227139200
      Nov 19, 2008

      5.0 Fantastic focuser

      Pros:

      Buttery smooth movement,Excellent workmanship,Perfectly collimated,Accurate

      Cons:

      None found

      Comments:

      I just received a GSO crayford focuser from Agena Astro and this piece is an incredible bargain. It was [$] shipped (which includes an adapter and tax because I'm in California) and the workmanship is first class. My Celestron 100ED looks super sharp with this focuser and collimation is dead-perfect at every angle. I ordered another one today for my Celestron 80ED. And also I have to say that Agena Astro (agenaastro.com) gives top-flight service every step of the way. Emails are answered within hours and I ordered this piece on Sunday and had it within 72 hours. They have made me a loyal, repeat customer.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Manufacturer GSO
      Focuser Telescope Type Refractor