GSO 2" Crayford Focuser for Refractors - Dual Speed (with 96.6mm Telescope Adapter)
Brand | GSO |
Part Number | PAF-GS-CRF096 |
Availability | available |
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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 96.6mm (3.80") 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 this focuser flange size (96.6mm) 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: 96.6mm (3.80")
• Minimum focuser height (with 1.25" adapter and base flange) = 121mm (4.76”)
• Maximum focuser height (with 1.25" adapter and base flange) = 200mm (7.87”)
• Minimum focuser height (without 1.25" adapter but with base flange) = 111mm (4.37”)
• Maximum focuser height (without 1.25" adapter but with base flange) = 190mm (7.48”)
• Tube travel = 79mm (3.11")
• Focuser weight (with 1.25" adapter) = 1lb-14.4oz (861gm)
• 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
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Jul 31, 2019
Good upgrade.
Pros: Cons: Comments:Bought this to put on a ST120F5, the stock R&P was fine however as its rather course and hitting the sweet spot is fiddly, a good upgrade, too bad the Canadian dollar is worth a lot less than the US one however I consider it money well spent.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 7, 2019Nice focuser but be very careful with rotating feature.
Pros: Cons: Comments:Hi,
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I love this focuser. Very nice. I have to say it's everything I want in a focuser. BUT, you have to make sure that the rotating feature has it's set screw set properly, and that it and the thumb screw have a solid hold on the back end of the focuser. If not, the back end COULD fall off, with your expensive diagonal, eyepiece and any finder scopes you have attached to it. If it does fall off, it could cost you several hundred dollars in smashed equipment. Fortunately, I actually caught the back end when it came off. But lesson learned. Make sure the set screw and thumb screw on the rotating feature are set RIGHT!
Have a great, cloudless evening.
MikeThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 1, 2019Decent Upgrade
Pros: Cons: Comments:I recently bought a SW120ST for G'n'G and have tried astrophotography with it. The OEM focuser wasn't bad but for the price, the upgrade was well worth it. Well built, smooth and fine focusing is a dream. Plus it gives the scope a pro look and feel.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I had the hardware to add the RDF and adding the DSLR was easy. I am good to go.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 7, 2018Replacement Focuser
Pros: Cons: Comments:Excellent workmanship and operation - replaced stock syntax focuser on 120mm refractor...fantastic operation with 0 slippage even with my massive 100degree ES eyepieces
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 24, 2018Decent plus, but short
Pros: Cons: Comments:A very fine focuser. I bought it to replace the focuser on my Meade 102mm Infinity. I ended up having to buy an additional 2" extension to make it come into focus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 17, 2018Replacement of stock R&P focuser
Pros: Cons: Comments:I ordered the GSO dual speed focuser with 96mm adapter from Agena for my Meade LX70 R5 120mm refractor. It’s a perfect fit.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Works and looks great!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 9, 2018Good value
Pros: Cons: Comments:Inexpensive, solid quality focuser which is ideal for replacing the stock focusers that come with Skywatcher EDPro series refractors.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Apr 15, 2018Satisfied
Pros: Cons: Comments:Recieved this focuser within 24 hrs of placing the order, (regular free USPS shipping). I'm physically close too the vendor which would explain, but the order was processed and shipped on the same day. This focuser replaced the original unit on the Celestron Omni XLT 150R f/5 achromatic refractor. The fit was perfect, the swap took about ten minutes, (I'm probably overly cautious and slow). Have been out only one time but am very satisfied with the performance. Also got the finder mount and can use the original finder, or mount the StarSense alignment product to the focuser body. Very smooth, accurate, and seems sturdy. Very much like the compression ring feature. Used both 1 1/4" and 2" eyepieces in the Explore Scientific Diagonal. Very pleased with the product and the ordering/shipping experience.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 18, 2018Great focuser
Pros: Cons: Comments:Only one issue, original focuser (Meade 102 Infinity) had an Orion dovetail for a finder scope, this focuser doesn't. Smooth action, accurate and easy to install.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 14, 2018Beautiful
Pros: Cons: Comments:It’s no secret that I love GSO products. They seem to put a little more effort into the fit and finish of their products at a fair price and this focuser is no exception. The machining and anodizing are top notch. Never mind the smooth and precise operation, this focuser just makes your telescope look like it means business. It’s like adding 20” rims to your SUV. I highly recommend this focuser if you are tired of that ratchety, greasy R&P focuser that came with your telescope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 28, 2018Premium Upgrade
Pros: Cons: Comments:Replaced the original R&P focuser on my 102mm refractor with this GSO focuser. Fit was perfect with sufficient play for center alignment. Slightly less back focus than the original focuser - required a 35mm extension. Thin film of lubricant on the focuser tube flat was removed to prevent slippage when using heavy eyepieces near zenith. Highly recommend finder bracket shoe designed specifically for the GSO focuser. Overall this is a premium upgrade for the scope - very pleased.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 17, 2018GSO 096
Pros: Cons: Comments:Replaced the stock focuser on a Celestron Omni XLT 102mm f/6.5 with the GSO 096 2" Dual Speed Crayford Refractor. Took less than 5 minutes to remove stock item and install GSO focuser. Fits perfectly. Very satisfied with purchase/upgrade! Solidly built. Very smooth movment. However, you will need an extension tube for additional back focus for this specific scope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 5, 2018Crayford Focuser for Celestron C6 Refractor
Pros: Cons: Comments:The Crayford focuser is an excellent addition to any scope. The issue with this focuser and the Celestron C6 refractor is trying to reach the focal point. A 2" extender is a must unless you also include a diagonal. Pay attention to the application charts for your scope provided.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 15, 2018Stock replacement
Pros: Cons: Comments:We needed to replace the stock focuser on a Konus 150 refractor and this was a nice fit after a custom adapter was made by Precise Parts. The focuser functions very well and has no trouble moving the several pounds of equipment that we use for our solar program.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 23, 2017Very Good focuser for the price.
Pros: Cons: Comments:When I ordered this focuser I thought the price was a little more than I wanted to pay, but after I used it the first time I realized I was paying
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
for quality. It was very smooth 2 speed focuser. I made a wise decision
buying it.
The only problem was when I went to mount my finder bracket the M4
screws supplied with the focuser were to short. I replaced them with
M4 screws that were 1/2 inch long and it worked fine.
It really worked well with my C102 f9.8 refractor.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 9, 2017High-quality replacement focuser
Pros: Cons: Comments:I bought this to replace the stock focuser on a Celestron 102mm achromat. Fits exactly and provides smooth focusing.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 10, 201796mm Fits Perfect for Celestron Omni 150r
Pros: Cons: Comments:I bought a used 6" f/5 refractor that already had an upgraded 2-speed Crayford focuser from a competing company. It worked so badly that I would have preferred to use its original Rack and Pinion focuser, which was no longer available.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I don't like the slipping that happens when you reach the end of travel on a typical Crayford. I'll often continue trying to change focus after it has gone as far as it can and not know since there is not enough resistance to notice no more travel is available.
This focuser does the same thing unless the drag screw is tightened enough to create too much drag when focusing normally. If a decent rack and pinion focuser was available I would never have purchased this focuser. I did install an old R&P on my Orion 80ED and threw away its original Crayford which slipped too easily under any load. I will not be "upgrading" the ED80 R&P focuser.
Since another decent R&P is not available for my Omni 150r, this GSO is at least usable, unlike the Crayford it replaced which kept slipping no matter how much drag was dialed into it.
As I said, this GSO focuser is a usable focuser and is even a bit better than the Crayford that came with my ES AR-102 refractor. There are better focusers out there but I refuse to spend more on a focuser than the OTA itself costs.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 26, 2017Great Focuser Upgrade
Pros: Cons: Comments:I am very pleased with the smooth precision focusing and overall build quality of this focuser. High magnification focusing was immediately improved on my telescope. This focuser is pleasure to use!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
This was used to upgrade the R&P focuser on my Celestron Omni XLT 102AZ refractor. It was a cinch to install, taking only minutes. I purchased the 2 inch extender as well. With that I have about a half inch of extra focus play left using a star diagonal, so the extender was a necessity. The added Vixen style finder shoe seems quite solid using my 6x30 RACI unit. This was definitely a very good upgrade!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 1, 2017Needed upgrade.
Pros: Cons: Comments:I have Celestron refractor 102/1000 This is very useful and pretty much a necessary upgrade for this scope. Only problem, you will need extension as mentioned in description by Agena. Otherwise you reach limit on focuser and in my case I had to move diagonal or eyepiece out to be able to focus. I added 2" x 2" extension. That adds to the cost of focuser upgrade. Considering added functionality and focusers precision its a minor thing in my judgment, but it may bring total close to $200 depending how expansive extension you get. They range from 30-60$.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The ability to twist whole focuser body to reposition direction of diagonal is a really nice functional detail. I reused screws that oryginal focuser was attached with. Those are the same size ias a replacement needed.
All around I give this comfortable five star rating.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 21, 2016Excellent upgrade for my Meade Infinity 102mm Refractor
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I replaced the stock rack and pinion focuser on my Meade Infinity 102mm Refractor Telescope with this GSO 2" Crayford Focuser for Refractors 96.6mm Telescope Adapter and the difference is definitely a major plus for me. It fit in the tube just fine and all three screw holes were lined up perfectly. I just unscrewed the old one and used the same screws to mount the GSO focuser in its place. It took me about three minutes give or take to replace onto my Telescope. You'll definitely need an extension tube at least 2" in length to regain focus once you upgrade to this GSO Crayford Focuser. Here's a little tip; If you have a Barlow with a removable lens you can remove it and use the Barlow as an extension if you don't want to or cannot afford to buy the 2" extension.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The dual speed on the focuser makes it very easy to fine tune and see an object as clear as possible. That's the main reason I bought this Focuser, just for the fine tweaking to get the most from my Telescope.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 7, 2015Excellent upgrade for XLT-102
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This focuser is an excellent upgrade for my XLT-102. The original focuser was near-impossible to focus at high magnification due to image shift and the vibration caused by a hard to turn focus knob. Planetary imaging was quite difficult because of this. The crayford focuser does not suffer from this problem. The fine adjustment feature is especially helpful and helps immensely. Installation was easy and was a drop-in replacement. The focus tube travel is about half of the original focuser so you will need to order an 80mm extension tube. Check your original focus tube extension...this focuser only extends about 70mm.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 27, 2015Fantastic!
Pros: Cons: Comments:I replaced the stock rack and pinion focuser on my Celestron 102slt refractor with this GSO Crayford focuser and the difference is marked. It fit in the tube just fine and all three screw holes were lined up perfectly. I just unscrewed the old one and used the same screws to mount the GSO focuser in its place. Before when racking in and out the image would jump around in the eyepiece and focusing was tedious, frustrating, and sometimes impossible. Now the image stays in one place and focusing is a breeze and the action is very smooth. It was an expensive upgrade especially considering the cost of the whole telescope (low end of spectrum), but I do not regret purchasing it at all. I don't do astrophotography so I can't comment on its weight bearing ability but it holds my GSO dielectric diagonal and zoom eyepiece with no problems. The GSO focuser itself is a lot heavier than the R&P focuser it replaced so I had to rebalance my telescope. But overall it's great. I recommend it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 19, 2015Nice Upgrade for My Scope
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I bought this as a replacement focuser for the stock focuser that came with my Sky-Watcher 120ED and I am very pleased. It is WAY better than the old one. It fits the tube perfectly and installation is a breeze - just insert and tighten the three screws that held the stock focuser in place and you're done. If you've been considering buying one of these, just do it!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 15, 2014Upgrading Focuser
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This focuser was an excellent upgrade for my 102 XLT refractor. Very easy to install, less than 5 min. Money well spent.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 15, 2014Solidly and smoothly working focuser
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I use this GSO focuser for my 15cm (F10) astronomical telescope which I made. The telescope is made by paper and aluminum tubes. The focuser was installed to 10cm-id paper tube. The focuser is solidly and works so smoothly.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 15, 2014Excellent product - Top quality construction
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Compact,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Solid construction, top quality, easy to use
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 30, 2014Omni XLT102 - Worthwhile Upgrade
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Great upgrade to my xlt102 telescope. Very easy to install, perfect fit and huge improvement on factory focuser. Thanks Agena.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 25, 2014Solid and precise
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Used this to upgrade a refractor I had built several years ago and it is like a new telescope, lets me exploit the high quality objective that I used. Now it uses the same eyepieces as my newtonian. An excellent value.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 2, 2014Perfect fit on an Orion 80ED
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I ordered one as soon at it became available again. I received it promptly.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The finish and the mechanical quality of the product is excellent.
There were absolutely no problems installing this focuser (96 mm) on my Orion 80ED refractor using the existing M4 screws.
The dual speed, the graduated tube and the compression rings make this focuser much better than the original one I had on my refractor.
I recommend this product without any hesitation.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 14, 2013Excellent Focuser
Pros:Quality Lenses,Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I replaced the stock rack and pinion focuser on my Celestron Omni 120mm. It fit perfect and works perfectly. It is so much smoother and a lot more accurate. Probably one of the best upgrades I have made to this scope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 3, 2013Transformed my C6
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This is the single best accessory I can imagine for my Synta 6 inch refractor. The stock focuser made it difficult to find focus, and had the telescope wobbling on its mount at the slightest touch. In contrast, this GSO is a dream. It is smooth, the fine focuser is great, and it requires just a light touch, reducing vibrations significantly. This is a quality piece, and I believe every C6 owner should upgrade as it will completely transform your scope. It is a pleasure to use and worth every penny. What a bargain compared to it's competition!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 2, 2013GSO Crayford Focuser - Awesome Product
Pros:Holds Steady Using Camera,Easy to Use,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Ecxellent Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I use this focuser on my 5-inch home made f4.6 rich field refractor, visual and astrophotography. Even using visual binoviewer + flip mirror + DSLR all at once, it holds steady while focusing using the friction adjustment.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
astrojoe New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Chicago Astronomer Joe of Chicago, Illinois.
Apr 22, 2013A perfect fit for the Celestron 102mm...
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I obtained a clearance Celestron 102mm refractor for cheap and it has performed well, but the stock Rack & Pinion focuser was the weak link. Excessive gear lash and slight draw-tube lash caused iiritating image shift - making imaging more difficult than it should be. I have a GSO Dual Speed focuser on my C11 and it performs wonderfully. I need the same for the 102mm.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Researching around, there were two reasonably priced focusers from different retailers, Agena Astro being one of them. The other one had a non-rotatable focus body, and although slightly cheaper, it looked rough. The GSO Dual Speed focuser has a better finished and refined look. I measured my inside Diameter of the 102mm refractor and settled on the 96.6mm focuser - hoping that it would fit. It arrived very quickly and well packed with spare attachment screws included.
Swapping out the stock focuser for the GSO...it was a perfect fit. The base plate adapter flange matches the OTA nicely and looks like it was original to the scope. The next day, I took it for a solar imaging session. Before, with the old focuser, obtaining prime sharp focus was a chore. Solar imaging is difficult to start, but the clunky R & P focuser, it was rough. With this new GSO focuser, the movement was smooth and achieving sharp focus was quick - and with the smaller knob gear ratio...on the nose.
A major point for me on obtaining this focuser was the rotatable body. I must have got a good one, because it is smooth and liquid. Being right handed, the dual speed knob and my camera shutter control buttons are both on the right side - making manipulation awkward. I can now rotate the dual focuser knob to the left and now use both hands to image.
The etched markings are referred to constantly, confirming drawtube travel and favored focus stops. I feared that the draw tube would not provide enough "out" travel for proper focus, (needing an adapter), but it focuses sharply, with mm's left over.
There are travel marks on the draw tube barrel from the roller bearings, but that's expected and not a negative. I appreciate the brass compression rings, as my old focuser has the aggressive set screw type and was chewing up my diagonal sleeve. With proper tension, the drawtube stays where you leave it with practically no play or wobble.
So far, observing and imaging have been a pleasure and find no cons on this product. A full review with pics can be found at the Chicago Astronomer.
Respectfully,
Joe
Chicago AstronomerThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Apr 5, 2013Sweet!
Pros:Strong Construction,Excellent value
Cons: Comments:Installed on a Celestron 6" refractor to replace the poor factory rack-and-pinion model. Installation was a snap and the unit performed *better* than expected. Has features I did not know I needed and focus is smooth and precise. Now I can see the belts in Jupiter clearly each time I view without a stuggle to get them in proper focus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 22, 2013Best move I ever made!!
Pros:Quality workmanship,Well Constructed,Very Smooth Operation
Cons: Comments:It was a breeze to change my rack & pinion with this very smooth, high precision focuser! The difference in focusing ability was quite evident! The fit and finish of this product in relation to the price is a little unbelievable! Agena is great to deal with, very professional with top service / super fast delivery considering it came all the way to North Bay,Ontario, Canada! Thanx again from North Bay!!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 1, 2012Worth the upgrade
Pros:Allows precise focusing,Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I upgraded my Orion 100mm Astroview refractor with this focuser. After owning the scope for a couple of years I realized that the optics were pretty good. The stock focuser is poor and makes precise focusing difficult, especially for short focal length scopes. Attaching the new focuser was simple and is well worth it. First night out I realized how much easier it was to "dial in" objects. Dealing with Agena Astro was a good experience - they are very professional.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 30, 2012Good upgrade over rack and pinion
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons:Not Ideal for heavy ep's
Comments:Installed this as a replacement for a rack and pinion on my SkyWatcher 102mm Achro. A word of caution, check the tension and focus lock when using heavy eyepieces. Also, I did have to purchase an 50mm extension for all ep's to achieve focus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 14, 2012I would buy this product again and again
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons: Comments:OK...2 days from order to delivery CA to NY and free shipping. AgenaAstro's the best! Package very nicely I might add. It took me about 30mins. to mount my new GSO dual speed focuser and I was really taking my time. I had to slightly enlarge the 3 screw holes to take the M4's. Making sure that no aluminum dust got into the OTA. After I used 1" packing tape to remove any dust. The focuser fit snug and it extremely well build and stable. Very nice looking too. I love the fact that it circles around itself 360 degrees. This makes moving the EP along with the scope a pleasure instead of a worry. Agena worked with me to get the correct size to fit my old ATM 4.1" f/15 refractor. My wife got me an 8x50mm GSO finder from Agena for Christmas, so I had a great time last night observing. Can you believe it no clouds? It was 12F and then a wind chill to 2F. I just tested the new goodies out on old friends...Dbl. Cluster, Jupiter, M1, M35, M46,47 & 48 and of course M42. If you are thinking of getting this focuser, I highly recommend it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 22, 2011Big Improvement over stock focuser
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Very Smooth Operation
Cons: Comments:I don't do photography, but for visual observing I can say that this unit is far superior to my stock focuser. It is priced very well, and is very smooth in operation when it is properly adjusted. This is a quality focuser.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 14, 2011Valuable purchase
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Use for visual, seldom for photo. Have short focus Synta refractor, think it was worth to upgrade with this.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 17, 2011Great Upgrade
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I bought two; 96mm and the 112mm for my Orion 120mm ST. Also, if you plan on using a finder Agena's Finder Mounting Base for Crayford Focusers worked well for me; inexpensive, easy to install and gets the job done.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 3, 2011Great deal to replace the original focuser
Pros: Cons: Comments:GSO Crayford Focuser for Refractors - Dual Speed (with 96mm Telescope Adapter) Replaced the original focuser on the Celestron 6" refractor. The improvement was like night and day. The telescope is actually fun to use now. It was simple to install and it worked from the get go. Could it GSO focuser be better? Without the doubt with the small improvement in the mechanism of the draw tube rigidity design it would make this great focuser an incredible focuser.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
kt4hx New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by DAS of Virginia.
Dec 18, 2010Smooth, silky, solid
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons:Strong Construction,Accurate
Comments:I purchased this focuser for my Orion ST120, as a direct replacement for the stock focuser. It was like day and night when I installed it in place of the standard R&P. It provides me with smooth and silky motion, and the ability to really fine tune the focus. Combined with the GSO 8X50 RACI focuser and base, this is one sweet package.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 12, 2010How Did I Focus Without It?!!
Pros:Accurate,Attractive,Versatile
Cons: Comments:I got this focuser for my Orion (Synta) 120ST refractor. It mounts with just three screws as mentioned, in minutes, despite lack of instructions. It is difficult to know how one could ever reach a satisfactory focus without it. The stock rack and pinion focuser was robust, but without fine control, impossible to feel sure about correct focus. Orion offers a upgrade focuser too, at the time of this writing $130 plus shipping, but it has the same hammertone, cheap casting look that the stock R & P focuser has. The GSO is very handsome, bespeaks better attention to detail and is well finished in black anodize. I agree that the rotation feature seems to need lube of some type, but it is still useable as-is and makes it easy to avoid the odd focus-knob alignments that happen through an observing night. Now that I have it, I consider this accessory to be almost a necessity for astronomy with the above-mentioned telescope. I will buy from them again, and I would recommend them and this focuser to a friend.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
ricka1 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Ricka1 of Waynesboro, PA.
May 1, 2010GSO Dual Speed Crayford Focuser
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:It took about 10 minutes to mount this focuser on my Orion 100ED. It works as advertised and makes my observing sessions much more enjoyable. I particularly enjoy the smooth movements and rotating feature. I'm planning on getting one for my C9.25. I do wish there was a finder mounting shoe in the main casting but there are other ways around that.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 13, 2010Great upgrade!
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Great upgrade for my Orion ED80! Rotatable function not the greatest and so I probably won't use that to often.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
johnemortensen New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by John E.M. of Easton, Pennsylvania.
Nov 10, 2009Great focuser for the price!
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I bought the Crayford GSO96 focuser to replace the R&P focuser that came with my Orion 100mm Astroview telescope. Believe me, it was money well spent. It's well built, smooth as butter, and the micro focuser makes for accurate focusing at high magnification. Installing it was as easy as 1-2-3 screws. I highly recommend a GSO Focuser to anyone wishing to upgrade. Also, dealing with Agena Astro is always a pleasure.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 8, 2009Crayford Focuser on a 120mmST refractor
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I bought an Orion 120ST f/5 refractor last spring.I used only a 2inch Meade 36mm QX eyepiece with it for 4 months due to many months of rainy and cloudy nights always on my days off from work.Then I started trying out my other 1 1/4 inch eyepieces with it only to find that they would NOT reach focus. I have read the reviews of the GSO Crayford Focuser for Refractor Telescopes - Dual Speed with 10:1 MicroFocuser (with Rotatable 96mm Telescope Adapter) many times.So I bought this Crayford Focuser along with 2 eyepieces listed as theEnhanced Wide Angle Eyepiece -66deg. 6mm and a free Bolt CaseEnhanced Wide Angle Eyepiece -66deg. With this new Crayford Focuser I can now reach focus with my other eyepieces (20mmSwan, 15mmWide Field,and 12mmWide Field).The NEW Enhanced Wide Angle Eyepiece - 15mm and 6mm both reached focus AND provides very nice views. The views are as good as the 20mm Swan 72deg. eyepiece and the other 2 eyepieces I have. I removed the original focuser with a Phillips screwdriver (3 screws) and then installed this GSO Crayford Focuser in 1 minute. Using this focuser has been very nice. Focusing on any object is now very easy compared to the low grade focuser that came with the telescope. It weighs a little more than the original because of better quality materials being used. I have no regrets buying this Crayford Focuser and would sayit is worth buying.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 8, 2009Good performance for the price
Pros:Strong Construction,Compact,Accurate
Cons: Comments:This focuser was purchased to replace a stock focuser on a Celestron 6" refractor. It supports a flip mirror system, filter wheel and a ST-7E CCD camera. Overall it does a good job of focusing all of this equipment. Still if you try and rotate the focuser with all that weight it tends to stick. If you loosen it up to where it won't stick it falls out. This is the only reason that it did not get 5 stars! Overall it is a quality unit that performs very well! I have suggested purchasing this unit on several forums and in e-mails.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 5, 2009GSO Crayford Focuser
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons:Heavy
Comments:I am an avid astrophotographer, and find that the GSO Crayford Focuser exceeds my expectations. It's sturdy construction as well as the attention to detail make this focuser an excellent tool for imaging. The focus barrel is graduated making focus a snap. The only drawback of the unit is its weight, but this is far outweighed by its excellent production quality. Full Marks!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 12, 2009Nice product!
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:Definetely an improvement over standard focuser. Very useful the grid overimposed. Strong construction too.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 26, 2009Great focuser for the money.
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I use this focuser on an Orion 120mm ST and it is a vast improvement over the stock (Synta) focuer, there is no comparison. Well worth the money spent.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
alanoodle Member
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- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by alanoodle of New York.
Nov 27, 2008Excellent, Reasonably-Priced Upgrade
Pros:Much less expensive,Smooth movement,Micro-focusers RULE
Cons:Rough adapter rotation
Comments:I recently purchased a refractor telescope from a popular vendor of imported astronomy equipment. The scope was supplied with a standard rack and pinion focuser, which, while adequate for most observing, became difficult to use at high magnification. I wanted to upgrade to what's become very popular, a Crayford-style focuser but couldn't justify shelling out $225 or more (MUCH more) for a focuser upgrade.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Guan Sheng Optics (GSO) makes a line of Crayford focusers that are perfect for a budget-minded astronomer. I purchased their 2-inch Crayford Focuser for Refractor Telescopes - Dual Speed with 10:1 MicroFocuser with a rotatable 96mm adapter from Agena Astro Products.
The GSO Crayford comes well packaged and protected in foam. The handsome, black-anodized unit is made of machined aluminum. The drawtube, also anodized black has a laser-etched scale marked in millimeters. Maximum extension of the drawtube is 3-inches. A brass compression ring at the back holds eyepieces or diagonals without marring the barrels. The focuser includes a 2" to 1.25" adapter, also with brass compression ring. The focuser body is pre-drilled and tapped to accept a dovetail finder bracket if desired.
There are no instructions included with the focuser but removing the scope's old one and installing the GSO Crayford was wonderfully simple. It was hree screws out, three screws in and the focuser was ready to use. I spent more time looking for a Phillips-head screwdriver.
I hate to repeat what has been said over and over about Crayford focusers, but the only way to describe GSO's unit is that it feels like butter. Movement is very smooth, much smoother than a Rack and Pinion focuser with no backlash or image shift. The 10:1 MicroFocuser works beautifully and makes focusing at high magnification much easier than would be without it. Two oversize thumbscrews lock and adjust the tension of the focuser.
The only negative aspect of the GSO Crayford focuser to report is that the motion of the rotatable adapter is very rough. This can probably be corrected with a little grease.
In conclusion, GSO's Crayford Focuser for Refractor Telescopes - Dual Speed with 10:1 MicroFocuser is an excellent telescope upgrade at a reasonable price. The roughness of the rotating adapter is the only thing preventing this focuser from getting a 5-star rating even though I highly recommend it.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
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Manufacturer GSO Focuser Telescope Type Refractor