Product Overview
Starfield 60mm Guide Scope for Astrophotography & DSO Imaging
Improve guiding accuracy for astrophotography and deep-sky DSO imaging with the Starfield 60mm Guide Scope. Built for modern imaging rigs, it delivers a bright, wide field of view so you can lock onto guide stars faster and maintain stable tracking during long exposures. Whether you’re running a compact travel setup or a full-size imaging rig, this guide scope is a practical way to upgrade your astronomy workflow.
Best For
- Guiding refractors and reflectors in the ~200–800 mm imaging focal length range
- Portable rigs where fast setup and reliable PHD2 guiding matter
- Deep-sky DSO imaging (nebulae, galaxies, clusters) with longer sub-exposures
- Wide-field guide star acquisition in sparse regions of the sky
Wide-Field Optics for Faster Guide Star Acquisition
With a 228 mm focal length and multi-coated optics, the Starfield 60mm Guide Scope provides a generous field of view that makes it easier to find a usable guide star quickly. This is especially helpful when you’re framing DSOs where the guide-star options can be limited. Less hunting means more time collecting data.
Smooth 2" Helical Focuser for Precise Guiding Focus
The integrated 2" helical focuser offers fine, controlled focusing for tight guide stars—ideal for consistent PHD2 guiding performance. A brass compression ring secures your camera or accessories evenly and helps avoid marring barrels. Included is a 2"/1.25" adapter with a brass compression ring and a 2" filter thread, giving you flexible compatibility for common astrophotography guiding setups.
Mounting Compatibility: Synta/Vixen-Style Finder Shoe Universal Base
This guide scope includes a finder bracket and universal base that matches the common Synta/Vixen-style finder shoe standard used by many telescope and mount manufacturers. It’s a clean, secure way to add guiding without unnecessary bulk or complicated hardware.
Recommended Guide Cameras & Sensor Notes
A great match is the ZWO ASI220 (or a similar sensor class), which pairs well with the focal length and field of view of this guide scope for dependable guiding. Larger guide camera sensors will also perform exceptionally well and can make guide star selection even easier—especially when imaging DSOs where star density varies.
Important Note: Rotating Focuser & PHD2 Calibration
This guide scope does not have a non-rotating focuser. The helical focuser assembly can rotate, and that can rotate the guide camera orientation. If the guide camera rotates, your guiding calibration in PHD2 (or similar guiding software) will need to be redone for best performance.
Technical Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 63 mm
- Length incl. Focuser: 257 mm
- Optics: Multicoated
- Focal Length: 228 mm
- Focuser: 2" Helical Focuser with Brass Compression Ring (rotating helical assembly)
- Adapter: 2"/1.25" with Brass Compression Ring and 2" Filterthread
- Weight (Finder w/o Bracket, 2"): 17.1 oz.
- Weight (Finder w/o Bracket, 1 1/4"): 20.8 oz.
- Weight (Bracket): 12.4 oz.
What’s Included
- Finderscope 60 mm
- Finderbracket with Universal base (Synta/Vixen-style finder shoe compatible)
FAQ
Does this guide scope have a non-rotating focuser?
No. This model uses a rotating 2" helical focuser assembly. As you focus—or if you rotate the camera for framing—the guide camera orientation may rotate.
If my guide camera rotates, do I need to recalibrate guiding?
Yes. Any rotation changes the camera’s orientation relative to the mount axes. For accurate tracking, you should redo your calibration in PHD2 (or your preferred guiding software) after any camera rotation.
Is recalibrating good practice even if nothing rotated?
Yes—recalibrating before a new imaging session is a smart best practice for consistent results. It helps ensure dependable PHD2 guiding performance, even if your rig configuration looks unchanged.
What mounting standard does the universal base fit?
The included universal base matches the common Synta/Vixen-style finder shoe used by many telescope and mount manufacturers.
