Description
Starfield 60mm Guide Scope Gen II — Wide-Field Guiding with a Non-Rotating Helical Focuser
Improve guiding accuracy for astrophotography and deep-sky DSO imaging with the Starfield 60mm Guide Scope Gen II. Designed as a compact, rigid autoguiding solution, it delivers a bright, wide field of view so you can lock onto guide stars faster and maintain stable tracking during long exposures.
Best For
- Guiding refractors and reflectors in the ~200–800mm imaging focal length range
- Portable rigs where quick 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 228mm focal length and 60mm f/3.8 light-gathering, the Gen II provides a generous guide field that makes it easier to find a usable guide star quickly. Less hunting means more time collecting data—especially helpful when your main camera framing doesn’t leave many nearby guide-star options.
Non-Rotating Helical Focuser (Better Framing + Easier PHD2 Workflow)
The Gen II uses a non-rotating helical focuser, so your guide camera orientation stays consistent while you focus. That’s a big win for calibration and repeatability: once you’ve focused and calibrated in PHD2, you’re less likely to need a recalibration caused by camera rotation. Locking screws help hold focus securely for stable guiding performance.
High-Contrast Optics + Dew Control
A fully multi-coated doublet improves light throughput, while the inside of the tube is finished in matte black to suppress reflections and increase contrast. The built-in dew shield further reduces stray light and helps protect the optics from condensation.
Mounting Compatibility: Celestron / Sky-Watcher / Vixen / GSO Saddles
The Gen II includes rings and a mounting stalk for a rigid, field-ready setup. It’s designed to fit common saddle standards used by many telescope and mount manufacturers, and it also includes a universal finder shoe for flexible mounting options.
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 can make guide star selection even easier—especially when imaging DSOs where star density varies.
Technical Specifications
- Aperture: 60mm
- Focal Length: 228mm
- Focal Ratio: f/3.8
- Optics: Fully multi-coated doublet
- Focuser: Heavy-duty helical focuser, non-rotating assembly, locking screws
- Accessory Interface: Accepts 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
- Light Control: Matte-black internal finish + built-in dew shield
- Construction: High-quality all-metal
- Mounting: Fits common saddles; includes universal finder shoe
What’s Included
- Starfield 60mm Guide Scope Gen II
- Mounting rings
- Mounting stalk / bracket hardware
- Universal finder shoe
- Built-in dew shield
FAQ
Does focusing rotate the guide camera?
No—this Gen II model uses a non-rotating focuser, which helps keep camera orientation stable while focusing. That makes calibration and guiding workflow more predictable in PHD2.
What if I can’t reach focus?
Focus issues usually come down to spacing and adapter stack choices. If you need more out-focus, add spacing. If you need more in-focus, remove unnecessary extensions and use the most direct 1.25" connection possible.
What software should I use for guiding?
PHD2 is a popular choice for autoguiding and works well with the Gen II’s wide field and stable camera orientation.