The StarField Optics Gear60 is an f/5 telescope boasting Petzval four-element optics, so we were looking forward to seeing how well it stacked up in our tests.
Refractors are versatile instruments that can be used for photographing a variety of astronomical objects.
- Discover our pick of the best telescopes for astrophotography
This is a telescope primarily intended for astrophotography, photographing the night sky.
Small-aperture fast-focal-ratio refractors really come into their own when we image large, faint objects such as nebulae or large galaxies.
Unboxing and setting up
The compact StarField Optics Gear60 is an f/5 telescope refractor arrived in a sturdy box stored in a compact soft carry case with a shoulder strap.
We noted the case was fully lined with die-cut foam, ensuring the telescope would be kept safe in transit.
It even had additional spaces to accommodate accessories such as an after-market electronic focuser or camera equipment.
First impressions were that StarField Optics' Gear60 is beautifully manufactured, with all-metal parts and very secure metal dust caps.
We found the black-and-red colour scheme particularly striking.
Although very compact when the dew shield is retracted, the telescope weighs 3.1kg, so the carry handle on the top is a welcome addition.
We added our own red dot finder onto one of the two available mounting points and prepared for clear skies.
The weather during the review period was not ideal, but the compact size of the telescope made it quick and easy to mount, so we were able to grab moments to image a variety of objects with four different cameras.
When extended, we thought the dew shield gave great protection from lens fogging, but we added an external dew heater for peace of mind.
StarField Optics Gear60 as an astrophotography telescope
On the first clear night testing the StarField Optics Gear60, we mounted an entry-level astronomy-modified DSLR camera to photograph the Flaming Star Nebula over 90 minutes.
The optics were very impressive and the resulting images had amazing clarity.
The Gear60 was so fast that we were able to use a lower ISO for this faint object, which helped to reduce noise – a huge advantage for those of us with budget or older camera models.
When the skies cleared again, we used a non-modified entry-level DSLR to capture 2.5 minutes on comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), 45 minutes on the Triangulum Galaxy and 30 minutes on the Pleiades.
Despite thickening fog, the results were still impressive with no sign of chromatic aberration around the stars or deep-sky targets.
On our final night of imaging, we mounted a budget CMOS camera to the Gear60 to capture an almost 100%-illuminated Moon, first at the native focal length and then with a 3x Barlow lens.
Again, no colour fringing was present and the resulting lunar images were lovely and sharp.
We couldn’t resist testing it by photographing Jupiter with a 5x Powermate eyepiece in the imaging train.
Although still quite small on the camera sensor, some lovely details in the planet’s cloud belts were captured, while three Galilean moons were clearly visible.
Finally, we switched to a mid-range, fan-cooled, deep-sky CMOS camera and managed to capture 10.5 minutes on the Orion Nebula before clouds rolled in.
Despite such a short total exposure time, the results were still very impressive.
How it performs
The Gear60 also features a built-in filter holder, which is a great addition but also very slim and difficult to grip with cold hands, which makes it tricky to unscrew the filter holder and camera mounting ring independently.
To reduce the risk of dropping an expensive filter, we found it easier to screw everything together indoors in the warm and then use the carrying handle to take the whole assembly outside to cool down before imaging.
With deep-sky and narrowband imaging, every photon counts, so the StarField Gear60’s excellent
f/5 optics make this an ideal choice for capturing nebulae, large galaxies and comets.
However, it’s also versatile enough for imaging other objects.
While the StarField Optics Gear60 isn't suitable for visual observing, it’s certainly a great option for anyone serious about small-aperture astrophotography.
StarField Optics Gear60 quad design
The Gear60’s Petzval four-element design – a two-element objective lens with FPL53 ED glass, plus a two-element corrector – ensures this scope is optimised for astrophotography.
Its optical arrangement allows DSLR cameras to be screwed on securely with an M48 x 0.57mm thread adaptor without the need for a spacer.
Alternatively, the nosepiece of CMOS and CCD cameras can be attached.
This ensures optimal sharpness across the entire field of view, while its 44mm image circle allows full illumination of full-frame DSLR sensors.
The images had pin-sharp stars across the whole field and were free of any kind of optical or chromatic aberrations, even when an entry-level camera was used in less-than-ideal observing conditions.
The working distance is 41mm to 61mm and we were able to achieve focus both at the native focal length and also with a 2x or 3x Barlow in the imaging train, which makes it a solid option for lunar photography, as well as deep-sky.
While an extension tube was required when we used a 5x Powermate for Jupiter, the images were still impressively clear.
StarField Optics Gear60 – 5 best features
Carry handle
The dual-purpose carry handle not only aids with lifting and carrying the telescope, but can also be used to mount additional accessories such as a guidescope or camera. It is pre-drilled with three threaded holes that take the standard 1/4-inch camera mounting screw.
Dual-speed rack and pinion focuser
The 2.5-inch dual-speed rack and pinion focuser has a 10:1 gear reduction for fine focusing. The drawtube is supported by ball bearings which provide stability when heavier DSLR cameras are attached. Allowing 20mm of travel, its focusing is extremely smooth, with no slippage during adjustment. A focuser dust cover and locking screw are included.
360˚ camera rotator
Some objects need to have the camera orientated in a particular way for the best framing. The 360˚ rotator allows for fully adjustable framing of the imaging target without the need to loosen and rotate the camera itself, a feature that prevents loss of focus.
Tilt adjuster
The tilt adjuster allows for perfect alignment between the telescope optics and the camera sensor. There are four pairs of screws that are adjusted with Allen keys to apply very precise corrections exactly where they’re needed, producing optimum image results every time and with any camera.
Integrated 2-inch filter holder
The filter holder is well made, with excellent-quality screw threads. It places the filter in front of the camera, so you can use it with cameras with either 2-inch or 1.25-inch nosepieces (with the right adaptor; always make sure that the nosepiece doesn’t protrude and hit the filter).
Key specs
- Optics: Petzval four-element (two-element FPL53 ED glass objective; two-element corrector)
- Aperture: 60mm
- Focal length: 300mm, f/5
- Focuser: 2.5-inch dual-speed rack and pinion
- Extras: Soft carry case, carry handle, dovetail bar
- Weight: 3.1kg
- Supplier: First Light Optics
- Email: questions@firstlightoptics.com
- www.firstlightoptics.com
This review appeared in the February 2025 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
