GS Series Guide Scopes GS-250AC, AR | GS-350AC, AR

PAPO Optical System | Precision Guiding | Superior Image Quality

Specifications

  • PAPO apochromatic design with integrated field flattener
    PAPO Apochromat
    (Planar APO)
  • Broadband multi-layer AR coatings
    Multi-layer Coatings
    Broadband AR
  • 1.25-inch standard interface
    1.25-inch /
    31.7 mm Port
  • Rear M42 external thread
    Rear M42
    External Thread
  • Focal length options
    Focal Length 250 mm (250)
    350 mm (350)
  • Clear aperture spec
    Aperture 50 mm (250)
    58 mm (350)
  • Focal ratio spec
    f/5 (250)
    f/6 (350)
  • Wide compatibility and flexible setups
    Wide Compatibility
    Versatile Setups

PAPO Apochromatic Optical Design
True Star-Color Reproduction

The GS Series guide scopes feature a proprietary three-element PAPO (planar apochromat with integrated field flattener) configuration with one ED element, effectively correcting chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and field curvature. Designed around a flat, well-corrected 1-inch image circle, they deliver crisp, pinpoint star images for accurate guiding, while also supporting visual use and entry-level night-sky/DSO imaging.

GS-250 Spot Diagram

GS-250 spot diagram

GS-350 Spot Diagram

GS-350 spot diagram

High-Transmission Coatings + Anti-Reflection Threads
Boost Guiding Sensitivity

All optical surfaces use broadband multi-layer AR coatings to minimize reflections and maximize transmission. The internal barrel is precision-machined with anti-reflection threads and additional stray-light suppression, greatly improving image contrast.

CNC Precision Machining
Fine Matte Finish

The tube, rings, and dovetail plate are CNC-machined from aluminum alloy for a balance of low weight and structural strength. Anodized surfaces provide wear and corrosion resistance suited to field astronomy. The fine matte texture is comfortable, durable, and non-slip.

  • CNC-machined components
  • Matte surface finishing
  • Anodized details

Modular Structure
for Maximum Flexibility

A proprietary universal M48 extension tube with anti-reflection treatment forms the main barrel, allowing flexible combinations to match optical path requirements—from visual observing to astrophotography.

GS-250 guide scope with GPM guide camera
GS-250 Guide Scope + GPM Guide Camera
GS-350 guide scope with diagonal and eyepiece
GS-350 Guide Scope + Diagonal + Eyepiece
GS-350 guide scope with filter drawer and DSO camera
GS-350 Guide Scope + Filter Drawer (optional E-focuser) + DSO Camera
* Due to focal length limits, GS-250 may not reach focus with a diagonal.

Dual Focusing Options
Choose What Suits You

  • Rackless Focuser (AC versions): FSB-125C rackless focuser with precision bearing guides and a classic Crayford-style mechanism for smooth focusing and stable optical alignment—ideal for light-load manual imaging.
    Rackless focuser — AC version
  • Rack-and-Pinion Focuser (AR versions): FSB-125R gear-driven focuser with precision bearing guides for higher focusing accuracy; compatible with ToupTek Astro AAF electronic focuser, suitable for autofocus and heavier payloads.

    Rack-and-pinion focuser — AR version

Wide Compatibility · Rich Configurations
Seamless System Integration

Built for flexibility: support for 1-inch sensors, direct threaded connections, and multiple mounting points let the GS Series integrate smoothly with a wide range of cameras and setups.

  • 1) Supports high-quality imaging with guide and planetary cameras up to 1-inch sensor size.

    Connection with guide cameras
  • 2) Focuser end: 1.25-inch inner diameter with external M42×0.75 thread for direct connection to mainstream cooled cameras.

    * Recommended sensor size ≤ 1 inch.
    Connection with cooled cameras
  • 3) Multiple M5 threaded holes on the top and sides of the tube rings for attaching additional astronomy accessories.

    Accessory expansion points
  • 4) Dovetail plate bottom with multiple M6 threaded holes plus one 3/8-16 thread for quick mounting to tripods or equatorial mounts.

    Dovetail mounting interface
  • 5) Universal M48 extension tube assembly for the main barrel; swap in a short tube when using an eyepiece or diagonal.

    M48 modular tube assembly

All-New Upgrades

Compared with the previous FS series, the new GS series is upgraded from optical design to overall performance.

Model FS-250AC / AR GS-250AC / AR
GS-350AC / AR
Optical Design Achromatic Doublet PAPO Triplet with Integrated Field Flattener
Aperture 45 mm 50 mm (250)
58 mm (350)
Focal Ratio f/5.6 f/5 (250)
f/6 (350)
Interface Size 1.25-inch / M42×0.75 1.25-inch / M42×0.75
Focuser Type AC: Rackless (FSB-125C)
AR: Rack-and-Pinion (FSB-125R)
AC: Rackless (FSB-125C)
AR: Rack-and-Pinion (FSB-125R)

Dimensions

GS-250AC dimensional drawing
GS-250AC Dimensional Drawing
GS-250AR dimensional drawing
GS-250AR Dimensional Drawing
GS-350AC dimensional drawing
GS-350AC Dimensional Drawing
GS-350AR dimensional drawing
GS-350AR Dimensional Drawing

What's in the Box

The GS series brings comprehensive upgrades over the FS series—from optics to performance.

Package contents overview
  • Guide Scope Box
  • GS-250AC/AR or GS-350AC/AR Guide Scope
    (with tube rings / dovetail & focuser)
  • Dust Cap