Give your new AstroLabs telescope a significant performance and experience upgrade with our factory-installed Premium Knob Kit — a precision-machined set of aerospace-grade aluminum knobs designed to replace the standard plastic hardware. This upgrade enhances durability, precision, tactile feel, and long-term reliability, making your telescope more enjoyable to use every single night.
This upgrade is only available at the time of telescope purchase, as several knobs integrate directly into structural components (including the mirror cell) and cannot be retrofitted later.
Why Customers Choose the Premium Knob Kit
Superior tactile experience — smoother rotation, finer control, and a premium mechanical feel.
Built for decades of use — aluminum knobs and matching studs eliminate the wear, looseness, and aging that plastic knobs often develop.
Travel- and weather-ready — defense-grade anodizing ensures long-term corrosion protection and stability across extreme temperatures.
Visually stunning — golden or red anodized accents enhance the look of your telescope without affecting balance or weight.
Engineered for precision — custom-diameter studs prevent deformation, improve alignment integrity, and maintain consistent collimation over long-term use.
What Makes These Knobs Special
Every knob is machined from space-grade aluminum on advanced 5-axis CNC systems, producing perfect geometry with exceptional surface quality. They are finished to MIL-PRF-8625F Type II Class 2 specifications for defense-grade corrosion resistance.
Each knob is paired with a matched stainless-steel or high-strength alloy stud — engineered specifically for your telescope model. These studs are produced to internal engineering tolerances for length, fit, and loading requirements, ensuring long service life with zero rust or deformation issues. Ball-head studs are included where required.
Included in the Upgrade
~18 precision knobs
Matching SS304 or alloy studs
Ball-head studs (as required by the design)
Factory installation and calibration
Finish & Pricing
Frosty Matte — USD 22 per knob
Polished — USD 25 per knob
(Price includes both knob + corresponding stud.)
Note: Polished finishes may display micro hairline marks from handling — these are normal.
Compatibility
Fully compatible with:
12" f/4
12" f/4.5
12.5" f/4
12.5" f/4.5
AstroLabs USA TravelScope models only.
Why This Upgrade Is Worth It
This kit isn’t just cosmetic — customers choose it to get a telescope that:
feels better to use
stays accurate longer
handles travel and weather with confidence
looks premium and uniquely their own
These precision knobs bring a professional, engineered feel to your telescope and offer a long-term reliability upgrade that plastic hardware simply cannot match.