Finder Bases for Hinged Rings: Low Profile vs High Profile
By Cloud Break Optics | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: المقارنات
Compare the high-profile F002E base for hinged rings with the low-profile F002A for clamshell rings and flat surfaces. See which F002 MRF finder base fits your tube.
Quick answer
Choose the high-profile F002E base if your finder must sit on a 1-inch hinged ring; choose the low-profile F002A base if you have a Stellarvue CNC clamshell ring or a flat or curved surface. The two bases mount differently, so the ring type decides the part.
Why the mounting surface decides the base
The F002E uses the existing center hole on most 1-inch wide hinged ring assemblies, so it is the only one of the two designed for that ring style. The F002A mounts with two #10 screws to a Stellarvue CNC clamshell ring or any flat or curved surface, but it is not intended for hinged rings.
That difference is the whole comparison: the base is not a universal adapter. Check your ring type before ordering, because neither base is listed as fitting the other ring style.
Height and clearance trade-off
The F002E is a high-profile base, which raises the finder above the ring. That extra height can help clear a focuser or tube hardware, but it also puts the finder higher above the optical tube. The F002A is low profile, keeping the finder closer to the mounting surface, which can be neater on a clamshell ring or a flat plate.
Neither listing gives an exact height, so use the profile name as a general guide and check clearance on your own setup before relying on it.
What the F002A does not fit
The F002A product note says it does not fit Stellarvue F1001 finders, and it is explicitly not for hinged rings. If you own a hinged ring assembly, the F002E is the matching base in this pair. If you own a clamshell ring, the F002A is the one with the supplied 10-32 socket head cap screws for that mount.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Hinged ring assembly: Pick the F002E high-profile base. It is machined to use the center hole on most 1-inch wide hinged rings, so it avoids a separate shoe or adapter. Confirm your rings are 1-inch wide hinged rings before ordering.
- Clamshell ring or flat surface: Pick the F002A low-profile base. It mounts with two #10 screws and includes two 10-32 socket head cap screws for a Stellarvue CNC clamshell ring. Check that your clamshell ring accepts the supplied 10-32 screws.
- Finder model: Both bases are for F002 multi-reticle finders, but the F002A note says it does not fit Stellarvue F1001 finders. Match the base to your finder model as well as your ring type.
Product facts
- High Profile Base for F002 MRF Finder to Hinged Rings (F002E): Uses the pre-existing center hole found on most 1-inch wide hinged ring assemblies. That makes it the direct fit for a hinged-rings finder mount without drilling new holes.
High Profile Base for F002 MRF Finder to Hinged Rings (F002E) - Low Profile Base for F002 MRF Finder (F002A): Mounts with two #10 screws to a Stellarvue CNC clamshell ring or any flat or curved surface. It suits clamshell rings and flat plates, but the same note excludes hinged rings.
Low Profile Base for F002 MRF Finder (F002A)
Which base fits your setup
Best for
- Owners of 1-inch wide hinged ring assemblies who need a high-profile finder mount
- Users who want to attach an F002 MRF finder directly to an existing hinged ring center hole
Not for
- Stellarvue CNC clamshell ring owners who should use the low-profile F002A instead
- Stellarvue F1001 finder owners, since the F002A note excludes that model
