Suggestions wanted for a finderscope that will take 1.25" eyepieces

[[1ponders]]

The title says it all. I'm looking at upgrading one of my finderscopes and I'm after a good quality, but not cost the earth, finderscope that will accept 1.25" eyepieces, specifically a 12.5mm reticle. With or without a diagonal, though prefer no diagonal.

Any suggestions and suppliers.

ps I've got my eye on a couple but I'm interested to find out what else is available out there.

[Lee]

Televue 60? f/6 - 4.3 deg field....... Don't know how much though - exy I would think.... :eyepop:

I've been thinking the same lately - a big proportion of my observing is spent looking through the finder - why shouldn't it be a great scope too???? Am interested in seeing other recommendations.....

[janoskiss]

But if you do that you will no longer be able to wipe the dew off the eyepiece, and occasionally the objective lens, with your shirt sleeve. I like having a cheapo finder. ;)

[[1ponders]]

I know what you mean Steve. However I have two of those already, and I'm specifically after something that will help with finding a guidestar for autoguiding. I have a flip mirror but I cant get an eyepiece/reticle to focus when using my sct with flip mirror and ToUcam combo (I'm still working out the spacing details), and my finders just don't cut it when trying to put that star on the chip.

[bird]

I made one on the cheap by cutting the end off a 6x30 straight-thru finder with a hacksaw and cementing a short 1.25" extender tube in there instead :-)

Works fine, costs not very much.

cheers, Bird

[danielsun]

I've been looking into the same and found that andrews has the williams 66 ED achromat 350mm long for about $450. maybe a bit much for a guide scope but it seems the best and cheapest of anything like it that takes 1.25 EP's. Though im not sure if it comes with any mounting bracket.

[Karls48]

I made one similar to birds. 30 x 6 but instead of extension tube I machined inter tube a bit and glue diagonals to it. Works well with 10mm eyepiece. The only problem is that it is very short and doesn’t fit original bracket.

[Wombat_In_Space]

Found these with a google search:

http://www.astronomics.com/main/Antares_12_x_80mm_black_right_angle _correct_image_finderFRE1280BK.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/5QKXWMM37DFH9HWGT0JW88RNN2/product_id/1280EBK

http://www.astronomics.com/main/Antares_12_x_80mm_blue_right_angle_ correct_image_finderFRE1280BU.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/5QKXWMM37DFH9HWGT0JW88RNN2/product_id/1280EBU

http://www.frontieroptics.com/View%20Finders.html

Hope this helps

[JohnG]

Hi Paul

I am actually looking to replace the finder on my ED80 for use with the TGAD and the ST-4 autoguider, specifically I was looking for one with a right angle erect image and Illuminator so I can place a guidestar on the rather small ST-4 chip without bending over into ridiculous angles and doing one's back in. :D

I found these:

http://www.stellarvue.com/f50order.html

They are available from OPT and look like they will fit the bill as far as I am concerned, they also take an 1 1/4 eyepiece, it looks like there is a specific finder bracket to fit ED80 type scopes as well.

Might be what your looking for. :thumbsup:

Cheers

JohnG

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Darren and John. Exactly what I'm looking for ;)