Right angle finderscope for Meade SCT

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi All

I really don't like craning my head to much when aligning, and so would like to get a right angle finder scope.

It seems that the Stellarvue F50M2 - 9 x 50 Finder with Reticle Eyepiece would be a good choice. Anybody care to comment?

Another option would be the Orion 9x50 Illuminated Right-Angle from Bintel (and probably other places).Anybody care to comment?

I like the idea of being able to use the Stellarvue with different eyepeices.

I also think I will have to fit a new dovetail for either of these.

I have considered a red dot finder, but, for now at least, I think I prefer the scope.

Any advice welcome, as would be other suggestions.

Philip

[scagman (John)]

Hi Phillip,

I have the stellarvue F50m2 and think its great. No more cranning. Also being able to change eye pieces means you can drop in a higher powered one for a better alignment or drop in a illuminated one with cross hairs etc.

Cheers

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi John

I am glad that you like it. Looks like I will get it, $'s permitting.

Do you (or anyone else) happen to have an idea if it will fit into the Meade finder rings?

Make easier and cheaper.

Philip

[pwilly]

If $ is a concern I suggest the GSO 8 x 50 right angle correct image diagonal, complete with holder and metal block base from Andrews for $89.
It has a (dark) cross hair and it's good enough to spot the Helix nebular.

[BPO]

The GSO finder and the Stellarvue F50 are both excellent, although the optics and build of the latter makes it a great little telescope in its own right.

[iborg (Philip)]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at the GSO.

[Renato1 (Renato)]

I am mystified as to how you would quickly find anything with a right angled finder scope. To my mind, a red dot finder of any type is pretty much essential for use with a right angled finder scope.

I'm quite happy with my white Bintel one, though you'd want something to match the colour of your telescope.
Regards,
Renato

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Just my 1.3c (after tax0
I've used the Antares RA illuminated finders on ALL my previous Meade SCT's and now transferred them to the C11 and other scopes.
I like them.
Highly recommended.

[pwilly]

Well, I have to admit that I have an additional laser pointer on my (manual) Dob. Often I'm spot on the object, if I miss it I use the finder scope.

I tried various red dot finders but they are not my thing. Basically a laser is essential, a finder scope is a good addition to it.

[iborg (Philip)]

Oddly enough, I hadn't about about how I use the finder.

With the straight through finder, one eye sees the sky directly, and I use the other on the finder and just bring the views together.
I don't know how to make my eye see at right angles as well.

I shall have to ponder!

Mayby I will go with a red dot finder.