Bintel 8×50 RA Finderscope Won't focus long distances

[jakevn (Jake)]

Hey guys first post on this forum, I just received my Bintel BT-202-B dob telescope ( first time in years having a telescope)

When i opened up the package the Bintel 8×50 RA Finderscope. The right angled part was popped out, i screwed it back in but was very fiddly like the thread was damaged, i went outside to Aline my finder scope but long distances were very blurry but short distance was exellent, I tried for hours to try to focus the lens for long distance. But the long distance was terrible, kind of looks like a big snow ball if pointed at a star.

Was it damaged in transit? or have i been doing it wrong? thank you

[Robh (Rob)]

Undo the ring anticlockwise (it has notches all around it) behind the front lens assembly and wind out the whole front lens assembly until you get sharp stars. Lock the front lens assembly by tightening the ring behind it.

I usually remove the whole finderscope and look at a bright star through it while holding it with one hand and winding out the front lens assembly with the other hand. If you look at Acrux, keep winding it out until you can clearly see two stars - a bright one and a dimmer companion.

Regards, Rob

[jakevn (Jake)]

hey rob thank you for a reply, i have tried that but still no luck at all, Can i pull it apart and look for something that is possibly out of place?

I am currently looking at a telrad, but would love to keep my finder scope on as well

[Robh (Rob)]

Are you sure you didn't wind the front lens assembly out far enough?
If your close distance views look good, it sounds like the unit is working OK.

Regards, Rob

[jakevn (Jake)]

i have tried again last night i still couldn't get it to focus into long distances

[Robh (Rob)]

Give Bintel a ring.
If it is faulty, they should be able to swap it.

Regards, Rob