Red Dot Finder vs Telrad, not the usual question

[Murat]

Hi All,

Hasn't it been great viewing in Sydney last few nights?!!

I already have a Red Dot Finder (RDF=see attached image) which came with my 12" Lightbridge and quickly acquired an 8x50 right angled right side up finderscope. I haven't used the red dot finder at all yet, and would consider screwing its bracket in between the eyepiece and the finderscope (the finderscope sits on the original bracket for the RDF) to be used WITH the finderscope.

However, and here is the question, if I already have a RDF, do the concentric circles of a Telrad confer additional navigatory benefit for the star hopper? I am prepared to buy a Telrad if the weight of opinion drives me in that direction.

Cheers,
Murat

[cookie8]

I used to own a 12" LB.From my experience a Telrad is a must for a dob. Alignment is easy with the 3 thumb-knobs very sensitive. The RDF you have I found it very awkward to use: its heavy and need Allen keys to adjust up/down & L/R. Dropping of tool and scratching of equipment is common place. I prefer the cheaper and lighter version https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Images/Stock/6888X.jpg which has 2 dials for easy tool-free alignment. Still the projected red dot is often too bright and obscuring the object you wanted to centre.

[Sarge]

Murat,
Never used a red dot finder, but do have a Telrad on my 12" dob. It was the first addition to the scope and I find it a must for locating objects. Used with Telrad finder charts or even Stellarium (with Telrad script) makes manual finding so much easier. Easy to attach with double sided tape and easy to adjust with three thumb screws. Well worth the expense.
:D:D
Rod

[mozzie]

hi murat..

with the telrad it's 3 circles are 1/2,2 and 4 degrees help you when star hopping they can give you perspective when reading maps and looking for an object in the sky.i use the pocket sky atlas and the maps are in front of you with the telrad size beside it.an item i wouldn't go with out...

[Murat]

Thanks Guys,

Telrad is winning by a mile so far. Good points made by all.

Interestingly also, I recently acquired an Apple Iphone, and there is an excellent app for amateur astronomers "StarMap Pro" with Telrad target circles able to be toggled on and off amongst many other features on the app. It has the Messier, IC, NGC and Caldwell catalogues and magnitude of stars up to 16 with 2,500,000 stars and red nightlight toggle. So far the best app for astronomers at about $22.

I also made out of cardboard, Tarzan's grip, and Baader Solar film a filter for my 20 x 80 binoculars. I might make one for the 12" Dob also. It has been very interesting correlating the sunspots with wesbite images such as here:

http://umbra.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/latest.html

I cant wait for my first transit of Mercury or Venus observations. Gotta check the almanacs!

[mozzie]

yep can't wait either venus transit june 2012 :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[that_guy]

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