Finderscope for 8" Bintel

[Marcus]

Hi all
I am using my bintel reflector, which comes with a I presume cheapish finderscope which doesnt seem to focus well. Admittedly i have only used in in highly polluted skies on so far.
Not sure if there is an issue with the scope itself or it is just the limitations of the inexpensive default scope
Especially to have any hope of seeing anything in LP im happy to spend some $$ on a high quality scope. Should the default one worm pretty well or do you have any suggestions for a replacement?
Thanks
Mark

[mental4astro]

Hi Mark,

I'm assuming that the finder you currently have is an 8X50. It could be either the right angle or straight through styles, but both of these can be focused. Here's a link to how to go about it (http://www.astronomyforum.net/dobsonian-telescopes-forum/127903-apertura-ad12-first-light-report-4.html).

Finderscopes can be a very personal thing. I've got two of these 8X50 finders, one of each style, and they are great, even in light polluted areas like where I live in Sydney's east, as they have enough light gathering grunt to overcome the urban lights to be able to follow a star map easily.

Many folks swear by Telrads. I swear at Telrads, :rolleyes: :lol: . Like I said, very personal. Telrads ARE great, don't get me wrong, and there are star charts made specifically for them to the scale of the target image they project.

I prefer the simple red dot/spot finder (rdf). These project a holographic dot into the lens of the finder which allows both eyes to be used and there is no significant parallax movement making eye position less critical. Most nights I just use my rdf, even from home.

Some folks even load a couple, if not more, finders onto their scopes, such as an rdf and an optical finder. The rdf does the gross pointing, and usually that's enough. The optical finder does the fine pointing, particularly in a light polluted sky when you're aiming at a star poor region of the sky. I've got three finders on my 17.5", :) :screwy: :D

You can also find finders of larger and smaller aperture. Again this depends on what you're after. One of the three finders on my 17.5" is a 76mm reflector.

I hope this helps.

Mental.

[wavelandscott]

I am one of those that swears by my Telrad. I even recently mounted one on my refracting telescope. I find them to be a wonderful addition to my telescopes.

Having stated my support for them I will acknowledge Alexander's comments that not everyone is as enamored with them as I am.

[erick]

Where are you Mark? It might help to visit someone or go to a starcamp and get a bit of hands-on help?

[barx1963]

Mark
Generally the finders on Bintels Dobs are the same as standard GSO Dobs, the same as mine. Usually they are pretty good but you the focusing may take a couple of tries to get right.
I wouldn't be in a rush to replace as top notch finders can be expensive and really don't get you much benefit as there is only so much you can do with a 50mm aperture.
Like Alex I am not a big fan of Telrads, although I have one ir rarely get used.

Malcolm

[Marcus]

Thanks all. I'm in Melbourne amidst the bright lights.
Mental4astro, thanks for the link, I had loosened the clamp but didn't realise it travelled up and down the thread.

I definitely need to visit a starcamp time permitting, if you have any suggestions for 2013 that would be great.

The main thing is getting out of town to try it all out properly. This weekend fingers crossed..

[barx1963]

Marcus
The Snake Valley Camp is coming up, see http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=910065#post910065 and here http://ballaratman.wix.com/svaa#!astro-camps

One of the best out opf Melb but very nice dark skies.

Malcolm