Hi.. thinking of getting a Telrad. Would I find this a useful addition to my scope? Is the Telrad the best, or are other (similar) devices better? I've not done huge research into it, but there is something called the Rigel that one recommended over the Telrad. Apparently the Telrad is heavy? Looking forward to any comments.
Yes very useful. Yes Telrad is the best. Rigel is more compact which makes it better suited to smaller scopes. Telrad is not very heavy but bulky. Better optically than Rigel. For 10" or larger Telrad is the way to go IMO/E. (I have both and have used most other 1x finders.) I recommend you get a right-angle 8x50 finder to go with it if you haven't got one already.
Hi Programmer.
My view is that the Telrad is the best accessory ever invented for visual observing. I used a Telrad and a widefield eyepiece to star-hop to hundreds of deep sky objects. There is a view among some old hands that a Telrad complements rather than replaces a finder-scope but I used one without a finder for years.
The drawback is dew that forms on the glass, but since the screen is not a precision optical surface you can wipe it with any old cloth. Better is to get someone electrically inclined to fix an array of resisters attached to a battery to act as a dew-zapper.
But Telrads are great.
Cheers
Drew
Couldn't agree more! I have found the Telrad has made finding DSOs so much easier. I haven't tried other brands, so I couldn't say whether there is a better option. I have also found fogging a bit of an issue, but mostly if I breathe on the thing as I use it in conjunction with the standard GSO finderscope. If I am careful about where I put my nose, I don't have many problems.
I'm going to play devils' advocate and say that I leave my Telrad unloved and unused on the shelf. It's the only astro accessory I've bought, tried and never used again. The ONLY thing I like about the Telrad is the way that some star charts refer to it for positional reference.
Other than that, I find that the closely concentric circles obliterate whatever is behind them, and make it very difficult to see - even with the intensity turned right down to bare minimum.
I also find the bulk of the thing plainly unnecessary, and can't imagine why the damn thing needs to take up so much scope tube real estate. Try mounting one on a smaller scope from time to time - like an ED80 or something.
The dew shields are positively useless AND expensive, and unless you construct a heated element of your own you'll never keep the darn thing dew-free.
I far prefer a red-dot finder - the William Optics one is a great example. A single, unobtrusive red dot that barely glows when turned down doesn't hide any detail at all behind it.
Just my opinion, but we're allowed to have these I've heard
Pic: William Optics red dot finder with home-made dew strip. Works brilliantly.
While I may disagree with your opinion I will fight for your right to express it. Not an original thought but certainly pertinent for these forums.
Certainly the device is best on a larger tube. For my smaller 'scope I found a red-dot finder with a fitting that enables it to slide into the mount for a finder on a synta 'scope. I'm very much a fan of pointing devices rather than finders.
I'm very much a fan of pointing devices rather than finders.
Yup - same here. Haven't used a magnifying finder for ages. I didn't mind straight-through finders as you could sight your object in one open eye and use the other through the finder, moving the scope until the two merged - presto! Right-angle finders that see you staring into the OTA with the other eye annoyed me to distraction. Each to their own though!
A great array of responses! I'll probably get a Telrad (although double the price here than in the US ) because of the charts that are made for it which will hopefully help me hop around between objects. Omaroo let me know if you're willing to sell yours! Even though I will eventually get my DSC set up (which in theory should eliminate the need for star hopping) I'm sure the Telrad will be a handy addition. I just wish it was smaller and prettier Good to hear opinions contrary to the consensus though.
Edit: Yes I have a right angle finder, whatever came standard on GSO dobs a year or so ago when it was new.
I agree with your thoughts about the Telrad, Chris.. but I do like mine on my 12" - because the RA finder is a real pain to try and line things up.
If I had a standard red dot finder I'd probably prefer that.
Yeah Mike, mine's still attached to my 12" LX too. Programmer - It'll stay there because there's enough room, so sorry about that. Silly thing is that it sits right next to the red-dot and a straight-through 7x50. I'm thinking of a Rigel too, just to make a nice little four-pack!
I find a telrad great .. On your 10 " it will fit nicely between the focuser and ra finder.. If i was sticking down the base for the telrad again I would
move it slightly further down the tube as I sometimes find your breath
while looking through the finder can fog up the telrad.
I have 2 Telrads (one on an 8 inch Tube Dob and one on a 12.5 inch Truss Dob). I find them to be extremely useful, especially when aligning my Argo Navis. I removed my finder scope a long time ago and just use the Telrad.
Also, it is a very user friendly thing that my kids can use to find stuff...they love it.
Yes, the "dewing or fogging" is a bit of a pain...I have at different times used a towel, a Telrad Dew cover, a Heater and/or an old Foam Stubby Holder to prevent/slow dew formation...any and all of the above work.
When you order one get the optional flasher unit as this eliminates the problem of the rings being to bright or obscuring the target makes a great finder even better!
Don H
Love my telrad.
Great for lining up targets quickly. Try using old batteries in it and it won't as bright. Dew problems are easily solved by making a varient of the recipes for dew heaters found here on iceinspace.
After just two sessions with my new scope I'm also thinking seriously about a telrad. I have an 8x50 right angle finder but still find myself kneeling or squatting behind the scope trying to line it up. Not very comfortable or accurate and I'm predicting once I have a telrad or similar, the other finder may rarely be used...
I'll be interested to hear how it goes for you Programmer
Will probably pick one up tomorrow.. can't be bothered ordering from O.S even if I save a few bucks.
Worth getting a dew shield? Or just use a stubby holder
Good question...My answer and opinion is "it depends"...The stubby holder is functional and an interesting talking point...The Telrad dew shield "looks" the part but at a cost...
In terms of performance, I haven't seen a difference in performance between the two...my family as a gift got me the Telrad dew shield (and later a Telrad heater) and they work well too...but no better than the stubby holder...
Your Astro Budget and "fashion sense" can drive the choice (in my opinion).
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) because of the charts that are made for it which will hopefully help me hop around between objects. Omaroo let me know if you're willing to sell yours! Even though I will eventually get my DSC set up (which in theory should eliminate the need for star hopping) I'm sure the Telrad will be a handy addition. I just wish it was smaller and prettier 
Good to hear opinions contrary to the consensus though.
