No arguement should go unchallenged, Peter!
I actually prefer the red dot finder. I find the co-centric circles of the Telrad distracting and gives too much glare/interference with where I'm wanting to aim the scope. One single dot, dim, and straight to the point - pun intended,
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Stewart, I don't see a problem with removing the existing finder if you find it problematic. I have a C8 too, and changed its finder for a straight-through 50mm. But, depending on my mood, I can swap it for an rdf, which is what I mainly use. The 50mm stays in its case most of the time,
. But it has its place, like when chasing Neptune or Uranus.
An rdf is all you may need at a dark site. Even in urdan areas if you are confident enough (mostly what I use at home). But optical finders are almost madatory in urban areas because of the light pollution killing our capacity to efficiently star hop. It won't hurt to have both in your kit. Andrews sells modest rdf's for around $30 - all that I use rdf wise from my 8" dobbie & C8 to my 17.5" light bucket. But an optical finder is never far away incase I'm struggling with the rdf.
There are charts specifiacally made for using Telrads with. Some folks find these useful. Me, I use charts that suit me, not my finder. See what I mean.
