Other uses for a 9x50 finderscope?

[Dean]

Ok so after upgrading from a Nexstar 130 with red dot finder to a 10" Dob with 9 x 50 finderscope, I need to go get myself a telrad or another red dot finder because the 9x50 finderscopes are totally impractical to use in my opinion...

So, given that the 9 x 50 is a bit of a scope itself, are there any other practical uses for it outside of astronomy or any reason to keep it on the Dob after I get a telrad or a red dot finder to replace it?

[pgc hunter]

I find using a telrad in conjuction with an optical finder to be a good method for finding objects. Use the telrad to get yourself in the ballpark and then switch to the finder to zero in on your object. Much quicker and easier than using only 1 type of finder.

[Space Dog (Ric)]

Hi Dean,
have you considered retaining your 9x50 finderscope and mounting your Red Dot finder / Telrad adjacent to the existing finderscope.
I have an 8" Dob and find that the combination of both finderscopes is very convenient.
I use a Red Dot finder to aim my telescope on the targeted object and check it out with the 9x50 if required.

Cheers, Ric.

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

I sometimes use the finder to have a look at extended star clusters, the ones that might be a little bit to big for the 10".

Further to that, if you are thinking of astrophotography, you can always drop a adaptor in and use it for a guide scope. lightweight, accurate and practical.