Suggestion for Upgrading 5 x 24 Finderscope

Amelia · Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

I have a new telescope (114 mm Newtonian Reflector) that came with a 5 x 24 finderscope. I would like to upgrade the finderscope so that I can find objects easier. Can you recommend an upgrade for me?

I have read that a 6 x 30 finderscope is a good upgrade, but I was also wondering if it would be possible to get a finderscope with a red dot pointer. What do you suggest?

Thanks for your help!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

If you are going finderscope, don't mess with a small one. Go with a 50mm model or convert to a red dot. On a red dot, you are not liley to find a ready fit, but you can always use doubel-sided tape or Velcro with something like the Celestron Starpointer or a Telrad
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Amelia · Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks, Joanie, for your reply. I'm still learning about telescopes, so can you please clear up a few questions for me?

1) Is a red dot pointer like the Celestron Starpointer different from a finderscope (e.g. you don't look through a lense in a scope, you just use it to point the telescope using the red dot?) The reason I ask...the Celestron Starpointer says it is 1x. What does that mean?

2) For a beginner, does a red dot pointer or a 50mm finderscope make it easier to find objects?

3)Should I be careful about what type of finderscope I purchase? (e.g. are some incompatible with reflector telescopes?

Thanks again for your help!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

Glad to help.

1) You look through both. A finderscope has magnification and crosshairs, but the crosshairs can be difficult to see and you must place your eye right on the eyepiece of the finderscope to see anything, just like when using a telescope. A good finderscope will allow more precise locating than a red dot, but only if we are talking a good finderscope. Small finderscopes are a pain to use. A red dot has no magnification, but you do not need to be right on top of it. Just as long as you see the red dot, you are in business. Much easier to use than a finderscope, though not as precise.

2) For a beginner, though, I like red dots.

3) Not a matter of scope design, no. More a matter of personal preference and your type of obeserving.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks a bunch for all the information. Optics Planet provides a wonderful service by letting beginners ask a lot of questions. Very Happy

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

My pleasure. Always nice to meet and help another astronomer.
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