Finding the best finder scope suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Finding the best finder scope suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Best finder scope
1. Celestron Illuminated RACI Finder Scope, Black (93781)
Feature
Celestron 9x50 Right Angle Finder with dual Illuminated Cross hairs assists in the sometimes dauntCorrect Image Orientation for easier optical transitions.
A Built In Rotating Diagonal allows you to easily angle the finder scope eyepiece for maximum view
Comes equipped with a heavy duty dovetail mounting bracket for the secure mounting to your telesco
Description
:Right angle finderscope makes it easy to find your target when your telescope is pointed toward the zenith Illuminated dual crosshair reticule allows for easy centering of your target; the star cannot hide behind the crosshair Gives a fully corrected image for easy, intuitive use Individual focus adjustment for reticule and the view through the finder Eyepiece assembly can be rotated left and right, making it easy to find a comfortable viewing angle Dovetail bracket allows you to easily attach the finderscope and and remove it for storage Aperture (mm): 50 mm (1.97 inches) Apparent Field of View: 5 degrees External Height: 5.5" (140 mm) External Length: 7.5" (191 mm) Highest Useful Magnification: 118 x Light Gathering Power: 51 x Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 11 Lowest Useful Magnification: 7.14 x Magnification (x): 9 x Resolution (Dawes): 2.32 arc seconds Resolution (Rayleigh): 2.79 arc seconds Weight (oz): 24 ounces (680 grams)2. Orion 07212 9x50 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder (Black)
Feature
A powerful 9x crosshair finder scope with a comfortable right-angle viewing orientation50mm diameter lens provides a bright image through the finder for easy aiming anywhere in the sky
Right-angle design lets you use the finder without crouching or craning your neck in an awkward position
Internal correct-image prism provides a daytime oriented view through the finder - not upside down as with standard finders
Fully coated glass elements minimize reflection to yield crisp, bright images with a 5 degree field of view
Description
Sometimes looking through a straight finder scope can be a strain, making you crouch down and crane your neck for a clear view. Well, you can call off the chiropractors because this Orion 9x50 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder Scope lets you view in contortion-free comfort! What's more, it has a built-in Amici prism to provide a correctly oriented view - not upside-down as with standard finders. This achromatic crosshair finder scope sports deluxe features including fully coated glass lenses, internal baffling, and focus adjustment. The Orion 9x50 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder Scope includes a sturdy aluminum bracket with two perpendicular thumbscrews and an oblique spring-loaded tensioner for easy two-step alignment - a big improvement over older six-setscrew designs. You'll have this finder scope aligned with your telescope in no time. The finder scope bracket features a dovetail foot that fits most Orion telescopes. An optional dovetail base can be purchased for custom installations, or for dual-finder scope desires. The right-angle prism and eyepiece are not removable, but focus can be adjusted by rotating the front lens housing. A locking ring lets you set the focus point however you wish. This Black 9x50 Right-Angle, Correct-Image Finder Scope is a large-aperture model ideal for use with bigger telescopes. With 50mm of aperture and a wide 5 field of view, you'll be able to identify bright deep space curiosities for clues of where to aim your telescope for more magnified inspection. The finder scope's significant 9x magnification makes it easy to aim your telescope with precision. Weighs 18.6 oz.3. Orion 7211 Black 6x30 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder
Feature
You don't have to be a contortionist to use this 6x30 finder scope which features a 90 viewing angle and correct daytime image orientationRight-angle design lets you aim your telescope in comfort - no more crouching or craning your neck!
This crosshair finder scope makes aiming easy by showing an upright, non-reversed image
Finder scope features substantial 6x magnifying power, 30mm diameter objective lens and 7 field of view
Fully coated, achromatic glass optics yield crisp, bright images
Description
Sometimes looking through a straight finder scope can be a strain, making you crouch down and crane your neck. Well, you can call off the chiropractors because our right-angle finder scopes let you view in contortion-free comfort! What's more, they have a built-in Amici prism to provide a correctly oriented view - not upside-down as with standard finders. These achromatic, crosshair finders feature fully coated glass lenses, internal baffling, and focus adjustment. Each includes an aluminum bracket with two perpendicular thumbscrews for easy alignment. Dovetail foot fits many Orion telescopes. Dovetail base (#7214) can be purchased separately for custom installations. Prism and eyepiece are not removable.4. Astromania 60mm Compact Deluxe Finder & Guidescope Kit with 1.25" Double Helical Focuser
Feature
- Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
- Mini-guide tube to quickly find objects and guiding stars, designed both for visual, as well as for photographic use.Take any 1.25 inch eyepieces in your collection, worm-focuser: fast focusing. Prevents rotation of the camera and eyepiece. Or use it as a comfortable, large viewfinder to waste less time finding objects in visual observation.
- 240mm focal length. Compact mini guide scope designed for use with astrophotography telescopes up to 1500mm focal length. With bright, wide-field optics puts numerous potential guide stars in view so you'll never have to search for one!
- Adjustable-aim dovany weight to an astrophotography setup and can conveniently be stashed in an accessory case between uses. "etail guide scope bracket installs on virtually any astrophotography telescope quickly and easily.
- The sturdy metal housing made of black anodized aluminum. Looking out not only solid, but is also very robust. A milled and knurled ring allows easy and precise fine focus adjustments. It comes with matching pipe clamps and a Synta-style mounting plate to make assembly and installation as easy as possible.
- Have a built-in worm-focuser with Brass Compression Ring and 2 thumbscrews,48mm focusing range (10mm focusing range with micro-focusing Helical focuser, the rest is by a fixable, scaled drawtube) is made possible by an extremely precise focus adjustment. The mechanism has a determined orientation: This is mounted cameras or eyepieces - and thus also the area with your guide stars - not rotate during focusing.
This fits your .
Description
This small Guidingscope handles all the tasks of a "classic" Leitfernrohrs - but it is lighter and much easier to use! Previously used to long and large Leitfernrohre to find a guiding star. Eliminate the need to! The sensitivity of modern astro imagers is on your side. The Mini-Guidesope set as a viewfinder on your telescope.The 60mm Guide Scope is a complete and compact guide scope solution designed for use with nearly each autoguider and CCD camera in the market. The Guide Scope is ideal for guiding long-exposure astrophotographs with imaging telescopes up to 1500mm in focal length. Consisting of a 60mm aperture, 240mm focal length achromatic refractor guide scope, an adjustable dovetail guide scope bracket, an 1.25" aluminum parfocal ring, a dovetail mounting base, and an adapter plate, the 60mm Guide Scope makes it easy for any astro-imager to enjoy the precision of autoguiding in their images. All this pint-sized setup requires is a StarShoot AutoGuider or similar small-chip CCD autoguider and its ready for night, camera, action! The guide scope bracket fits into the standard dovetail finder scope base found on most telescopes. If your imaging scope doesnt feature a dovetail base or has one already occupied by an oft-used finder, the dovetail base not includeand attachment hardware lets you attach the 60mm Guide Scope to any optical tube. Alternatively, the included adapter plate can be used to attach the dovetail base and 60mm Guide Scope to any standard dovetail plate or side-by-side plate if preferred. If you need a Guide Scope Mount, We'd recommend the ASIN: B015VZGP52 - Astromania Guide Scope Mount - the convenient way to mount your guide scope.
5. Celestron 51630 Star Pointer Telescope Finderscope, Black
Feature
The Star Pointer Finderscope adds "point and look" functionality to any telescope!This red dot finder keeps the sky right-side up, matching what you see with your unaided eyes
The adjustable red dot is bright enough to see day or night
Attaches to just about any telescope thanks to the small footprint, even works great with astronomical binoculars and spotting scopes
Includes mounting base and a long-lasting CR2032 3V battery
Description
The Celestron Star Pointer Finderscope is the way to go if you want the easiest way possible to locate an object and center it in your eyepiece. A red dot finder, unlike an optical finder, has 1x magnification, displays a super wide field of view, and keeps the sky right side up and left-to-right correct, matching what you see with your unaided eyes. An LED creates a red dot, superimposed on a viewing screen, so you simply point the Star Pointer to the area or object you wish to observe, look through your eyepiece, and if properly aligned, the area in and around place you pointed the red dot will be centered in the field of view. If you like the idea of having some magnification, try installing both a red dot and optical finder on your telescope. Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes have multiple mounting bracket holes so you can get the best of both worlds. Just make sure to align both of them correctly, and youll get the best use out of each of your finders. How to Align the Star Pointer Finderscope The first time you use your finder, you need to align it. This one-time setup procedure should be done during the day. Take the telescope outside and find an easily recognizable object, such as a streetlight, car license plate, or tall tree. The object should be as far away as possible, but at least a quarter mile away. Move the telescope left and right or up and down so that it is roughly pointing at the object. Look through the telescope using your low power eyepiece and move the telescope until the object you chose lies in the center of the view. Once the object is centered in your eyepiece, turn on the red dot. With your head positioned about a foot behind the finder, look through the round lens of the finder and locate the red dot. Without moving the telescope, use the two adjustment knobs located on the side and underneath the finder. One controls the left-right motion of the dot. The other controls the up-down motion of the dot. Adjust both of these until the red dot appears over the same object you are observing in the eyepiece. Your finder is now aligned and should not require realignment unless it is bumped or dropped. You can even take the finder off the telescope and reattach it while preserving alignment.6. Celestron 51635 StarPointer Pro Finderscope (Black)
Feature
Designed by astronomers for astronomers, this premium finder scope allows you to precisely zero in on your targetProjects a dual-circle reticle, not a red dot that can obscure your subject
Larger 40 mm optical window offers a wider field of view so you can acquire targets quickly and easily
Brighter LED for easy visibility during the day
Easy dovetail connection; no tools required
Description
Spend less time centering your target and more time stargazing with Celestrons new premium finder scope: Star Pointer Pro. Traditional red dot finder scopes were originally created for shooting sports such as airsoft airsoft guns and shooting sports. Star Pointer Pro was designed for astronomers by astronomers to provide the easiest experience locating celestial objects in the night sky. Whether youre new to the hobby or a seasoned amateur astronomer, youll appreciate Star Pointer Pros thoughtful design features. While a red dot can obstruct your desired target, Star Pointer Pro projects two circular LED reticles. Just place your target inside the circles and its ready to view in the eyepiece. The circles also serve as a measuring tool while star hopping. For added convenience, Star Pointer Pro offers a 40 mm optical window with a large field of view. StarPointer Pro attaches quickly to any telescope and secures with a dovetail connection and finger knobs. No screwdriver needed! Get more out of every stargazing session with Star Pointer Pro.7. Telrad Finder Sight
Feature
The easiest way to aim a telescope. The view seen through the window of the Telrad is continuous with the sky around it, not magnified or upside down.Description
The easiest way to aim a telescope. The view seen through the window of the Telrad is continuous with the sky around it, not magnified or upside down. Three rings are lighted and appear to lie among the stars. The small ring outlines the Moon-sized area seen in the telescope. The large outer ring outlines the area seen in a standard Finderscope. To point your telescope, just look through the Telrad and move the telescope until the rings are centered on the object. The Telrad is 8 inches long. Weighs 11 ounces and mounts on any telescope without drilling any holes. It unlocks from its base for separate storage. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).8. Orion 7023 9x50 Illuminated Finder Scope with Bracket
Feature
Big 50mm aperture, 9x finder scope with illuminated double crosshairs makes it easy to aim your telescope with precision at night, without compromising your dark-adapted visionContains an adjustable-intensity red LED in the illuminator arm that lights an etched-glass double crosshair reticle
Features multi-coated achromatic optics, adjustable focus, 13mm eye relief and a fold-down rubber eyeguard for comfortable use
4.5 field of view finder scope includes aluminum dovetail mounting bracket with spring-loaded X-Y adjustment screws for quick and easy alignment
Requires three SR-54 batteries for illuminator operation, included
Description
The crosshairs in standard finder scopes are difficult to see in the dark, which makes centering an object something of a guessing game. Well, we saw the light, and we now offer finder scopes with illuminated crosshairs. An adjustable-intensity red LED in the illuminator arm lights an etched-glass double crosshair reticle, making it as easy as target practice to center your viewing or photo subject or guide star. Centering an object precisely on the finder scope's crosshairs will ensure that it appears in your main scope's eyepiece or on your camera's CCD chip, exactly where you want it.9. SVBONY SV106 Multi-Use Guide Scope with Helical Focuser F4 for CCD Astronomy Camera (50mm)
Feature
50mm Guide scope will help guide you to capturing higher quality astrophotos. with its 50mm lens and smooth helical focuser, the versatile 50mm multi-use guide scope with helical focuser is an ideal addition to any astrophotographers collection of gearMulti-use guide scope with helical focuser features a built-in helical focuser that allows precise focus adjustments with zero flexure for rigid performance. obtaining a clear, sharply focused view of potential guide stars is quick and easy with this sturdy scope
High power guide scope features a machined, knurled ring to make fine focus adjustments nice and easy, while a thumbscrew lets you lock-down the focuser in-place once adjustments are complete. the focuser boasts 8 mm of precise helical focus travel, plus telescoping drawtube housing provides up to 30 mm of additional back-travel if needed for your particular autoguider device
This complete guide scope comes with two heavy-duty guide scope rings and a 3.5" long, 1.18"wide dovetail mounting bar, which is compatible with dovetail finder scope bases for easy attachment. the dovetail bar features five threaded through-sockets for versatile attachment options. the included guide scope rings feature six metal thumbscrews for precise aiming
The quick guide scope with helical focuser also features male t-threads on the focuser collar for secure threaded attachment of guide cameras equipped with female t-threads
Description
you can use this handy scope as a deluxe, straight-through 50mm finder by inserting an optional 1.25" eyepiece (sold separately).A practical benefit of this is that prior to guiding, you can insert an eyepiece into the guide scope and easily align the guide scope with your main imaging telescope.
Then remove the eyepiece and attach your autoguider camera
NOTE:
The fixed-orientation focuser mechanism will not rotate inserted autoguider cameras or eyepieces when focus adjustments are made.
The helical focuser simply moves the attached device inwards or outwards while maintaining its orientation.
This convenient feature means your field of potential guide stars will not rotate as focus is adjusted, further increasing ease of use
Features: Versatile 50mm aperture Guide Scope with a built-in helical focuser for precise focusing of potential guide stars
Designed for use with the guider CCD astronomy camera or eyepiece
Helical focuser collar will not rotate attached autoguider devices during focus adjustments
Used as a deluxe straight-through finder scope with optional 1.25" eyepieces installed (eyepieces sold separately)
Specification:
Type of Telescope: Achromatic Refractor
Lens: Cemented
Tube material: Aluminum Alloy
Aperture: 50mm / 1.97in
Focal Length: 190mm / 7.48in
Focal Ratio: F4
Coating: Fully multi-coated
Best for imaging: Deep sky
User level: Intermediate
Rough Focusing Range: 30mm
Focuser: Helical Focuser with 8 mm Travel
Connection to eyepiece: 1.25inch
Tube diameter: 54.5mm
Dewcap diameter: 61mm
Total Length: 240mm
Included accessories: Tube Rings and Dovetail Rail
Package Includes:
50mm Primary Mirror
Guiding Bracket w/ 89mm Dovetail Plate
1.25inch Helical Focuser
6PCS Metal Thumbscrews
10. SVBONY Finder Scope 5x24 with Bracket Plastic Accessory Kit for Astronomy Telescope
Feature
The finder scope is a secondary scope that's used to help you locate objects in the main telescope;3 thumb screws allow positioning XY adjustment for precise telescope alignmentIt provide 5x24 low power magnification;the telescope fixed to the body of a more powerful telescope and pointed in the same direction for initially locating an object to be observed
Tube has a glossy black metallic finish and cross hair reticle;includes mounting bracket and dust caps;the bracket fits any telescope optical tubes and the dust caps protects against dust and fingerprin
Mounting bracket has curved base with two holes and attaches to telescope tube with bolts or screws;bracket will not slide into a dovetail base
Lifetime warranty;we confidently promise lifetime warranty for each one from us
Description
The SVBONY 5x24 low power;wide angle telescope fixed to the body of a more powerful telescope and pointed in the same direction for initially locating an object to be observedAn adjustable focusing wheel is projected onto a non magnifying viewing window so you can aim the main telescope quickly and easily
Features:
Magnification: 5x;the 5 times magnification help you find target objects easily
Objective Diameter: 24mm;easily attached to any telescope
Material: metal bracket;plastic finders cope body
Tube has a glossy black metallic finish and cross hair reticle
Includes mounting bracket and dust caps to protect against dust and fingerprin
Mounting bracket has curved base with two holes and attaches to telescope tube with bolts or screws;bracket will not slide into a dovetail base
Package Include:
1 x SVBONY 5x24 finder scope