The best Finderscope type for your Telescope 

I have the Telrad and several small red dot finders. All work fine. The Telrad is the best, no complaints about the smaller ones. Great for smaller scopes. Thanks for the video. I am sure it will help some people. I have many small red dot and they all work fine.Thanks for the video. It should help people who are new to Astronomy.

Another brilliant feet on the ground eye in the sky video, so very useful. My Mak came with a Red Dot finder. I added a second position and moved the Red Dot up the tube. In the original position I have mounted a 8x50 right angle finder. I use both when locating targets. The little grab n go SvBONY 70/420 came with a little 5x20; the optics were OK but it was too awkward so I have replaced it with a Red Dot finder. Since the minimum magnification is about 20x a Red Dot finder is more than adequate.

I loved having a 0.5w green laser as my finder scope and I was careful to turn it off when I could see or hear aircraft, but there are enough idiots around they are now banned. I often have trouble looking down the barrel of my SC and seeing where I am aimed but having a laser projected into the sky made it a cinch. I didn't even need to be lined up with the scope or looking through it to see where it was aiming. Made the 3 star alignment of my GOTO quick and easy as well, instead of a frustrating start.

I use a reflex rifle sight. It's red dot is adjustable from a pinpoint to a cross hair, and changes to green color. The intensity of the dot is also adjustable. It is made of aluminum and multi coated glass, very robust. It fits on a picatinny rail adapter that is compatible with a standard telescope finder shoe. It only weighs ~180g in total (6.4oz). I also have a 9x50 90 degree finder just like in the video but it is way too heavy for a smaller telescope being ~500g (16 oz).

I’ve enjoyed the few videos I’ve seen of you. Now subscribed 👍

Hello from a Greek in Spain. If i may, I would like to add some comments that would help fellow stargazers how to pick a finder that suits them. The red dot finder is a finder that does not allow exact calibration / alignment with the telescope axis and as you also said, does not provide degrees information, so its use is very limited for star hopping. The red dot is a finder good for introducing someone to the principles of how to align fidner and scope and how to find a few "easy" targets. The first "serious" finder is a "straight through" 8X50 or 9X50 finder which allows a good field of view (people stay AWAY from 6X30 finders!) and also allows accurate alignment of the scope axis with the finder. The straight through finder is used by putting one eye on the finder and one eye looking out of the finder. When you look at a star this way, you "see double" and you move the scope until your eyes stop seeing double and see only one star. Then the scope is aligned with the star. And this is how this finder is used, very convenient to many, not convenient to me bcz my left eye is "lazy" and i mostly use my right eye in my everyday life. The angled finder you mentioned, comes in 3 versions: 1st, the cheapest version offers the same view with the "straight through" finder: up is down and left is right (mirror). Then, a version where the image is "erected" (up is up) but the left is still "right". This is called "erected view finder" and frankly i dont know why it even exists. The third version of the angled finder is the so called "Right Angle Correct Image" or RACI as is commonly known. This finder shows the target as we see it with naked eyes, meaning up is up and left is left (no mirror image). While this finder is awkward to use as standalone (you have to look in the finder, then look up, then in the finder again etc to find a target), it is an AMAZING choice if used together with a Telrad: the telrad takes you to the general vicinity of where you want to go and then you look ONCE into the RACI finder and you can center your target. What is amazing here is that your maps always show what you see through the finder. If you want to try starhopping with a straight through finder, get prepared to go the opposite direction that the map tells you, or photocopy all your maps so that "up is down" and "left is right". The RACI and the TELRAD are rarely used as standalones (never seen it). But you will see this pair working in unison in most of the telescopes in a star party. With all these being said, weight is always an issue to consider if you have a small weight telescope, especially a dobsonian. But I have seen quite a few 8" dobs with this setup. Clear skies.

Your rocket light is wonderful, and your right about the finder scope!

cant believe this guy does not have more subscribers

For me, I’ve only used laser pointers as finders on all my scopes for the past 18 years or so. First thing I do when I get a scope (because of all the ensuing clouds) is mount the laser pointer to the scope and calibrate it. It worked great for my larger Dobs, Maks, and SC, and even my 102mm Refractor. I’m looking to get a TV85 now that we’ve downsized and will be traveling so I’m looking for something else for the first time in a long time. I cannot make optical viewfinders work, period. The telrad is just too large. TV has their own take on this but I can’t find much on it yet. Nice video, thanks for posting.

I like a laser pointer. The laser can get killed by cold temperatures, but I think the battery is vulnerable to that also, which would make telrad and red dot batteries vulnerable, also. I use a small dew heater pad hooked up to 12v to warm the laser and the battery.... then no problem. No bending over at all needed for laser.

In my opinion the ref point finder its the terror of beginners and astrophotographers, without the possibility to see clearly no zoom, no aperture. Its just impossible find low bright objectd, and all depends of you abilities.

Thanks for the very informative video. I would love to have a right-angle finder because of the arthritis in my neck, but I can't find a good one that will fit on my Celestron 5SE. I have a red dot and I think if I learn how to use it I will be fine. But, I really like the idea of the Telrad for star hopping. I am still learning. Thanks again.

Greetings from Amsterdam. Thanks for making this very informative video. I've been using the red dot finders that came with my Sky-Watcher telescopes. They're very good too. The red dot finder presents no issues with my Sky-Watcher Startravel 102. This because the telescope and finder can be rotated within the tube clamps. However, they very quickly become awkward to use with my two Maks. I have a Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 and a Sky-Watcher Skymax 127. I've just upgraded the Skymax 127 with 8x50 *Right Angle Correct Image, (RACI)* finderscope from *TS-Optics.* It's an excellent all metal finder, with a solid metal adjustable mounting bracket. It produces a sharp non-mirrored upright image; just like you'd find with quality binoculars. Two thumb adjustment screws. make it very easy to align with the main telescope. It has a simple crosshair reticle that works very well. The only slight downside, is its weight. It weighs: 124g/4.4oz without the bracket and 479g/1.06lb with the bracket. It's not massively heavy; however, it's worth consideration, depending on the mount being used. It's certainly a very big upgrade, from the stock Sky-Watcher red dot finder. I love the thing and at €105.00, it didn't break the bank.

Thank you!

I like laser pointers in the region if the law is okay with it. They are cheap, and it is easy to swing the scope toward the object without bending the neck. I first used the Skywatcher stock angle finder to align a wide eyepiece with a distant object in daylight. At night, align the laser to the angle finder? Repeat all three to each other a few times. Additional, I can see the laser light in the angle finder at night fine tune alignment.

4:21 The Singing Butler by Jack Vettriano. Love it!

Great overview. what about a red dot as the best to start with. Perhaps later consider adding a 8X50 finder scope with a 90° correcting prism to pick up fainter deep sky objects. So the searching would be in 3 steps: 1 red dot to intuitively point at the approximate place, 2 finder scope to magnify and brighten, 3 low power eyepiece for viewing?

My first telescope had a telrad, and I loved it. Upgraded to a different scope that came with a 9x50 finder scope, and the finder scope's small FOV was frustrating.

My preference for an ideal finder setup would be a red dot / 3x20 optical and a 15x50. I’ve found that 15 power cuts through light pollution in a city better than lower power with the same aperture. I make my finders out of broken/ damaged binoculars / small telescopes found at thrift stores. Some binoculars have nice wide field eyepieces too!

I have my Telrad mounted on my Televue Ranger 70.4mm scope, and it works fine. I no longer have a larger scope, but I kept the finder since it's so useful (and goes with my charts).

I just can't use a 8x50 finder. I can never find the objects in the night sky. I find red-dot finders effortless to use.

It's important to note that the RACI finder scopes have a correct image which can be helpful for people star hopping with a paper atlas.

Great video! I have an optical finder scope on my 12" Dobsonian but have been thinking about a Telrad instead. We have Red Dot Finders on our 2 smaller 6" Dobs. Any thoughts?

i use a guide scope as a finder as i can put eyepieces in if required.... in fact a 50mm guide scope becomes a telescope mounted on a telescope.... great for wide fields which I really cant do on my edge hd 925 sct. I also have a telrad with a vixen mount I 3d printed. the telrad compliments my 50mm guide scope on any of my scopes

I’m looking for a finder scope for my celestron 6se with crosshairs. What is your recommendation?

Thanks for this very useful post Bogdan. I have a question. I have straight-angle finderscope on my Meade ETX90. I am going to upgrade to a Dob. There are lots of videos that suggest Right angle finderscope. How do you use that really? I mean I can roughly point to the area of sky with straight-angle finderscope. When I open both eyes, I know where I am pointing to, roughly. But how do you know where you are when you use right angle one? If you open both eyes, you may be looking at the Optical tube and ground.. Does it come with practice?

Ngl, I just took the red dot finderscope off my telescope and just used it as a red dot sight for my crossbow. Shit really works too lol

Hello, Bogdan; I've used the red dot & optical finders but my favorite is a green laser pointer. When aligned, it is a wonder to see the green beam pointing at my target. Of course, one must initially have some idea where the target is to point the beam.

This is probably the 12th video I've watched from you, I just bought an Apertura 8" Dob a week ago after owning a very poorly made refractor telescope most of my life (20 years I think? Got it in high school) and wanted to get more serious about the hobby. Thank you so much for the info and videos it's been a huge help getting me comfortable and excited to explore. Honestly I'm still a bit overwhelmed by the info so I think I'll need to revisit some of your videos (just subscribed as well). I know it doesn't directly pertain to this video but a few quick questions if you see this. My scope came with an adapter from 1.25 to 2 inch, a moon filter (cool), a 9mm Super Plossl, plus a 30mm super view eyepiece, plus a 35mm extension tube (not really important at the moment I guess) My first question is (and I've watched all your eyepiece videos so maybe that's why I'm overwhelmed): 1: If I wanted to view planets in the best detail close up (Jupiter, Mars, etc.) what is your best budget to mid range eye piece idea? 2: Deep Space objects are a huge interest, what should I use for that considering what I have? On a final note would a 2x Barlow be worth it for what I have vs what you might recommend? I know buying the best upfront can avoid their cost of upgrading later but I'm on a low budget to mid budget mindset (don't want to spend over 200 for a given eye piece but would prefer to keep it under 100 USD). Any direct recommendations would be fantastic, Thanks a bunch!

My 8 x 50 RACI finder has crosshairs. While the intersecting point is in the center of view, the actual crossing "hairs" are not in line with the finder. Is this normal and of little significance, or is there a way to rotate the crosshairs?

Can anyone recommend a red dot or finder scope for an 8 inch dobsonian?

Beginners question: How to adjust the finder scope? I see some screws but turning then does nothing. Except the wheel that turns the red light on. Can someone help please?

I recently purchased an Orion Observer 134mm telescope. The finder scope is not stable. I have had to put paper on the base to improve stability. When you have an object in your sights, you adjust the screws on one side, and it loosens on the other. Which is the best for this telescope? Thanks for this information.

I'm 50/50 on my Telrad. I find it a bit hard to dial in and when its outside in the winter, it freezes and fogs up within a half hr. Maybe there's a lens heater or something like that, that I need.

I bought a telrad and Celestron 9x50mm RACI for my 150, my small 100mm just has a laser, but it works. The RACI was half price so why not?

The link for your review on the omegon red dot finder actually goes to an eyepiece review??🤔

what smartphone solutions are nowadays available to use as finderscope?

Red dot finder and then RACI

It just looks like a gun scope or a microscope.

the finderscope on my telescope is very poorly made and cant see anything thats not super bright

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finderscopes suck, all i'll use is a telrad

Good morning B.D. I placed my Telrad in between the focuser & the finderscope. It fits good. I left the finderscope because I use it as well. Also the thumbscrews that I thought were incorrect were in fact rhe right ones. The problem was that I oredered the scope & it took several months due to backorder. While waiting for the scope. The screws sat around and became a bit rusty. I livevin Florida & humidity is high. I cleaned them & they were perfect. They were a little long to give room for your fingertips. All good. Clear skies my friend. George 🪐🔭

Thank you!