Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

Telrad or 9x50 finder scope?


Recommended Posts

Hi

Looking to replace the standard red dot finder on my skywatcher 130 and looked at the telrad and also the skywatcher 9x50 finder scope

I like the idea of the right angled finder and also the corrected image view as I think this should be easier to find things and work my way around, the right angle should be more comfortable

The telrad gets good reviews and I like the circles should make star hopping easier

Any thoughts on the best upgrade route?

Cheers

Craig

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 68
  • Created
  • Last Reply

RACI = "Right Angle Correct Image".  That is, the finder has a diagonal so you don't have to look along the telescope, and the image is the "right" way up, whatever that means to you :)

I also use a telrad and 50mm finder in combination.  I find one complements the other.

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The telrad is the best astronomy gadget ever, and for a very reasonable cost as well - a rare thing indeed at this game.  I must admit, I scoffed at the idea too, until I got one thrown in with a scope and gave it a try.  They are absolutely superb for use with a Dob, indeed, not sure how I would use my Dob without it.  I never even use my RACI anymore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally I'd opt for a telrad or Rigel finder along with your lowest power eyepiece . Great for getting within a gnats wotsit of where you want to be .

Raci finders are a nice addition but if I only had one choice I'd go for the telrad .

Unless your in a heavily light polluted area , as obviously you need some stars to start your hopping from .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IMHO there's marginal benefit from a telrad or similar unless you have great skies.  I use the rdf/telrad for initial placement and then star hop with the raci finder. you'll never regret it. you may find a 6x30mm finder better for balancing but the 9x50 is better as many dsos stand out in the finder itself (M31, M13, M15, M92, M11, M27 etc etc).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For balancing the scope? Do you mean due to the extra weight?

I was thinking larger = better as will see more through it making finding my way around the sky better. . but maybe I should check out some 6x30s which may be cheaper and allow a purchase of the telrad also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

in some ways more is less good. you should try to match the levels of stars seen through the finder with your star map (broadly at least).

this makes it easier to reconcile what you see with the map.

not something to overly think but a 6x30 does this rather well. I have both and like both for different reasons. (weight is an issue for my smaller scopes in terms of balance but prefer the bigger unit in my larger scopes). you won't go far wrong with either.

my star hopping guide might help.

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/197640-collimation-and-star-hopping/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's classed as a smaller scope? Mine has a 900mm focal length and 130mm aperture. . just checked out some 6x30 and not much cheaper!

Some very cheap Seben products, I'm assuming by the price they are not very good??

Thanks, and I'll check out your guide

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd say anything under 8" (200mm) is a smaller scope. by reputation (I have never looked through one) seben are not good for scopes but  apparently their eyepieces are good. if you are unlikely to buy another scope for the time being then I'd say a 6x30 would be ideal. maybe try a wanted ad on http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php but make sure it's a correct image finder.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To answer your drilling holes question . Not with the Telrad, it uses adhesive tape. Which is very strong. Find where you actually want to put it on the scope, BEFORE you remove the backing tape. The base of the Telrad, stays stuck on your scope, and you just undo a couple of bolts to remove the unit. I put mine back in the box, to keep it safe. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

don't worry about that at all. if you have tube rings (I think you do?) then you can just slide your tube a little down in the rings and you'll be fine.

an option is to use a small magnet to counterbalance things.

I use one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-EXTRA-STRONG-MAGNETS-RUBBER-COATED-CAN-BE-USED-FOR-TAXI-ROOF-SIGNS-ETC-/271121678995?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CommercialVehicleParts_SM&hash=item3f201c8293

you could probably find cheaper on ebay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.