Choice of red dot finder

[blusky]

Hi chaps,

What makes Telrads better than the cheaper red-dot alternatives?

Also, any tips on using the finder on objects near zenith without breaking the neck?

Thanks.

[John]

Telrads have 3 concentric red rings instead of a dot. These rings are 4 degrees, 2 degrees and half a degree in diameter against the sky. This makes star hopping easier. An alternative is the Rigel QuikFinder which has a smaller footprint on the scope and has 2 rings.

[Rob L]

I've no experience of Telrads, but the Rigel Quikfinder is great

I think the only thing you can do is sit your backside on the ground when you need to point straight up

[Astro Imp]

I bought a Telrad soon after getting my scope and it certainly makes things a lot easier.

It would seem that support for the Rigel and Telrad is pretty even.

[RikM]

I have two Rigels and I like them very much. They have a smaller footprint and are higher than the Telrad unless you use the Telrad riser block accessory. Having said that, the 3 rings of the Telrad makes it a bit easier to hop larger distances without bright stars.

I don't think is much between them and you won't feel short changed whichever you choose.

I originally chose the Rigel because I put the first one on a little 150P and the Telrad is the same size as the scope (well...almost) also FLO stocked the Rigel not the Telrad. But I have never regretted getting this one for a minute.

[twotter]

A Telrad is better???? Popular granted, possibly even common, but not better

I've used the Telrad plugin with Stellarium and also printed off Telrad charts of various targets. Neither have inspired me to replace my simple, elegant, not to mention cheaper and oh so effective, red dot finder.

Telrad - boxy horrible things!

[JimStan]

I take to heart about sitting on the ground with the Telrad. I could only wish that there was a right angle finder that had those concentric rings and a 1X view of the sky at the same time. Does that Rigel do that ? I have not heard of them. Are they sold on this side of the pond ? Forgive my ignorance.

Jim S.

[RikM]

The Rigel QuikFinder is a straight through affair. Not sure about availability in US. Sorry.

[Astro Imp]

I take to heart about sitting on the ground with the Telrad. I could only wish that there was a right angle finder that had those concentric rings and a 1X view of the sky at the same time. Does that Rigel do that ? I have not heard of them. Are they sold on this side of the pond ? Forgive my ignorance.

Jim S.

There is indeed a combined dew shield and right angle finder for the Telrad, IMHO not very effective because you only get a limited FOV.

[Ptarmigan]

Are they sold on this side of the pond ?

Direct from the manufacturer in California

Rigel Systems

or click on Dealers

[drmillrace]

I have a telrad which I have been very happy using with a Skymax 127 with which it works fine as the tube is fairly short.

I've just got an Evostar 80 and the Telrad is proving a little more awkward when the tube is pointing near vertical.

I do like the way you can use the Telrad with both eyes open.

[CowHampshire]

I used a Starbeam almost exclusively (with the flip up mirror), until I got the Orion green laser pointer. I'm way hooked on that now - good luck!!

[John]

...I've just got an Evostar 80 and the Telrad is proving a little more awkward when the tube is pointing near vertical......

You can put the Telrad anywhere on the tube - it does not have to be down the eyepiece end. Halfway along the tube works well for long refractors.