Finderscope Storage Advice

[bendiddley]

I've just bought a skywatcher 200p dob and i would like to know if it is OK to leave the finderscope attached on the telescope whilst in storage (i am storing it in the garage covered up as I do not have room indoors).The finder is a 9x50 Right Angled Erect Image finder. Does anybody know about this?

[swamp thing]

I often leave mine on my Dob.

I always remove the Telrad but the RACI finder I often leave on.

It does no harm as long as you don't store it somewhere it could be knocked or damaged.

[Darkstar_1]

I would leave the finderscope on permanently, otherwise it will need re-aligning every time you want to use the scope. That would be a real pain especially for thos short sessions we occasionaly grab.

clear skies, Den.

[swamp thing]

I would leave the finderscope on permanently, otherwise it will need re-aligning every time you want to use the scope. That would be a real pain especially for thos short sessions we occasionaly grab.

clear skies, Den.

Most have a dovetail plate Dan, which enables them to be accurately returned to the OTA with no realignment issues.

[Darkstar_1]

Most have a dovetail plate Dan, which enables them to be accurately returned to the OTA with no realignment issues.

DOH!! should have thought of that one lol

[bendiddley]

Thanks for this guys, that's good to know

[Tinker1947]

Just put the lens caps on front and rear........and yes the dovetail slot is pretty accurate if you do decide to take it off....if you don't have a Telrad there really cool bit of kit and 100% accurate when removed and replaced...

[Polar Bear]

I would take it off. I have seen many secondhand scopes with tube damage (including the one I have now) around the finderscope shoe.

It would seem people forget about the finder when carrying the scope through doorways and clout it on the doorframe, hence denting the tube.

I always remove mine at the end of a session and replace it when the scope is outside cooling and do a quick alignment before use.

It only takes a minute and can save some costly damage.

Paul

[swamp thing]

Just put the lens caps on front and rear........and yes the dovetail slot is pretty accurate if you do decide to take it off....if you don't have a Telrad there really cool bit of kit and 100% accurate when removed and replaced...

Not so convinced about Telrad resiting. Mine requires a slight tweak quite often. It's very easy to do and presents no problem. But it isn't quite as accurate as my RACI finder resiting.

[Qualia]

+ 1 for the Telrad. I sometimes store my finder in a perfume box, other times I just leave it on the OTA, same goes for the Telrad.

[bendiddley]

great stuff