Finderscope

[ellanddodgers]

As a relative beginner I find the 6x30 finderscope on my skymax 127 synscan az goto very uncomfortable to use. I have to get down on my knees to use it, and at my age, the getting back up isnt easy. Would members recommend an erect image finderscope as an alternative. I have asked at the shop who say an adaptor is not available and I would have to buy the complete finderscope.

[wookie1965]

Yes get a right angled erect finder more comfortable i have same problem like this one.

http://www.365astronomy.com/skywatcher-6x30-rightangled-finderscope-p-2452.html

[Dude_with_the_tube]

in your case,i would absolutely recommend you to get the erect image finderscope.And that is correct,there are no adaptors.

You are after this one:http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-9-x-50-right-angled-finderscope_d2906.html

alternatively you can try and look out for a second hand one,but the chances are relatively slim to find one.

[Dude_with_the_tube]

sorry ,missed that you need 6x30 and not 9x50

[ellanddodgers]

Thanks to you both for the advice. You have confirmed what I thought but it is so helpful to have other opinions before taking the plunge. I will order one today ready for the next clear night.

[Keiran]

A bit of a daft question here, but have you got your tripod legs fully extended? Im just wondering why you need to get on to your knees? If it is a right angled finder you are after any of the above would work. I would probably upgrade to the 9x50. Alternatively have you looked at a red dot finders?

[badgerchap]

If you can I would defiitely go for the 9x50. I have recently purchesed a new scope that came with such and it's made things massively easier. My old 9x30 experiences told me that I was better off starhopping than using the finder which, for the smaller ones at least, are often difficult to align and move around unpredictably. Since I've had the 50 I find myself spending far less time hunting and much more time looking / imaging!

[Planetesimal]

You will definitely benefit from a right angled finder - may as well get the corrected image version while you're at it. I don't know whether the 9x50 would be too heavy for your skymax - I upgraded from 6x30 and it makes a big difference.

The main disadvantage with this type of finder is that you are not looking along the line of sight of the telescope any more, which makes it less intuitive to locate objects. This is why most people will recommend supplementing a RACI with a Telrad, so you can line up the scope in the right area by line of sight, then move to the RACI for star hopping. If you do get a telrad you could consider getting a riser plate which again might makes it more comfortable to use.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Big finders with correct image orientation make life far easier. I built a 16x70 finder out of cheap department store scope. Works a treat. (70mm would be a bit big for your scope)

[badgerchap]

Big finders with correct image orientation make life far easier. I built a 16x70 finder out of cheap department store scope. Works a treat. (70mm would be a bit big for your scope)

Blimey, that's bigger than my guidescope!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Blimey, that's bigger than my guidescope!

I intend to use it as a guide scope as well. Pictures are here. I have swapped the 45deg amici prism for a 90deg one (much more comfortable), so it is a proper RACI finder now.

[badgerchap]

Nice job! I bet that really does make things a whole lot easier. What's the FOV like?

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

The FOV is rated as 4.4 deg (a bit smaller in practice, I think, more like 4.2)

[ellanddodgers]

again thanks for all the comments. The tripod isn't fully extended but is at a comfortable height for viewing sitting down on a stool I use. I will get a right angled job just for my comfort.