Illuminated finder scope

[mitchelln]

Hi.

Whilst I use my trusty Telrad to perform rough alignment, I find trying to precisely align with my standard SkyWatcher 9x50 a pain as I can't see the crosshairs. So I was looking at one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orion-Illuminated-Right-Angle-Finder-Scope/dp/B005LM1BSC

Any one got one?

The other thing that occurred to me is I could drill a small hole in the plastic tube near the crosshairs on the SW finder and stick in a small LED. Will that work? Would save me approximately £108

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

With the above finder you will get much more in my opinion than just illumination of the reticle. A RACI finder is much more comfortable, requiring far less neck-disjointing gymnastics than a straight through. I have built myself a 14x70, and won't ever go back to straight through. Money well spent I would say

[brantuk]

The one you link to is good value for money. The Raci alone would cost £75-£80 and the illuminated eyepiece around £50. So it's a good combo at a good price imho.

I have two of the 9x50 raci's and one illuminated eyepiece and wish I'd seen your link before I got 'em lol. And as Michael says - the comfort factor is well worth the purchase.

Alternatively you can get an adjustable brightness polar scope illuminator with an attachment for illuminating finder scopes for around £35 from RVO. Don't know if they still do them but worth asking. Or rig up one with bits from Maplins if you're any good at diy.

[Astro Imp]

I use the SW 9 x 50 RACI and wish I'd been aware of this, seems well worth the extra.