Which illuminated correct image finder scope should i buy?

[daveb]

I am after a new right angle C/I illuminated finder scope and i can see a choice of two, one is the Antares 8x50 from RVO and the other is Orion(USA) 9x50 sold from multiple sites. They both use the same finder mount which is handy because this is the mount on my TS straight finder. Which should i buy or is there a better one out there i haven't found?

[Chinapig]

The Altair Astro 10x60 RACI works well for me, but it's the only one I've tried. I use it on my ED80, a C8, and an f11 4" refractor. Can also be turned into a straight-through guidescope for AP - a useful bit of kit. Not sure about compatibility with your mounting bracket though, probably best to check that with Altair.

HTH

Cheers

Simon

[daveb]

i think it is the same mount  as i already have with which does help, are there any issues as Astrobaby gave a bad write up but i think she just had a duff one?

[Cornelius Varley]

I am after a new right angle C/I illuminated finder scope and i can see a choice of two, one is the Antares 8x50 from RVO and the other is Orion(USA) 9x50 sold from multiple sites. They both use the same finder mount which is handy because this is the mount on my TS straight finder. Which should i buy or is there a better one out there i haven't found?

It wouldn't surprise me if they came from the same factory.

[daveb]

It's either the same factory or they might using a standard fitting across a large range finder scopes because they seem to use the same dovetail fitting on the OTA's.

[brantuk]

I find 8x50 just a tad small and the Orion 9x50 just about right - there's an illuminator you can get for them separately but I don't illuminate mine. My Altair 10x60 is excellent - like a little scope on it's own - and they also do an 80mm model for even wider views (both ready illuminated and both have a helical focus eyepiece). I'd recommend any of them really.

[rob0971]

I also own an Altair astro 10x60 raci & it fits the skywatcher type dovetail. Well made bit of kit.

[daveb]

I've had a look at the Altair 10x60 and the reviews are good except for the last 15% of the edge of field view. Is this a big issue or is it more of a slight irritation?

[brantuk]

You're usually looking for objects in the central cross hairs with a finder. The edges are useful when your star hopping across recognisable asterisms or groupings of stars.

But in all honesty - I've never had any problems with the edge of fov in any finder - even if it tails off slightly. It's usually more relevant in eyepieces when scrutinising a large object that fills the fov.

[daveb]

thank you for all your replys,  i will get the altair but i'll have to think think about whether i'll get the 60mm or spend the extra and get the 80mm!

[rob0971]

The 60mm is quite a large bit of kit. Just be warned its a fair bit bigger than a 50mm & the 80 is bigger again.