Celestron Starpoint Pro Finderscope

[bomberbaz]

Ok so currently I use a RACI and a std skywatcher red dot on my scope, they are mounted on the Orion dual finder bracket. I am thinking of buying a Starpoint Pro because it will go nicely with this current setup by simply replacing the RDF as the fitting is the same. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/celestron-starpointer-pro-finderscope.html I have read that it has a 2 degree reticle and a smaller 1.2 degree recticle circle. (strange number)

FYI I did consider getting the telrad and lose the dual bracket but I am not sure if it will work with the RACI which I like and don't want to lose. It seems as though it might be to cluttered whereas the Orion bracket spreads the finders nicely for use. http://www.telescope.com/Gift-Center/Sky-and-Tel-Awards/Orion-Dual-Finder-Scope-Mounting-Bracket/c/7/sc/1767/p/102788.uts 

However it looks as though the Starpoint Pro will sit well on the scope via dual mount so I wondered who has used one and how they find it. 

If anyone uses a RACI and Telrad on a 10" scope similar to mine though I would be glad to hear how they find it as I would get one if I was confident enough it would work on the scope. 

[Fozzie]

Hi Steve, just sold one of these on..

My initial thoughts are here in this post..

 

With practice it's a good finder, but I preferred my rigel so decided to move this on..

It works.. but not as easy as tel rad or rigel..

Hope that helps

Fozzie 

[bomberbaz]

thanks for that fozzie, very helpful. If as i suspect i cannot make my mind up I will order a telrad and starpoint pro, returning the one that does not meet my needs.

[brantuk]

I use a raci and a telrad on my 16" dob. The telrad is great for getting me in the area - even spot on for visible objects. But if I'm after a target that is invisible naked eye, then the extra magnification can be very useful when I can't acquire it first time in the scope eyepiece. It just gives me that extra fov and a few more stars to hop to my object.

[bomberbaz]

8 hours ago, brantuk said:

I use a raci and a telrad on my 16" dob. The telrad is great for getting me in the area - even spot on for visible objects. But if I'm after a target that is invisible naked eye, then the extra magnification can be very useful when I can't acquire it first time in the scope eyepiece. It just gives me that extra fov and a few more stars to hop to my object.

I have seen this method in action and to me it makes sense to have the option of the finderscope available with the telrad or similar. I know there are a few on here who swear by the telrad and say its all they use and maybe I would end up the same, although I somehow doubt it. But the intention is as per brantuk.

For readers who don't know I used to use a goto scope but now I have got myself an intelliscope. However this has its limitations and finding double stars is one of them. Sure some of the better known ones are listed but I have built a comprehensive list of other less well knowns (as well as the common ones) and I want to find them so star hopping is the method I will employ. Having played around with this on my mini dob I feel confident in my abilities to manage this.

[PeterCPC]

I got a Starpointer Pro as an alternative to a red dot finder. It looks the part but there are a couple of issues to be aware of:

1. It dews up quickly but you can just put a cardboard shield on the front to help.

2. The leg is very flimsy and I found that it made the whole thing wobble as you turned it on/down/off. My solution was to put two metal plates either side of the leg and bolt them together. This gave it more rigidity.

Peter

[bomberbaz]

2 hours ago, PeterCPC said:

I got a Starpointer Pro as an alternative to a red dot finder. It looks the part but there are a couple of issues to be aware of:

1. It dews up quickly but you can just put a cardboard shield on the front to help.

2. The leg is very flimsy and I found that it made the whole thing wobble as you turned it on/down/off. My solution was to put two metal plates either side of the leg and bolt them together. This gave it more rigidity.

Peter

Very ingeniuos Peter however what I would say is you should not really have to do this, especially the latter when it claims to be "made by astronomers for astronomers". I think I can speak for the vast majority when I say we would prefer built in dew protection and something that is solid/substantial then pay a little more for this.

Sorry not ranting at you but you know where i am coming from

Edited February 23, 2016 by bomberbaz

[PeterCPC]

Can't argue with that.

Peter