Red dot view finder

[Adidaz 29]

Any help I struggle with my 8x40 view finder on certain stars  has any one used a red dot finder on a Dobsonian an do the find it better 

[Nyctimene]

It's best to use a combo - the RDF (or Telrad/Rigel) gets you into the field roughly, and the finder (best  a Right Angle Correct Image=RACI  finder with an illuminated reticle eyepiece) will show enough detail, so you will be able to locate your target with the main scope, using a widefield eyepiece.

Always check the finder - main scope alignment before (and sometimes during) an observing session!

Stephan

[Red Dwarfer]

I found the 9x50 finderscope tricky to get used to on my 200P , so I swapped around the red dot finder from my 130P and it works a treat .

[Adidaz 29]

Which red dot finder do ypu have

[Red Dwarfer]

3 minutes ago, Adidaz 29 said:

Which red dot finder do ypu have

Just the simple kit one that came with the SkyWatcher 130P , exactly like these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Red-Dot-Finder-Scope-for-telescope-with-dovetail-base-/161921042624

[Galen Gilmore]

What about a telrad? Its arguably the best zero magnification finder as it has three illuminated rings that signifies (correct me if I'm wrong) 1/2 a degree, 2 degrees, and 4 degrees.

[John]

I find a combination of a Rigel Quickfinder (like a Telrad but with a smaller footprint and lighter) and a 9x50 right angle, correct image finder is a very effective duo on my 12" dob.

 

[johninderby]

I found a Telrad was great for getting close then the 9x50 RA finder to zero in.

           John

 

 

[Red Dwarfer]

2 minutes ago, Galen Gilmore said:

What about a telrad? Its arguably the best zero magnification finder as it has three illuminated rings that signifies (correct me if I'm wrong) 1/2 a degree, 2 degrees, and 4 degrees.

Yep , a Telrad is on my to-do list as well ... I`m using the simple kit one as a stopgap in the meantime .

[johninderby]

The Terad is stupidly oversized but it is the best red dot finder. Tried the Rigel Quickfinder but never got on with it. Just felt too awkward. Although it's a more more conveniently sized finder.

            John

[Red Dwarfer]

2 minutes ago, johninderby said:

I found a Telrad was great for getting close then the 9x50 RA finder to zero in.

           John

 

 

Nice set-up ! 

[elliot]

I've also been using a Telrad plus the 9x50 finder. I reckon the kit red spot if you have one would be fine for getting close and then the finder. 

[John]

I needed to keep the weight at the top end of my dob down so the Rigel did just fine. It has 2 reticules rather than the 3 of the Telrad, 1/2 a degree and 2 degrees.

Here is the top end of my dob:

 

[Mark at Beaufort]

I use a William Optics RDF and a Lumicon 9x50 Right angle finder on my 12" Dob. Both the RDF and the Finder sit on an Orion dual mount - see photo. When star hopping I start with the RDF and then move over to the main finderscope. Works very well.

[Luna-tic]

I'm a fan of the Rigel Quickfinder, takes up hardly any space on my C6. I find I rarely even use my finderscope any more. Zero it well, get your object in the 0.5 circle and start out with a wide field eyepiece. I've yet to have to re-zero mine and it gets removed each time I break down after viewing.