Red dot finder

[newbie]

Hi all

I'm struggling to find stuff in the night sky and I'm thinking that a red dot finder might be a cheap way of helping me out. Has anyone got any views on the Baader 30mm Sky Surfer III RDF, or can anyone recommend a good, reasonably priced alternative?

Thanks

[johninderby]

The Baader one is not bad at all, but far cheaper is this RDF on eBay at £8.00 delivered. Good quality as well. It's bankrupt stock from the sale of Telescope Planet's assets when they went out of business recently. They were £34.95 retail.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Finder-with-4-pattern-Reticle-for-telescopes_W0QQitemZ270611789501QQcategoryZ3636QQc mdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D CRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%252BL A%26otn%3D20%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D65500155906084703 58

You will also need a base to mount it.

One of this type

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Ascension.asp?p=0_10_5_1_1_56

or

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Ascension.asp?p=0_10_5_1_1_57

You could also get a base from Scopes'n'Skies.

John

[Mouse on the Moon]

I got an RDF with my 130p and would now be (literally) lost without it.

Get the £8.50 one - you won't disappointed. It's probably one of the best "cost to benefit" purchases you'll make with your hobby.

[Worzsel]

I bought the Baader recently and it's made my life so much easier

I did look for the £8 one on ebay but couldn't find it and he sods law the day after I ordered mine 2 came up in buy & sell here for £6 or so.. typical eh!

Still, £22 from FLO and money well spent. It's well built and easy to use. It comes with all the fittings etc I would really recommend it.