Right Angled Finder

[lavoisier]

Hi All

I am having to buy a Right Angled FinderScope fro my Skywatcher 120mm refractor, straight one is useless if looking towards zenith.

I was just wondering if I should get the erect right way around image or left and right swapped with an erect image.

I think the former but would like any advice please.

Thanks

Paul

[AndyH]

An erect, proper way round image is a lot easier to navigate with, if you're looking at a star map etc. Not that any other type is impossible. You just have to train your head to understand what you're seeing.

Cheers,

Andy.

[kniclander]

I got on best with a right way round one. NB the right angled one is a lot "dimmer" than the straight thru one so ideally get the 8x50 not the 6x30.

[lavoisier]

Thanks Andy, that's what I thought.

Paul

[lavoisier]

I was going to go for a 8x50 but thanks for the info. All helps.

Paul

[ian h]

Will a erecting diagonal eyepiece degrade the image at all ?

[AndyH]

Will a erecting diagonal eyepiece degrade the image at all ?

Shouldn't when it's working at such a low mag. You may get a less of a wide field of view(than a mirror) depending on the size of the entries/exits to the prism. It all really depends of the quality of the item and the field of view of the finder should(in theory) be stated by the manufacturer anyway.

Andy.

[ian h]

Not having loads of cash was thinnking about this one

Diagonals - Celestron 1.25" 90 degree Erecting Prism

[AndyH]

Oh sorry, thought you were still talking about the finder rather than a prism eyepiece diagonal. My bad !!

Unless you pay a decent amount of dosh, mirror diagonals work better in scopes at higher powers. A very good 1.25" prism diagonal is from Takahashi but they're about £75(I think?) !! I've got one and it's as good as any mirror I've used.

A standard prism diagonal works well for very low power or for use in daytime.

For astro work I'd go for a mirror diagonal.

Andy.

[ian h]

Ok thanks . I think I will avoid them for now then