Telrad Finder

[Ronny]

I am just wondering if anyone has any experience with these?

My understanding is that they negate the need for a finder scope but utilising a laser which you point at where you want to look. Am I correct in thinking this?

This one is £40 from the Telescope House and it looks like good value and if it replaced the finder scope that would be great.

;D

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[paddyman]

Hi Ronny,

This sems to work on a similar principle to the red dot finder on my scope, if it does then it doesnt actually shine a laser into the sky at your target but a very low powered image onto the glass screen at the front of it, a bit like a HUD. You still have to stand with your eye directly behind the finder to align the scope on the target. Here is a like to a more detailed description www.backyard-astro.com/equipment/accessories/telrad/telrad.html

Although mabey this isnt the same as the one you are asking about but it looks like it.
Some of the other members may have used one of these finders and could tell you from experience.


Paddy

[Ronny]

Cheers for that. I wasn't sure and I know that you can get laser pointers so it seemed like a good idea to combine the two.

Maybe it needs inventing.

[brianb]

Really I don't like unity power "finders", they don't show anything which can't be seen with the naked eye and the pointing accuracy is poor compared with something with magnification. As for laser pointers ... h8 h8 h8 ...

[Ronny]

Paddy, the link is first class and tells me everything I need to know. The problem with my finder is that on my Dob it just seems to be in an awkward position and I've knocked it a few times trying to see through it and then needing to re-align it again. I think the Telrad finder will be a good idea to supplement the finderscope.

Thanks for your advice.

[paddyman]

Your most welcome Anything that makes observing easier is worth a try, look forward to hearing how it works out for you.

Paddy