All About FINDERSCOPES Set-Up To Using

[@kirkhodson1466]

Always fun to listen to...like asking a friend to walk you through it.

[@jeffreywharton1458]

Hi Jason, I use both a red dot finder scope and an Astromania 9x50 angled optical. What I have found is that in dark sky the red dot is great. In my apartment complex we have a light pollution of 6. Here I use the optical because with out it I can not see the Pleiades or Uranus with out it. With it I am able to find them with no problem. The combination of it getting a lot more light in than my naked I and the magnification helps greatly. Jeff Wharton🙂

[@michellethomson7398]

Thanks Jason for making using a Eq mount and telescope so easy to use. I'm very new to looking at the stars through a telescope and your videos have really helped me a lot.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Michelle. My pleasure your more than welcome 🙂

[@adozendeadroses]

I NEVER NOTICED THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS. I have watched tons of videos where people offhand mention that you need to calibrate your finder to the scope, but none of them went into any detail at all on how to do it. When you said there were adjustment screws on it, I had to pause the video and pull out my red dot finder because I didn't remember seeing them at all. Thank you!!!!

[@adozendeadroses]

I did read the manual but it didn't go over how to adjust the finder, just how to attach it to the scope.

[@ulisesguzman8574]

I've been using an old Bushnell department store scope for the past year, when you spend half the night fighting the scope to try and find jupiter, you don't learn a lot about astronomy but believe you me, you learn to appreciate a good finder

[@frackcenturion]

i use the diagonal 9x50 finders, saves your neck and back in the long run lol but i use the dot finder on the meade etx80

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Frack, I have to agree, when you are at zenith they really do help. :)

[@simona1136]

3 months or so in and I have to agree. red dot finder is the best. So easy to set up and so easy to use. I have added a telrad which I find very good too but I suppose that is just red dot with circles. I do find that they hold alignment very well too. Loving your videos and slowly getting through them all.

[@andrewvoorhis2033]

I love your videos so much ty❤.. I watch everyday..I'm new

[@epickcrom5606]

Hi Jason! I use a straight through optical finder 9x50mm. Love it to bits, it's so accurate. I agree with you, a optical finder with a diagonal would mess with my head as well! Keep up the great work

[@lanta-darren]

Terrible lighting or not, I always enjoy your videos! I've got a lovely Orion 9x50 right angle illuminated finder scope that I got for a Christmas present last year. It's so good that I sometimes look at targets like Pleiades using the finder scope rather than the extreme magnification of my main scope. Probably says more about the quality of my main scope than the finder! It was a total game-changer using an illuminated right angled finder scope rather then the red-dot that came with the telescope. No more kneeling on the floor to find a target! Thanks for another great video.

[@smalloptics753]

Great to hear Darren thanks for your support buddy. I have to agree angled finders are great for those awkward finds, especially around the zenith.

[@Astronurd]

I have both on my 8” Dobsonian. It’s got it’s standard 9x50 right angle finder and I have bought and fitted a telrad red dot finder. I use the telrad finder first and get it into my FOV of my finder, then I centre it and hey presto it’s centered in the main eyepiece with high/low magnification

[@TheUrbanAstronomer]

Great video Jason, I like my 6x30 finder over red-dot with my skies.. The importance of the finder scope and aligning it is such an important thing that can be missed by a beginner. Even the moon can be tough to find 😀

[@smalloptics753]

Hey, buddy, it's all down to person preference isn't it of which type you prefer, each have there own pro's and con's... Stay safe buddy ☺️

[@mmc4587]

Reflex style red-dot finders are my pick--because what is marked is not dependent on your eye orientation (so it is far easier to be on target while you are moving the telescope. Furthermore, they allow you to see the natural sky while targeting--this really aids in spacial recognition of the sky with the naked eye!

[@adonis6766]

When i got my Telescope i saw that my red dot finder scope was already at the centre and when you said that it's pretty rare it made me happy but of course it was just a matter of time that something is gonna go terribly wrong. After a few months i couldn't find the red dot when i was looking through it, at first i thought the battery was drained and i bought the exact same one but it didn't work. And today i find objects by hand and it's pretty frustrating. Amazing video and keep up the good work!

[@louboom5711]

You probably need to re-align the red dot to your primary.

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Ton, Thank you. Wow! your the first person I've ever known to have a already calibrated finder...Good stuff :)...They can be a bit temperamental at time, usually it's the power switch that can be faulty, and in most cases your better off buying a new finder...Red dot finders can be bought for as little as £10 these day's :)

[@adonis6766]

@@smalloptics753 Where i live Telescopes or any kind of equipment related to that is rarely sold. I was going store by store for a few months until a Telescope finally arrived and it was unusually expensive when you see what kind of Telescope i have. With that being said there are 0% chances of me finding a finder scope in this city, the only way is probably buying it online but still i doubt my parents will let me buy it. Sad stuff :(

[@epic_playz4283]

@@adonis6766 but it's yout money though

[@wittyboy64]

@@adonis6766 its better to spend your money in astrophotography than other nonsense things so i dont see why would they stop you

[@jons2447]

Thank you, Jason! Thank you for all you do. BTW, I'm trying a bowl on my focuser. The bowl is 9-1/2" (~24cm) in diameter by 4-1/2" (~11.5cm) deep, painted flat black inside & out. The hard plastic bowl was cracked so I thought why not try this 'tip'? The focuser is stock w/ many 'scopes such as my Orion StarBlast 6. I used a hole saw, centering the hole, if I do another I'll offset the hole to make it easier to use. The hole is 1-9/16" (40mm), & a section about 4-1/2" (11.5cm) removed to clear my chin. I removed the eyepiece holder, mounted the bowl (top towards user) & replaced the holder. Easy-peasy!, just like that I have a light shield around my eyepiece. I bought a black fleece hood (w/ drawstring, "Heat Logic" brand) to block light around my head. I'm looking for black plastic flower pot (base dia. ~7-1/4" (18-19CM)) to go on the OTA end. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@paulwaddilove]

Excellent video Jason, many thanks for taking the time to make it, I now have a much better understanding of the finder scope and how to use it properly, thank you 😊

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you Paul, you're more than welcome 🙂

[@OldJong]

I use a Telrad to get into the ball park , then I use a diagonal finder (9x50) to star hop to what I am looking for.. The angled finder is very confortable and the field of view is just like in the charts.

[@AndyinMokum]

I have a 8x50 RACI finderscope from TS-Optics, (it's probably made by TPO in Taiwan) on my Sky-Watcher Skymax 127. It's a splendid bit of kit. It's especially handy, when viewing objects near the zenith. There's no upside down, back to front image issues with the RACI design. The big 50mm objective lens, helps bring fainter targets into view. I don't need to be a circus contortionist, to find those awkward objects. I use a red dot finder on my Sky-Watcher Startravel 102. Clear skies!

[@AstroLaVista]

Another very important video Jason :) Like you say, I think those new to the hobby would be really surprised how difficult it is to even find a great big glaring Moon without a finder! Team RDF here (either that or a RACI optical finder), but I would like to make one with a timer at some point so I don't leave the blimming thing on by accident lol

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Chris, loving the new logo, what a awesome wine label. Yeah, that's one problem I can't believe I missed....Turning the damn things off lol. You can get them now that turn off after 10sec...I need to invest in one of those....It'll work out cheaper than all the batteries I have to keep on buying XD

[@AstroLaVista]

@@smalloptics753 haha I know right! The wine was from the Co-Op. I didn't realise you could get RDF's that switch themselves off! 10 seconds is a bit stingy though hey lol I was thinking maybe a minute. lol you as well, literally everyone leaves the things on, they should make them auto shut off as standard :D

[@smalloptics753]

@@AstroLaVista It maybe longer Chris, I've never used one, but I'm sure it there was 10s mentioned somewhere along the line when I first saw them....I''ll have to have a look :)

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Nice video Jason, I used only optical finder scopes at the moment, what i do like is that you can also observe DSO objects with them, for example i saw Andromeda galaxy very nice using a small finder-scope. For observing i did try once with both eyes open but seems harder to observe, maybe because there is some light from neighbors houses, but even if is dark using only one eye and closing the other, i think will help, A similar technique is used when measuring portrait elements when drawing, holding the pencil up as a measure tool, using only one eye, half closed helped focusing better for measuring. but with a red-dot finder is a little different so using both eyes can help to get faster orientation.

[@smalloptics753]

Hey buddy, The both eyes open technique can be a little awkward if you have lots of light pollution I agree..Stay safe friend, clear skies :)

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

@@smalloptics753 Thank you buddy. Clear sky!

[@TheLostLibrary]

Great stuff - I was thinking of how to set up the finder by using treetops around my place, but what you said about the daytime, flag and 300 yards out is good information to know - next I'm looking for info on mounts because I'm a bit nervous about going with the eQ over the alt/aZ- Thank you!

[@andiejanecorby7482]

I have a upgraded my original finder on on my 10" dob, to a right angle finder. Much easier to find objects as they are now positioned correctly, I also find it so much more comfortable on the eye.

[@Lordenzus]

Oh boy! I had to adjust the red dot like a lot! Yesterday without the moon, I attempted to see Saturn, no way xD I hope I can today!! Thanks for another useful video :)

[@solidus784]

My Red dot was a revaltion to me, I have a 150mm skywatcher dob that came with a 6*30 finder that was so bad I nearly packed in the hobby. The reddot opened a whole new world to me.

[@avt_astro206]

Great Video on FinderScopes jason, very nice Demo!! I would Choose optical Finders Over Red dot finders!!I have Left my Red Dot Finders battery On And Forget To Turn it off for weeks, LOL!! The Batteries Died and Now I regret Replacing Batteries Every time!! Need To Replace My Finder. P.s your Pretty Close To 1k Subs, Congrats Mate!!🎉 Clear Skies!!🌌

[@smalloptics753]

Hey DSO. Thanks buddy. Yes, that is a common problem with red-dot finders...Remembering to turn the damn things off.. Yeah, thanks buddy, never thought I would get as many subs in such a short time...Or at all really..But it is fantastic and it's all thanks to you amazing people. Stay safe buddy, clear skies :)

[@avt_astro206]

@@smalloptics753 : D Glad your Reaching 1K!! We Are Small Optics Fan

[@mikejung3908]

I have a diagonal finder, and until now I didn’t see a problem with it, I’d have to agree with you, two eyes are better than one.

[@paganphil100]

The last telescope I had (a small Bresser refractor) came with a cross-hair type of finder which was a nightmare to set-up. The adjusting screws moved the whole finder left-right/up-down and once you had it aligned you then had to tighten the screws which always made the cross-hairs go off-target. I now have a simple & cheap "Skywatcher" red-dot finder on my small Maksutov which only takes seconds to align and never goes off-target. It was included with my scope (it can be bought separately for about £25). There are no screws to fiddle with, just two small dials to move the dot up, down, left or right. It has a dovetail mount so it can't get knocked off target during alignment.

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

I’m getting my first telescope skywatcher explorer eq130m.the red dot finder is easier than what I thought thanks.✌️

[@smalloptics753]

Enjoy your new telescope my friend 😀

[@bushcraftandastronomer.3775]

Hi Jason! So nice to see you so happy and cheerful in your videos like this one as everybody is going through a really bad time with this covid-19 and people need to be happy and cheerful and you make me happy. We need something to be cheerful and it's good for people's health. I've got the diagonal finder scope for my 72ed ds pro refractor and I find ok as it gives sharp clear image. Very helpful tips and advice on them and what about repairing them or needing parts to them as you could probably use anything to replace broken parts or lost parts. My original finder scope for my Vixen custom 80m refractor needs part to focus with eyepiece too so you got any suggestions? I'm going to use my Skysurfer 3 red dot finder this summer when I go camping with my astrophotography setup! My first target this summer is NGS 7000! Can't wait! Thanks very mach for this cheerful and happy video and stay safe buddy! That covid variant from India is here.

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Bushcraft, thank you as always for you kind words my friend, it means a lot.. Yes it's worrying times at the moment with this Covid thing..I don't like to mention it on the channel as plenty of other youtuber's address the situation. It's great to hear you can escape from all the worry of current affairs with my channel, hope that's working for other people to. You stay safe my friend, clear skies :)

[@book3100]

I use both. The red dot gets me roughly in the area, then the optical finder gets me just about right on, then to the eyepiece im almost always right on the spot. My "red dot" is a Telrad, imo the best of them all. the reticle is useful for star hopping, its graduated, and it has an on/off/dimmer switch.

[@user-ec8il1du3t]

Hi Jason, I have just sat through all of your videos and wow! what a difference this has made to my comprehension of my Sky watcher telescope. It helps enormously that mine is the same make and model as yours. I was very overwhelmed when I first got it. I did buy this second hand and I do know it works as I have managed to view the moon and Jupiter . But.... I am having a big problem with my red dot finder. I have replaced the C2032 battery and noticed I don't have the plastic cover. Does this matter, because I have also noticed that this is very temperamental. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. I have very carefully repinged the battery holder in , so it holds the battery a bit tighter, but it doesn't always hold it in. Do you think I need to buy a new red dot finder, or is there some other way of making it work. Much appreciation of all your tutorials and I will keep watching!

[@Johnnybox81]

Red dots are great for brighter objects but I need some magnification especially when looking in dim areas. Last night I was looking for a load of double stars in Camelopardalis and would be a pain to star hop otherwise. Light pollution and next doors lights on are always a limiting factor..

[@Promthanius]

Me, staring out the kitchen window at the top of the tree for the last ten minutes: ope, ok

[@cash198217]

Actually I just found this channel, amazing , practical and easy to understand videos at least for a total beginner like me. Well I have a question regarding finder scopes. When I use magnifying finder scope, I see way more stars when with a normal eye. It does get really confusing and I tend to get lost. I never used red dot finder before , but I feel that with red dot finder you have to be fairly accurate where you pointing at as it doesn’t provide any magnification. I was wondering, if I used wide lens (around 80 degrees) , perhaps I would have better luck at finding things in the sky? Even if I’m not accurate with finder scope, wide lens would allow me to see larger patches of sky and I would have easier time finding things. As I said, my main issue is that through finding scope I see way more stars and I tend to get lost, even around constellations I’m fairly familiar with a naked eye. Saying that, I always looked through finder scope with one eye closed, and in one of your videos you suggested to look through finder scope with both eye open, so I will have to test that, see if that helps. Keep up with amazing videos, spreading the wisdom and helping other people out there.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello there.. Thank you for your comment my friend.. Unfortunately with a magnified finder it's always going to show more stars, and admittedly it can get a little confusing at times, but, if you use them with a good planetarium such a Stellarium they are great for star hopping but it does get a bit of getting used too.. The red dot finders are great and and even though they don't magnify the image they do point you in the right direction, the way you use them is in conjunction with a low powered eyepiece 25mm and above this will give you that wide angle view so star hopping is a lot easier once the finder has pointed you in the right direction.

[@cash198217]

@@smalloptics753 Thank you for reply. I will definitely use your advice. But do you think wide angle low power lenses (around 70-80 degrees) would be wise investment to find my way around constellations and look for deep space objects?

[@lukeskydropper]

good info thank you

[@dd1403]

Thanks Jason, Great video. I have one question I live in city with light pollution and hence find difficulty for star hopping using the red dot finder. What make sense to upgrade my finderscope to magnified finder?

[@simona1136]

You mention " like a gun sight". So could I use my 3-9 x 50 zoom gun scope on my new telescope?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Simon. I have often thought that myself, as long as it is calibrated with the telescope I can't see why not...I would give it a go, would be interesting to know how you get on. Good luck and enjoy your new telescope. Clear skies :)

[@PANIAGO2011]

Thanks Jason for sharing your knowledge. I am building an 8" telescope with a focal length of 800mm to observe the deep sky. Let me know if the red dot will allow me to aim and find galaxies and nebulae. Keep on your great job.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Edvaldo. Your more than welcome my friend. Best of luck with your build I've known a few people in the past that have made some fantastic telescopes in fact my first "proper" telescope was a home made 8" and I still say it was the best telescope I have ever owned..Red dot finders are great all rounders and will certainly get you going there also relatively cheap which is always a bonus. But remember a red dot finder will only point you in the right direction as with a optical finder (depending on which D,S,O you are observing) you can sometimes see the target in the finder. Once again best of luck with your build. All the best.

[@PANIAGO2011]

@@smalloptics753 Thank you very much for your quick and thoughtful reply and for your encouragement.

[@liortaylor5305]

hi, thank you for the video. I just got bought my first 134mm Orion reflector and it came with a 6x30 (30mm) viewfinder. I wanted to ask how you would recommend using it for viewing a solar eclipse (I am making my own filters out of Baader solar film)?

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Bad back. Can't use most finder scopes. Have, and love, a 90 degree 9x50 finder scope.

[@pepeimc]

I plan to attach my RDF to the finder scope bracket, they complement each other I think. I’m wandering what telescope is this sweet small refractor you have. I love your videos.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello pepeimc.. Thank you my friend.. The small refractor is a 70mm 400fl that I salvage from two broken telescopes to make one good one.

[@thomasw4422]

Sounds like they can go some time between needing realignment. That sounds right, even with the wobbly one I started with. But I wonder how well switching between different ones on the night would be. I now have a red dot finder and and optical one, but only one slot. I wonder if I could get away with swapping between them on the night, without losing alignment.

[@EleanorPeterson]

When I got into deep-sky viewing, I found that I needed a straight finder mounted on the back of the diagonal finder in order to get anywhere close to the target. It didn't make a lot of sense, and neither did the inverted view! Diagonal finders are perhaps useful for the daytime terrestrial viewing of obvious things such as birds and those elusive pink unicorns - in other words, for targets which don't really need a finder in the first place - but at night, peering at vague fuzzy blobs in a field of vague sparkly twinkles, I think a red-dot finder is a lot more helpful. (Just my opinion. You ain't seen me, right?🦄)

[@MountainFisher]

Problem some beginners have is they have laser finders and if it is tinted they often cannot see their targets and even a cheap upside down 6x30mm finder scope is better, at least they can see the target. I bought a nice 102mm Explore Scientific refractor and the laser red dot was tinted so dark I couldn't see Polaris. It had to be a 1 magnitude star to see it through the worthless thing.

[@troym1119]

Good content, but was hoping you'd go into some detail about RDS alternatives like telrad and/or Riegel, any experience with them? Also, what about attaching a small 50 or 60mm APO on big scopes as finder, is that just for astro photographers or when you've too much cash lying around, or what's the use case there?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello M TP, Thanks buddy. Sorry about that, I just wanted to concentrate on entry level finders as that is what most people will have. I was going to give the Telrad a mention but it is more on the high end of finders, not really beginners stuff...I have used them before and they are really good but at the end of the day they do exactly the same as any finder.....Find things...What people use for a finder is purely down to the individual and what they prefer. It doesn't matter what you use for a finder as long as it does the job. Stay safe, clear skies :)

[@freeman10000]

Back in the day my first telescope didn't have a finder and it was seriously a pain until I got used to it. I guess in 2021 we are spoilt with good quality scopes and accessories. Enjoy! ☺️

[@coletc]

Your channel is great. I’m new. I just got a 10 inch reflector. I have a desire to keep my finder detached from my telescope when not using it. I’m paranoid that it’s gonna bump and split the finder scope mount from my new scope. Do I need to get over that idea and keep my finder mounted and calibrated at all time? Seems like a bad idea to move or travel with the scope with it mounted. Yet that’s what I’m hearing calibrate and leave it. I thought perhaps a calibrated scope remounted would fall right back into calibration.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello.. I get your point because I've done just that in the past ,bumped into it and actually broke the bracket.. For travelling. I would advise removing it but it is up to you. You'll just have to re- Calibrateit each time you put it back on your telescope if you do wish to remove it when storing.

[@coletc]

@@smalloptics753 thanks for sharing that it’s a valid concern. Tells me I need to get better an aligning then at night. Don’t have the luxury of leaving my scope set up for viewing

[@twkolejofil]

I would also check the alignment with a more powerful eyepiece because it is easy to miss the center of the field of view, especially if you're going to use camera and Barlow lens 😉

[@louboom5711]

I use a 9x50 diagonal on my 130 mm Orion ST, I think it works great. Especially when your target is near the zenith like M-3 in Canes Venatici, you’re not straining your neck. I’ve found that my red dot finder is way to bright even at it’s lowest setting. I was wondering if anyone else has that problem and if so what you do to fix it. I want to keep my grab-n-go scope light without a 6x30 finder. Thanks and clear skies 🌌

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Lou, Yes I have to agree diagonal finders are great for zenith... As regards to your to bright red dot, you can put a small piece of semi-transparent tape over were the laser comes out and that will give you a extra level of dimness. Stay safe, clear skies :)

[@scbzev]

What do you think about a telrad.

[@gabrielrobles5288]

I usually use the red dot for planets or moon and an 9X50 diagonal for starhopping. Thank you Jason for sharing your experience with us.

[@Peter.A-A]

Okay! 😃

[@frankmorris1623]

Hi Jason I am not sure where the o ring goes on a right angle finder scope can you help

[@jack002tuber]

That picture at 6:32, you have to be careful that at the end of your adjusting that you have all the screws tight again. They hold the tube in place. Left loose could cause some problems.

[@leonmorgans4250]

Silly question but if use myneue piece to get the target before calibrating my finder scope the image I look at will be upside down?

[@BritishBeachcomber]

2:29 Red dot finders do not use lasers. It's just a red LED.

[@ianfoster8908]

I added a 8x50 finder scope with diagonal to my Sky-Watcher 127Mak. I am glad I did because using the Red Dot supplied was a pain when viewing at greater altitude. I have retained the Red Dot by putting a mount towards the front of the OTA. I now aim by using the Red Dot first then moving to the optical finder. The optical finder with its wider FoV gives some good views on its own, the 127Mak has too small an FoV for the Pleiades. BTW, when the optical finder came it included a mini wedge shoe. My method of mounting this is as follows. I put some double sided tape on the OTA and then made up some dough epoxy pressed into the shoes and then pressed the shoe onto the OTA. While the epoxy was still soft i jiggled it around so the finder was in alignment with its previous setting. Once the epoxy went off the whole thing can't be moved. This is set up serving me well.

[@epic_playz4283]

Almost 1k subs!

[@smalloptics753]

I know, can't believe how quick the channel has grown...All thanks to you awesome people :)

[@epic_playz4283]

@@smalloptics753 We're happy to help!

[@indysbike3014]

What do you think about a green laser?

[@Anabis_Xero]

I just got my first telescope. It took me 20 minutes to find Venus when she was the only thing in the sky. 😂 let’s just say I have a telrad on order.

[@Astronurd]

You can’t beat a Telrad RDF

[@Melkspuiter3000]

I had my telescope perfectly alligned looked at different objects in the day time too and they were perfect then looked at the moon during the day and it was perfectly alligned i left it out till it was night then when i looked at night at the moon it wasnt alligned at all and im about to give up please help

[@smalloptics753]

I feel your frustration my friend but don't give up. It's hard to diagnose exactly what is wrong but it won't be much, trust me. Stay tuned as my next video is all about these types of issues and how to solve them... Questions like these are a bit loaded to answer in text form so I have been planning to do a video on problem solving (which should be out this weekend) and I will be covering this issue in it.

[@hothmandon]

Galileo didn't use a finder scope that looked like it was taken off of a rifle.

[@ReyoVR]

Another con for red dot finder is forgetting to turn it off and running out of battery.