Which finder
- Reflex sight: the ReflexSight has no magnification, for quick pointing at the Moon, planets and bright stars.
- 8x50 finders: they magnify eight times and show fainter stars to hop between, straight-through or right-angle, illuminated or not.
- Polar finder: an illuminated polar finder helps align an equatorial mount on the celestial pole, which matters most for astrophotography.
- Bases: the standard finder base, the hybrid base and a T-shaped base for the Essential series.
A right-angle finder is easier on the neck when the telescope points high in the sky, while a straight-through finder points the way you look.
Aligning a finder
Align the finder in daylight, on a distant object such as a treetop or a far building, before your first night out. Center the object in the telescope's eyepiece, then adjust the finder until it points at the same spot. At night, it will take you straight to what you want to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflex sight or magnifying finder?
A reflex sight is quickest for bright objects. An 8x50 shows fainter stars, which helps when you hop from star to star to a faint target.
Will a finder fit my telescope?
Check the base your telescope has and match the finder's bracket to it. We carry Explore Scientific's standard, hybrid and T-shaped (Essential series) bases.
Why use a polar finder?
An equatorial mount tracks well only once its polar axis points at the celestial pole. A polar finder makes that alignment more precise than a sight hole, which astrophotography needs.
For finding your way once the finder is set, read How to Navigate the Night Sky.