Telrad, Rigel, Red Dot.

I am currently using a red dot finder (a 32mm shotgun type) with an 80mm finder scope. I use the red dot to get me to the general area and then the finder to center the object desired.
My question is, is the a real advantage to the Telrad or Rigel over the red dot, or are they all just a way of getting close?
I am considering getting a Telrad for the DOB and just using the red dot on the SCT. But I am wondering if it would help that much or whether the Rigel would be the better choice.

I own both a Rigel and a Telrad and I consider the Rigel a better deal. For the price of a Telrad alone, you get two bases, a built-in blinker, and it's more dew resistant. Functionally, they’re about the same.

I've never used a red dot, so I can't comment on what type is better.

For an awful lot of objects, all I need is the Telrad/Rigel. It's only when in sparse star fields do I need to go to the 8x50.

Regards,
Doug

Floyd,

The advantage is in star hopping. I own all three finder types and here's my take on comparisons...

The red dot is best when used on a widefield scope like an ST80 or one of the short ~100mm refractors. Use the RDF to get in the ballpark, then use a low-power EP as a finder, then switch to higher mags as desired. Or use the RDF in conjunction with an 8x50 optical finder on a long focal length refractor or SCT.

It's a toss-up between the Rigel QF and Telrad. Many star charts and most planetarium software use the 4º Telrad circles for star hopping aids, but the Telrad is phyically large -- it seems to be better suited for 8"-10" and larger Dobs. The Rigel QF has the advantage of lighter weight, a taller profile for ease of viewing, plus the extra base and blinker that others mentioned. The Rigel has only 2º as the larger bullseye circle (same as the middle circle on the Telrad), so you have to use some guesstimating if you use a chart with Telrad star hop circles.

Jim

Floyd, If weight is not a factor I recommend going with the Telrad. The 3 circles are useful. I have a Rigel on a 4" Dob, because I needed something light. It works well, but for some reason, at times I have difficulty finding the little circles. Proper eye placement doesn't seem as intuitive, as with the Telrad. I end up having to turn the intensity up all the way to help me locate the circles. The little blinking feature, I never use. I find it an annoyance & just keep the circles as dim as I can. The Rigel is a good product & works very well. I just see no advantages to it on a large Dob.