finder scope

I am beginning to wonder if people actually use a finder scope on a 10" dob. I have one on mine (home made).

But I noticed, when asking about the eyepieces, that some responded by saying they use a low power EP to find objects.

Any opinions on this?

Clear skies dusk to dawn,
Joe

Joseph Babendreier said:

I am beginning to wonder if people actually use a finder scope on a 10" dob. I have one on mine (home made).

But I noticed, when asking about the eyepieces, that some responded by saying they use a low power EP to find objects.

Any opinions on this?

Clear skies dusk to dawn,
Joe

I don't know of anyone who doesn't use a finder scope on any size dob, whether it be a reflex finder or a powered finder. A lot of folks prefer to use both. A reflex finder gets you close, then a powered finder gets you closer. I prefer a Telrad myself, but there are others.

Using a low-power eyepiece in the focuser rather than a finder to find objects would be very difficult. Basically, you use your finder scope to get you as close as possible to your target, then use a low power eyepiece to center the object in the focuser, then change eyepieces to add whatever magnifcation that you want.

Hope this is helpful Joseph.

An awful lot of people use a red-dot (or Telrad) to get close, and then a wide field low power to sweep the area. In light polluted conditions, a magnified finder helps.

Alex

I take my 8" dob so rarely these days that my street cred is pretty low, but I've always used a 10x straight finder. Was never a reflex guy, I use the both-eyes-open method to get it close, then close the non-eyepiece eye when I'm in the neighborhood. The field and power of the finder is also similar to my 10x binos which I use to plan out or supplement my star hopping.

Rick