Home > Consumer Reviews > Telrad Finder Sight

Unlike most of the review writers for this product, I use this for a followspot in technical theatre. The adjustable mirror makes for easy calibration, and the fact that only the spotlight operator can see the projection keeps you from distracting the audience. It is easy to remove the adhesive strips so you don't damage the light, and the light weight allows you to attach it with magnets for easy removal. Tape is just as good.

With my 12" Dobsonion this is the finder I always use first. It is best used with both eyes open - one looking through the reticle window and one above or outside the window. Just centre it on the object or expected area of sky and then move to your magnifying finder scope. Find the fuzzy whatsit you're looking for, centre on the cross-hairs, and then look in your telescope. A three-part process which is fast and usually easy. The Telrad is just brilliant. I can't imagine trying to find objects using the finder scope first. That would be much more challenging and time-consuming. Since I intend to replace my finder scope soon with a right-angle finder scope (to save my neck) the Telrad will be essential then as you can't really use a right-angle finder scope for searching the sky. Some accessories like premium eyepieces, detailed star maps, etc, can enhance your observing but this does more than enhance, it simplifies everything.

Product was shipped and arrived in 24 hrs. Perfect compliment to Dobsonian scope.Need to add anti-dew attachment.

WC

I am so glad that I bought this product. As a very amateur astronomer I enjoy taking out my scope and just looking around. I have no 'to do' lists, I just wander.I find that it's difficult for me to always bend and twist (and shout) while trying to peer through a reflex sight. It certainly looks absurd to see my cheek almost welded to the scope tube trying to sight in a target whilst trying to move and step around the scope base.

When I received the sight I found the instructions a bit vague. The sight itself is quite large, homely looking, and very low tech. It uses 2 large strips of permanent tape to mount onto the scope tube. All this was a bit of a let down until I decided to use it. Since I have a 16" Dob the Telrad size didn't matter. I cut the 2 adhesive strips in half so that if I wished to use the Telrad on another scope I wouldn't spend hours getting it off. It runs on AA batteries and the battery holder is a bit cheap. Putting the whole thing together had me asking myself "Is it really this simple?" Yes, it is. This makes me rethink my need for whiz-bang, shiny, and expensive tech toys.

Upon using the Telrad I was just amazed. No faint cross-hair that pops in and out of view. No narrow viewing angle. I can actually stand by my scope and peer over into the Telrad at a bright (and adjustable) target circle. So many frustrations just went away. This tool is easy to use and a steal. Please consider buying the Dew Shield Plus as it gives it even more versatility.

I bought this after trying several other "DIY" finder scope solutions: rifle scope (eye relief too long, field of view too small) 10x50 binoculars (too cumbersome), drinking straw (field of view too small), sighting down the edge of the rocker box (really awkward). FYI it comes with a mounting plate that attaches to the scope body with the included double sided foam tape. The finder is then attached to the mount plate by two thumbscrews. P.S. The red circles can be turned up bright enough for daytime use too!