Optics
Telrad-Style Finder Sight for Telescopes
4.9/ 5
- 5 7
- 4 1
- 3 0
- 2 0
- 1 0
Brand TELRAD
Product review
This finder sight gives a continuous, unmagnified view that remains oriented the same way as the sky, so what you see through its window aligns directly with the scene around it. Three illuminated rings are projected into that view and appear to sit among the stars. These rings are scaled to help guide pointing: the small ring corresponds approximately to the Moon-sized field seen in the telescope, while the larger outer ring matches the area covered by a typical finderscope.
To use it, look through the finder and move the telescope until the illuminated rings are centered on the target. Because the image is not magnified or inverted, pointing is intuitive and direct. The unit measures roughly 8 inches in length and weighs about 11 ounces. It attaches to a telescope via a detachable base that requires no drilling; the finder can be unlocked from the base for separate storage.
Power is provided by two AA batteries (not included). The simple design and illuminated reticle make it especially useful for star-hopping and quick target acquisition under a variety of observing conditions.
Pros
- Intuitive, unmagnified aiming with illuminated rings
- Fast, repeatable alignment and straight-through view
- Detachable base mounts without drilling
Cons
- Relatively bulky compared with some electronic finders
- Tendency to fog or dew up in humid conditions
- Requires AA batteries to power the reticle
VerdictA simple, effective aiming aid that replaces magnifying finders with a clear, straight-through overlay of illuminated rings. It makes locating targets quicker and allows use with both eyes open. Expect fast, repeatable alignment and a removable base for convenience. Downsides are its bulk, sensitivity to dew, and the need for AA cells.
Reviews
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Joshua L Brown 5/5
Excellent for finding deep-sky objects
Makes locating dim or distant targets much simpler than a red dot or spotter scope. The target rings are intuitive and fast to use. Note the dovetail is larger than some red-dot mounts; the supplied adhesive tape worked well on my 8" Dobsonian.
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Coleman 5/5
Transformative upgrade for my Dobsonian
This replaced my 8x50 right-angle finder and made a huge difference. The straight-through view matches the tube direction and the reflex rings remove guesswork. I can use both eyes open, which preserves night vision and makes faint stars easier to pick out. Even when the faceplate begins to dew, I can still line up the rings against the sky.
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Kendall 5/5
Classic, functional design
Well engineered and straightforward. Not a luxury finish, but highly practical: large field of view, easy to calibrate, and simple to service. Alignment is quick once you learn the knobs; brightness is adjustable with a smooth control. Size and cosmetic finish are the only real drawbacks.
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Andy 5/5
Reliable and easy to align
Setup was quick — I had it aligned in under a minute. The three adjustment knobs let me center planets or stars easily, and once set it stayed put between sessions. Star-hopping became much more predictable and I consistently hit the scope's center field of view.
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Dave In Ohio 5/5
Aiming solution for camera and visual setups
This finder made framing lunar and planetary shots far easier on a tripod-mounted Maksutov. After a quick alignment, centering targets required only a glance at the rings. Very helpful when camera gear limits access to a traditional finder eyepiece.
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C.Elliott 5/5
Good match for a Celestron 6SE
Removed the OEM finder and used zip ties to secure this unit; it aligned perfectly and offered plenty of adjustment for placement. Brightness is strong but adjustable — half power worked well for viewing Saturn. Great for manual pointing using phone-based target coordinates.
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Bobasaurus 5/5
Perfect for beginners — saves time
I struggled to find anything beyond the Moon before this. The Telrad cut my acquisition time dramatically. Even with streetlights and trees, I can pick up a target in a few seconds and keep viewing without hunting. Worth it if you want to spend more time observing and less time searching.
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Dan 4/5
Helpful in light-polluted skies
In my bright suburban backyard it made finding bright stars and constellations straightforward. I expect even better performance under dark skies. Issues: it fogs up sooner than my other gear, so I added a DIY dew shield, and it is a bit bulky to place alongside other accessories.
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