Telescope Reviews: Re: finderscope or reflex sight solutions for ETX80?

Josh

I recently got the Astro-Tech #ATF Illuminated Multiple Recticle Finder, it is my first.

I looked at 3 different finders at a local store, including the Rigel. The Rigel was the least expensive, but to me it seemed too large for the EXT-80 and didn't "feel right" (= very subjective). May work great, or not, cant say.

The Astro-Tech is compact and a solidly built unit (heavy little...). It was quick and easy to align with a provided hex head and has directional arrow markings (in case you forget, hands up.... anyone) adjacent to the screws. You can get extra bases and it can easily switch between different scopes. It comes with a cover for the optics, has multiple reticle and brightness options.

I have typically used it during alignment, not that it was really needed, but it does make it so much quicker/ easier/simpler. I will remove it after alignment, but if needed it takes less than a minute to mount and turn on. After that, the high precision option eliminates the need for the finder most of the time for myself.

I removed the fabric liner from the bottom of the base(meant to prevent scratching the tube, after you just drilled holes in it?..) and applied double sided foam tape (3M), mounting it at about 11 o'clock. I attached the finder to the base at least 25 times since and have little or no drift and have not had to readjust the finder.

A downside to some might be that the A-T was powered by a watch battery.Other units are powered by AA or AAA batteries.

I can't say much about the 3rd model really, I was so unimpressed, I din't even look at it that much (garbage ergonomics, knobs were poorly attached, I looked at it once, and put it down).

So far I have enjoyed using it, and think it will be an nice upgrade from the OME on the "analog" scope.

Hope that helps

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Meade ETX-80AT-TC, Meade 4500 Newtonian
Meade 25mm & 9.7mm S Plossi, Swan 15mm EP
Celestron 2x Barlow Ultima SV
Zhumell EP & filter set w/Barlow
No room for my golf clubs

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