Celestron StarPointer Illuminated red dot finder

$19.95

Availability: In stock

This straight-through red dot-type finder has two bases - one to fit telescopes 5" and under in diameter, and another to fit 8" and larger scopes . . .
Our Product #: 3950
Celestron Product #: 51630
 

Product Description

The Celestron Star Pointer is a straight-through viewing red dot-type finder. It comes with two bases. One base is shaped to fit telescope optical tubes 5" and under in diameter, such as the Celestron C5 and Meade ETX scopes. The other is curved to fit 8" and larger scopes, such as the Celestron C8, etc. Both bases have mounting holes spaced to fit the finder mounting holes on the rear cells of most Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The holes can also be used to attach the Star Pointer to the Sonotube optical tube of many reflectors and Dobsonians, use ordinary nuts and bolts (not supplied). The finder base can also be attached semi-permanently to your telescope optical tube by means of readily available double-faced tape.

Once the base is installed on your scope, the black plastic finder itself slips onto the base and is clamped in place by two screws. Azimuth and altitude adjustment knobs allow you to line up the Star Pointer with your main scope optics. The dovetail is not a quick release type, so the foam of your scope's carrying case may have to be cut to fit the finder outline for easy storage.

An on/off switch on the finder body, plus a brightness control, allow you to match the finder brightness to all lighting conditions, day or night. The finder uses one user-replaceable 3 volt BR2032 or CR2032 lithium camera battery (supplied, but not guaranteed by Celestron to be fully charged when received). Battery charge and battery life are not covered by the finder warranty. When it is time to replace the battery (readily available at Walmart, Radio Shack, camera stores, etc.), you can use either of the above batteries or a BR2025 or CR2025.

Tech Details

Weight 4 oz
Warranty 2 years

Reviews

Review by:
I added this to one of my refractors and it does exactly what I would want. I find the red dot easy to see and easy to adjust so that it aligns with the scope. Can't ask much more of a low cost red dot finder. (Posted on 11/1/2019)
Review by:
I'm rather partial to RDFs and there are several to choose from. There are better performers out there, but this is a really good value. If you're looking for an inexpensive RDF to accompany an inexpensive scope, this is it. (Posted on 10/31/2019)
Review by:
Got this on a recommendation from a fellow club member. I much prefer it to the other finder scopes I have. Easy to set up and use. Good price. (Posted on 1/5/2019)
Review by:
These finders are simple versions of the sophiscated optimal sights I use on my competitive firearms which can cost $250 -$500. However, for a telescope this is all you need. Once you line up the finder with the center of our OTA (about a 5 min process) you can easily find ‘& center objects ... ‘red dot on object = object in FOV! (Posted on 11/18/2018)
Review by:
I bought this during a sale to put on a small OTA intended for audience use at outreach, thinking "expendable". It surprised me with better quality than I expected for the price.

For urban or beginner use the slightly extended size (not pinpoint, not bloated, maybe 1-2 arcminute?) of the well defined dot is easy to see and aim with.

With reasonable performance and very light weight this is a handy and low-cost add-on to small-medium scopes.

Viewpoint is closer to tube than with bigger RDF's so mounting on dew shield at front, or back of OTA near focuser attachment, gives you more 'face room' in use. Also, the window you view through is a little smaller than more expensive RDFs, so only 4 stars, but still a very good and useable value. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
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