EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC 8x50 helical focus finder and guide with 1.25 inch and T2 connection

Excellent 8x50 finder with removable eyepiece unit and reticle with adjustable red illumination. The precision helical focusing and the possibility of connection via 1.25 inch/31.7 mm connector as well as the T2 connection thread for camera (M42x0.75 mm) allow the necessary "autoguiding" for long exposures in order to obtain a pinpoint image of the stars. Use as a mini travel telescope is also possible.

The sharpness of the images and the viewing characteristics make this finder clearly above the level of conventional 8x50 finders. The field of view generated is clear and extremely sharp. In addition, this finder has a very large field of view (FOV) of 6.96 degrees. This greatly facilitates the search for and adjustment of objects. The scale marks (division = 1 degree) on the reticle are a good reference for estimating distances and the open center mark also facilitates precise object centering. All lens surfaces are protected against weathering by multi-coating and ensure a clear image of the finder due to high light transmission values. The dimmable red LED illumination is powered by two LR41 button cells. The main objective and reticle can be focused independently, so you can set the perfect focus for your eyes.

One of the main applications of this telescope is what is called "autoguiding". With this function, the usually larger photography optics are actively corrected by a smaller guiding telescope with a second tracking camera. This means that the mechanical oscillations that occur in all astronomical telescope mounts in the tracking accuracy are measured by the tracking camera and compensated appropriately. This is necessary to obtain an image of the point stars at long exposures in astrophotography, and to avoid stellar trails. For this purpose, the guide telescope is mounted on the finder shoe of the photographic optics and oriented parallel to it. If the existing finder shoe is not compatible, a suitable finder shoe, which is included, can be used. A follow camera can then be mounted with the 1.25 inch /31.7 mm connection at the rear end or via the T2 thread connection (M42x0.75 mm). This is held securely in place by a brass locking ring and three retaining screws. Please note the "back focus" required for your tracking camera. The plane of focus (back focus) is approx. 22 mm behind the T2 thread. Precise focusing to the guide star is achieved by means of a large knurled helical focusing wheel made of precision mechanics. To facilitate reproduction of the focus point, this has a laser-engraved white millimeter scale from 0 to 28 mm. Once the tracking camera has been connected directly or via computer to the telescope mount and the necessary basic adjustments have been made, the first astronomical pictures with long exposure can be taken.

This guide and finder telescope can also be used very easily as a mini travel telescope. By means of optionally available eyepieces it is possible to achieve a magnification of 8x to 40x. Almost all eyepieces with a focal length of 5 to 26 mm and a 1.25 inch/31.7 mm connection are suitable. Especially recommended are the EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC eyepieces of the LER series of 52 degrees (art. 02195xx) and 62 degrees (02196xx). Note: only direct viewing is possible.

the mount of this finder and guide telescope is made entirely of aluminum and forms a stable base. The finder mount is suitable for many common telescope types, e.g. EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC, BRESSER MESSIER, etc. If the existing finder shoe is not compatible, a suitable finder shoe, which is included, can be used. It can be attached to the telescope tube using four M5 screws. The distances between the holes of the finder shoe are 31.7 mm in the longitudinal and transverse axis. With the six large adjusting screws with knurled grip, the finder can be oriented effortlessly, even with numb fingers. All adjustment and clamping screws have plastic tips to effectively prevent scratching of the finder housing and holder.