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Antares Quick Release Bracket with Base/Rings for 50mm Finders - 9" Base

4.4 (7 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Antares
Part Number F50DTB-9
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

This is a very high-quality quick-release finder bracket with two rings for 50mm finders. Each ring includes three-point screw adjustment for precisely aligning your finder. This bracket can be used with finder tubes 1.8" - 2.4" (46 - 60mm) in diameter. Black matte finish.

A dovetail base is included with this bracket. It has a base curve diameter of 9" (should directly fit most 8" SCTs). The base will need to be bolted on to your telescope tube (screws not included). The mounting-hole spacing on the base is 1.3". Made in Canada.

Reviews

4.4 (Based on 7 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Live_Steam_Mad

      Live_Steam_Mad New Member

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      Review by Live_Steam_Mad of St. Helens, Merseyside, England, UK.
      1435449600
      Jun 27, 2015

      4.0 Essential piece of equipment for C11 sized SCT

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Lightweight,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I use this on my year 2000 manufacture C11 SCT from Celestron (ex-CG11). The base of the item fit my C11 OTA just fine in a couple of minutes with no issues or modifications. Base is Aluminium, with single large thumbscrew of Nylon. Finder rings easily fit my Celestron 9x50mm finder model #51611, the 6 finder ring screws are Nylon, the rings are cast Aluminium. This quick release item replaced the factory standard (non-quick release) finder holder of my C11, the latter being a total pain to use since it takes a while to remove or put back on, and you loose the alignment when doing so since the finder needs to be removed, and if you leave it on, the finder ring sticks into my stomach as I lift the OTA onto my mount. This quick release item however changes all that, it takes 10 seconds or less to put it on and 5 seconds to take off, and I can mount the OTA easily in far more comfort with just the base attached to the OTA. The only downside is the accuracy in certain circumstances - i.e. if you just casually put this finder bracket into it's base then the pointing of the finder is not repeatable, you instead have to slide the bracket FULLY to the rear (easy), then keep pulling towards you (when you are at the rear of the OTA) with one finger with medium firmness on the top rear screw (i.e. on the rear finder ring) CONSTANTLY whilst screwing in the thumbscrew firmly, then you achieve very very good alignment, and it's repeatable every single time. If you don't do this or screw the thumbscrew extremely tight then the pressure and torque of the thumbscrew moves the bracket slightly downwards pointing in the base (tolerance issue between base and bracket), making the finder point a few degrees out. I assume this slight tolerance is needed to be able to put the bracket into the base quickly and easily. It's not a lot of slop, just a little, but it's enough to cause this problem. The way I mention to do it cures the issue. Bottom line is that this item or something very like it is an essential purchase if you want to be able to mount a C11 sized SCT quickly and comfortably onto a GEM mount and since you need a finder to align the mount. I am in England, UK and postage to me was fast. I'm happy with the item, it does the job it was meant to.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

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      Review by chichiflys of MD.
      1427500800
      Mar 27, 2015

      5.0 I like it

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      NO issues with this mount setup. I use it for a 50mm auto guiding scope and it works well. Good price too.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. elmiko

      elmiko New Member

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      Review by elmiko of Gilbert AZ.
      1354406400
      Dec 1, 2012

      5.0 Great finder bracket

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Easy installation,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I got this to use in conjunction with the red dot finder that came with my C-8. The base that comes with it attaches easily to the telescope using the exsisting holes. I just had to use longer screws I had in my shop. The finder keeps aligned even after taking it on and off.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. Guest

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      Review by George35 of Barcelona, Spain.
      1348272000
      Sep 21, 2012

      4.0 Good stuff

      Pros:

      Compact,Easy to Use,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Good item, simple and easy to use.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    5. Guest

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      Review by Mike of Fort Collins.
      1320624000
      Nov 6, 2011

      5.0 Excellent bracket at bargain price. These are very well made finder br

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Lightweight,Accurate,Strong Construction,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Strong finder bracket with nice quick release - Highly recomended for RACI 50 mm finders. Quality workmanship and nice appearance

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    6. doug76

      doug76 New Member

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      Review by Doug76 of Franklinton, LA.
      1257724800
      Nov 8, 2009

      4.0 A better 6 screw finder bracket

      Pros:

      Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Normally I prefer the kind of bracket that uses a spring loaded post and two adjustment screws.
      But this one works rather well. The screws are stiff to turn, and hold their position well. The finder stays where you align it, something that can't be said for most of this type of bracket.
      And the quick release is a real boon. Upon reinstalling the finder, I found it still aligned with the scope.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    7. doug76

      doug76 New Member

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      Review by Doug76 of SE Louisiana.
      1255305600
      Oct 11, 2009

      4.0 Antares 6 point bracket for 50mm finder

      Pros:

      Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I'm not generally a fan of this type finder bracket. But the secret is to center the finder in the front bracket screws, then never touch them again. Use only the rear bracket screws to align it.
      And its foot does fit the Celestron and Skywatcher 8" SCT's.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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