Rigel Systems QuikFinder
Brand | Rigel Systems |
Part Number | OFIN-RS-QUIKFINDER |
Availability | available |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
Perfect for binoculars & small and large telescopes; Makes starhopping easy; Pulsed reticle.
- One tenth the size and weight of the competition's "reflex" sight, makes aiming your telescope easy with its wide-open right-side-up view.
- Projects 1/2 and 2 degree red circles onto the night sky in focus with the stars - what you see in the red circles is what you get in your telescope.
- Pulsed or continuous illumination of reticle - at your behest. A standard feature on QuikFinder, a $20 option on the "competition's" reflex sight.
- Compact design - Lets you use both eyes to see fainter than with the competition's "reflex" sight.
- Two baseplates - Lets you use it on two telescopes. Easy clip-on/clip-off mounting to baseplate (no screws to fumble with).
Features:
- Rugged construction, an ultra-efficient LED and lithium battery (included) for long life.
- QuikFinder attaches without drilling and is easily removed from its baseplate for storage. Additional baseplates are available for using QuikFinder on more than one telescope.
- Baseplate is 2.5 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch high.
- Quikfinder is 4.5 inches tall, 1.4 inches square.
Reviews
-
Apr 22, 2019
Pleased with the Rigel Quickfinder
Pros: Cons: Comments:Excellent product. The only reflex finder I think is better is the Telrad, but that is way larger. I have both, this is on my smaller refractor. I recommend the Rigel if you have a small scope or are saving weight.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Apr 3, 2019It works
Pros: Cons: Comments:I bought this to mount on giant binoculars. Even with a 3 degree fov, you get to your target much faster with a good finder.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I like the circular reticule. Since you know the fov represented by both circles, it is good for star hopping.
I like that it can be dimmed to barely visible and can be pulsed. Since I remove it after each viewing session I always reset alignment when starting the next. Alignment for the Rigel has to be one of the easiest available.
I also like that it stands high off the base making it easy to get my behind it.
It was very easy to mount. It comes with two size bases - one of which fit the spot I wanted to mount. The two sided tape secured the mount.
It works.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 21, 2018Great addition to magnified finder
Pros: Cons: Comments:My dobsonian came with a decent RACI finder, but being a newbie I was still having trouble finding the correct objects in my finder. I ordered this finder to compliment my RACI, and it was a great decision.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It took me 30 min to find M92 the first time, and I went to find it with my new Rigel finder for just the second time ever. It was in the Rigel, in the RACI, even in the eye piece in just a few minutes. I don't think I'm being overly dramatic by saying I think the amount of objects I will be able to find now have tripled.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 22, 2018Works great on giant binos
Pros: Cons: Comments:I bought the Rigel to use with my Oberwerk BT70-45 binos. I didn't want to remove the handle from the binos as would have been necessary if I had purchased the finder offered on the Oberwerk website. The Rigel works great--the small footprint works well on the binos, and the pulsing red bullseye makes finding objects a breeze. It has improved my experience using my Oberwerk BT70-45's tremendously. I couldn't imagine observing without it now.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 24, 2016Excellent upgrade for Celstron 114EQ
Pros: Cons: Comments:The star finder that comes the the 114EQ is worthless. This makes it SOOOO much easier to find objects with the scope. It’s very easy to adjust and very easy to use.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 30, 2016Excellent alternative to a Telrad
Pros:Lightweight,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use
Cons:Uses a special battery,Smaller sight rings than a Telrad
Comments:I am an avid visual astronomer with several telescopes. I enjoy using a zero-magnification finder in conjunction with a low magnification finder for star hopping. I had been using only Telrads for my larger scopes, but when I bought my first small refractor, the Telrad was much too large and bulky for it. Looking for a smaller alternative, I decided to try the Rigel QuikFinder. After using it for over a year, I have become a big fan. It is small, lightweight, well-made, easy to use, and accurate. The brightness of the ringed sight is adjustable and can be made to blink at a variable rate. The collimation knobs allow easy alignment with the telescope. I like that the height of the finder allows me to keep my face a comfortable distance from the scope. There are only a couple of nitpicky downsides to the QuikFinder. The sight rings are only 1/2 and 2 degrees compared to a Telrad, which offers rings of 1/2, 2, and 4 degrees. Also, due to its small size, the QuikFinder takes flat, round batteries like you would see in a watch, whereas the much bulkier Telrad uses standard batteries. Fortunately, I have remembered to switch off the QuikFinder after each use and have not had to replace the battery in over a year. In all, this is an excellent alternative to the much bulkier Telrad, especially on smaller telescopes, and I recommend it highly.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 5, 2015Good for align the scope
Pros:Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact
Cons: Comments:I use this finder with a optical finder, aim use this finder first, then optical finder. Optical finder has narrower FOV, this finder just help that.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 30, 2015Works great
Pros:Lightweight,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Works great, very lightweight, love the blinking function. A little harder to acquire the red circles than on a telrad.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 27, 2015A good finderscope
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate,Priced Right,Easy to Use
Cons:Tricky To Install
Comments:I sent this to my nephew as a gift, and can only go by what he has told me. It is being used on a 4 inch refractor, and was not easy to install. It is also a bit complicated at first to use. Once you learn how to, it works adequately to locate celestial objects.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 13, 2014Easy and convenient star aiming
Pros:Easy to Use,Easy to align,Lightweight,Easy Sharing,No Gymnastics To View,Quick set-up,Compact,No Squinting,Accurate
Cons:No Power-on Indicator,Not Sturdy
Comments:Has proven very useful as quick alignment sight on several mounted telescopes. Just as accurate as low power finder scopes, and much easier to set and view through. Can be quickly installed, removed and exchanged between multiple scopes once base plate is attached (must be realigned each time). Alignment and intensity controls are convenient to use, but must remember to turn-off after each session (no power-on indicator).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Buzzword New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by t buzz of Rockport, TX.
Mar 28, 2014Rigel systems quick finder
Pros:Lightweight,Blinking Sight For Dim,Easy to Use,Adjustible Brightness,Strong Construction,Compact,Positive Onoff Switch
Cons:Alignment Knobs Small
Comments:Product was well thought out. The aiming knobs were a bit small for my hands but everything worked as designed. I especially liked being able to dim the target acquisition circle to a dim level and then make it blink. Very effective. Removes and stores easily and it compact enough to fit right in the ota box. A very nice piece of gear and well worth the price.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 8, 2014Finder is very good.
Pros:Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:My dopsonian Takahashi ... very good to use on any telescope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Easy-to-use, performance over me.
Highly recommended to all.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 26, 2014Needed accessory for small telescopes
Pros:Strong Construction,Lightweight,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I was searching for a small, light weight finder for use with my 80 mm apo refractor. I considered various options including some red dot gun sights and finally settled on the Rigel Quickfinder. I am happy with my decision as it is light weight and rugged and also has a high profile which is perfect as I do not extend the mount tripod legs fully when imaging. I found that this helps in more stability for the mount and the scope. It is a perfect little accessory for small telescopes, I am sure it will be as good for larger scopes too. And I really like Agena service. Fast and efficient and very courteous and helpful.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 25, 2014Great and Accurate finder
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons: Comments:Great finder, accurate, adjustable brightness. One drawback is it stands upright and is easily bumped. A little bulky.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 19, 2013Serves the purpose on smaller scope
Pros:Compact,Lightweight
Cons:Odd Battery,Small Display,Lightly Constructed
Comments:I purchased a Celestron Omni 127XLT telescope for my travel scope. My other scopes are a Celestron CPC800 and a six inch Orion Dob. I use Telrad on both of the larger scopes. I decided that the Telrad footprint was just a little large for the Omni 127 so I purchased the Rigel QuikFinder. On the plus side of the equation, the Rigel doesn't take up much room on the scope and doesn't add much weight. The minuses are it's light construction, dinky display, and the button battery power source. Perhaps I'm just spoiled by the Telrad's large display and the AA battery power. I'll give the Rigel the benefit of the doubt for now. Maybe it will grow on me with use. It does look good on the little Celestron telescope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 28, 2013Comfortable and Simple.
Pros:Easy to Use,Compact,Comfortable,Accurate,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:Along with Telrad finder is the best I've had in terms of comfort. Only to be mounted on the telescope base with the included double-sided tape, and attach the form. Is collimated and can easily adjust the brightness of the illuminated circle.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The best thing is your comfort in not having to hit the eye to search.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 27, 2012Works great on small scopes.
Pros:Accurate,Long battery life,Easy to Use,Small Size,Lightweight
Cons:The Latch Seems Weak,Dews Up Easy
Comments:I mounted it on my R80 telescope. Makes alignment very easy and accurate.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? NoThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 14, 2012My favorite illuminated reticle finder
Pros:Accurate,Lightweight,Easy to Use,Compact
Cons: Comments:The QuickFinder offers the best combination of price and functionality in a light-weight, compact design. I've used a Telrad, as well as other red dot/illuminated reticle finders: the QF is the one I prefer on my scopes.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The small footprint makes it perfect for compact refractors, and it's light enough that it doesn't cause any balance issues. The finder's height also makes it easier to view through while moving the scope, which makes it great for a dob as well.
The reticle intensity is infinitely adjustable, and the option to have it flash can be useful.
The only slight complaint I have is the plastic tab that snaps onto the base of the finder doesn't seem to be designed for frequent removal - a lot of force is required to remove or snap back in place, that I'm sometimes worried it will just break off.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 26, 2011I REALLY LIKE THIS FINDER
Pros:Compact,Quality Lenses,Lightweight,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This is a great finder. Position way up on tube end and is easy to view thru back by eyepiece end so best for sct's and refractors.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
HawaiiAstro New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Tiebreaker of Maine.
Nov 4, 2011Happy With This Finder!
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate,Compact,Lightweight
Cons:Dew
Comments:I spent quite a bit of time trying to decide between the Telrad, a multi-reticle red dot finder or this Rigel. I'm glad I decided on the Rigel. It's much smaller than the Telrad and stands higher off of the OTA than either the Telrad or the red dot making it easier to sight in. The blinking reticle makes finding and centering the alignment star very easy. Installation was very easy. The knurled knobs makes alignment to the OTA a breeze.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Dew does form on the lens easily but if you just use the finder to locate alignment stars at the beginning of your viewing session with your GoTo scope, it's not a problem but if you use it for star hopping throughout your session you'll have to find a solution.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 3, 2011The best thing I purchased for my scope
Pros:Strong Construction,Compact,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I have four scopes and I use it on each one. It makes findings objects a lot easier the the regular finder,s, also it is great for centering stars for alignment when using the computerized telescope makes it quick and easy.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
dmbryan New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by DB of Alabama.
Jan 2, 2011Great little finder
Pros:Accurate,Compact
Cons: Comments:The quickfinder is a great compact stright through finder. It sits up high on the scope so you don't have to crane your neck as much when using it. It is a great tool to help find objects quickly.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 29, 2009It's A Big Help
Pros:Compact,Accurate
Cons: Comments:Beginning Astronomy. It's a real help in trying to get your telescope aimed at the right star. Things can get pretty confusing looking through an eyepiece when you are new to all this. Being able to see the whole sky while aiming your scope is a real help. I am really pleased with it so far and happy I got it. I also got the accessory AA battery pack. Haven't needed it so far, but it seemed like a good idea and you need to order it at the same time (don't understand why it couldn't be an add on later). All in all, highly recommended.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
AstroGuy1 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Stargazer of Michigan.
May 8, 2009A "quick" QuikFinder
Pros:Low Profile,Inexpensive,Lightweight,Usable extra features
Cons:None
Comments:I had always used either a right angle or a straight through magnifying finder scope. Problem was, I still had to get into my "contortionist's mode"
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
AstroGuy1 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by John Love of Texas.
Mar 23, 2009Rigel QuickFinder
Pros:Low cost,Flashing reticle,Low weight,2 mounting plates
Cons:Build not very solid
Comments:It seems nowadays that I can't get by without a 1x finder. I was hooked from the first time I ever used one. I've owned and used many Telrads and they work beautifully. However, they suffer from one slight drawback... weight. That's were the Rigel QuickFinder comes in. With it's light weight and high profile, it's perfect for my dobs. It does not cause any balance issues and it's high profile makes it easier to sight through. It also comes with a flashing reticle... It's a very nice feature that I've grown to like very much.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
AstroGuy1 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by chicagoastro of Chicago, IL.
Dec 1, 2008How did I ever get along without it?...
Pros:Makes targeting simple,Mobile,Light
Cons:Display screen plastic
Comments:For many years now, I have been using the screws on the outside of my tube for alignment purposes in locating objects. It worked ok, but for objects high up...at zenith, it gets rather awkward. If I'm going to be that close to the ground, I'd better be drunk...:P. So I decided to purchase a zero mag finder apparatus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I researched quite a bit and settled on the Rigel QuickFinder. Telrad is the leader of the pack and does the job well, but I don't like the bulkiness of the unit..and it's 1/2 pound to boot! The reviews for both units were good, with Telrad edging out the Rigel just a tad. But the benefits of the Rigel sold me over the Telrad. It's lighter, and the battery and the blinking targeting circles is the norm, not an additional purchase like the Telrad. It's also a vertical unit as opposed to Telrad which is horizontal. This way, I can place the Rigel right next to my eyepiece for efficient sighting. I am tired of sighting objects from the end of my tube, sighting over the top and capturing my object.
The Telrad has three concentric rings and the Rigel has only two, but that's ok. I don't have the dark skies here in Chicago, so it really doesn't make a difference. The circles are spaced 1/2 and 2 degrees outward. The Telrad has the additional circle at 4 degrees. The clear projection plate on the Rigel is plastic, while the one on the Telrad is glass. I figure if it ever breaks on me or gets damaged, I can easily cut a piece of glass and replace it. The Rigel also has a built in dew shield.[...].
It wasn't until around 11:00 pm that I had the opportunity to install it on my tube. It's rather light, came with a lithium battery and two bases. I wanted it close to the eyepiece as I could, but it meant that I needed to relocate the finder scope. So be it. One looks into a slanted projection screen and displayed onto it are two red concentric rings. When I first got it, I turned it on and peered thru it around my house...and was rather disappointed in how it was not that bright. But now, in the darkness of the night, the brightest setting is TOO bright. I need to turn it down to get a comfortable view sight. I like this location, as it is close to the focuser and it's just a quick five inches between the two.
Before...I was using screw heads on top of the tube to align my targets, and had to sight it from the end of the scope. Those days are now over! In front are the five controls. The top three adjusts the position of the screen and aligns it to the tube. It was a matter of seconds to accomplish this as I focused on a distant chimney. I set the screen dead center in the Rigel, and...there it was, dead center in my focuser!! Too Cool! The next control adjusts the brightness, and the final one is the pulser. It adjusts the interval of the pulsations of the reticle circles. This feature is indeed well worth the entire cost of the device. I found out that keeping the reticle constantly on, even at it's lowest setting, was rather obtrusive. But as it flashed on and off, at my desired intervals, it allows one to see the field of view unobstructed. With final micro adjustments both the tube and Rigel were as one. I was jumping to roof peaks, chimneys, distant trees...and was greeted each time by the sight of them centered in my eyepiece. It was cold, quite cold out, and I attempted now to align my finder scope, but not this morning. It will be for a warmer day. But I am extremely pleased on the Rigel Quickfinder. It is highly recommended and I encourage all my associates to obtain one.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
AstroGuy1 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by chicagoastro of Chicago, IL.
Nov 17, 2008How did I ever get along without it?...
Pros:Mobile,Light,Makes targeting simple
Cons:Display screen plastic
Comments:For many years now, I have been using the screws on the outside of my tube for alignment purposes in locating objects. It worked ok, but for objects high up...at zenith, it gets rather awkward. If I'm going to be that close to the ground, I'd better be drunk...:P. So I decided to purchase a zero mag finder apparatus. I researched quite a bit and settled on the Rigel QuickFinder. Telrad is the leader of the pack and does the job well, but I don't like the bulkiness of the unit..and it's 1/2 pound to boot! The reviews for both units were good, with Telrad edging out the Rigel just a tad. But the benefits of the Rigel sold me over the Telrad. It's lighter, and the battery and the blinking targeting circles is the norm, not an additional purchase like the Telrad. It's also a vertical unit as opposed to Telrad which is horizontal. This way, I can place the Rigel right next to my eyepiece for efficient sighting. I am tired of sighting objects from the end of my tube, sighting over the top and capturing my object. The Telrad has three concentric rings and the Rigel has only two, but that's ok. I don't have the dark skies here in Chicago, so it really doesn't make a difference. The circles are spaced 1/2 and 2 degrees outward. The Telrad has the additional circle at 4 degrees. The clear projection plate on the Rigel is plastic, while the one on the Telrad is glass. I figure if it ever breaks on me or gets damaged, I can easily cut a piece of glass and replace it. The Rigel also has a built in dew shield. It wasn't until around 11:00 pm that I had the opportunity to install it on my tube. It's rather light, came with a lithium battery and two bases. I wanted it close to the eyepiece as I could, but it meant that I needed to relocate the finder scope. So be it. One looks into a slanted projection screen and displayed onto it are two red concentric rings. When I first got it, I turned it on and peered thru it around my house...and was rather disappointed in how it was not that bright. But now, in the darkness of the night, the brightest setting is TOO bright. I need to turn it down to get a comfortable view sight. I like this location, as it is close to the focuser and it's just a quick five inches between the two. Before...I was using screw heads on top of the tube to align my targets, and had to sight it from the end of the scope. Those days are now over! In front are the five controls. The top three adjusts the position of the screen and aligns it to the tube. It was a matter of seconds to accomplish this as I focused on a distant chimney. I set the screen dead center in the Rigel, and...there it was, dead center in my focuser!! Too Cool! The next control adjusts the brightness, and the final one is the pulser. It adjusts the interval of the pulsations of the reticle circles. This feature is indeed well worth the entire cost of the device. I found out that keeping the reticle constantly on, even at it's lowest setting, was rather obtrusive. But as it flashed on and off, at my desired intervals, it allows one to see the field of view unobstructed. With final micro adjustments both the tube and Rigel were as one. I was jumping to roof peaks, chimneys, distant trees...and was greeted each time by the sight of them centered in my eyepiece.It was cold, quite cold out, and I attempted now to align my finder scope, but not this morning. It will be for a warmer day. But I am extremely pleased on the Rigel Quickfinder. It is highly recommended and I encourage all my associates to obtain one.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 11, 2008A "quick" QuikFinder
Pros:Lightweight; Low Profile; Inexpensive; Usable extra features
Cons:None
Comments:I had always used either a right angle or a straight through magnifying finder scope. Problem was, I still had to get into my “contortionist's mode” to point the OTA in the general direction of the intended target. I then tried a 5mw green laser mounted on the OTA. This works fine for getting the object into the field of the finder scope but I do have a couple of airports in the vicinity and I was getting a little nervous about using the laser in the area.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I had been thinking of a red dot finder but never had the opportunity to use one. Well, I researched a bit and decided to give the Rigel Quik Finder a try. The high profile and the lightweight of the unit appealed to me.
The RQF comes with 2 bases to accommodate different tube diameters, but I chose to make my own base to fit the bracket on my Celestron C80ED. Aligning the finder is a snap with the three small knobs provided. Another larger knob is used for off-on-intensity of the illuminated reticles and yet another smaller knob to “pulse” the reticles at varying intervals, if desired. All this in a $40 finder. Not bad!
I prefer to use the “both-eyes-open-method” when looking through a straight through finder and I find myself using the Rigel Quik Finder the same way.
If you are looking for a zero mag finder that is “quick” to set up, won't add a lot of extra weight to your mount, and is a breeze to use...this unit can't be beat.Sep 25, 2007Rigel QuickFinder
Pros:Low weight, low cost, comes with 2 mounting plates and a flashing reticle.
Cons:Build quality could be a little more "solid".
Comments:It seems nowadays that I can't get by without a 1x finder. I was hooked from the first time I ever used one. I've owned and used many Telrads and they work beautifully. However, they suffer from one slight drawback... weight. That's were the Rigel QuickFinder comes in. With it's light weight and high profile, it's perfect for my dobs. It does not cause any balance issues and it's high profile makes it easier to sight through. It also comes with a flashing reticle... It's a very nice feature that I've grown to like very much.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesJan 10, 2007Rigel Zero-Mag Finder - How did I ever get along without it?...
Pros:Light, mobile and with the built in flasher/dimmer makes targeting simple
Cons:Display screen plastic
Comments:For many years now, I have been using the screws on the outside of my tube for alignment purposes in locating objects. It worked ok, but objects high up...at zenith, it gets rather awkward. If I'm going to be that close to the ground, I better be drunk...:P. So I decided to purchase a zero mag finder apparatus. I researched quite a bit and settled on the Rigel QuickFinder.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Telrad is the leader of the pack and does the job well, but I don't like the bulkiness of the unit..and it's 1/2 pound to boot! The reviews for both units were good, with Telrad edging out the Rigel just a tad. But the benefits of the Rigel sold me over the Telrad.
It's lighter, comes with two bases, battery and the blinking targeting circles is the norm, not an additional purchase like the Telrad. It's also a vertical unit as opposed to Telrad which is horizontal. This way, I can place the Rigel right next to my eyepiece for efficient sighting. I am tired of sighting objects from the end of my tube, sighting over the top and capturing my object.
The Telrad has three concentric rings and the Rigel has only two, but that's ok. I don't have the dark skies here in Chicago, so it really doesn't make a difference. The circles are spaced 1/2 and 2 degrees outward. The Telrad has the additional circle at 4 degrees. The clear projection plate on the Rigel is plastic, while the one on the Telrad is glass. I figure if it ever breaks on me or gets damaged, I can easily cut a piece of glass and replace it. The Rigel also has a built in dew shield.
The cost of the Rigel QuickFinder was cheaper than the Telrad, and it comes complete. The UPS guy finally brought my much awaited package this afternoon. It wasn't until around 11:00 pm that I had the opportunity to install it on my tube.
It's rather light, came with a lithium battery and two bases. I wanted it close to the eyepiece as I could, but it meant that I needed to relocate the finder scope. So be it.
One looks into a slanted projection screen and displayed onto it are two red concentric rings. When I first got it, I turned it on and peered through it around my house...and was rather disappointed in how it was not that bright. But now, in the darkness of the night, the brightest setting is TOO bright. I need to turn it down to get a comfortable view sight. I like this location, as it is close to the focuser and it's just a quick five inches between the two. Before...I was using screw heads on top of the tube to align my targets, and had to sight it from the end of the scope. Those days are now over!
In front are the five controls. The top three adjusts the position of the screen and aligns it to the tube. It was a matter of seconds to accomplish this as I focused on a distant chimney. I set the screen dead center in the Rigel, and...there it was, dead center in my focuser!! Too Cool!
The next control adjusts the brightness, and the final one is the pulser. It adjusts the interval of the pulsations of the reticle circles. This feature is indeed well worth the entire cost of the device. I found out that keeping the reticle constantly on, even at it's lowest setting, was rather obtrusive. But as it flashed on and off, at my desired intervals, it allows one to see the field of view unobstructed.
With final micro adjustments both the tube and Rigel were as one. I was jumping to roof peaks, chimneys, distant trees...and was greeted each time by the sight of them centered in my eyepiece. It was cold, quite cold out, and I attempted now to align my finder scope, but not this morning. It will be for a warmer day. But I am extremely pleased on the Rigel Quickfinder. It is highly recommended and I encourage all my associates to obtain one.
A full narrative with images can be found at the Chicago Astronomer:
http://astronomer.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=1110828464
Respectfully,
Chicago Astronomer Joe
Administrator
www.chicagoastronomer.com
Telescope/Observatory Operator
Adler Planetarium & MuseumSort by