Rigel Systems QuikFinder

4.0 Pleased with the Rigel Quickfinder

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 It works

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.
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

5.0 excellent

Big time-saver.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Great addition to magnified finder

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.

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

5.0 Love Rigel for This Finder

I've had several over the years on everything from C8s to big binos, and now a 10" DOB and 6" Cat.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Rigel Quickfinder

Good product, shipped well.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 does job great

Worth it

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Works great on giant binos

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Beginner

I added a battery pack and attached the finder to an Oberwerk 20X80 Deluxe III binoculars with engaging results.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Rigel quick finder

Light weight, easy to collimate and use. The blinking function is very usefull. A stargazer's must have !

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Excellent upgrade for Celstron 114EQ

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Excellent alternative to a Telrad

Lightweight,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use

Uses a special battery,Smaller sight rings than a Telrad

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Good for align the scope

Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Works great

Lightweight,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use

Works great, very lightweight, love the blinking function. A little harder to acquire the red circles than on a telrad.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 A good finderscope

Strong Construction,Accurate,Priced Right,Easy to Use

Tricky To Install

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Easy and convenient star aiming

Easy to Use,Easy to align,Lightweight,Easy Sharing,No Gymnastics To View,Quick set-up,Compact,No Squinting,Accurate

No Power-on Indicator,Not Sturdy

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).

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Good and Accurate finder

Compact,Easy to Use,Lightweight

Very good finder, accurate, compact, light weight, adjustable brightness.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Rigel systems quick finder

Lightweight,Blinking Sight For Dim,Easy to Use,Adjustible Brightness,Strong Construction,Compact,Positive Onoff Switch

Alignment Knobs Small

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Finder is very good.

Easy to Use

My dopsonian Takahashi ... very good to use on any telescope.
Easy-to-use, performance over me.
Highly recommended to all.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Needed accessory for small telescopes

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

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Great and Accurate finder

Easy to Use,Accurate

Great finder, accurate, adjustable brightness. One drawback is it stands upright and is easily bumped. A little bulky.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Serves the purpose on smaller scope

Compact,Lightweight

Odd Battery,Small Display,Lightly Constructed

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Comfortable and Simple.

Easy to Use,Compact,Comfortable,Accurate,Lightweight

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.
The best thing is your comfort in not having to hit the eye to search.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Works great on small scopes.

Accurate,Long battery life,Easy to Use,Small Size,Lightweight

The Latch Seems Weak,Dews Up Easy

I mounted it on my R80 telescope. Makes alignment very easy and accurate.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 My favorite illuminated reticle finder

Accurate,Lightweight,Easy to Use,Compact

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.

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

5.0 I REALLY LIKE THIS FINDER

Compact,Quality Lenses,Lightweight,Easy to Use

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Great way to find stars

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

Can't be used in daytime with spotting scope

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Happy With This Finder!

Easy to Use,Accurate,Compact,Lightweight

Dew

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.

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

5.0 The best thing I purchased for my scope

Strong Construction,Compact,Accurate

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 Great little finder

Accurate,Compact

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

4.0 It's A Big Help

Compact,Accurate

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 A "quick" QuikFinder

Low Profile,Inexpensive,Lightweight,Usable extra features

None

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"

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 Rigel QuickFinder

Low cost,Flashing reticle,Low weight,2 mounting plates

Build not very solid

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 How did I ever get along without it?...

Makes targeting simple,Mobile,Light

Display screen plastic

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 How did I ever get along without it?...

Mobile,Light,Makes targeting simple

Display screen plastic

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.

This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

5.0 A "quick" QuikFinder

Lightweight; Low Profile; Inexpensive; Usable extra features

None

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.

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.

5.0 Rigel QuickFinder

Low weight, low cost, comes with 2 mounting plates and a flashing reticle.

Build quality could be a little more "solid".

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.

5.0 Rigel Zero-Mag Finder - How did I ever get along without it?...

Light, mobile and with the built in flasher/dimmer makes targeting simple

Display screen plastic

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.

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 & Museum