I just purchased one to replace the non-illuminated 9X50 RACI on my Oriion 12" Dob. The Orion one is fine optically but an illuminated reticle properly aligned on a Dob is a must-have in my opinion. Thanks for your video. Well done!
Yes these are still useful even now, I use it when putting my 8se on a Porta II mount, on the SE mount I'll use a starsense, no need for visual finder. Welcome back Gram.
This is an informative video. Thank you. I have looked at the illustrations online of this item, but I could not figure out know how it mounts on the telescope. Now I know! This appears to be a solid scope.
Just put this on my Celestron 8SE. Total newbie to this. I'm not counting on the finderscope staying aligned with taking the scope off the OTA. The adjustment turrets on most rifle scopes are firm/click when turned. These adjustment screws are just mush. It's just the nature of things and I realize a telescope doesn't have to suffer recoil
Is this the standard RDF or the 9x50? Certainly RDFs easily become very misaligned with any contact but the RACI should be reasonably solid with those screws, although I accept you will have used mountings that are more solid still. Nothing in astro is close to drop proof! Let me know how you get on with it.
@JenhamsAstro i was referring to the RACI but I have both on there. I'm ready for my first try. Just need a break in the rain, thanks again for making these vids. I realize the work that this takes.
Is there any way you can leave the finder mounted....permanently? I realize the OTA has a case, and for some types of travel you'd want it in the case. But I keep my Celestron 127 Mak inn the shipping cardboard box that carried the Mak OTA (no carry case for the price), housed by the two rubbery foam endpieces for safety. This allows me to leave the finder in place. Saves set up time and aggravation. I armoured the entire box with scads of packing tape to help it stay in good shape. It won't tip or anything unless I'm careless driving.
@@mesenteria traveling with this will be rare for me but I made a good case with some big old Hardigg military cases I had. I think I'll be fine, just have to remove everything from the Baader clicklock visual back
@@mesenteria I don't see why you can't leave it on if storage and transport are OK that way. The cradle will just stay tightened down against the OTA bracket.
To be pedantic the piece you referred to as the reticule is only the red light source. The reticule is the fine lines, wires, or the like placed in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument.
Wish I'd bought one of these instead of the Orion RACI Illuminated Finder I chose years ago. The Orion/Sky-Watcher model is more versatile, and way better than the 6x30 my C9.25 came with, but the low profile shoe of the 93781 is shared with the StarSense module, so swapping from one to the other would be easier.
Thank you, I’m still liking the Evolution, it has what I need and nothing I don’t. The weather hasn’t been very good though this year for me so it (and my other scopes) have had fewer outings than I’d like.
Would you be able to change the holder of this finderscope? I'm thinking the holder is heavy and if we can change it it would reduce the weight by a lot
I’m not 100% sure but I think a non removable bracket could be used, perhaps that used on the straight through model. This might be a bit lighter. But the finder itself isn’t light.
I'm a newbie, and and just got a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. My plan is to keep the red dot, and add this unit on. I've heard some talk that the weight of some of these finders can affect the GoTo feature, or otherwise strain the movement of the scope. I'll be running off of big lithium pack or plugged into AC power, so battery life is not an issue. Should I be concerned about the weight of this unit on my 8SE? thanks!
Hi, firstly I suggest you take time to try your new scope with its RDF before adding anything. You may find that the RDF is all you need as once aligned the scope’s GOTO does the work. The plastic standard RDFs are ok but not great, as it’s easy to disturb their alignment with the main scope. Metal bodied RDFs are a small step “better” IMHO. If you send up with a 9x50 then you can slide the scope forward on its mount to mitigate any stress on the drive. I wouldn’t worry too much though. Balancing a scope is always preferable but not always achievable. Just remember that unbalanced tubes rotate if they are unclamped. Obvious I know but worth a mention. Enjoy the 8SE!
The King has returned! Nice to have you making another video
I just purchased one to replace the non-illuminated 9X50 RACI on my Oriion 12" Dob. The Orion one is fine optically but an illuminated reticle properly aligned on a Dob is a must-have in my opinion. Thanks for your video. Well done!
Yes these are still useful even now, I use it when putting my 8se on a Porta II mount, on the SE mount I'll use a starsense, no need for visual finder. Welcome back Gram.
Great to see you Graham. As ever, a thoughtful and informative review! Thank you.
Thank you!
This is an informative video. Thank you. I have looked at the illustrations online of this item, but I could not figure out know how it mounts on the telescope. Now I know! This appears to be a solid scope.
Just put this on my Celestron 8SE. Total newbie to this. I'm not counting on the finderscope staying aligned with taking the scope off the OTA. The adjustment turrets on most rifle scopes are firm/click when turned. These adjustment screws are just mush. It's just the nature of things and I realize a telescope doesn't have to suffer recoil
Is this the standard RDF or the 9x50? Certainly RDFs easily become very misaligned with any contact but the RACI should be reasonably solid with those screws, although I accept you will have used mountings that are more solid still. Nothing in astro is close to drop proof! Let me know how you get on with it.
@JenhamsAstro i was referring to the RACI but I have both on there. I'm ready for my first try. Just need a break in the rain, thanks again for making these vids. I realize the work that this takes.
Is there any way you can leave the finder mounted....permanently? I realize the OTA has a case, and for some types of travel you'd want it in the case. But I keep my Celestron 127 Mak inn the shipping cardboard box that carried the Mak OTA (no carry case for the price), housed by the two rubbery foam endpieces for safety. This allows me to leave the finder in place. Saves set up time and aggravation. I armoured the entire box with scads of packing tape to help it stay in good shape. It won't tip or anything unless I'm careless driving.
@@mesenteria traveling with this will be rare for me but I made a good case with some big old Hardigg military cases I had. I think I'll be fine, just have to remove everything from the Baader clicklock visual back
@@mesenteria I don't see why you can't leave it on if storage and transport are OK that way. The cradle will just stay tightened down against the OTA bracket.
I treated my c6 to a baader click lock 2" visual back this Christmas 👍
To be pedantic the piece you referred to as the reticule is only the red light source. The reticule is the fine lines, wires, or the like placed in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument.
Good spot Dennis.
Wish I'd bought one of these instead of the Orion RACI Illuminated Finder I chose years ago. The Orion/Sky-Watcher model is more versatile, and way better than the 6x30 my C9.25 came with, but the low profile shoe of the 93781 is shared with the StarSense module, so swapping from one to the other would be easier.
That’s good to know, thanks.
Welcome back informative as ever .How you getting on with the EVO 8 ?
Thank you, I’m still liking the Evolution, it has what I need and nothing I don’t. The weather hasn’t been very good though this year for me so it (and my other scopes) have had fewer outings than I’d like.
@@JenhamsAstro know exactly what you mean .😒😒😒😒😒😒
Long time no see. 😲
True! Thought I’d use the kit for a change rather than just making videos.
Would you be able to change the holder of this finderscope? I'm thinking the holder is heavy and if we can change it it would reduce the weight by a lot
I’m not 100% sure but I think a non removable bracket could be used, perhaps that used on the straight through model. This might be a bit lighter. But the finder itself isn’t light.
I'm a newbie, and and just got a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. My plan is to keep the red dot, and add this unit on. I've heard some talk that the weight of some of these finders can affect the GoTo feature, or otherwise strain the movement of the scope. I'll be running off of big lithium pack or plugged into AC power, so battery life is not an issue. Should I be concerned about the weight of this unit on my 8SE? thanks!
Hi, firstly I suggest you take time to try your new scope with its RDF before adding anything. You may find that the RDF is all you need as once aligned the scope’s GOTO does the work. The plastic standard RDFs are ok but not great, as it’s easy to disturb their alignment with the main scope. Metal bodied RDFs are a small step “better” IMHO. If you send up with a 9x50 then you can slide the scope forward on its mount to mitigate any stress on the drive. I wouldn’t worry too much though. Balancing a scope is always preferable but not always achievable. Just remember that unbalanced tubes rotate if they are unclamped. Obvious I know but worth a mention. Enjoy the 8SE!
@JenhamsAstro thank you kindly for the quick reply and detailed answer. Subbed and I'll be watching/ learning
My Sky-Watcher version of the same finder and bracket weighs 475g.
Interesting. 800g was more than I was expecting!