Red Dot Finder vs Finderscope: Which Helps You Find Things?
A red dot finder projects a dot on the sky at one to one, which is intuitive and excellent for pointing at things you can already see. A finderscope magnifies and gathers light, showing stars your eye cannot, which is what star hopping to faint targets actually needs. Use the red dot for planets and bright objects; use the finderscope for deep sky, and ideally have both.
At a glance
| Celestron StarPointer Red Dot Finder | Astromania Right Angle Finder Scope | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | None, one to one | Typically 6x to 9x |
| Shows faint stars | No | Yes |
| Field of view | The whole sky | Several degrees |
| Neck comfort | Depends on target altitude | Right angle is far easier |
| Learning curve | None | Some, the image may be inverted |
| Best for | Planets, moon, bright stars | Faint deep sky objects |
Choose the Celestron StarPointer Red Dot Finder if…
You are pointing at things you can see with your eyes. A red dot is instant and needs no interpretation, which makes it the better tool for the moon, planets and bright stars, and the better first finder for a beginner.
Check Celestron StarPointer Red Dot Finder on Amazon
Choose the Astromania Right Angle Finder Scope if…
You are hunting galaxies and nebulae you cannot see unaided. Star hopping needs a finder that shows the faint guide stars on your chart, and a red dot simply does not. A right angle version also saves your neck near the zenith.
Check Astromania Right Angle Finder Scope on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
We review it on its own too, in full detail: the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, which replaces the finder with your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my finder image upside down?
Most straight-through finderscopes invert the image, and right angle ones often mirror it. It is normal and you adapt quickly, but it makes chart comparison confusing at first.
Do I still need a finder with a GoTo mount?
Yes, for alignment. GoTo systems need you to centre known stars accurately before they can point anywhere, and that is a finder job.
How do I align a finder?
In daylight, on a distant fixed object, using a low power eyepiece in the main telescope first. Doing it for the first time on a star in the dark is needlessly frustrating.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, optical figures we can verify, and reviews from owners who have used the equipment under real skies. We do not test gear in person. Never point any telescope, finder or binocular at the Sun without a certified full-aperture solar filter fitted over the front of the instrument.
Recording your own eyepieces, exit pupils and sessions? The Observing & Astrophotography Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.