Review cross posting - The Telrad
I was reading about Comet Lulin and noticed that it was going to be clear tonight. I've been looking for an excuse to break out my old eight inch Coulter Optical telescope. It really is a fine telescope, with good optics and relative portability, considering its size. It really is a shame not to put it to occasional use. If you wanted one today though, you'd have to put it together yourself.
One of the reasons I haven't taken it out is that the finder, a Telrad, wasn't working. Without it, you have to be pretty good at pointing the scope in order to find small objects. I'm obviously going to be rusty. I was about to buy a new one when I figured I should do my due diligence and at least check the switch. Sure enough, it was dead, but I was so impressed that it did still partially work after all this time, I had to write a review.
After submitting the review, it gave me the option of creating a post. A really great idea, I think. If I'm going to go through the trouble of witting a review, I might as well publish it for myself. Not that any of my friends are likely to need a good finder for their nonexistent telescope, but the idea is a good way for creating trusted reviews.
Telrad Finder Sight
Still lighting 20 years later
Pros: Easy To Use, Durable, Accurate
Best Uses: Astronomy, Terrestrial Viewing
Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational
After twenty years (I bought it in 1989) the potentiometer finally went, but it should be a cheap fix and I can get by with bypassing it for now.
It's a really great finder, allowing you to see your field of view within the context of the sky as opposed to through a small scope. I wouldn't want to use anything else and will certainly replace mine if it ever does go for good.
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