Telescope finders and finderscopes (clockwise, from top): Red dot finder, 6×30 straight-through, 8×50 RACI
In the excitement of selecting a first telescope many beginners overlook the importance of the finder. While finders and finderscopes may not be the most exciting pieces of observing kit they play an essential part in any telescope setup. The night sky holds countless visual treasures but in order to enjoy the enhanced views of these wonders offered by your telescope you’ll need to be able to point it accurately.
Without a good finder the task of getting a desired object within the view of the eyepiece can become a time-consuming and frustrating experience. Most telescopes show only a sliver of the sky at any given time, and even bright objects can prove surprisingly elusive. A finder serves as a bridge between the vast canopy of the night sky and the magnified but confined field of the telescope.