Mirror diagonal for finder scope?

I just purchased a Hardin Optical DSH 8. It's a great telescope, but
my neck and eyes get very tired trying to go from the awkward position
of the finder scope to the much more comfortable position of the
eyepiece.

I was hoping there's an attachment out there that will convert the
finder scope's view from parallel to the telescope to perpendicular to
it (like the eyepiece). According to the "nice lady" at Hardin
Optical, there is no such device. Is this true?

If no such device exists, can finder scopes be purchased with with a
ninety degree sight (like a mirror diagonal for refractors)? I was
told by Hardin Optical that no such finder scope exists - at least
that will work with my DSH 8. Again, I'm having trouble believing
this.

Admittedly, I'm new to all of this, and was hoping for your help. Any
suppliers you know of (with web site adresses) would be much
appreciated.

Again, thank you for your help.

Mike

Hi Mike, Of course you can put a right angle (90%) finder scope on your DSH
8. I think the problem is that Hardin does not have one that will fit so
they just blow you off.
There are many sources, I will give you a couple.
www.telescope.com is the web site of Orion Telescope and they have several
that start about $35 including the mount needed to attach to your optical
tube.
Another is www.apogeeinc.com they have several that start at about $25.
Both Meade and Celestron have accessory right angle finders that will fit
your scope.
If you like to bargain hunt, try www.astromart.com they have hundreds of ads
of people selling astronomy equipment and you can place a wanted ad for a
finder scope. It is all free and no fees or comissions are involved. Good
Luck!
George
"Mike Lynch" wrote in message
om...
I just purchased a Hardin Optical DSH 8. It's a great telescope, but
my neck and eyes get very tired trying to go from the awkward position
of the finder scope to the much more comfortable position of the
eyepiece.

I was hoping there's an attachment out there that will convert the
finder scope's view from parallel to the telescope to perpendicular to
it (like the eyepiece). According to the "nice lady" at Hardin
Optical, there is no such device. Is this true?

If no such device exists, can finder scopes be purchased with with a
ninety degree sight (like a mirror diagonal for refractors)? I was
told by Hardin Optical that no such finder scope exists - at least
that will work with my DSH 8. Again, I'm having trouble believing
this.

Admittedly, I'm new to all of this, and was hoping for your help. Any
suppliers you know of (with web site adresses) would be much
appreciated.

Again, thank you for your help.

Mike

Mike,

Forget the finder

Get a Telrad.

Your neck (and your brain) will thank you.

"Mike Lynch" wrote in message
om...
I just purchased a Hardin Optical DSH 8. It's a great telescope, but
my neck and eyes get very tired trying to go from the awkward position
of the finder scope to the much more comfortable position of the
eyepiece.

I was hoping there's an attachment out there that will convert the
finder scope's view from parallel to the telescope to perpendicular to
it (like the eyepiece). According to the "nice lady" at Hardin
Optical, there is no such device. Is this true?

If no such device exists, can finder scopes be purchased with with a
ninety degree sight (like a mirror diagonal for refractors)? I was
told by Hardin Optical that no such finder scope exists - at least
that will work with my DSH 8. Again, I'm having trouble believing
this.

Admittedly, I'm new to all of this, and was hoping for your help. Any
suppliers you know of (with web site adresses) would be much
appreciated.

Again, thank you for your help.

Mike

Kilolani wrote:

Mike,

Forget the finder

Get a Telrad.

Your neck (and your brain) will thank you.

Actually, there is considerable benefit from having *both* an telescopic
finder as well as a reflex finder such as the Telrad. With Orion's new
right-angle "correct-image" finders, neck craning is a thing of the past.
They produce an image which is not only at a convenient viewing positions, but
is upright and correct right-to left. Clear skies to you.
--
David W. Knisely
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/

**********************************************
* Attend the 11th Annual NEBRASKA STAR PARTY *
* July 18-23, 2004, Merritt Reservoir *
* http://www.NebraskaStarParty.org *
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Thanks to everyone who responded. A search of the newsgroup for
"Telrad" (and the Internet in general) renders countless helpful
hints. Seems that this topic comes up a lot. Sorry for the
redundancy.

The same kind of search for "finder scope" turns up a lot of great
help too. I'm thinking that the ideal setup (based upon what others
are saying) is to have the Telrad for targeting (although it seems
that you can be pretty accurate with this device) and a right angle
finder scope (8x50 or larger) for fine tuning and when light polution
makes it difficult to use the Telrad.

Any other comments (even related to using star hopping techniques in
general) will be most appreciated.

Again, thanks to everyone that posted - including past posts. You
people are great!

Mike