Explore Scientific 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope Review

How the Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope Surprised Me

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist for over a decade, I’ve grown accustomed to a certain level of performance and quality. The Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope piqued my interest with its promise of quick and precise polar alignments, a feature I’ve found lacking in many equatorial mounts I’ve used over the years. Explore Scientific claims this finder scope will make polar alignment a breeze, but would it live up to the hype?

My primary need was for a reliable and accurate polar alignment tool for astrophotography, something more precise than a standard alignment scope. I was tired of spending frustrating hours trying to get perfect alignment, especially when shooting in remote locations. Upon unboxing, the Explore Scientific finder scope felt solid and well-built, with a reassuring heft that suggested quality materials.

Compared to my older Celestron polar alignment scope, which felt flimsy and difficult to focus, the Explore Scientific model seemed a significant upgrade. I also considered the Sky-Watcher 9×50 polar scope and the Meade Instruments 8×50 finderscope, but the promise of an illuminated reticle and erect image viewing in the Explore Scientific scope swayed my decision. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality was promising, but the true test would be in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope during a weekend astrophotography trip in the dark skies of West Texas. The conditions were ideal: clear, cold, and virtually no light pollution. My initial setup involved aligning my equatorial mount with the finder scope, a process that I anticipated would be tedious.

However, the erect image viewing and the illuminated polar alignment crosshair made the process surprisingly straightforward. I found the variable brightness knob for the deep red illumination particularly useful, allowing me to adjust the reticle’s intensity without overwhelming my night vision. The precision focus adjustments for both the objective and the eyepiece reticle ensured sharp, clear views, even in the low light conditions. I did notice a slight learning curve with adjusting the illuminator and dual focusing, but after 15 minutes, it was smooth sailing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Explore Scientific finder scope has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my astrophotography setup. The scope’s durability is impressive; despite being transported in a Pelican case, there have been zero scratches to the optic, and the adjustments still feel smooth. Cleaning and maintenance are simple: a quick wipe of the objective lens with a microfiber cloth is all it usually needs.

Compared to my previous alignment methods, which involved using a digital camera and drift alignment techniques, the Explore Scientific finder scope has significantly reduced my setup time and increased the accuracy of my polar alignment. I would have to say this outshines my Celestron 9×50 finderscope by a wide margin.

Breaking Down the Features of Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope

Specifications

• Reticle: The Polar Alignment Crosshair is designed with both northern and southern polar reference markings, facilitating accurate alignment regardless of your location. This feature is crucial for precise astrophotography, ensuring minimal star trailing during long exposures.
• Weight: At 1 lb, 9.1 oz, the finder scope is substantial enough to feel robust, yet not so heavy as to burden the telescope mount. This ensures stability and ease of handling during setup and adjustments.
• Size: The dimensions of 200mm x 62mm x 112mm strike a balance between providing a large enough aperture for clear views and remaining compact enough for easy integration with various telescope setups.
• Field of View: The 6 Degree Field of View provides a generous view of the sky, making it easier to locate alignment stars and reference points. This wider field of view allows for quicker orientation and a more intuitive alignment process.
• Magnification: The 8x Magnification provides sufficient detail to resolve the necessary alignment stars without overly magnifying atmospheric distortions. This level of magnification strikes a good balance between detail and stability.
• Objective Lens Diameter: The 50mm Objective Lens gathers ample light, even in darker locations, ensuring bright and clear views of faint alignment stars. This larger aperture enhances visibility and makes polar alignment easier in challenging conditions.
• Erect Image Viewing: The Erect Image Viewing is a game-changer for intuitive alignment, as it presents the sky in a natural, upright orientation, eliminating the mental gymnastics required with inverted images. This makes finding and tracking alignment stars significantly easier.
• 90° Eyepiece: The 90° Eyepiece provides a comfortable viewing angle, especially when the telescope is pointed towards the zenith. This ergonomic design reduces strain and makes prolonged alignment sessions more comfortable.
• Illumination: The Variable Brightness Knob allows precise control over the deep red illumination, ensuring the reticle is visible without compromising night vision. This adjustable illumination is essential for maintaining dark adaptation and enhancing overall viewing comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope performs exceptionally well in its primary role: facilitating quick and accurate polar alignment. The erect image viewing and illuminated reticle make the process intuitive and efficient, even for beginners. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, durable construction, and precise adjustments.

One potential area for improvement could be a slightly wider field of view, though the current 6 degrees is adequate for most users. The scope meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a level of accuracy and convenience that I previously thought unattainable with manual alignment methods.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Explore Scientific finder scope is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise machining. The weight is well-balanced, and the 90° eyepiece provides a comfortable viewing angle. The scope is remarkably user-friendly; even someone with limited experience in astronomy would find the setup process straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope is built to last. The scope shows no signs of wear and tear despite regular use in demanding outdoor conditions. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the objective lens with a microfiber cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope comes with the finder scope itself, mounting bracket, and variable illuminator. While there aren’t many customization options specifically for this finder scope, the standard mounting bracket is compatible with many equatorial mounts. This means that users can easily integrate it into their existing setups without the need for extensive modifications.

Pros and Cons of Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope

Who Should Buy Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope?

The Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope is perfect for astrophotographers, amateur astronomers who are serious about equatorial mount alignment, and anyone looking to streamline their polar alignment process. This finder scope is a must-have for those seeking precise and reliable alignment, especially in dark sky locations.

Those who should skip this product are those with alt-azimuth mounts or casual stargazers who don’t require precise polar alignment. A simple star pointer or basic finder scope would suffice for their needs. Must-have accessories would include a quality carrying case to protect the finder scope during transport and a dew shield to prevent condensation from forming on the objective lens.

Conclusion on Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope

The Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope is a well-designed, durable, and highly functional tool that significantly simplifies the polar alignment process. The price of $299.99 is justified by the scope’s performance, build quality, and user-friendly features. I would recommend it without reservation to anyone serious about astrophotography or astronomy.

If you’re tired of struggling with inaccurate polar alignment and want to spend more time capturing stunning images of the night sky, invest in the Explore Scientific 6 Degree Field of View 8×50 Polar Illuminated Erect Image Finder Scope. You will not be disappointed.