A Telrad finder came standard on my Discovery 17.5" truss scope. It is a totally satisfactory device.
Plusses
1) very easy to line up the view through the Telrad with the view through the EP, using the three knobs at the back of the unit.
2) if you forget to turn it off don't worry - the battery is probably good for months.
3) i use it to calibrate my DSC's, without climbing the ladder, simply by placing the line-up stars inside the inner circle of the bullseye..
4) i can find stuff while standing on the ground, without needing to climb the ladder.
5) it is so easy to use that i do not bother with my DSC's. I use the Telrad to find the nearest convenient object, then star-hop - quicker than messing with the DSC's.
Minusses (not many :)
1) i would not bother buying the little fold-down "dew shield" that some suppliers sell... it dews up anyway.
2) Only way i have found to keep it dew-free is with a Kendrick heater - they make one for the Telrad, and it keeps it dew-free all night. Problem is that this requires some form of electrical reticulation.

I have been so satisfied with the Telrad on my Discovery that i installed one on my Starfinder 10EQ - and deep-sixed the crappy 6X30 finder that came with it.

Bob Bennett, Maple Vly, W

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 11/15/2002 07:57:38 am PST

Replies: 0

I have had this EP for about 2 years now. It has replaced my 15mm Panoptic as favourite EP in my f/4.5 Starfinder. It is also my most-used EP with my 17.5 f/5 dob.
Being a newbie, i can not give a quantitative evaluation, but I can say that this has been a highly enjoyable, low hassle eyepiece. Its strong points are
1) sharp and bright views
2) it is not fussy about eye-position - very important when i am on a ladder
3) light weight - i do not have balance problems
4) budget price - if i ever drop it on the concrete (highly likely) i can replace it without a 2nd mortgage
Negatives
1) the outer periphery shows some distinct seagulls in the f/4.5, although they are not nearly as noticeable in the f/5
2) no eyecup
3) it doesnt look cool like the Meades, Ultimas etc.
Later...
I was so happy with the 24mm that i have since bought a 12mm Koenig and a 2-inch 32mm. The 12mm looks like another winner.
Unfortunately, the 32 does not work as well as the 1.25 inch models, at least in my short f-ratio scopes.
Bob Bennett, Maple Vly,

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 10/29/2002 12:46:54 pm PST

Replies: 0

I just acquired a pair of Parallax's Standard hinged rings for my 10" Starfinder EQ, to replace the original flimsy straps. The Meade straps were always a worry - if i attempted to rotate the OTA the straps sometimes jumped out of the saddle, with the risk of dumping the OTA on the ground. In addition, mounting and unmounting the tube was always risky, especially in winter.

The rings themselves are big and solid, and installed easily, with two holes through the Meade saddle. Price was $195 incl S&H - not a bad deal in view of the benefits.

For me, the Parallax rings have changed everything about using this scope. They hinge/unhinge elegantly by slackening off two knurled stainless nuts, that then hinge out of the way. While installing/removing the OTA, the lower halves of the rings hold the OTA firmly. Rotating the OTA is no longer a hassle either, as i can easily slacken off the rings, rotate the tube, then re-tighten.

The rings are heavy, about 7/8 inch thick, but the Meade clock drive handles the extra weight okay.

Nice to get something that really works.

Bob Bennett, Maple Vly,

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 10/29/2002 11:44:04 am PST

Replies: 0

Well i have to say this EP *looks* great. Sadly, it gives me two problems in my f/5 truss scope, probably due to the f/5 optics.

1) my eye must be right on the EP axis, otherwise it blacks out
2) i must also be at just the right distance from the EP, or again, it blacks out. This makes it very difficult to use the wide field of view.

That said, the view is clear and bright, once i find it :)
All in all, a disappointment, as I have two of the 1.25 inch UO Konigs, which have been great little workhorse EP's.

Bob Bennett, Maple Vly, W

Overall Rating: 7
Optics:7 Value:7
Weight: 10
Date: 10/29/2002 11:32:00 am PST

Replies: 0