Sky-Watcher’s entry into erecting right-angle finders has a bracket with the same plastic screws and spring-loaded holder as the straight-through model. This apparatus held the finderscope secure and allowed for good adjustment. Its blue colour is also an attractive change to the usual black and white.
We noticed that the eyepiece end is multicoated as it shows a distinctive greenish colour.
The 5.5° field of view was crisp and clear over about 75 per cent.
This gave a good view of the Hyades – especially as it was the right way up.
The crosshairs also looked sharp and focused, allowing for good alignment.
Deep-sky objects stood out well: the Pleiades looked great, with lots of stars, and M35 was easy to see, appearing like a ghostly patch of light suspended in space.
The sword of Orion, meanwhile, gave the suggestion of more nebulae being visible, extending from where M42 and M43 lay.
As a final test, we separated the double star Struve 747, near iota Orionis. It passed with flying colours, showing that this finder has good resolution.
Overall, it was a compact and worthy upgrade – especially with that erect image.
Vital stats
- Price £68.50
- Aperture 50mm
- Finderscope right-angle, erect image
- Mount Bracket included
- Supplier Optical Vision
- Websitewww.opticalvision.co.uk
This review was first published in the March 2007 issue of Sky at Night Magazine. Prices correct at the time of going to press.
