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July 1st: Store will be closed for Canada Day. Orders placed that day will ship on July 2nd.
Celestron StarPointer™ Finderscope
Celestron StarPointer™ Finderscope
Celestron StarPointer™ Finderscope

Celestron StarPointer™ Finderscope

by Celestron
SKU CEL-51630
$24.95 - $24.95
$24.95
$24.95 - $24.95
$24.95
Price Match Policy!
  • 1x magnification for a correct, wide-field view of the sky
  • 23mm lens with a projected red dot for intuitive pointing
  • Includes 4 distinct mounting brackets for near-universal compatibility
  • Powered by a common CR2032 battery (included)
  • Simple two-knob adjustment for precise alignment
3 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron StarPointer Red-dot Finderscope

    The Celestron StarPointer Red-dot Finderscope offers the most direct path to centering celestial objects, using a 23mm lens to project a simple red dot onto your target area. This 1x magnification finder is powered by an included CR2032 battery and comes with four distinct mounting brackets, ensuring it can be attached to virtually any Schmidt-Cassegrain or small refractor right out of the box.

    The 1x Magnification Zero-Power Advantage

    Unlike traditional optical finders that magnify and often invert the view, the StarPointer provides a 1x, zero-power image. This presents a super-wide field of view that keeps the sky right-side up and left-to-right correct, perfectly matching what you see with your unaided eyes. This intuitive approach eliminates the mental gymnastics of navigating a reversed starfield, allowing you to simply point the red dot at your target and find it in your main eyepiece.

    4 Included Brackets for Universal Telescope Fit

    The StarPointer addresses the most common compatibility questions by including a comprehensive set of four mounting brackets. This ensures you have the correct hardware to attach the finder to a wide variety of optical tubes without needing to purchase additional parts.

    • Large & Small SCT Brackets: Two dedicated brackets are included to fit the pre-drilled mounting holes on virtually all Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes.
    • Dovetail Mount Bracket: A standard Vixen-style dovetail foot comes pre-attached, ready to slide into the finder shoe on most modern refractors and reflectors.
    • Small Telescope Bracket: For telescopes with mounting holes but no dovetail shoe, a fourth bracket provides a secure, direct attachment.

    Simple 2-Knob Precision Alignment

    Aligning the StarPointer is a straightforward, one-time process. Two adjustment knobs—one for left-right (azimuth) and one for up-down (altitude)—allow you to precisely center the red dot on a distant terrestrial object that is already centered in your main telescope's eyepiece. Once aligned, the StarPointer holds its position reliably, even if removed and reattached, ensuring you're ready to observe in seconds.

    StarPointer vs. Magnified Finderscopes: The Right Tool for the Job

    A magnified optical finder excels at showing you faint, fuzzy objects that are invisible to the naked eye, helping you confirm you're on target before switching to a high-power eyepiece. However, their narrow field of view can make the initial pointing difficult.

    The StarPointer's strength is speed and intuition. It's the ideal tool for quickly locating bright stars, planets, and the general area of deep-sky objects. Many imagers use both: the StarPointer for the initial rough alignment and an optical finder for the final confirmation on a faint galaxy or nebula.

  • How do I align the Celestron StarPointer for the first time?

    Alignment is best done during the day. First, center a distant, stationary object (like a treetop a quarter-mile away) in your main telescope's low-power eyepiece. Then, turn on the StarPointer and use the two adjustment knobs to move the red dot until it is perfectly superimposed over the same object. Your finder is now aligned with your telescope.

    Which of the 4 included brackets for the StarPointer fits my 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain?

    You would use either the Large or Small Schmidt-Cassegrain bracket. These are designed to match the pre-drilled mounting holes on the rear cell of Celestron SCT and EdgeHD optical tubes. The package includes options to ensure a correct fit for your specific model.

    Will the StarPointer help me find faint objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    Yes, but with a distinction. The StarPointer is excellent for pointing your telescope to the precise area in the sky where Andromeda is located. However, because it has 1x magnification, you will not see the galaxy through the finder itself. It gets you on target, and then you use your main eyepiece to view the object.

    Does the StarPointer finderscope use a laser?

    No, it does not. The StarPointer uses a safe, low-power LED to project a red dot onto an internal viewing screen. It does not project any light into the sky, making it safe and compliant with all regulations.

    What kind of battery does the StarPointer use and is it included?

    The finder uses a single CR2032 3V lithium coin cell battery. One battery is included in the package to get you started immediately.

    Can I leave the StarPointer on my telescope when I store it?

    Yes, you can. The alignment is designed to hold even when the telescope is moved or stored. Just remember to turn the red dot's illumination off when you are finished observing to preserve the life of the CR2032 battery.

  • Lens Diameter 23mm (0.90")
    Magnification 1x
    Battery Type 1x CR2032 (included)
    Included Mounting Brackets
    • Large Schmidt-Cassegrain
    • Small Schmidt-Cassegrain
    • Small Telescope with dovetail mount
    • Small Telescope with holes
    Included Accessories Multi-tool (metal)
    Dimensions 127mm x 31.75mm x 60.32mm (5.0" x 1.25" x 2.375")
    Weight 6.4 oz (1.81 kg)

    • StarPointer Red-dot Finderscope

      × 1

    • CR2032 Battery

      × 1

    • Large Schmidt-Cassegrain Bracket

      × 1

    • Small Schmidt-Cassegrain Bracket

      × 1

    • Small Telescope Dovetail Bracket

      × 1

    • Small Telescope w/ Holes Bracket

      × 1

    • Multi-tool

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Limited Warranty