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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.

Finder Scopes

A main telescope at 100x shows about half a degree of sky. Finding anything with that alone is slow and frustrating, which is why every serious observing session starts at the finder. David Astro carries finder scopes in Canada — magnifying optical finders, right-angle designs and correct-image models — in Canadian inventory and shipped domestically.

The best finder depends on your telescope's geometry and whether you navigate by star hopping or by GoTo. Tell us both and we will recommend accordingly.

Filters

$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99

Explore Scientific 50mm Finder Scope Rings for Right Angle Finder

ES-FNDRRGSRA

Designed for 50mm Aperture Finder Scopes Dual-Ring Bracket with 6 Collimation Points Quick-Release Dovetail Foot (Base Sold Separately) Large, Glo...

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$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99

Explore Scientific 8x50 Illuminated Right Angle Polar Finder Scope

ES-VFEI0850-RA

8x Magnification 50mm Aperture Right-Angle Eyepiece Erect-Image Optics Illuminated Polar Reticle for Northern & Southern Hemispheres Variable ...

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$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99

Explore Scientific 8x50 Non-Illuminated Finder Scope

ES-VF0850S

8x50 Optical Design Straight-Through Viewing Standard Crosshair Reticle 6° Field of View Compatible with Explore Scientific Finder Bases Descri...

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$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
$79.99
$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99
$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99

Explore Scientific 8x50 Straight Through Illuminated Viewfinder with Bracket

ES-VFEI0850-01

8x Magnification & 50mm Aperture Wide 6° True Field of View Illuminated, Open-Center Reticle with Measurement Scales Correct-Image View (Uprig...

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$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99
$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99
$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99
$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99

Explore Scientific Finder Scope Base with Mounting Screws

ES-FNDRBASEBLK

Weight: 1.4oz Dimensions: 50mm L x 51mm W x 25mm H Provides a secure base for Explore Scientific finder scopes Includes mounting screws for instal...

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$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99
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$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99

Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes

ES-FNDRILLUM-02

Replaces standard finder illuminators Powered by two common AAA batteries (not included) Variable brightness control from dim to bright Weight: 1....

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$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
Explore Scientific ReflexSight
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99

Explore Scientific ReflexSight

ES-REFLECT-01

Zero-power reflex sight for intuitive aiming Multi-dot reticle with 4.0°, 2.0°, and 0.5° circles Fits standard mini-Vixen style dovetail bases Int...

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$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99
$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99

Explore Scientific T-Shaped Finder Scope Base for Essential Series with Mounting Screws

ES-FNDRBASE-ESSEN

T-Shaped Finder Scope Base Designed for Explore Scientific Essential Series Telescopes Compatible with all Explore Scientific Finder Scopes Create...

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$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99
$49.99 - $49.99
$49.99
iOptron Finder Scope 6X30mm
$52.00 - $52.00
$52.00
$52.00 - $52.00
$52.00

iOptron Finder Scope 6X30mm

IOP-6151

6x Magnification 30mm Aperture Includes Mounting Bracket Wide Field of View for Easy Star-Hopping Optical Finder Design Description FAQ Specifi...

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$52.00 - $52.00
$52.00
$52.00 - $52.00
$52.00
iOptron Finder Scope 8x50mm
$88.00 - $88.00
$88.00
$88.00 - $88.00
$88.00

iOptron Finder Scope 8x50mm

IOP-6152

8x Magnification 50mm Aperture Wide Field of View for Locating Objects Includes Mounting Bracket Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Down...

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$88.00 - $88.00
$88.00
$88.00 - $88.00
$88.00
Orion Optics UK 50mm Angled Finder
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK 50mm Angled Finder

OOUK-IDEAL-ANGLED-FINDER-UPGRADE-50MM

50mm Aperture 90-Degree Angled Viewing Design Fully Coated Optics Reticule Crosshairs for Centering Quick-Release Dovetail Mounting Shoe Spring-Lo...

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$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK 50mm Angled Finderscope
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK 50mm Angled Finderscope

OOUK-AG12-ANGLED-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 90-Degree Angled Viewing Fully Coated Optics Crosshair Reticle for Centering Quick-Release Dovetail Shoe Description FAQ Specific...

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$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK 50mm Straight-Through Wide Field Finder
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11

Orion Optics UK 50mm Straight-Through Wide Field Finder

OOUK-AG12-STRAIGHT-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture Straight-Through Optical Path Fully Coated Optics Integrated Crosshairs for Centering Quick-Release Dovetail Shoe Description FAQ...

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$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11
Orion Optics UK AG10 Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK AG10 Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG10-ANGLED-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 90-Degree Angled Design Fully Coated Optics Integrated Crosshairs for Centering Dovetail Quick-Release Mounting System Descriptio...

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$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK AG10 Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11

Orion Optics UK AG10 Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG10-STRAIGHT-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture Straight-Through Optical Design Fully Coated Optics Visible Crosshair Reticle Quick-Release Dovetail Shoe Sprung-Loaded Adjustment S...

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$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11
Orion Optics UK AG14 Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK AG14 Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG14-ANGLED-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture Angled Viewing Position Fully Coated Optics Integrated Crosshairs for Centering Designed for Quick-Release Dovetail Shoe Descript...

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$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK AG14 Straight finder 50mm wide field
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11

Orion Optics UK AG14 Straight finder 50mm wide field

OOUK-AG14-STRAIGHT-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 8x Magnification Straight-Through Optical Path Fully Coated Optics Quick-Release Dovetail Mounting System Description FAQ Specifi...

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$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11
Orion Optics UK AG16 50mm Angled Finder Scope
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK AG16 50mm Angled Finder Scope

OOUK-AG16-ANGLED-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 90-Degree Angled Viewing Fully Coated Optics Non-illuminated Crosshair Reticle Designed for Dovetail Mounting Shoes Description F...

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$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK AG8 Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11

Orion Optics UK AG8 Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG8-STRAIGHT-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 8x Magnification Straight-Through Optical Design Fully Coated Optics Quick-Release Dovetail Mounting System Integrated Crosshairs fo...

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$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$161.11
$161.11 - $161.11
$161.11
Orion Optics UK Angled & Anodised Finder Bracket Holder
$96.72 - $96.72
$96.72
$96.72 - $96.72
$96.72

Orion Optics UK Angled & Anodised Finder Bracket Holder

OOUK-FINDER-BRACKET-HOLDER-ANGLED-ANODISED

Designed specifically for Orion Optics UK ODK telescopes Enables secure mounting of upgraded finderscopes Angled design for improved ergonomics an...

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$96.72 - $96.72
$96.72
$96.72 - $96.72
$96.72
Orion Optics UK Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91

Orion Optics UK Angled Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG8-ANGLED-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 90-Degree Angled Viewing Fully Multi-Coated Optics Illuminated Crosshair Reticle Quick-Release Dovetail Shoe Description FAQ Spec...

View full details
$155.91 - $155.91
$155.91
$175.91
$175.91 - $175.91
$175.91
Orion Optics UK Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11

Orion Optics UK Straight Finder 50mm Wide Field

OOUK-AG16-STRAIGHT-FINDER-50MM-WIDE

50mm Aperture 8x Magnification Straight-Through Optical Design Fully Coated Optics Adjustable Crosshairs Quick-Release Dovetail Mounting Shoe D...

View full details
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$141.11 - $141.11
$141.11
$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00
$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00

PrimaLuceLab DX Finder Base

PLL-PLLBACEDX
4 in stock

Universal finder base for multiple brands Dual-curvature design fits various telescope tubes Slotted holes for flexible mounting All-metal constru...

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$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00
$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00
$49.95 - $49.95
$49.95
$49.95 - $49.95
$49.95

Rigel System PulsGuide Jr Pulsing Finder Illuminator

RIG-PULSRJR

Less Eye Fatigue = Better Finding - --PulsGuide pulses the reticle illumination to let the eye rest between pulses. The result? Improved contrast I...

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$49.95 - $49.95
$49.95
$49.95 - $49.95
$49.95

Finder Types and Their Trade-offs

Every finder is a compromise between field of view, magnification, image orientation and how comfortable it is to look through when the telescope points overhead.

  • Straight-through finders: Simple and light, showing an inverted image. Awkward to use when the telescope points near zenith, which is where the best targets are.
  • Right-angle finders: A diagonal makes overhead viewing comfortable. Standard versions mirror-reverse the image, which complicates chart comparison.
  • Correct-image finders: Present a right-way-up, right-way-round view matching printed charts, which makes star hopping considerably easier for beginners.
  • Aperture and true field: A 50 mm finder shows fainter stars than a 30 mm and helps enormously under light-polluted skies where fewer guide stars are visible.
  • Reflex sights: No magnification, projecting a red dot or circles onto the sky. Excellent for initial acquisition, and often paired with a magnifying finder.
  • Brackets and bases: Mounting standards vary between manufacturers, and the bracket must match both the finder and the telescope's shoe.

Why Choose David Astro for Finder Scopes

The finder is the part of a telescope beginners struggle with most, and a good one removes most of that struggle.

  • Bracket compatibility confirmed: Finder shoes are not standardized. We check that the finder, bracket and telescope shoe all match before shipping.
  • Two-stage acquisition recommended: For most telescopes we suggest a reflex sight for rough aiming plus a magnifying finder for the final step, which is faster than either alone.
  • Sized for your sky: Under city skies a larger finder aperture matters, because a 30 mm finder may show no stars at all to hop between.
  • Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
  • Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian orders.

Finder Scopes in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a finder if I have GoTo?
Yes, for the alignment procedure itself, which requires centring stars accurately. A finder also lets you verify the mount actually pointed where it claimed.
Right-angle or straight-through?
Right-angle for comfort, especially with a refractor or Cassegrain pointed high. Straight-through is more intuitive to aim but becomes physically awkward near zenith.
Is a correct-image finder worth it?
For star hopping with printed or app-based charts, considerably. Mentally reversing a mirrored view while navigating in the dark is a real barrier for many new observers.
Will a finder from another brand fit my telescope?
Only if the bracket matches your telescope's shoe. Tell us both and we will confirm, or supply an adapter base where one exists.

Struggling to find targets?

Tell us your telescope and your sky and we will recommend a finder setup. Canadian stock, no surprise duties.