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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.
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope
Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope

Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2957460
$460.00 - $547.00
$460.00
$460.00 - $547.00
$460.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Erect-image optical design for intuitive aiming
  • Functions as a high-quality, straight-through finderscope
  • Accepts standard eyepieces for variable magnification (eyepieces not included)
  • Doubles as a compact guide scope for autoguiding
  • Available with an optional MQR-IV Quick Release finder bracket
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope

    The Baader Vario-Finder Erect Image Finder Scope is a versatile optical tool designed to solve the fundamental challenge of aiming your telescope accurately. By presenting a correctly oriented, non-reversed image, it mirrors the view seen by the naked eye or through binoculars, eliminating the mental gymnastics required with standard finders. This makes star-hopping from a chart to the eyepiece a direct and intuitive process, whether you're locating a faint galaxy or centering a planet for high-resolution imaging.

    Correct-Image Orientation for Intuitive Aiming

    Unlike standard astronomical finders that show a reversed or upside-down view, the Vario-Finder's erect-image amici prism delivers a view that is correctly oriented both up-down and left-right. This is a critical feature for terrestrial viewing and makes navigating the night sky significantly easier, especially for beginners. The view through the finder matches your star chart, allowing you to move the telescope in the direction you intend without second-guessing.

    Secure Attachment with the Optional MQR-IV Bracket

    The Vario-Finder is available with the robust Baader MQR-IV Quick Release finder bracket. This component ensures a rigid, flexure-free connection to your main telescope, maintaining precise alignment throughout an observing session. The quick-release mechanism allows you to attach and detach the finder scope in seconds without tools, preserving your alignment for the next session and simplifying setup and transport.

  • What does "Vario-Finder" mean for the Baader finder scope?

    The "Vario" designation indicates that the finder's magnification is variable. This is achieved by using standard astronomical eyepieces (sold separately). You can insert a long focal length eyepiece for a wide, low-power field of view to locate objects, then swap to a shorter focal length eyepiece for higher power to precisely center the object in your main telescope's field.

    How does the Baader Vario-Finder's erect image help with finding objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    When star-hopping to the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) from the star Mirach, an erect-image view is a significant advantage. The pattern of stars you see in the finder will exactly match the orientation on your star chart or app. If you need to move your telescope "up and to the left" to find M31, you physically move the scope up and to the left, eliminating the confusion caused by mirror-reversed or inverted images.

    Can I use the Baader Vario-Finder as a guide scope?

    Yes. The Vario-Finder is optically sharp enough to serve as a compact guide scope. By removing the eyepiece and prism, you can attach a small-chip autoguiding camera (like a ZWO ASI120MM Mini) to the focuser. This makes it a dual-purpose tool, saving weight and space on your imaging setup.

    Is the Baader Vario-Finder suitable for terrestrial daytime viewing?

    Absolutely. Because it provides a correctly oriented image, the Vario-Finder functions as an excellent, high-quality spotting scope for daytime use. You can use it for bird watching, landscape viewing, or any other terrestrial application where you need a magnified, sharp image.

    Will the Baader Vario-Finder fit the finder shoe on my Celestron 8" SCT?

    If you purchase the Vario-Finder with the MQR-IV Quick Release Finder Bracket, it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of finder shoes, including the standard Vixen/Synta-style base found on most Celestron, Sky-Watcher, and Orion telescopes. The MQR-IV provides a secure and stable fit for these common mounts.

    What eyepieces do I need for the Baader Vario-Finder?

    The Baader Vario-Finder is designed to accept standard 1.25" astronomical eyepieces. Eyepieces are not included with the standard finder. A good starting combination would be a low-power eyepiece (around 25mm) for a wide field of view and a higher-power eyepiece (around 10mm) with an illuminated reticle for precise centering.

  • Available Options Standard Supply, or with included MQR-IV Finder Holder
    Net weight (kg) 0.88 (Standard Supply)
    1.66 (include MQR-IV Finder Holder)
  • Baader Planetarium Warranty