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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.
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes
Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes

Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-FNDRILLUM-02
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
Price Match Policy!
  • Replaces standard finder illuminators
  • Powered by two common AAA batteries (not included)
  • Variable brightness control from dim to bright
  • Weight: 1.5 oz
  • Length: 121mm (4.764in)
  • Simple screw-on installation
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes

    The Explore Scientific Illuminator II for Finder Scopes is a direct replacement for standard illuminators, solving the common problem of dead coin-cell batteries at critical moments. This 121mm (4.764in) unit is powered by two widely available AAA batteries for dramatically extended field life. Weighing only 1.5 oz, this upgrade provides a reliable power source and precision variable brightness control for your finder scope's crosshairs.

    End Dead Batteries: The 2 AAA Power Advantage

    The core design of the Illuminator II centers on its use of 2 AAA batteries instead of the small, short-lived coin cells found in most stock illuminators. This switch means you get significantly longer run times, ensuring your reticle remains lit through multiple observing sessions, not just a few hours. Because AAA batteries are common, finding replacements is easy, even on a last-minute trip to a dark sky site.

    Precision Control: A 121mm Upgrade for Your Finder

    This 121mm illuminator features a knurled dial for continuous brightness adjustment, allowing you to set the reticle from an ultra-dim glow to a bright crosshair. This level of control is essential for matching the reticle brightness to the ambient sky conditions and the target's faintness, preserving your dark adaptation. Installation is simple: just unscrew your original illuminator and thread the Illuminator II in its place on compatible Explore Scientific finders like the VFEI0850–01 and VFEI0850-RA, or other finders that use a standard illuminator thread.

  • What is the main advantage of the Explore Scientific Illuminator II over a stock illuminator?

    The primary advantage is its power source. The Illuminator II uses 2 standard AAA batteries, which last substantially longer than the small coin-cell batteries in stock illuminators. This provides greater reliability and ends the frustration of having your illuminator die mid-session.

    Which finder scopes is the Explore Scientific Illuminator II compatible with?

    The Illuminator II is a direct replacement for the illuminators on Explore Scientific's VFEI0850–01 and VFEI0850-RA finder scopes. It is also designed to be compatible with most other finder scopes that use a standard screw-in illuminator body.

    How do I install the Explore Scientific Illuminator II?

    Installation is straightforward and requires no tools. Simply unscrew the original illuminator from the port on your finder scope body and screw the Illuminator II in its place. It's a quick, direct replacement.

    What kind of batteries does the Illuminator II use and are they included?

    The Explore Scientific Illuminator II requires 2 AAA alkaline batteries. Please note that batteries are not included with the illuminator and must be purchased separately.

    I'm at a dark sky site trying to find the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960); how does the Illuminator II's variable brightness help?

    When hunting for faint targets like the Veil Nebula, a bright reticle can overwhelm the object and wash out your dark-adapted vision. The variable control on the Illuminator II allows you to dim the crosshairs to the barest perceptible glow, making it possible to see both the reticle for pointing and the faint nebulosity of your target simultaneously.

    Will the 1.5 oz weight of the Explore Scientific Illuminator II affect the balance of my 8x50 finder scope?

    For the vast majority of telescope setups, the 1.5 oz weight is negligible and will not noticeably affect balance. On extremely lightweight, finely-balanced systems like a small refractor on a light-duty mount, a very minor adjustment to your counterweights might be needed, but it is typically not a concern.

  • Weight 1.5 oz
    Length 4.764 in / 121 mm
    Width 0.685 in / 17.4 mm
    Batteries Requires 2x AAA Alkaline (not included)
  • Explore Scientific Warranty