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Swap Finders in Seconds, Not Minutes
The Tele Vue Quick Release Universal Finder Mount is a precision-machined system that allows you to attach and detach finderscopes from your telescope securely and instantly, without tools. It eliminates the friction of traditional mounting rings, creating a stable, repeatable platform that holds alignment session after session. This mount is the right choice for observers who use multiple pointing devices or want to streamline their setup and breakdown process.
The Quick-Release Dovetail Mechanism
At the heart of the system is the QRB-1002 Quick-Release Base. This compact dovetail base attaches directly to your telescope's tube rings or a flat surface, creating a permanent, low-profile anchor. The corresponding QRD-1006 Universal Finder Dovetail slides into the base and is locked firmly in place with a large, knurled thumbscrew, ensuring a solid connection with no wiggle or play.
The practical benefit is speed and consistency. Once your finder is aligned, you can remove it for transport and reinstall it in seconds during your next session, confident that its alignment is preserved. This is a significant workflow improvement for anyone who stores their telescope and finder separately.
Broad Finder and Telescope Compatibility
The "Universal" in the name is earned by its wide compatibility with a range of pointing devices. The dovetail bracket accepts the mounting foot found on Tele Vue's Starbeam and Sol-Searcher finders, as well as many popular red-dot finders and small finderscopes from other manufacturers that use a Vixen-style finder shoe.
The base itself is designed to mount on any Tele Vue ring system, but its flat bottom and included screw slots also allow it to be adapted to many other telescope mounting rings or flat-surfaced optical tube assemblies. This flexibility makes it a reliable solution across different telescope systems in your collection.
Secure, No-Mar Alignment Screws
To hold your finder securely, the mount uses nylon-tipped screws. These provide a firm grip on your finder's mounting foot without scratching or denting the finish, preserving the value and appearance of your equipment. Two of the screws are used for locking the finder in place, while a third can be used for fine-tuning the alignment if needed.
While this system is robust for most finders, its primary limitation is size. It is engineered for lightweight red-dot finders and smaller optical finderscopes (typically 50mm or less). It is not intended to support heavy 80mm finderscopes or small guide scopes, which require a more substantial mounting ring system.
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Will the Tele Vue Quick Release Mount fit my non-Tele Vue telescope?
The base has a flat bottom with slotted holes, making it adaptable to many surfaces. It mounts directly to Tele Vue rings, but can often be installed on other brands' tube rings or flat tube assemblies, though you may need to source appropriate screws.
Does this mount hold alignment after removing and reattaching the finder?
Yes, that is its primary design benefit. The dovetail system is machined for a repeatable, secure fit, ensuring your finder's alignment is maintained between observing sessions, which saves significant setup time.
What finderscopes are compatible with the QFM-1008?
It's directly compatible with the Tele Vue Starbeam and Sol-Searcher. It also fits many third-party finders that use a standard Vixen-style or Synta-style dovetail finder foot.
Can I use this mount for a small guide scope?
This is not recommended. The mount is designed for lightweight finders. A heavier guide scope and camera combination could introduce flexure, so a dedicated guide scope ring system is the better choice for autoguiding.
How do I attach the base to my telescope tube rings?
For Tele Vue rings, the base attaches using the included screws into the pre-drilled accessory holes on top of the rings. For other systems, you may need to drill and tap your rings or use a compatible screw set that matches your ring's threads.
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| Model |
QFM-1008 |
| Base Model |
QRB-1002 |
| Bracket Model |
QRD-1006 |
| Material |
Black anodized aluminum |
| Hardware Included |
Mounting screws for Tele Vue rings |
| Weight |
Approx. 3.2 oz (91 g) |
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Quick-Release Base (QRB-1002)
× 1
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Universal Finder Dovetail Bracket (QRD-1006)
× 1
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Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
