Tele Vue Qwik-Point Basic Finder

A Natural Way to Aim Your Telescope

The core of the Qwik-Point is its collimated projection system. A simple LED projects a precise red dot onto a coated window, which reflects the dot back to your eye. Because the light is collimated, the dot appears focused at infinity, so it does not seem to be on the glass but rather projected onto the sky itself.

This 1x or "unity" magnification system means there is no complex star-hopping or wrestling with reversed images. You simply move your telescope until the red dot rests on your target, whether it's Jupiter, the Moon, or a faint fuzzy you've located with a star chart. This approach is significantly faster and more intuitive than a traditional finderscope for initial alignment.

The Unobstructed View from the Optical Window

The Qwik-Point uses a high-quality glass window, not plastic, with a special coating that reflects the red LED light while transmitting nearly all starlight. This results in a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Keeping both eyes open, you maintain your full field of vision and dark adaptation.

The lack of magnification is the key feature. While a traditional finder shows you a small, magnified patch of sky, the Qwik-Point shows you the *entire* sky with a precise pointer. This makes it the ideal tool for quickly locating bright, naked-eye objects and getting your telescope in the immediate vicinity of your intended target before switching to the main eyepiece.

Adjustable Brightness for Any Condition

A red dot finder's utility depends on its visibility against both dark and twilight skies. The Qwik-Point includes a variable brightness control, allowing you to dial the dot's intensity down to a faint glow for deep-sky observing or increase it for easy visibility during dusk. This prevents the dot from overwhelming faint targets or your night vision.

The system is powered by a common long-life lithium battery. The simple electronic design is robust and reliable, ensuring the finder is ready to go whenever you are. A positive off-switch prevents accidental battery drain during storage or transport.

Precise Alignment and Solid Mounting

Once mounted, the Qwik-Point is aligned to your main telescope using two simple adjustment screws for altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). The process is straightforward: center a distant object like a telephone pole or bright star in your main eyepiece, then turn the adjustment screws until the red dot is perfectly centered on the same object.

The finder attaches to a base that can be mounted on most Tele Vue telescopes and many other brands. This makes it a versatile pointing solution that can be easily moved between instruments. While the mount is secure, its primary trade-off is its simple construction, which may require occasional re-alignment if the finder is bumped during transport, a common characteristic of finders in this class.

Qwik-Point vs. Starbeam: A Tele Vue Finder Comparison

Tele Vue offers two reflex sights, and choosing between them depends on your specific needs and observing style. The Qwik-Point is designed for simplicity and value, while the Starbeam is engineered for a different class of performance.

• Tele Vue Qwik-Point: This is the ideal grab-and-go solution. Its lightweight, compact form factor and simple base make it perfect for smaller telescopes or observers who prioritize ease of use and rapid setup. It provides a distinct aiming dot that is more than sufficient for most nighttime target acquisition.
• Tele Vue Starbeam: The Starbeam is a more advanced instrument. It features a larger, higher-quality flip mirror and a unique optical system that produces a "bullseye" reticle instead of a single dot, making centering more precise. Its all-metal construction and heavier-duty bracket ensure it holds collimation more rigidly, making it the choice for larger telescopes or permanent observatory setups where precision is paramount.

For most portable telescopes and casual observing, the Qwik-Point provides all the necessary functionality. Observers with large, high-end instruments or those who demand the most robust pointing accuracy will find the Starbeam's engineering justifies the investment.