Tele Vue Qwik-Point Basic Finder

A Natural Way to Aim Your Telescope

The core of the Qwik-Point is its collimated projection system. Qwik-Point uses a beam-splitting mirror/lens to combine the scene seen through the lens with a red dot it projects. The red dot indicates where your telescope is pointed, and you can be any distance behind the unit.

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 a distant landmark, a bird or a boat on the water. 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's beam-splitting mirror/lens lays the red dot over a clear view of the scene. Keeping both eyes open, you maintain your full field of vision.

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.

Bright Enough for Daytime Spotting

The Qwik-Point is meant for daytime spotting: its beam is bright enough for use in even bright sunlight, but it is not recommended for nighttime use. The unit has a simple on-off switch.

The unit is powered by a 3V lithium battery, and the on-off switch lets you turn it off when not in use.

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 is best for daytime spotting, since its beam is bright enough for use in bright sunlight.
• Tele Vue Starbeam: The Starbeam is a more advanced instrument. It has a 39mm aperture beam splitter and projects a 0.4° red star, about the diameter of the Moon, with adjustable brightness and blink rate. 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.