Red Dot finder VS 9 X 50

Last night I decided to mount an Orion EZ finder 2 on my ED80mm vixen. I had picked the finder up last year but never used it untill last night.

After about 45 min of use and getting everything lined up, I decided that my 9 X 50 is going back in the box. I was surprised how easy the Orion finder was to use and how much faster it was for me. In addtion to being faster for me it does cut some weight off the scope which I consider a minor bouns. I did remount the 9 X 50 for another 30 min just to be sure that I liked the Ez better.

Now my question is this: how do folks like the red dot style of finders on longer tube scopes?

Hi Tim,

I recently got a 10" Dob. I replaced the original 9x50 with a right angle correct image 9x50. I found that much better, but since the rest of my scopes use a red dot, I added a red dot. It may be considered overkill by some, but now it's quick and easy. Set the start point with the red dot; star hop with the 9x50; and view.

It may be that because I'm in a light pollution area north of Dallas that this set up works well.

Pete

Now my question is this: how do folks like the red dot style of finders on longer tube scopes?
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I like a magnifying finder plus a telrad/red dot, telrad being superior IMHO.

Red Dots are great when the skies are dark, from light polluted skies, not so great but with a short focal length scope and 2 inch eyepiece, a magnifying finder is not really that necessary.

On a Newtonian where the finder is up in the air, I like a straight through finder , one can even use it with bothn eyes open and it is similar to a telrad.

Jon