Let’s Dive into Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope
The night sky, a canvas of infinite wonder, has always beckoned humanity. Navigating this celestial sphere, however, can be challenging. That’s where the Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope comes into play, promising to make the task of finding celestial objects easier.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that precision and ease of use are paramount, whether it’s a riflescope or a finderscope. My aging eyes needed help acquiring targets quickly, and the StarPointer Pro’s promise of a dual-circle reticle, replacing the traditional red dot, piqued my interest. The hope was for an unobstructed view and a less strenuous stargazing experience.
Unboxing the Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope, I was initially pleased with its solid feel. The 40mm optical window seemed generous, offering a wide field of view. It felt significantly more robust than some of the flimsy red dot finders I’ve encountered.
Compared to the standard Celestron red dot finder and a generic illuminated crosshair finder I own, the StarPointer Pro stood out for its intended user experience. I chose this model over the others hoping it would address the common issue of red dot blooming and target obstruction. I was eager to see if the dual-circle reticle offered a better solution.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed promising, but the real test would be under the night sky. I was hoping for an improvement over existing finders, but also mindful of some user feedback regarding alignment issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope was at a dark sky site about an hour outside the city. The skies were clear, and the seeing was fairly good, making it an ideal night for testing. I mounted it on my Celestron 8SE telescope.
The initial setup proved a bit frustrating. The alignment screws felt somewhat awkward, and I struggled to get the dual circles perfectly aligned with my main telescope. This was not an easy task due to the separated alignment screws.
The dual-circle reticle was certainly different. The larger 40mm window did offer a wider field of view, but I noticed the reticle, even on its dimmest setting, was still too bright, obscuring fainter stars. This made locating dimmer deep-sky objects challenging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope, the initial frustration with alignment persisted. Small adjustments were difficult. It requires considerable patience to achieve accurate pointing.
The StarPointer Pro has held up well physically. The plastic housing is durable enough to withstand normal use, though I am careful when storing it. Cleaning the optical window is easy with a microfiber cloth.
In comparison to my previous experiences with red dot finders, the StarPointer Pro is a mixed bag. While the larger window is an improvement, the difficulty in dimming the reticle and the alignment process ultimately disappoint. It doesn’t surpass the ease of use of a well-calibrated red dot for brighter objects.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope
Specifications
- The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope features a 40mm lens diameter. This provides a wider field of view than standard finders.
- It uses a single CR2032 battery (included) for illumination. This makes it easy to replace when needed.
- The finder scope is approximately 6 inches in length, 2 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in height. This makes it a relatively compact and lightweight addition to a telescope.
- It weighs 5 ounces. This is light enough not to significantly impact the balance of smaller telescopes.
- The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope features a dual-circle reticle. The reticle is designed to help center targets without obscuring them, unlike a solid red dot.
These specifications are important because they impact the finder’s ease of use, field of view, and portability. The wider field of view and the dual-circle reticle are meant to improve target acquisition and minimize obstruction, offering a more user-friendly experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope is designed to assist in locating celestial objects. The expectation is faster and more accurate telescope pointing. The main function is pointing the main telescope more accurately by centering objects in the finderscope.
Unfortunately, its performance is hindered by a few key issues. The dimmest setting for the reticle is still too bright for locating faint objects. The alignment process is more cumbersome than necessary.
The finder scope’s strengths lie in its large 40mm optical window and the dual-circle reticle design. The weakness is the excessive brightness of the reticle and the awkward alignment screws. Ultimately, it only partially meets my expectations for a premium finderscope.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope features a plastic housing. This keeps the unit lightweight but doesn’t exude a high-end feel. The 40mm optical window is a welcome feature, and the dovetail connection is convenient.
However, the design falls short in the placement and functionality of the alignment screws. The separated placement makes fine-tuning a challenge.
It also has a fairly intuitive design and presents little learning curve. Mounting and basic operation are straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction of the Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope suggests it should last for several years with proper care. I expect it to withstand normal use and storage without issue. Regular cleaning of the optical window with a microfiber cloth is all that’s needed to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope comes with a CR2032 battery. It also has a dovetail mounting bracket that is compatible with most Celestron telescopes.
There are limited customization options for this particular finderscope. However, you could potentially modify the LED to reduce its brightness. This may require some DIY skills and void the warranty.
Pros and Cons of Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope
Pros
- Larger 40mm optical window provides a wider field of view.
- Dual-circle reticle aims to offer less target obstruction compared to a solid red dot.
- Dovetail connection allows for easy attachment to most Celestron telescopes.
- Lightweight design doesn’t significantly impact the telescope’s balance.
- Solid build.
Cons
- Reticle brightness cannot be dimmed sufficiently for locating faint objects.
- Alignment screws are separated, making fine-tuning difficult and frustrating.
- Plastic housing doesn’t feel premium.
Who Should Buy Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope?
The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope is perfect for amateur astronomers looking for a slightly wider field of view. It also is good for those wanting to try an alternative to a traditional red dot finder.
This product should be avoided by astronomers who primarily target faint deep-sky objects. It should also be avoided by anyone who wants a quick and easy alignment process.
A must-have modification, if possible, would be replacing or modifying the LED to significantly reduce its brightness.
Conclusion on Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope
The Celestron StarPointer Pro Finderscope offers a unique approach to target acquisition with its dual-circle reticle and larger optical window. However, its shortcomings in reticle dimming and alignment significantly impact its overall usability.
At $71.99, the price seems a bit high considering its limitations. The value proposition isn’t fully justified. I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it in its current form.
While the StarPointer Pro shows promise, the design needs refinement to truly excel. I would only recommend it to those willing to potentially modify it or those who primarily observe brighter objects.