Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope — helical focuser, 1.25-inch and T2 camera connection The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope (item 0620170) works two ways: as an 8×50 illuminated-crosshair finder, and, with the eyepiece unit removed, as a 220 mm focal-length guide scope for autoguiding.
Manufacturer model: EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC 8x50 Finder and Guider Scope with Helical Focuser (0620170) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope (item 0620170) works two ways: as an 8×50 illuminated-crosshair finder, and, with the eyepiece unit removed, as a 220 mm focal-length guide scope for autoguiding.
The removable eyepiece unit has an adjustable red-illuminated crosshair with 1.0° scale markings, which you can focus separately from the main image. Explore Scientific specifies a 6.96° field of view and fully multi-coated (FMC) lens surfaces. With optional 1.25-inch eyepieces, magnifications of about 8× to 40× are possible, so the scope can also serve as a small travel telescope.
Remove the eyepiece unit and attach a guide camera through the 1.25-inch push-fit, held by a brass clamping ring and three screws, or the T2 (M42 × 0.75) thread. The focal plane lies approximately 22 mm behind the T2 thread. A precise helical focuser with a laser-engraved 0–28 mm scale lets you return to the same focus position each night. Explore Scientific specifies a maximum camera weight of 550 g.
The all-aluminium finder bracket has six large knurled adjustment screws with plastic tips. It fits Explore Scientific and Bresser Messier finder shoes, and a matching finder shoe is supplied. The shoe's mounting holes are spaced 31.7 mm on both axes.
| Manufacturer item number | 0620170 (current Bresser product number 14195) |
|---|---|
| EAN | 4007922063621 |
| Aperture and magnification | 50 mm; 8× with supplied eyepiece unit |
| Objective focal length | 220 mm |
| Field of view | 6.96° |
| Coatings | Fully multi-coated (FMC) |
| Close focus | 3 m |
| Crosshair | Adjustable red illumination; 1.0° graduation |
| Illumination power | 2 × LR41 button cells (included) |
| Magnification range with optional eyepieces | 8× to 40× |
| Camera connections | 1.25-inch push-fit; T2 (M42 × 0.75) |
|---|---|
| Backfocus | Approximately 22 mm behind the T2 thread |
| Focuser | Helical; 28 mm travel; 0–28 mm engraved scale |
| Maximum camera weight | 550 g |
| Finder shoe hole spacing | 31.7 mm on both axes |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 250 × 140 × 80 mm |
| Net weight | 800 g, including accessories |
| Material and colour | Aluminium; black |
| Manufacturer warranty | 10 years |
Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope product page · Instruction manual (0620170 / 0620180)
8x50 version (0620170, 220 mm FL), not the 10x60 (0620180, 250 mm FL) or the ES 8x50 illuminated finder 0620150. Guide camera via 1.25-inch or T2; focal plane approx. 22 mm behind T2 thread; max camera 550 g. Bracket fits ES/Bresser Messier shoes; shoe supplied, 31.7 mm hole spacing.
| Current product number | 14195 |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 8 |
| Field of view (°) | 6.96 |
| Close focus (m) | 3 |
| Crosshair | Adjustable red illumination; 1.0 degree graduation |
| Illumination battery | 2 x LR41 |
| Optional magnification range | 8x–40x |
| Backfocus (mm) | approx. 22 behind T2 thread |
| Maximum camera mass (g) | 550 |
| Finder shoe hole spacing (mm) | 31.7 |
| Net weight (g) | 800 |
| Material colour | Aluminium; black |
| Warranty years | 10 |
Data sheet
Specific References
Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope — helical focuser, 1.25-inch and T2 camera connection The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder and Guider Scope (item 0620170) works two ways: as an 8×50 illuminated-crosshair finder, and, with the eyepiece unit removed, as a 220 mm focal-length guide scope for autoguiding.
Manufacturer model: EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC 8x50 Finder and Guider Scope with Helical Focuser (0620170) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
