A little while ago Baader Planetarium released an updated version of its popular Sky Surfer V finder scope. Originally designed for military use, the Sky Surfer V has exceptional build quality with the unit being water resistant and shockproof and the optics fog proof, all of which should make it last for many years.
The finderscope is of the red-dot type, and can be used for both during daytime and night time astronomical use. The red dot has 11 brightness settings, with the three lowest brightness levels being suitable for astronomy. The large 40mm diameter optics allows both eyes to be used to help sight objects, and the optics are all multi-coated to provide maximum light throughput.
Sky Surfer V ready for night time use
The Sky Surfer V also has a nice and nifty feature for solar observers too. The unit comes supplied with two jump-cover (dust) protectors with the objective end cover having a 0.7mm centre hole and the rear cover having a 40mm diameter yellow opaque cross hair reticle (with UV/IR blocker). When both the covers are in their closed position the Sky Surfer V then works as a “camera obscura projection” solar finder for a quick and safe way of locating the Sun (note: please remember that your telescope should already have a safe solar filter on and that the Sun must never be viewed without a safety filter!).
Baader Sky Surfer V Red Dot Finder for daytime/Solar use with the jump covers up/on
The Sky Surfer V package includes the following items:
- Sky Surfer V body with dew shield/optical tube extensions (mounted on optical body)
- Front jump cover with a 0.7 mm through-hole for the finder to work as solar “camera obscura/pin hole projector” when the cover is closed
- Rear jump cover with a yellow glass cover with opaque crosshair reticle and UV/IR blocking filter
- Baader Universal Red Dot Mount
- Baader Standard mini dovetail Base
Sky Surfer V – items included in the package
You can read more about the Sky Surfer V in the instruction manual here. This useful accessory is available from ourselves or your local/favourite astronomy dealer.
