It was well packed. Simple to attach and align to the telescope.

This is a great finder. Easy to use due to the erecting prism (when moving the telescope to the left the stars move to the right). I really like the cross hair patern. However, I had to fabricate a "base" out of 3/8" aluminum plate to get it to "mate" with the Orion dovetail base that mounts on my C-11HD. Most my friend can saw, drill, counter-sink and tap 3/8" aluminum..

I obtained mine with my 127 mm Explorer triplet OTA. The quality was fine and having a correct image orientation makes use easier. The illuminator is a little cheap and I replaced it with a Stellarvue; likewise the brackets had very little wriggle-room, so I put on a pair with more spacing between their inner surface and the finder - more room for adjustment. So it took at little tinkering, but I still prefer it over the competition.

I recently purchased a new Celestron 11 Edge HD and used the finder that came with it a few times before I added this finder that was bundled with the E.S. 102mm TED Guide/Astro scope. I thought the finder would be redundent with my existing unit. What A Difference! The Celestron finder can stay in its box now as this E.S. finder made a surprisingly large improvement in my overall scope-use satisfaction. Yes, you really do need to focus at least once to get a sharp image - that seemed like a strange complaint above. The reticle seems to be fine quality for a finder too - If I wanted to measure double star separation I would by a reticle eyepiece for the big scope that costs more than the whole finder assembly does. I also do not understand the battery complaint as it seems dead easy to change them. I have already recommended it to a friend who also just got a new HD scope - and was complaining about the stock finder.

Chris Partsenidis review above is basically spot on (if a bit too negative except that I suspect he needs to adjust the focus. It can be WAY out as shipped and need adjustment. I experienced the same problems as he described with supplied illuminator. It's low quality for sure. It also doesn't permit much actual intensity adjustment. I replaced it with a Rigel Systems PulseGuide Illuminator (also purchased from OPT.

I found this finder clear and sharp. The target display is crisp and useful with the centering circle. Built to a high standard, and looks great on my Planewave. The lumination device failed, but was immediately replaced. Good service and a good product. No complaints.