[DKJ757]

Long before I joined this forum, some earlier posts discussed finder scopes for the series 5000 80mm APO, but the links contained in that thread are now dead.  Since I have only seen photos of these scopes, and none of the photos I have seen show any kind of a mounting bracket,  I would like to know how a finder scope would be mounted on a Meade 80mm APO.  Any information would be appreciated (a call to Meade was not very helpful). I am interested in perhaps getting an 80mm APO to be used primarily for variable star observing. 

Keith

[wsuriano]

You're right, there is no bracket for a finder.  The field of view is pretty wide, so what you really need is a low power finder.  Many people with this scope just use a red dot finder that they attach with a bracket and double sided tape.  That's what I have done with mine and it works great.  The Explore Scientific version of this scope comes with an 8X50 finder scope, case, diagonal, and a dual speed focuser.  You may want to think about it.