How do I put a better finderscope on my AstroMaster or LCM scope?

May 25, 2011

If you don’t like the red-dot StarPointer that comes with your AstroMaster or LCM telescope, you can replace it with a different type of finder, an optical finderscope.

You can buy a lightweight, inexpensive finderscope in Celestron’s FirstScope Accessory Kit (#21024-ACC):

You can also purchase a finderscope from other third party vendors. A suitable finder is something close to 6x30 with a curved bracket to fit on the curved surface of the AstroMaster/LCM tube.

Here are instructions on how to remove the StarPointer and one way to mount the new optical finder. The finder used in this example is a generic 6x30 finder with a curved bracket.

  • First, take the telescope tube and locate the StarPointer mounting screws
  • Remove them with a Philips screwdriver. Gently pull off the StarPointer
  • Next, get a roll of double-sided foam mounting tape
  • Cut off about 2 in of the tape
  • Clean the telescope tube and the finder mounting bracket with alcohol.
  • Trim the tape to the size of the bottom of the finder’s mounting bracket. Peel off one side of the tape.
  • Put the sticky side of the tape on the finder’s bracket bottom. Press firmly with your fingers to assure proper adhesion.
  • Peel off the paper on the other side of the tape. Mount the finder on the tube. The best place is probably immediately behind where the StarPointer was mounted but on the tube itself. Be sure you have the finder properly oriented with the eyepiece towards the rear and the finder objective towards the front
  • Press the bracket down with your fingers to assure proper adhesion.


You can also drill holes and use nuts and bolts to hold your new finder. It can be done with either type of finder mentioned so far.

If you have a finderscope with a small base that stands high or a big finder like a 9x50, they are best mounted by using nuts and bolts.

NOTE: drilling holes in the tube must be done carefully so as not to get metal shavings in the tube or otherwise damage the scope. Drilling holes in the tube will void your Celestron warranty.

Updated 6/21/19