Guiding Scope Rings with Finder Dovetail Mounting Plate - Adjustable

In this review the Guiding Scope Rings with Finder Dovetail Mounting Plate are evaluated for amateur and semi-pro astronomers who need a reliable way to mount a guide scope parallel to their main telescope. The bottom line: these rings deliver solid build quality and useful alignment features, making them a practical choice when you want a stable, adjustable mount for guide scopes between 38 and 72mm. The review focuses on real installation details, mounting flexibility and whether the included Synta-style dovetail bar is convenient for common telescope setups.

Key Features

• Adjustable diameter: The rings clamp guide scopes from 38 to 72mm, providing a broad fit range for common small guidescope tubes without adapters.
• Secure thumbscrews: Knurled thumbscrews with nylon tips make it easy to tighten the guide scope firmly while avoiding marring the tube finish.
• Multiple threaded holes: Each ring offers three M6 threaded holes on the bottom plane so you can attach the rings to custom bars or dovetail plates with stable mounting points.
• Synta-style dovetail bar: The dovetail bar fits into widely used Synta-style finder bases, allowing direct mounting to many telescopes without extra hardware.
• Multifunction holes: The dovetail bar includes two M6 countersunk holes, a central 1/4'-20 hole, two M6 holes at 20mm spacing and two M8 holes at 35mm spacing for flexible accessory attachment.
• Locating grooves: Two built-in locating grooves on the bar help maintain precise alignment of the rings for repeatable positioning and accurate guiding setup.

Who It's For

This product is best for astrophotographers and serious visual observers who use a separate guide scope and need a compact, sturdy mounting solution that fits a range of small guide tubes. The combination of adjustable rings and a Synta-style dovetail bar makes it a practical option for those using mounts or telescopes with finder bases compatible with Synta standards.

Less suitable users include those whose guide scopes fall outside the 38 to 72mm diameter range or people who require a quick-release, single-hand detachment system; this kit uses thumbscrews and threaded connections intended for secure, semi-permanent mounting rather than ultra-rapid swaps.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality noted by customers, giving confidence in long-term use on field setups.
• Good alignment aids, including locating grooves and offset hole options that help keep the guide scope precisely positioned.
• Versatile mounting options on the dovetail bar with multiple thread sizes and spacings for accessories or custom adapters.
• Thumbscrews with nylon tips protect the guide tube finish while providing secure clamping.

Cons

• Not ideal for guide scopes smaller than 38mm or larger than 72mm without additional adapters.
• The system uses multiple threaded connections, which is secure but not as fast as proprietary quick-release mounts for frequent swaps.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Guiding Scope Rings with Finder Dovetail Mounting Plate are a practical, well-made option for anyone mounting a small guide scope alongside a main telescope. They offer strong alignment features and flexible threaded mounting points that justify the purchase for users who prioritize secure, repeatable positioning over ultra-fast release. For most amateur astrophotographers using guide tubes in the specified diameter range, this kit represents solid value and dependable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these rings fit my guide scope?
They fit guide scopes with diameters between 38 and 72mm; measure your guide tube outer diameter to confirm compatibility.

Can the dovetail bar attach to common finder mounts?
Yes, the bar is Synta-style and designed to fit many telescope finder bases that accept that dovetail form.

Are the thumbscrews safe for painted or anodized tubes?
Yes, the knurled thumbscrews include nylon tips to reduce the risk of scratching or marring a tube finish.