BB> I have a right-angle 8x50 finder that I use on my Dob. I found BB> mounting rings to be exhorbitantly-priced...in many cases they cost BB> more than the finder Bruce,
I have seen a very effective and simple mounting that will serve the purposes you described for the 8x50 finder, but don't know how successful I'll be at describing the mount in a text format.
The mount utilizes a piece of PVC with an ID large enough to allow the finder to fit inside it with room for adjustment. The length is to be what ever is necessary to allow the eyepiece to remain outside the tube yet long enough to space the two sets of three adjustment screws. Either tap the adjustment screw holes or epoxy some nuts to the tube over the holes. This forms the "rings" for the mount.
The "feet" for the mount is a very simple contraption. Cut two strips of 3/4" (thinner stock would probably work to save weight) wood the length of the "ring" tube. You could substitute a foam sandwich for the wood to save on weight if that is a critical factor. The width of the wood is optional and should be determined by the desired height of the finder (clearance between finder and telescope tube). Space the two pieces of wood with another short piece. These three pieces of wood are stood on edge to form the letter "H". Drill a hole through the "crosspiece" of the "H" from edge to edge. Drill a corresponding hole in the center of the "ring" tube. A long bolt will be inserted up through the telescope tube, through the "crosspiece" and finally terminating in the inside of the "ring" tube.
If you wanted to make the mount more asthetic, you could taper the edges that come into contact with the finder tube and the telescope tube, though it really isn't necessary from a structural standpoint.
When tightened down, this mount is extremely solid and totally functional.
Mike
* RM 1.3 * Love of money is the root of all politics.