Tired of your illuminator dying mid-session or struggling to see in dark skies? The Explore Scientific Illuminator II solves both problems with ultra-efficient battery life and smooth, adjustable brightness — making it the perfect upgrade for your illuminated finder scope.
Compatible with Explore Scientific VFEI0850–01 and VFEI0850-RA models and most other scopes that use a standard threaded illuminator, this unit delivers 100x the runtime of traditional coin-cell units thanks to its use of 2 AAA batteries (not included).
With a twist-to-adjust brightness ring, you can fine-tune the illumination from ultra-dim for dark-sky environments to bright enough for urban use. Installation takes seconds — just unscrew your old illuminator and screw this one in.
Whether you're a deep-sky observer or casual backyard astronomer, this is the essential upgrade for frustration-free nighttime alignment.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- Compatible with most standard threaded illuminated finder scopes
- Designed for Explore Scientific VFEI0850–01 and VFEI0850-RA
- Powered by 2 AAA alkaline batteries (not included)
- 100x longer runtime than traditional button-cell illuminators
- Twist-to-adjust variable brightness control
- Simple, tool-free installation
🌟 Who It’s For
- Astronomers tired of replacing button-cell batteries
- Deep-sky observers needing ultra-low brightness options
- Anyone using a finder scope in light-polluted or dark-sky locations
- Telescope owners upgrading from stock illuminators
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to Do
- Achieve better visibility through your finder in any lighting conditions
- Spend longer hours observing without replacing batteries
- Avoid accidental over-brightening that ruins night vision
- Instantly replace worn-out or underperforming illuminators
🎒 What’s Included
- Explore Scientific Illuminator II
- (Batteries not included)
Specs
| Product Type | Illuminator II – Long Battery Life Reticle Light |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | VFEI0850–01, VFEI0850-RA, and most standard-threaded illuminated finders |
| Brightness Control | Variable (ultra-dim to high intensity) |
| Battery Type | 2 × AAA Alkaline (not included) |
| Battery Life | 100x longer than standard button-cell models |
| Installation | Thread-in replacement (tool-free) |
| Length | 4.764 in / 121 mm |
| Width | 0.685 in / 17.4 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 oz |
| Item Number | FNDRILLUM-02 |
Warranty Information:
This product includes a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase.
To activate your warranty, register your product at:
www.explorescientific.com/pages/product-registration