60mm guide-scopes on ebay

[luka]

I just came across these 60mm ebay guide-scopes (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/60mm-Compact-Deluxe-Guide-Scope-Kit-w-1-25-Double-Helical-Focuser-US-free-ship-/302348480350) with helical focuser? They look like Chinese copies of the 3x more expensive Orion focuser. (https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-60mm-multi-use-guide-scope-with-helical-focuser/)

Has anyone used them? Any comments about the quality? Are they good enough to be used as guide scopes?

Thanks in advance,
Luka

[LewisM]

myastroshop.com.au has been selling them for $195 AUS for ages.

http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-017F

Bintel's price seems to be typical brand name gouging for the SAME product.

[luka]

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Any comments how good they are? I suppose requirements for a guidescope are quite low.

[glend]

They are very similiar to the ZWO 60mm guide scope, which has been around a long time.

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/products/accessories/finder-and-guider-scope/

I have used one for a long time without problems.

[Merlin66]

Yeah, they are pretty good.
I mounted one in ADM rings and fitted the DMK51 as an electronic finder.
Works well.

[doppler]

I bought one of the 50mm versions of the same scope. They are well built, quite solid, are baffled internally and have a reasonably long dew shield. They work great as a finder guider as long as you keep all the screws nipped up tight. The Aussie dollar is high so the prices are great.
btw mine was supposed to come from china, but was sent from a Sydney warehouse in under a week.

[LewisM]

Sounds like "phiber" sent you yours.

[luka]

:thanx: to everybody for their answers. Already ordered.

Considering how cloudy it has been in Perth for the past few months hopefully I will not have to wait until summer to test it ;)

[simon_rl]

I have one, it is well made with full metal construction and easy to focus. It works well for auto guiding, although in saying this I have switched to OAG and only use the scope for polar alignment with SharpCap polar alignment routine and it is great for that job as well.