Which finder/guide scope

[RussellH]

Quick question - which of these 4 to pair with an ASI120mm mini camera for guiding on a 6” GSO F6 Newtonian. The last two seem kind of heavy but look like good double duty to replace the stock finder scope.

1. ZWO 30F4 https://www.bintel.com.au/product/zwo-30f4-guidescope/?v=6cc98ba2045f
2. ZWO 60280 https://www.bintel.com.au/product/zwo-60280-guidescope/?v=6cc98ba2045f
3. Orion mini 50mm https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-mini-50mm-guide-scope/?v=6cc98ba2045f
4. Skywatcher 80mm x 400mm achromatic https://www.bintel.com.au/product/skywatcher-80mm-x-400mm-achromatic-ota/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Thanks.
Russell.

[Startrek]

Hi Russell,
I have used my Orion 50mm mini guide scope with helical focuser and a ZWO ASI 120 MM-3 guide camera running PHD2 for the last 18 months on my Bintel GSO 6” f6 newt without any issues ( other than initial set up )
I only use my Synscan hand controller for polar alignment. Once PA is done I unplug it , put it away and connect EQMOD via a EQ direct cable ( USB2EQ5) and operate my telescope using StellariumScope as the interface and Stellarium as my planetarium for Goto via my laptop which is 2 metres away in a purpose built outdoor workstation
All the above works extremely well. From power up and EQMOD connect I can find a magnitude 9 galaxy in 5 minutes , it’s that quick and accurate
I use the same set up with my other scope ( Bintel GSO 8” f5 newt and EQ6-R mount )
See attached photos of both my set ups 6” f6 newt in Sydney and 8” f5 newt south coast NSW holiday house
Cheers

[RyanJones]

Hi Russell,

I use a Skywatcher 80x400 on my 8” F/4 Newtonian combined with a Nextguide Autoguider ( pictured ). I’ve also used it to guide my C5 SCT. I think it’s a great guide scope. Easy to focus with a rack and pinion focuser. It also has quite a long dew shield which is pretty good at keeping the dew at bay. I bought mine from AstroAnarchy. $100 plus the extension tube it’s an absolute bargain. It comes with tube rings so you’ll have to swap them out for a pair of guide rings but apart from that I’d recommend it to anyone.

Cheers

Ryan

[RussellH]

Thanks guys.

I found a mistake on the Bintel site. Says the Orion mini is 1450gms when it should be 450gms! I’m concerned the Skywatcher is too heVy for the mount.I don’t know how heavy the stock finder it is replacing is or how much extra gear I’ll eventually add.

I’ve just found another contender though that has gotten decent reviews elsewhere. The Svbony on eBay https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.a u%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323726704918

The description looks good, and the price is certainly right. Anyone using this model? I’ll have to go search for caveats.

Oh I’m also looking to fit within the parameters of the Sharpcap Polar alignment process which suggests a 1-2.5 degree FoV and around 200mm FL. Something else to research - calculating this values from the specs - so much to learn, so little time....