Guidescope replacement

[peeb61]

Hi All,

I've been thinking of reducing the payload on my EQ6 Pro. Currently I run the main scope which is a Skywatcher 190mm MakNewt with a FL of 1000mm and a Skywatcher 102 with a FL of 500mm which is used as a guidescope.

Both are weighty scopes so I was looking at replacing the 102 guidescope to one of the smaller guidescopes as seen on the Bintel website?

Should I stick with what I have or would it benefit me more to replace?

Many thanks in advance.

Paul

[Startrek]

Paul
Maybe read my post in Astrophotography section titled Orion 60mm Guide Scope Proposal
There might be some info relevant to your question

[peeb61]

Thanks Martin, will have a look. :thumbsup:

[Saturnine]

Hello Paul

Maybe downsizing to an 80mm f400 scope for guiding would reduce the load by a kg, the 80mm weighs about 2kg. THe MN190 is 10kg so should be well within the load capacity of the EQ6 plus whatever the cameras and filters weigh. The problem with going to a smaller guide scope like the 60mm is the ability to find suitable guide stars in light polluted areas.

[Ukastronomer]

Get what I use for travel and Ha

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-evostar-80-ed-ds-pro-ota-full-kit.html

[peeb61]

Thanks Jeff, (How are yer!)
Just put an order in for a Skywatcher 80/400 hopefully this should reduce the weight a bit, (Every bit helps) I should see it either end of this week or early next, got a good price on it thanks to StarTrek Martin and Ryan Jones, two members here on IIS! The SW 102mm f5 I am using now is far too cumbersome and bulky even though there are plenty of guidestars to choose from I might add.

Paul

[peeb61]

Diolch yn fawr Jeremy,

Just purchased as mentioned in the previous post an 80mm to use as my guidescope, many thanks for your valuable input. :thumbsup:

Paul