What to put on top of the ED80

[Striker]

Guys and Girls,

I want to put a guide scope on top of the ED80...but I was thinking of getting a WO 80ED short tube so atleast then I dont double up on focal length.

Having a 600mm with a 480mm on top sounds good.

I would like to have the choice of using both scopes for guiding and imaging.

Any other recomendations...maybe even a small Mak??????

I dont want anything big.

Your recomendations please.....please be realistic.

To go on this set up.

[mick pinner]

l've got a Zenithstar 80 for sale.

[Lee]

Hey, this is the same setup I want to buy when I get home next year - nice to see it all set up! I was thinking I would put an illuminated 1* finder of sorts on top....

[Striker]

I know you do Mick....but I do want the 2" dielectric diagonal and need a set of losmandy guide rings to sit on the losmandy dovetail plate.

Otherwise I would definetly consider it.

[avandonk]

I have seen people use one of those 500mm F8 mirror lens as a guide scope as they are compact and light, one bolt attachment (get one with a tripod leg) and minimal flexure.You can get a new one on Ebay for less than an achromat.Even less second hand. Aperture is equivalent to about 70mm.

Bert

[ving]

seen little 90mm maks on ebay... would they do it?

[atalas]

Tony,go the WO 105 ED Triplet ! and an ED80 :evil:

[Dennis]

Be careful with any catadioptric 'scope for guiding - I hear they can suffer from mirror shift. This can cause guiding errors when the auto-guider on the guidescope chases the star, making the stars in imaging telescope elongated.

Cheers

Dennis

[Striker]

I am really considering the WO80 480mm.

Thanks Louie....but I dont have that kind of cash...anyway I want a laptop as well.

Very true about the Cat scope...thanks Dennis

[[1ponders]]

I blame me for this new desire for purchases. You liked that little carton refractor for guiding last weekend, didn't you Tony :lol: Except for the awkward siting postion :)

[beren]

:P http://www.atscope.com.au/specials.html

[Striker]

Thanks Stuart,

I have been looking at this for the last couple of days...but I would rather spend some of that money on a laptop...not only that...I would have to change all my current rings and plates to accomidate the bigger scope under the 80ed instead on top.

Yes I blame you Paul.

P.S I have the C11 pointed at Orion as we speak.....giving the G11 its first go at imaging tonight on the G11.

[janoskiss]

A cherry?

Suggestions to put an 80mm scope as guide scope on an 80mm scope just don't make sense to me. Unless you get another ED80 and make an ED80 binocular.

[avandonk]

Just realized Striker.Did you mean for autoguiding or manual?

Bert

[Striker]

autoguiding.....Bert

Once I get my laptop

[avandonk]

I use a 600mm F5 achromat for autoguiding with a focal reducer which drops it to 300mm at F2.5.I can always find a guidestar with the toucam as I have it magnetically mounted for easy lateral movement.I use this for the ED 80 and the Canon 300mm. Can post pic if you want it.

Bert