Takahashi - Launch of the new auto-guider α-SGR3

[Hans Tucker]

The Japanese translation is very poor but the pictures have me excited enough.

[Octane]

Wow. :O

H

[MrB]

I like. Looks like it is built for function, not built for style.
Will be interesting, can't wait to see some reviews and a price.

Edit:
As you mention Hans, the translation isn't great (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com.au&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.takahashijapan.com/ct-news/news_121001_a-sgr3.html&usg=ALkJrhhhw3DxAKcQEk026cI_r6uzS59 fuw), but atleast the specs are readable.
126,000 Yen ~= AU$1500
Hmmm, kinda pricey, think I'd rather a Lodestar or ST-i

[gregbradley]

Its pretty chunky. Specs show a 410,000 pixel interline CCD camera that can be cooled.

The integrated guiding scope looks solid as - so that may be very good to combat flex.

Still its a bit old fashioned in that the move is more towards integrated off axis guiders not guide scopes and their inherent problems of flex.
You may get away with it up to 1000m focal length and then after that it would be a lot harder.

Its hard to see how it can be competitive against SBIG STi or Lodestar and guide lens accessory if its $1500 just for the camera not including the guide scope.

Greg.