Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. Sounds like the OAG is the way to go for guiding.
I'd prefer to use the C9.25" if possible (more light catching power) and have seen interesting results from stacking f/6.3 reducers (albeit in the EAA category).
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5...th-a-lodestar/
The focal reducer certainly causes some uneven lighting on the DSLR sensor, but a bit of cropping helps here
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6...ng/?p=10046413
With the DARV method, how low on the horizon does the star need to be? In my small backyard, I can only really go down to around 15 degrees elevation to the east or west, is this too high?