[Scooter]

Hi Folks,

Looking for a guiding solution for my setup which is currently 12” Newt on an EQ6Pro (might get a smaller scope soon more on that later).

Was thinking either an Orion Starshoot Autoguider (seen for ~ $450) or a QHY-5 (QGuider seen for ~ $380). Anyone care to offer opinions etc? Guess the budget was ~$500 so then these 2 appear to be the options.

Now was thinking to look at off axis guiding as well as separate guide scope so I can see 3 options for an off axis guider, Lumicon 2” Newt (will this work with an ED80?) for about ~$380, Orion deluxe off axis guider for about ~$200 and lastly a Meade off axis guider for $140. These all do the same thing or do I assume the more expensive it is the better? Which one should I marry up to the guiders listed above?

Lastly I was thinking of getting a smaller scope so was looking at an SW ED80Pro ~$700 but I notice the Blackdiamond can be had for ~$1100. What would my extra $400 be getting me?

Thanks in advance