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Bintel sell an autoguider package that seems very inexpensive.
Its worth checking out their site. I can't comment on the camera they use with it though.
Generally though you do not need a long focal length scope as a guide scope. A short focal length
works. Rigidity is important so how it is mounted counts.
I have used an Astrotech 66ED as a guide scope for a few years and it is only something like 350mm
focal length. I never have trouble getting a guide star and they are nice and sharp.
I use Losmandy guide scope rings mounted on their D mount I think they are called.
Cameras - there are several choices now. I use an SBIG 402 ME but they are about US$1200.
I also have a Starlight Express Lodestar which is nice and light. I have had 2 of them though and they both suffered from artifacts so it sounds like you've been there and done that! Starlight express are bringing out a cheaper
version of it for about US$399 or so. QHY cameras are often noted as being used as autoguiding cameras on this site.
The smaller ones. An Atik 383 I believe is a good one. Lots of choices these days. SBIG have a new one called the STi that looks good.
Similar to the Lodestar but with a physical shutter to make it easier to get darks and with a Kodak KAI340 chip which probably
is the better one to use than the other brands. I think SBIG is on a winner with that little guide camera. The same size as an eyepiece,
small and light and a nice chip with a physical shutter and powered by the USB cable. Lovely and neat.
Greg.
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