[steve000 (Steve)]

Hi Guys,

I would like first hand experiences on using guide scopes specifically your experience with short tubes up to 500mm and long tubes up to 1000mm

The aperture should be only around 70-80mm. The guide scope designs are similar to the cheap skywatchers typically the short tubes 70mm x 500mm and the 80mm x 500mm as well as the larger ones like the 70mm x 700 and 900mm. This design.

I ask this because I am planning on purchasing one for first use imaging the eclipse then use as a guide scope. The camera for the guide scope will be a SPC880 and probably an autoguider like the little orions but basically as webcam design.

Non first hand experience will be taken into account but id prefer someone who has actually used one or more sizes and how they felt.

Key points id appreciate covered are ease of finding guide stars, tracking and precision, and how they go with lower quality cameras.

If the points on this topic are comprehensive with Mike's permission I would like to turn it into an article.

Im sure this has been covered around the place, id like to collect up to date info and hopefully some fresh opinions.

Thanks heaps

Steve

In addition to this, opinions on using finders or finder size scopes as guide scopes.