Off Axis/radial Guider ?

[bluescope]

Ok guys .... which is best brand, price and from where ?

Lumicon ?

Meade ?

Celestron ?


Thanks !

Steve

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

The answer depends on the telescope.
I see from your signature you have Newt reflectors, both the Meade and Celestron OAG are obviously designed for SCT applications, to use either you'd need something like the Orion PF adaptor which would then allow a 2" connection. Having used both, my personal preference would be the Celestron Radial guider, gives easier star location.
The issue with Newtonians is getting enough back focal length to insert the body of the OAG, you need to check out the available space.
The Lumicon units are 100%. I originally used the short body Newt version on the 18" f4.5, with the built in flattner/ coma corrector. After many years I've finally gone for the Giant Easy Guider which I now use on the LX200. Easy to use, easy to set up and does its job. ( Also comes with a 80mm x 0.6 focal reducer!)
BTW I use an old ST-4 on the OAG.

[jase (Jason)]

Lumicon OAG's would have to be one of the best options available today for SCT's and Newts. The fact that they integrate a focal reducing lens into the design makes them very flexible to the astrophotographer.

Though, there are plenty of options out there - you just need to do some research and work out your budget.
http://www.taurus-tech.com/tracker.htm
http://www.sbig.com/sbwhtmls/moag.htm

My only tip in using an OAG is make sure you get the right extension tubes etc so that when you reach focus with the main imaging camera, you are also able to reach focus with the guiding camera. In some cases, depending on your imaging train, the critical focus zone can be different between the two hence you'll need the right adapters to remedy this.

[bluescope]

I thought the Lumicon would be the go .... MyAstroShop has the Easy Guider for $295 in 1.25" and 2".

I'll check the links from you as well Jase and thanks for the tip on extension tubes etc.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Merlin66

The answer depends on the telescope.
I see from your signature you have Newt reflectors, both the Meade and Celestron OAG are obviously designed for SCT applications, to use either you'd need something like the Orion PF adaptor which would then allow a 2" connection. Having used both, my personal preference would be the Celestron Radial guider, gives easier star location.
The issue with Newtonians is getting enough back focal length to insert the body of the OAG, you need to check out the available space.
The Lumicon units are 100%. I originally used the short body Newt version on the 18" f4.5, with the built in flattner/ coma corrector. After many years I've finally gone for the Giant Easy Guider which I now use on the LX200. Easy to use, easy to set up and does its job. ( Also comes with a 80mm x 0.6 focal reducer!)
BTW I use an old ST-4 on the OAG.