Do I need to worry about drift aligining when guiding?

[Johnboy2011]

If you are guiding does that supercede the need for a good drift alignment? Can you just do a standard polar alingment and let the guiding do the rest?

Thanks,

John

[steppenwolf]

There is no substitute for a good polar alignment as you will get field rotation if you rely on the DEC axis to make up any deficiency. However, a properly calibrated polarscope set up carefully gets pretty close for 2-3 minute exposures.

[ollypenrice]

As Steve says, you can't rely on guiding. Field rotation is the issue and if you want to do long subs you have to get it right. If it isn't, your corner stars will start to trail and the rest will soon follow!

Olly

[Johnboy2011]

Thanks, I thought it was unlikley I'd get away with being lazy!!

[kk4df]

It depends somewhat on what part of the sky you're shooting. I see less field rotation along the ecliptic, and more near the polar regions. I still do my best alignment, but I don't do any drift alignments.

[ollypenrice]

This is something the manufacturers need to work on. Takahashi have it off pat and iOptron are very good.

Olly