Autoguiding Equipment Advice

[phodso]

Looking for advice on which scope to purchase as a guide scope ST80 or ST102.

It seems that the ST80 is a common choice, but is there any real advantage to having the 102 instead.

Also which camera the QHY5 or the QHY5v, or just go with the Philips wecam (Would it need modifying for long exposure or does it function well enough without).

[reddoss]

Two points about the ST80. Firstly it's lighter than the ST102 which may be an issue, depending on the mount you have and the weight of the rest of your imaging set up. Secondly it has a wider field of view, which means you get more guide stars to choose from.

[jgs001]

As above for the scope. For the camera, if you're possibly looking to do some lunar or planetary imaging then go for the 5v, otherwise the 5 is probably a better bet as the slightly larger sensor would give you more stars to choose from.

[ollypenrice]

The advantages are all with the 80 as mentioned already. I have two in regular use with Atik 16ic and Lodestar cameras and they never fail. Use the de-lensed Barlow body to get to focus. Make sure the rear focuser assembly is screwed tight into the tube (3 screws are easily visible), lock all push fit locksrews very tightly and lock down the focus lock screw when focused. It's a great guidescope.

We use an OAG on the 14 inch but give me a guidescope any day for shorter FL imaging.

Olly

[johnrt]

No advantage to the 102 - just more weight. Get the ST80, it's a great guide scope.

[phodso]

Thanks for the advice. I now have an ST80 in my possesion. Should hopefully have the camera by the end of next week.