Suitable guide scope?

[benjii]

I found a telescope only listed as "STARLIGHT 80 TELESCOPE". From the picture I can assume it's a 80mm refractor with a basic EQ mount, for £50. However, would it be suitable as a guide scope and is it worth the money? Maybe if I knock it down a bit in price?

[benjii]

Anyone? If it's not, can someone clarify what makes an appropriate guide scope please? Thanks!

[Carl M]

Can't go wrong with a Skywatcher Startravel 80.

[benjii]

Is a short focal length important? As the one I mentioned appears to be resonably long.

[Carl M]

Both fast focal ratio and focal length are important in a guidescope. You need it to be fast to pick up fainter stars and reasonably wide FOV so that you have a range of stars to pick. I've never heard of a starlight 80 before so can't comment on that scope. ST80 is the normal choice of guidescope or a finder-guider.