Help needed with CG-5 guiding options - PLEASE!!!!!

[mattytheshark]

Hi all.

Can someone give me some guidance please?

I want to try guiding my C9.25 telescope which is currently on a CG5 GT mount (not an ideal combo - I know)  I would like to do some fairly long exposures of perhaps 5 mins.

I was looking into getting the following equipment:

1) a 6.3 focal reducer

2) a mini guider of some description (to save on the weight issues I already suffer from).  Perhaps an Orion 50mm mini guide scope like this: 

http://www.telescope.com/Orion-Mini-50mm-Guide-Scope/p/99607.uts

Do I have any other options?  (Not feeling confident with getting an OAG by the way!)

Would this equipment work??  Any advice would be gratefull recieved!

[Leveye]

The Zhumell 9x 50 is much cheaper than the Orion and the same scope. I got mine new for just over 50 dollars.Check it. 

[Astrosurf]

I use a finder-guider with my scope. It's relatively cheap and very efficient. At least I find it so! I don't know if this thread would be useful to you?

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5806782/Main/5804129

Alexxx

[mattytheshark]

Thanks for that Alexx.  Which finder guider do you use?  

[Astrosurf]

I use the Skywatcher 9x50 one with a QHY5 mono camera. The old version. Modern Astronomy sell them as a kit. Bern, the owner, is a terrific man and really helpful. I can't say which cam would be best now as they've changed. But speak to Bern and ask advice. The old cams come up second-hand so keep an eye out. See Here:

http://www.modernastronomy.com/camerasGuider.html