Finderscope or ST80 for guiding with CCD ????

[Skipper Billy]

What are the pros and cons of using either a converted 9x50 finderscope or ST80 for guiding an ED80 on a HEQ5 ??

I have both - the ST80 is in its standard rings bolted to a dovetail bar bolted to the rings of the ED80 - its very sturdy.

The finderscope has a much wider view and weighs less and has less windage.

But with the same camera (QHY5L2) which would give the better results with PHD2 ????

[Earl]

Both are viable options, personally i had more realiabilty out of the ST80

[orley]

I've been using the finderscope method for months now with my ED100 and QHY. Not once had an issue, albeit generally with 5-10 minute subs only. Earl, out of curiosity, in what ways do you find the ST80 way more reliable? It may be I need to consider options too!

[Earl]

I have never had much sucsess with a finder guider, either getting foucs, getting phd to calibrate etc, however ST80's and OAG have always been fine.