Finder guiders?

[big bedroom]

I want to start guiding but I don't think my cg5 could carry the weight of 2 scopes and 2 cameras!

I've heard some people use finder scopes for guiding. I'm guessing the one that came with my 130pds won't be up to the task.

Any recommendations?

[thanders]

I have been guiding my SW Mak 1800mm using the 7x50 Finder and the SSAG guide camera.

/T

[Tinker1947]

This worked ok, Finder Guider with a Lodestar.......

[Leveye]

Zhumell makes a great 9x50 for $69.99.

[thanders]

The way it looks.

/T

[steppenwolf]

I sometimes use an Altair Astro 60mm Finder-Guider and this works very well indeed with imaging 'scopes up to about 1000mm focal length as well as being a lightweight solution.

[big bedroom]

Thanks. Looks like one of those is next on my purchase list.

I do have an old M42 lense that I've adapted to get use with my ccd camera. It's 200mm F3.5. Would that work for now or would it be a frustrating waste of a couple of nights?

[Astrosurf]

I use this with my QHY5 cam:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/skywatcher-9x50-finderscope.html

Good luck!

Alexxx

[Helite]

I am sure I seen a finder adapter on ABS the other day to turn it into a mini-guidescope. Gutted as I just shelled out for an Orion mini guidescope forgetting I had 2 SW finders sitting in a box.

[thanders]

For adapters look here:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/236157-adapter-to-connect-the-orion-ssag-to-my-50mm-guidescope/

/T

[big bedroom]

The Skywatcher 9x50 looks like the one I'll go for. How do you attach it to the scope? Just in the shoe?

[Astrosurf]

Yes, I just attach it with the holder it came with to the shoe. It's not absolutely tight, but I've not had any problems with it.

[David_Pickles]

Why not try an OAG? - that way you don't need a finder scope at all.

[big bedroom]

I had thought about OAG but heard it was tricky to set up.

I've ordered a finder scope and adaptor, hopefully they'll be here for the weekend when no doubt I'll have a few more questions!

[Shiinsuh]

Hi there

I have a Celestron CG5-GT, Mounted to it a SW 130pds with a 80mm guide scope on top. I also use a DSLR and can easily get 10min subs with out any trails. So if you do wish to get a guide scope the mount will take it, but is at the very limit of its carrying capacity.

[big bedroom]

Thanks for that Shiinsuh, good to know I won't be at my limits. Gonna try with the finder guider first, cheaper than a new scope.