Guide scope

[Alonsos]

Hi excuse me being thick but what is the function of a (guide scope) (mini guider focuser)is this another name for a Finder ? 

But it can't be because looking at getting the (Altair 10x60 right angled illuminated Finder scope)and as an extra you can buy a

(miniguider focuser) for use with the 60 mm Finder 

also do you think the Altair 10x60 Finder is over the top for fitting to my Skywatcher skymax 127 a- z Synscan

thanks Alonsos

[PeterCPC]

A guide scope is used with a guide camera when you need to do long exposure AP and it guides your scope by tracking a star as it moves. This enables the mount/main scope to stay on target. You would not use a guider with an Alt/Az mount normally - it's for EQ mounts.

Peter

[Tinker1947]

As said you only need it for imagine on a EQ Mount, a Telrad would be a better buy than Finder Scope....

[Alonsos]

Ok I just wanted to know what a guide scope was ( so I don't need that) thanks

ive got the skywatcher 127 which came with a little straight Finder (ouch neck ache)

so that's off now ! I fitted a Rigel quick Finder which is only simple but I find useful to find things quickly, and I've read people also fit an optical Finder also, seems a reasonable addition, so would the Altair angled 10x60 be a viable proposition or is it a case of overkill , I want to fit something half decent .

[PeterCPC]

I would have thought that something like this  https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/skywatcher-9x50-right-angled-erecting-finderscope.html

would do the job.

Peter

[brantuk]

The Altair 10x60 is a fairly large finder - I wouldn't use it on your mount - it'll work but you need to keep weight as low as poss with the alt/az - especially if you're using on board batteries. A Skywatcher 6x30 or 9x50 right angle finder is fine - the Rigel Quickfinder is light - and/or a red dot finder would be suitable. Hth

[Alonsos]

Is there a red dot Finder that has an angled view or do you have to look along the line of the scope ie possible neck ache ?

 

[brantuk]

RDF's tend to be straight through.

[laudropb]

A skywatchers RACI would be your best bet to beat the pain in the neck.