Side by Side vs Piggyback

[Anthonyexmouth]

Which option do people consider best? 

I've been running my imaging scope next to my ST80 guide scope for a few years but recently started to wonder if my thinking was off. I was thnking keeping the weight closer to center of rotation is best but would the reduced weight of not having the side by side bar and the easier balancing be better? 

[900SL]

I've gone side by side. The vixen plate and bracket adds a kilo or so, but the  center of mass is lower, and I can separately align each scope. I also have the guide scope side mounted, reduces the counterweight and keeps the top clear for PC, powerbox etc. The increased PMI about Dec axis doesn't seem an issue

Edited June 24, 2023 by 900SL

[Anthonyexmouth]

9 minutes ago, 900SL said:

I've gone side by side. The vixen plate and bracket adds a kilo or so, but the  center of mass is lower, and I can separately align each scope. I also have the guide scope side mounted, reduces the counterweight and keeps the top clear for PC, powerbox etc. The increased PMI about Dec axis doesn't seem an issue

I'm pretty sure that side by side is the best but just thought I'd check what others are doing.