Guidescope choice

[BlueAstra]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Acension Star Sky 80 or 90 for use as a guidescope, in comparison with the 'usual' SW ST80?

[Whippy]

I'm guessing you mean this one: Ascension Star Sky 80 refractor telescope. .

To be honest, I can't see any advantages this one has over the ST80. It has a longer focal length which means a more narrow field of view (less chance of finding a guide star) and it's more expensive. It's probably a nice scope for what it is, but for guiding optical quality isn't that important.

Tony..

[moocher]

Just to back up what Whippy said it doesn`t matter about optical quality of the guidescope as long as you get a decent focus (centriod) for the software to lock onto. I for instance am using a 80mm f11 celestron (cost me £25!!!) but i do have VERY adjustable guidescope rings!!!

Alan:)

[BlueAstra]

Thanks for the replies. I had an opportunity to acquire the 90 for not much more than the ST80 price. I think it has the same focal length, but with a slightly bigger aperture.