Is anyone using an 8 x 50 finder as a guide scope?

[michaelmorris]

I've been reading up on autoguiding recently and several articles/websites mention good success using an 8 x 50 finderscope for autoguiding with a wide field refractor.  Whilst most of these articles seem to relate to hacking the back off a cheap 8 x 50 finderscope, it struck me that as the Antares 8 x 50mm finderscope takes 1.25" eyepieces, it may not be necessary to get out the old hacksaw to convert it to a guidescope. 

Has anyone got any experience of connecting up a guidecsope (in my case a Meade DSI-C) to one of these finderscopes?   Will a DSI-C reach focus with one of these findecsopes? (I'm looking at the simple straight through design).                                     

[UKAndy]

Hi there - I've only just found this forum, but am just about to embark on guiding... and to begin wit

[swashy]

I have tried using my Antares 50mm finder as a guidescope, but was limited by using a SC1 modded toucam as the guidecam, I could reach focus usuing a bit of ingenuity, but went back to guiding with a refractor, as I simply wasn't getting enough guide stars available, it may be different with a more sensitive camera?

[disraeli]

I use a Meade DSI C for guiding connected to a 500mm old telphoto lens using a mogg adaptor http://moggadapters.com/astro/adapter.asp I think he may be able to help. good prices and quick delivery. I usually get enough guide stars . Fred.

[Roger Banks]

I know Bern does an adaptor for the QHY5 that fits the Skywatcher finderscope without modification...

[michaelmorris]

I know Bern does an adaptor for the QHY5 that fits the Skywatcher finderscope without modification...

Where is it on his website?  (I've looked but I can't find it.)

[Merlin66]

I'm currently using an old Zuiko 135mm lens with the DSI II as an electronic finder. I made up an adaptor from a x2 convertor. ( The Mogg adaptor I bought is for a Zuiko/Oly to DSI I -!!!!! - currently for sale)
This set up works well for me, but I'm not sure it would be 100% for guiding....

[michaelmorris]

I've looked into using a camera lens, but have concluded that it will cost more and is likely to be heavier and less rigid (= greater flexure) than the finderscope solution.

[bern]

I know Bern does an adaptor for the QHY5 that fits the Skywatcher finderscope without modification...

Where is it on his website?  (I've looked but I can't find it.)

Not up yet as I wanted to do some testing of the concept, but so far the system has worked perfectly
I got nice 5 and 10 minute shots of M27 @ 900mm FL guided with the finder @ 180mm
Some adjustment to PHD settings was required, and a little care needs to be exercised, but nothing untoward.

Anybody interested in the adapter or a combination of QHY5/finder and adapter please get in touch, as numbers will be limited, at least initially.

bern

[KARLOSFD]

Do you sell the adapter plate separately Bern ??

[bern]

Do you sell the adapter plate separately Bern ??

Yep, you'll be able to buy all components separately or together.
I'll make an announcement as soon as pricing and eta are sorted.

bern

[KARLOSFD]

Michael, I've made a couple from 9x 50's but here's a recent thread too

http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/108954-modification-finderscope-make-finder-guider.html

[michaelmorris]

Do you sell the adapter plate separately Bern ??

Yep, you'll be able to buy all components separately or together.
I'll make an announcement as soon as pricing and eta are sorted.

bern

It strikes me that a nice rigid pair of mounting rings for the finder might be a good compliment to such a package.

[bern]

Adapter is made http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accAdapters

bern