45mm / 50mm finder/guidescope

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:36 pm

Hi guys,

I wonder if you all have any recommendations on
45mm / 50mm finder/guidescopes
that can sometimes be transformed into a super grab and go set up.
I have seen some reviews on Borg and stellevue F50M2 too.
But am not sure or wonder if there are better or on par types for my consideration as well.
All the senior astronomer's input is greatly appreciated.

thanks all,
Shirox

andeelym · Post by **andeelym** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:34 pm

I am actually aiming for the AT65EDQ to do such a role.

Can be used as a guidescope, a grab and go and also a capable astrophoto scope.

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:46 pm

nice. there stated $549USD.
i assume will be around 800 with shipping?

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:46 pm

Shirox: I posted the same question re: 50mm guidescopes. Check out this link:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/ ... ll/fpart/1

If its a really light setup you're after with grab-and-go ability, why not consider the AT66 or AT72 by Astrotech? It does have a bit more light-grabbing power although its not quite as portable as the "little rascal"

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:03 am

little rascal seems to have overwhelming ratings haha.
there's a 50mm, 60mm and 80mm version also

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:18 am

Well, it is USD150 WITH clamshell and diagonal. Hard to beat for value.

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:27 am

the 60mm version is nice too for 30 more

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:06 am

http://www.kwtelescope.com/KWT_KWIQ.htm

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:44 am

someone is selling a WO66 here somewhere..

that would make a decent guide scope. add a flattener and you can even use it for imaging!

does anyone have a star field taken with the 65EDQ at 100% pixels? i'd like to see the corners.

the corners on my WO70 + flattener aren't perfectly round (slightly eggy) but much better than without the flattener.

andeelym · Post by **andeelym** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:43 am

Personally, I wouldn't go for doublets. Its triplets or nothing. Since I am going to use it more than for guiding. Its going to be my travel workhorse as well.

And my choice of AT65EDQ is that its a triplet with a FF built-in. Rather than the rascals and AT66 which are doublets.