ZWO ASI 174MM Mini for Guiding

[Graeme1858]

Does anyone use a ZWO ASI 174MM Mini for guiding on an SCT with an OAG?

I was using an old QHY but it struggles now! So I tried my Altair GP Cam290C. the image in PHD2 was a lot larger but it was too dim and 2 x 2 binning is not available with that camera so I can't improve on the number of guide stars available.

The 174MM was recommended by a retailer but I don't want to over stretch the budget unless the results justify it.

Graeme

[JayTee]

Graeme, for less than half of what it will take to purchase the 174mm mini, how about the 120mm mini? Take a look at this.

https://www.highpointscientific.com/zwo ... cQEALw_wcB

Ps I moved you over to here for better search results.

[Graeme1858]

Yes, I started my search for a new Guiding camera with the 120MM but the retailer proposed the 174MM as a superior choice.

So I'm looking for a comment from someone with experience of guiding with a 174MM in an OAG on an SCT.

[XCalRocketMan]

I started with a ASI120mc on my EdgeHD11 with OAG and it failed miserably in finding suitable stars to guide on. I then moved to a QHY mono camera, which was better, but still had problems in sparsely populated star fields. I decided to spend the $$$ and get the 174mm to see if the higher sensitivity would solve my problems. I've been using it for a couple of years now and it has worked perfectly, always able to find a star. Highly recommended if you don't mind the high price point for a guide camera.

[Graeme1858]

I started with a ASI120mc on my EdgeHD11 with OAG and it failed miserably in finding suitable stars to guide on. I then moved to a QHY mono camera, which was better, but still had problems in sparsely populated star fields. I decided to spend the $$$ and get the 174mm to see if the higher sensitivity would solve my problems. I've been using it for a couple of years now and it has worked perfectly, always able to find a star. Highly recommended if you don't mind the high price point for a guide camera.

Thanks XCal. That's useful. I would be willing to stretch the budget for an effective solution.

I'm waiting for a clear night to try my ASI224MC. If that works I'll probably save my £££s for the next urgent need! But it's a colour camera so the guiding ability might be compromised.

FLO also have a 220 and a 290 in their sale. Too many options!!!

Graeme