Suggestions on a smaller guide scope? For use with SVBONY 305 PRO

[Cumbrianwolf]

Not sure if this should be placed in this section or not, but admin can of course edit it.

 

I currently have an 80 mm x 328 mm focal length (focal ratio: 1:4.1) guide scope, reason being is that it had to be this large as the blind as a bat autoguider by Skywatcher was my first guider. Now I like this scope but at nearly 1.5 kg I am really pushing my mount somewhat to the limit once all the kit is loaded up, and I think this is going to affect tracking as time goes on. So something smaller and more practical sounds like the order of the day to me. I currently only have a SVBONY 305 PRO as my guide camera which is a colour camera so less sensitive and as such I was not sure something as small as a 60 mm will be enough? A mono camera will come along at a later date, of course, so any suggestions welcomed.
 

[paul]

I use the ASI 290 (same sensor as yours) with a cheap 60mm ebay guide scope for guiding my 1200 fl newt. I am sure 50mm would work fine also. 

[Cumbrianwolf]

4 hours ago, paul said:

I use the ASI 290 (same sensor as yours) with a cheap 60mm ebay guide scope for guiding my 1200 fl newt. I am sure 50mm would work fine also. 

Those are the words I was looking for, as I was not sure the minimal aperture would be too limiting for the camera.

[paul]

The helical focuser on mine is alright but adjustment is sensitive with some shift when locking down. The optics are just ok for the job (I use a UV/IR filter). Its stable once everything is locked down and that's all that matters really. 

[Cumbrianwolf]

17 minutes ago, paul said:

The helical focuser on mine is alright but adjustment is sensitive with some shift when locking down. The optics are just ok for the job (I use a UV/IR filter). Its stable once everything is locked down and that's all that matters really. 

The helical focuser I use on the one I do have is not ideal with just one centre point to tighten down on the nosepiece of the camera, causing some tilt as I need to have it as far back as possible to reach focus, I do prefer the copper collet type constrictor that supports the whole area for lack of the better words. I think it has a built-in UV/IR filter as standard on the 305 camera.