Guide Scopes

Guide Scopes for Astrophotography — Stable Autoguiding for Better Stars

Autoguiding improves tracking by monitoring star position with a guide camera and sending correction pulses to the mount. The practical benefit is measurable: reduced star elongation, more consistent subframes, and fewer throwaways during long integrations.

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Selection guidance (no fluff)

  • 32mm: optimized for low mass and compact rigs; excellent when balance margin is tight.
  • 50mm Gen II: versatile “daily driver” size for many refractors and imaging Newtonians.
  • 60mm Gen II: increased guide-star availability and stability—useful for longer focal lengths or narrower framing.
  • 60mm (Helical Focuser): a strong option when you want a robust focus mechanism and a stiffer guiding solution.

Setup notes that affect guiding

  • Mechanical stability: rigid mounting reduces flex and improves guiding consistency.
  • Spacing/focus troubleshooting: reduce adapter complexity first; then add spacing only as needed using the M42 to 1.25" Extension.
  • Repeatable focus: lock focus once achieved, then leave the guider alone.

Need a recommendation for your telescope/mount combo? Contact us and we’ll help you match the right guider to your setup.