Lumicon refractor easy guider

Anyone tried these out yet? I'm thinking of picking one up. It would save me the $$ of mounting a guidescope on my already taxed Vixen GP. I'll be shooting with my ST-237 through my TV-102.

I had used one when I first tried phototgraphy with my AP130, and for visual guiding, it did get the eyepiece into some very uncomfortable positions! It also has issues on finding a guide star at the right distance from the object you are shooting. Other than that, it does work better on a refractor than on a fast newt or SCT as the star images look better to guide on. I used one when my mount was a bit light, so they work well, and with an autoguider, you don't have to worry about getting to the eyepiece other than set up.

Check out Taures-Tech's short OAG's. I found their off-axis guiders are superior to Lumicon's in many ways, although more expensive (I use the Tracker III. No association other than a satisfied customer).

http://www.taurus-tech.com/

Cheers,
Jason

Luis,

I have not tried the Lumicon. But my thoughts:

Why would anyone go with an off axis guider on a refractor. It can be so difficult finding a guide star, and getting into position to guide off of it, complared to a separate guide scope.

I know about differential flexure, and you have a good point that your mount is already heavily loaded----but still, Off axis guiding is such a pain in the butt.

I can see that it is a good idea with mirror shift in an SCT--but I do anything to avoid Off axis guiding.

Alex

Luis,
I don't know what your budget is, but have you seen the "Targetron" (wow, it sounds like some 50's sci-fi movie weapon-of-doom!) made by Paul Van Slyke. He is having a sale on all his equipment right now. I just LOVE my microglide focuser. The construction is first rate and is engineered for perfection. You'll do well considering this piece.

Regards,

Bryan Gumm
C11, SV102EDT, SXm516 and the venerable toUcam