The Altair MiniGuider 60 or MG60 System is based on the very popular Altair 60mm Finder. This package includes a 60mm finder optical tube assembly, a special precision locking focuser for guide cameras, and a Vixen / Arca Swiss compatible dovetail.
The new "red trim" version has a variable length tube with heavy duty locking ring allowing more cameras to come to focus.
A good choice for autoguiding with scopes of 1.3m focal length, and more. The product is designed to provide you with a stable guiding optic to attach your guide camera such as Altair GPCAM or others, without having to use a separate heavy telescope. The package is ideal for astro-imagers who have a wide field portable imaging system. By keeping weight down, you're putting less demand on your mount, making it easier to balance, therefore tracking accuracy is improved. There are no plastic parts to warp, bend or flex.
The precision locking focuser* preserves the focal point, so you can remove your camera and re-insert it without losing focus. The result is quicker setup time. 3x Thumbscrews are spaced around the 1.25" barrel, so the camera body will not deflect during guiding. The barrel has a compression ring so that your camera will not be scratched or marred unlike cheaper guide scopes. The 60mm objective has a focal ratio of f3.75 and a focal length of 225mm.
The included Vixen/ Arca Swiss compatible dovetail bar allows you to attach the guidescope to an inverted clamp, or bolt it directly to your scope tube rings. two 1/4" UNC photo-threaded holes are included between the 3x slots for more flexibility in mounting.
The adjustable tube rings are light, yet rigid to stay in perfect alignment for autoguiding up to 1.3m focal length. The rings cannot twist or rotate because the dovetail bar they sit upon has a slight channel profile. The screws have special tips to avoid scratching the durable high quality and moisture resistant powder coat on the 60mm aluminium optical tube.
The objective lens is fully anti-reflection coated and the tube and dewshield are internally blackened to increase contrast. The high quality F3.75 achromat objective performs at the resolution limit.
* The precision locking focuser is available separately as an upgrade for customers who already have the Altair 60mm Finder, and who would like to use it for autoguiding with a webcam or autoguider head such as the Altair GPCAM, QHY5/Orion USA Starshoot, or in fact any other autoguiding camera with a 1.25" barrel.