Guide scope and camera recommendations for smaller Svbony refractors

Rocksen · Feb 23, 2026, 04:43 AM

Owners of Svbony refractors, specifically smaller scopes like the SV550 80mm, what guide scope and guide cameras do you pair with your scopes or would recommend for someone starting DSO imaging? Also, is it worth purchasing the more expensive guiding gear?

For probably 10 years I used my Orion Star Shooter 50mm guide scope with my Orion Star Shoot camera. Worked perfectly for me but the camera finally gave out. I replaced it with the ASI290MM Mini because I wanted the added Pixels the 290 offered.

A little while later I decided to upgrade my guide scope to an Svbony 106 60mm for a “bigger eye” for my guider. Very pleased with the 106-guide scope. And its focuser is really easy to find very sharp focus with. Which I appreciate.

When starting out I did give it the good old college try to get an OAG to work for my 80mm telescope. Tried two different OAG’s. Couldn’t do it. I talked to support for the second OAG (high end at the time) and was told OAG’s were best for the bigger SCG and reflectors. Which was accepted practice then. As soon as I got the guide scope it was instant guiding success.

I still like individual components so I can pick and choose my equipment. I think these “Duo” cameras are still a little green and unproven. I’m not one to trust a new product until it’s been around and the problems are well documented. If someone likes the Duo concept, go for it. But if either camera develops undesirable traits or faults you’re out of the game. If you have other cameras such as I do, and you don’t have a separate guiding system, you have no guiding if you want to change for your duo to something different. My case I have an ASI2600MC Pro, and an ASI1600MM Pro cameras. I also have and Atik Infinity I never use anymore but can play with any with my guiding system being individual like it is.

I’m also not sold on the micro 30mm guiders either. My preference is to give PHD2 plenty of stars to choose from. Where I am PHD2 multi-star guiding grabs 9 stars consistently.

LOL! A Friend of mine back when starting out told me when I got my 80mm telescope that it would make a good guide scope when I got a bigger telescope. I did consider that but gave the 80mm to the grandkids to do visual with.

So with a guide scope system you can move it from telescope to telescope as you progress.