I needed a little guidescope for an ultra-portable rig that I'm putting together. As you can imagine, you're not getting a premium product at this price, but it's certainly a capable little scope. I tested it with a couple of eyepieces and was pleasantly surprised by the very good colour correction for a 30mm f/4, and the flat field. I was also impressed that it came with a selection of mounting feet: a standard Vixen 44mm dovetail, a standard 34mm finder-shoe dovetail, and an Arca QR plate. These are attached to the stem with a 1/4"UNC photographic threaded cap bolt; so the finder could probably also be mounted on a scope ring that has the piggyback mounting screw. The cap bolt requires a 3/16" Allen (hex) wrench; some 1/4" UNC cap bolts now come with metric hex heads, and this obviates the need for metric and imperial Allen key sets.

Some things are not so impressive. The faux carbon fibre covering is obviously faux, entirely cosmetic and, hence unnecessary. The focusing is achieved by rotating the objective lens; when you do this, the image wanders in a circle, suggesting that manufacturing and/or QC tolerances are a tad lax. Whilst it's very nice to have the option of mounting the camera either directly onto the T-thread or using a 1.25" nose-piece, the scope cannot be rotated in its mounting ring so the T-thread option would be pot-luck if you are fussy about the orientation of your guide camera.

These are merely minor irritations, not deal-breakers; you get what you pay for and the price is a fair reflection of this cheap and cheerful, yet capable, little scope. If I could, I would have given it 4.5 stars.

It works but there are a couple of niggles.
1) The bolt holding the scope to the base plate needs an imperial sized allen key, not metric and the threaded hole is likely an imperial size as well. Annoying for a European customer when everything is metric
2) There is a tendancy for the ring which holds the lens in place to rotate as you are turning the scope to focus it. So the lens comes loose and it all needs tightening up again
(And it doesn't half squeal as you adjust the focus.)
Once all set up, none of these things should trouble you any more.

I have been setting up a small rig that uses a cooled OSC with a lens and I wanted a small guidescope to allow longer exposes. It arrived last week and I have had the opportunity to test and I am very happy. I had it focused within a couple of minutes and the guiding was good. I'm very happy with this for the price compared to equivalent guidescopes.

So the guide scope just got here and I remember ordering a 32 mm guide scope but when I just took it out of the package it says it's 30 mm on the package even though it's the exact same scope depicted here so I'm kind of confused on why that is. But as a loyal customer to first light optics I'm sure there must just be something that I'm missing because first light optics have been nothing but good to me! They have always made sure I've gotten a great product, all the way over here in America. So zero complaints out of me. Thank you to the awesome team a First light optics!!! I can't wait to try guiding for the first time. You guys Rock! I ordered through -Astro biscuit- on YouTube's link so he gets the credit. Awesome you guy's and gal's do that over there.

Good quality, all metal, works very well with my zwo asi camera. Well packed and fast shipping. Thanks to FOL for their professional and excellent service.

I was looking for a mini guide scope to go with my DSLR and 400+mm lens for those trips (currently UK) to more remote and and less than Bortle 5 areas that involve a bit of trekking (not lugging the big stuff around!)
After following reviews on the popular websites & forums - much praise was given to this small, lightweight unit.
I agree with those comments already posted by others as to how well made this unit is, all the threads have been cut very well and that follows with the very large range made available for focusing by the sheer extent of threads.
no need to pull the guide camera out from mounting point to get focus (helps maintain full 'tube' rigidity )
A very easy unit to install and use (in my case properly mounted on a purpose cnc machined 'L-bracket) in parallel with the camera lens.
Unfortunately since receiving the unit, the nighttime conditions have been extremely poor and the two cold clear-ish nights very recently had atrocious 'seeing' - English weather!
So I have not been able to test the clarity & tracking over a long period, but it did work surprisingly well for the short period in less than 'poor seeing'
I certainly recommend this unit - very well made
Lightening quick delivery from FLO - brilliant service

Looking for a guide camera and scope combination can be daunting. After some research and reviews decided on the Astro Essential 32mm. Not disappointed. A quality made product that does want I wanted. It is light Weight but that does not mean poor quality. All metal construction with reassuring feel and build. I would recommend this to anyone.

I have had this little guide scope for several months now and it has been used on every clear night. The quality of construction and materials is way better than anticipated and leaves little to be desired. It focusses smoothly and locks into position very well. A range of feet are supplied which was great. I use the Arca swiss plate as it is the lightest and allows me swap between scopes easily. I team it with a 120mini and it works really well. I have never failed to get enough stars to make full use of the multy star guiding in PHD2. Top notch 5 minute subs are now routine with my 700mm televue.
A very effective little scope and astonishing value.

I must admit I was pleasantly surprised upon receiving this little scope, for the price it is well made, and visually pleasing as it is finished in a gun metal grey. Although I have not had the chance to use this yet due to our rubbish weather, I think it will live up to all expectations. Good clear lens and a fine choice of mountings. Most important of all, very affordable.

The guide scope is well made, the optics' quality is very good, and for £59 it is definitely worth it. Recommended!