Imaging with the SkyGuider Pro and a 200mm Lens

I have had a chance to use the iOptron SkyGuider Pro with a Canon T3i/600D modified camera and 200mm lens on few occasions now and feel comfortable with the setup now.  One of the reasons I wanted a portable setup like this is for traveling and another reason is for imaging objects larger than my telescope field of view (FOV).  I am happy to say this works really well and satisfies both reasons for getting this setup.

There are several really good videos by people more knowledgeable on using the SkyGuider Pro than I am and have included links to a few of them:

Peter Zelinka:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jssf2ffHYbc

AstroBackyard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFnTm30bzBw&t=159s

Universal Observations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM377PW7fV8

However, I wanted focus in on the use of a 200mm lens.  What makes using the 200mm difficult it is right on the fence of the weight limit iOptron recommends for the mount without using the counterweight.  iOptron recommends 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs for the weight limit and that is what the camera and lens together weigh.  If the ball head is added the weight becomes 1.8 kg or 4.0 lbs.  

After contacting Peter Zelinka with regard to this who suggested the counterweight may not be needed, I imaged the Seagull Nebula taking one minute exposures without the counterweight.

Seagull Nebula (IC 2177) and Thor's Helmet (NGC 2359)
Location: Home Monroe, CT
Date: 4-1-19
Camera: Canon T3i/600D modified
Lens: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Focal Length: 200mm
f/3.5
Mount: iOptron SkyGuider Pro on a Manfrotto Tripod
Filter: Astronomik UHF Clip-in
Autoguiding: none
Exposure: 25 x 60s
ISO: 1600
Processing: DSS, PixInsight, Photoshop, Lightroom

The image came out fine, however, some stars appear oblong close up. 

I also imaged the Sadr Region taking one minute exposures using the counterweight using the counterweight this time.

Sadr Region (IC 1318) and Other Friends
Location: Home Monroe, CT
Date: 6-11-19, 6-14-19, 6-22-19
Camera: Canon T3i/600D modified
Lens: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Focal Length: 200mm
Ha f/2.8, RGB f/3.2
Mount: iOptron SkyGuider Pro on a Manfrotto Tripod
Filter: Astronomik Ha 12nm Clip-in
Autoguiding: none
Exposure: Ha 130 x 60s, RGB 171 x 30s
ISO: 1600
Processing: DSS, PixInsight, Photoshop, Lightroom

Results

The stars are more rounded in this image for the most part but the image without the counterweight is acceptable.

The results suggest the decent images can be taken using the 200mm lens without the counterweight but the counterweight does produce slightly better results.  The counterweight also has the advantage of doing a polar alignment with the camera already attached and checking on it periodically during imaging.

For my own purposes, I will use the counterweight when I am home or traveling by car.  If I am traveling where space and weight are a factor, I may leave the counterweight behind.