We report on the evaluation of the performance of self-guiding over extended distances with and focussing geometries. Guiding over or more than 100 Rayleigh ranges was observed with the optic at . Analysis of guiding performance found that the extent of the exiting laser spatial mode closely followed the matched spot size predicted by 3D nonlinear theory. Self-guiding with an optic was also characterised, with guided modes observed for a plasma length of and a plasma density of . This corresponds to self-guided propagation over 53 Rayleigh ranges and is similar to distances obtained with discharge plasma channel guiding.