iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount with iPolar
- Portable camera tracker for long-exposure Milky Way photography.
- Built-in iPolar electronic polarscope for precise polar alignment.
- Accurate tracking to eliminate star trails.
- Maximum payload of 11-pounds.
- Image note: DSLR Camera, Lens, Tripod, Ball-head, and Telescope for use example only. (They are not Included, but may be purchased additionally.)
Accessories Added
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iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount with iPolar
This is a top-notch camera-tracker and camera-mount that boasts high portability and high effectiveness, perfect for the amateur astronomer getting started or those already in the hobby!
With an 11-pound weight capacity, the SkyGuider Pro from iOptron is small enough to fit in your hand, precise enough to track any target reliably, virtually silent, and totally rechargeable. It has both an ST-4 guiding port and a camera trigger port and includes an inbuilt high precision polar scope with a finely engraved reticle and adjustable illumination. With the assistance of iOptron's iOS app, polar alignment becomes a quick, easy, efficient process using the included iPolar.
The DEC mounting bracket of this camera mount makes it possible to balance a heavy camera with a hefty lens even better than prior models, and even grants this camera mount the potential to mount a light telescope.
Tracking and Mounting Features
The SkyGuider Pro from iOptron features four tracking rates, 1x/ Sidereal, 1/2x for sky and landscape combined, solar, and lunar. These four tracking rates work anywhere in the world, in either hemisphere. The SkyGuider Pro also features a quick slew mode with both forward and reverse movement to help you quickly adjust or de-frame your image without disrupting the camera's position. It makes use of a high quality removable alt-azimuth base that features a precision bubble level, degree markings for the altitude, and a built-in post for the azimuth control. The SkyGuider Pro can be mounted directly to any standard photographic tripod with 1/4 Inch or 3/8 Inch threads.
Built-in iPolar for Polar Alignment
This mount has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures accurate alignment even when the pole star is obscured. There are large levers on the quick-lock drive engagement system which make it easy to snap the gears into place.
Optional Hand Controller
There is an optional 8404 hand controller that you can use to check the Pole Star position for polar alignment, slew the mount, adjust the guiding rate, change the mount settings, and even control the camera trigger, should you choose to invest in the compatible hand controller separately.
OPT Product Number: IO-3550A
Highlighted Design Features
- All metal mechanical structure.
- Attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8” or 1/4” threads.
- Silent tracking for smooth camera motion, perfect for long-term exposures.
- Detachable Alt-Az base with fine latitude and azimuth adjusters for easy polar alignment.
- Operation in both northern and southern hemisphere.
- Quick slew (144X) for camera framing adjustment.
- Built-in rechargeable battery for up to 20 hours of operation (20°C).
- Built-in ST-4 autoguiding port.
- HBX port for external hand controller.
- Micro USB port for power, charging and firmware upgrade.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Computerized | Motorized |
|---|---|
| DEC Worm Wheel | 74mm Diameter 144 Teeth |
| Drive Type | DC Servo |
| Free Shipping | Yes |
| Head Design | Altitude Azimuth |
| Instrument Capacity | 6.6 lb |
| Latitude Range | Minus 30 to 65 Degrees |
| Mount Head Weight | 2.5lb |
| RA Worm Wheel | 74mm Diameter 144 Teeth |
| Slew Speed | 180 |
| Telescope Connection | Vixen Style |
| Tracking Rates | 1 |
INCLUDED ITEMS
- SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount with iPolar installed.
- Alt-Az base (installed).
- Built-in iPolar (installed).
- Micro USB charging cable.
- Padded carry bag.
- DEC mounting bracket w/ camera mounting disk.
- 1.35 kg counterweight.
- CW shaft.
- One Year Limited Warranty (90-day on battery).
- DSLR Camera, Lens, Tripod, Ball-head, and Telescope Not Included.
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesWorks as intended
United StatesThis is my first star tracker and I am very pleased. OPT delivered it quickly with no issues in the delivery. There were a couple of minor problems/issues with the manuals, tracker, and software that could be improved. The manuals aren't well written for a beginner as they assume a lot of knowledge on the part of the user that a beginner may not have. The gear for the latitude adjustment on my unit isn't smooth, it tends to stick and slip as you turn it. The iPolar camera and software worked really well. I had no problems connecting the camera to my computer and running the software. One thing that would make it better is to enlarge the font used and not have the messages that guide you in the software flash on and off. I found it difficult to read the flashing message while also trying to adjust the alignment. Now that I've been through a night using it, I think it will be a breeze to use from now on.
United StatesSo far I haven’t had the opportunity to test this product, but not from lack of trying. I’ve spent hours trying to get the iPolar to find any stars. I subsequently spent many days trying to get some help from iOptron. Although their email support line was covered, getting one brief email suggestion every couple days dragged out over two weeks until I was able to send it back for them to check out or replace. I’m hoping to hear something soon. Looking forward to giving it another try, and hopefully give it a glowing Review.
United StatesBought a skyGuider Pro for my night photography. I live in a bright area so will have to wait till virus lets us go out again to try it out. Pleasure working with OPT.
United StatesThis unit is an upgrade to my previous Skyguider Pro. I’m familiar with polar alignment and this took the process one step further and results in far superior tracking. I am now getting 2.5 - 3 minute subs that are excellent. I have also upgraded my components to William Optics as they are of great quality and enhance the process.
United StatesTwo years ago I decided to acquire a mount with tracking, light and easy to mobilize, which I could use for wide-field photography and I acquired the OPTRON SKYTRACKER PRO which was very happy for the acquisition time that allowed me to make ... so I decided to improve by acquiring the iOptron SkyGuider Pro and what a great team! It is well built and solid, I have increased the tracking time, ease and speed when performing Polar alignment. I am very happy with the performance and ease of use. So far I have had excellent results using it in wide field astrophotography, I really recommend the acquisition of this equipment.