Astrophotography has become a popular pastime among those interested in celestial objects and events. From weekend stargazers to armchair astronomers, finding the right equatorial camera mount can be an important decision. We wanted to take a closer look at one popular mount, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro. We reviewed it alongside a few competitors to help give potential buyers an honest look at this popular product.
What Is the iOptron Skyguider Pro?
The iOptron SkyGuider Pro is an equatorial mount that compensates for the rotation of the earth by using an axis parallel to the earth’s axis. The SkyGuider Pro attempts to distance itself from competitors by providing clarity and detail.
This product features a tracking motor that can freeze an image in the sky for long exposures that do not result in star trailing. The SkyGuider Pro uses a combination of accurate alignment to the poles as well as precise balance to create quality deep sky photos.
The tracking mount is light and easy to take on star-gazing journeys or vacations. While many equatorial mounts are large, bulky, and not easily transported, the SkyGuider Pro is much less obtrusive. However, it can still handle heavy telephoto lenses or even refractor telescopes up to 11 pounds.
Product Specs
The SkyGuider Pro’s capacity can handle telescopes or telephoto lenses up to 11 pounds. It mounts to any standard photography tripod. A detachable alt-az base allows for adjustments during polar alignment. The base has a level built in for the user and offers an altitude range of -30º ~ 65º.
The polar scope is engraved and illuminated. SkyGuider Pros have four tracking speeds: sidereal, solar, lunar, and 1/2X. Multiple ports include a micro USB charger, ST-4, camera trigger port, and an available port for an optional hand controller. The SkyGuider Pro comes with a rechargeable battery.
Pricing
We found the iOptron SkyGuider Pro ranging in price from around $300 all the way to near $430. It is important to look at everything included in your purchase when shopping for a camera mount online. Some deals come with counterweights or other optional components, while other offers include only the mount. Other competitors we reviewed ranged from around $230 to about $400.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini
- Vixen Optics 35505 Polarie Star Tracker
- iOptron SkyTracker Pro
iOptron Skyguider Pro
Sky-Watcher AllView Mount
Ease of Use
The iOptron Skyguider Pro is simple to set up and use from the box. The mount is easy to assemble and use with straightforward, common-sense directions. By tracking the night sky automatically, the mount gives you freedom to frame up new picture ideas.
The USB cord makes charging the camera battery very easy, and a charged battery lasts all night. The camera is also easy to move. Not only is the mount easy to physically move, but polar alignment can be performed in just a few minutes. The product can be transported with a mount, and without a mount it can fit in your glove box.
Weight
The individual mount weighs only three pounds. Together with its components, such as the three-pound counterweight and other items, the product ships at just over 10 pounds.
Adjustability
The iOptron Skyguider Pro can be locked. The axis lock can be tightened or loosened to make adjustments. A three-pound counterweight comes with an adjustable shaft for the correct balance. The Polar finder scope is also adjustable.
Performance
Photos taken on the SkyGuider Pro achieve fine detail and better clarity than many competitors. The fear of trailing after 20 seconds is removed thanks to the mount’s ability to take long-exposure photos.
Warranty
This product comes with a limited one-year warranty, and a separate 90-day warranty covers the battery.
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SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini Pro Pack – Motorized DSLR Night Sky...
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini uses brass and aluminum gears for durability and accuracy. With a 144-tooth wheel gear and 13 mm worm gear, this product boasts long exposures. The mount can hold a maximum payload just under seven pounds, strong enough for many cameras. It comes with a polar alignment scope that illuminates for easy use.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is WiFi ready and can be controlled with your smart phone or device. A downloadable app offers a user-friendly console. A remote camera control is fully automated, and your camera can be connected with a SNAP port for nightscape and time-lapse photos.
Ease of Use
The trickiest part of a camera mount is often the alignment, but the Star Adventurer Mini’s is easy to align by using the illuminated polar finderscope. After aligning the device, cameras are easily attached while sidereal tracking helps you find what you’re looking for.
Weight
This camera mount weighs just under one-and-a-half pounds. With all components, it ships at about 2.3 pounds.
Adjustability
A latitude adjuster is a central features of this SkyWatcher product with fine adjustment options on the altitude and azimuth of the polar axis. The fine adjustment knob can center your objects at any focal length. Short sequences on the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini utilizes WiFi that enables users to start, stop, and adjust sequences.
Performance
This mount is efficient over long periods of time at tracking and avoiding star trailing. Despite a smaller wheel gear than many competitors, the error rate on the Star Adventurer Mini stacks up against the big boys.
Warranty
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is protected against defective materials and craftsmanship for two years.
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Vixen Optics 35505 Polarie Star Tracker
Vixen Optics 35505 Polarie Star Tracker (White)
The Vixen Optics 35505 Polarie Star Tracker is intended to give the everyday Joe a chance to enjoy astrophotography. The Polarie Star Tracker works with your digital camera or smart phone allowing anybody with a camera or phone to enjoy the view.
The Polarie attaches to standard camera tripods and holds any phone or camera up to seven pounds. A compass is included to orient the mount northward. From there, a North Star alignment windows helps you adjust your poles.
This product tracks with the motion of the stars to eliminate trailing and provide sharp images. The Polarie Star Tracker is compact and portable. For users who would be taking their phone or digital camera along anyway, it offers an entirely new photo option.
Ease of Use
Easy use for all users is the essence of this product. Anyone with a digital camera or camera phone can capture stars or even the Milky Way. It is easy to set up and works with all standard camera tripods.
Weight
The mount weighs 1.4 pounds before adding the two AA batteries. It ships at 2.2 pounds.
Adjustability
An optional ball and socket feature allows you to adjust your camera aim manually. Once you begin, the camera’s RA tracking takes over at the rate you have selected.
Performance
The Polarie features accurate stepping motors. Users can choose from multiple tracking modes, including celestial rate, 1/2 celestial rate, solar rate, and lunar rate. However, the feature of the camera that allows you to use your own camera or phone also leaves you limited by the capability of your camera or phone.
Warranty
The Polarie comes with a limited one-year warranty.
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IOptron SkyTracker Pro
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Photo Kit – Motorized DSLR Night Sky...
The Skytracker Pro by iOptron is compact and precise. The camera offers silent tracking powered by built-in rechargeable batteries that can run for 24 hours when fully charges. Skytracker Pro’s polar scope is has a finely engraved reticule with adjustable illumination. Tracking rates include sidereal, 1/2x, solar, and lunar. Each rate is functional in either hemisphere. Silent tracking and smooth motion make the camera a delight to use.
Rates and other features can be controlled from your smart phone through a downloadable app. The compact product can handle loads up to 6.6 pounds and is compatible with tripods that use 3/8 or 1/4-inch threading. A detachable alt-az base allows for adjustments during polar alignment. It can attach and detach from the tripod. It also features AccuAlign dark-field illuminated polar scope.
This product tracks with the motion of the stars to eliminate trailing and provide sharp images. The Polarie Star Tracker is compact and portable. For users who would be taking their phone or digital camera along anyway, it offers an entirely new photo option.
Ease of Use
Like most astrophotography mounts, the SkyTracker Pro is easy to use once the poles are aligned. It can be tricky to align the polarity, especially early on when you are getting used to the mount. To make it easier, the product includes a polar scope, bubble level, and adjustment knobs.
The rechargeable battery removes worry of your mount dying; you can even charge it in your car as you travel to your stargazing location.
Weight
This product weighs in at just over seven pounds.
Adjustability
The product features a latitude adjustment and azimuth adjusting knobs. The polar scope is can be removed and adjusted as necessary. Many users appreciate the ability to adjust the LED light intensity.
Performance
The SkyTracker is especially effective at capturing nightscapes and stars by accounting for the earth’s rotation with great precision. It is compact and well built.
Warranty
This product comes with a limited one-year warranty, and a separate 90-day warranty covers the battery.
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Conclusion on the iOptron SkyGuider Pro
At the conclusion of our review, we gave the iOptron SkyGuider Pro four stars. We enjoyed the compact build of the product alongside its ability to handle a heavy load. Quick and accurate alignment to the poles is always important, and the hand controller adds even more ease.
From the four tracking rates to the removable alt-azimuth base, we think most astrophotographers will be thrilled with the iOptron SkyGuider Pro.
Featured Image Source: Flickr.com
Last update on 2021-06-16 at 19:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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