Choosing a STAR TRACKER for Astrophotography

[@AlexIr99]

If I ever become rich, this is the hobby I 'm picking up xD

[@joaoa.4797]

That makes 2 of us

[@blackice8634]

It's not as bad as people think. You can easily get all of this within 2 to 3 years of properly budgeting and saving your money. Always look for discounts or used equipment, then you can trade up as you save more. Takes a bit but you'll get there eventually

[@sterlingsmith9053]

Same

[@abood-2639]

I am trying to get a astro setup over 2-3 years, I just bought an entry level DSLR and tripod and have started imaging untracked. You can check out my results on instagram @astroabood7

[@sonar4504]

Im 17 and i do it by saving up. You actually dont need all the equipment and a lot of additional equipment can be 3d printed for cheap. Another plus point ia that, when you have cost constraints, you come up with really innovative alternatives.

[@gaborszeleczki3635]

I had some doubts initially with the LighTrack, since they claim an incredible periodic error (2 arcsecs), which is even better than most "big" mounts (and obviously better than any other star tracker, the second best I know is the AstroTrac with 5 arcsecs). However, after I fixed my flexure and polar alignment problems (with an equatorial head and SharpCap + small guidescope), I realized the mount is really so precise. You can easily use it even with small telescopes. I get tack sharp pictures with my 400mm lens and 4 minute exposures - unguided (btw, it also has an autoguide port). And even though it doesn't have an internal battery, it will work for multiple nights with the smallest power bank. Such a brilliant piece of engineering.

[@chiptester]

Lighttrack

[@CFProductionX]

@@chiptester Nope LighTrack. Look it up ;)

[@PakurangaBrinny]

I just purchased a SkyGuider Pro with iPolar following this video. Well done I'm now hooked:) Just need to save some pennies to buy a Samyung 135mm f2 lens for my Canon 600D.

[@SH1974]

If You're beginner and You don't have to transport Your equipment in a backpack (can transport it mostly with a car) I'd rather suggest a real equatorial mount (EQ-3 class, maybe even EQ-5) because it can handle longer focal lengths and heavier loads. Some mounts can even be bought / upgraded with GoTo and/or Autoguiding. The number of big deepsky objects or regions to capture with 200mm focal length (or not much above) is not that big. Of course you can play with them your full lifetime, but (mostly) sooner or later more focal length is wanted. That will probably be an ED lens around 80-100mm or maybe a 6" f/5 or 8" f/4 newton - and that definitely requires a proper mount, maybe even (auto)guiding. Remember: no telescope mount or tripod have ever been too strong or too precise! They can be too expensive or too heavy or too bulky, but no mount or tracker have ever been too accurate. Btw: don't get me wrong. Those trackers can make a lot of fun and can deliver data for brilliant astrophotos, but I see them more as a 2nd system (for travel) it can not really replace a real EQ-mount with ability for guiding. A friend's Celestron Mount (I don't know the model, it's not so heavy duty) can stand-alone autogiuding and it has also a nice polar alignment routine programmed, that works surprisingly fast and precise. Exposures of a few minutes per frame taken with focal length below about 500mm does not require Autogiuding.

[@CFProductionX]

I power my LighTrack II with a small USB Powerbank and a cheap (8€) USB 5V to 12V step up cable. I went with it because it so compact and easy to carry because it is not such a box shape and has nice accuracy

[@simonworger]

I have the Lightrack II and it's by far one of the best and most accurate mounts I've owned. I power mine with 8AA's in a small battery holder velcro on to one the tripod legs and it lasts for days.

[@RawSpaceVideos]

At 10:09 your chart shows the "max useful focal length" - 400mm for the SkyGuider Pro, and 500mm for the LighTrack II. Is that affected at all by the camera's sensor size (full-frame vs. crop)? I currently have a 600mm lens on a crop-sensor body. At full zoom, would that produce noticeable drift/inaccuracy with all of these tracking mounts?

[@marstrooper2045]

Cool, i planning on buying a star tracker for my trips to the mountains.

[@simonwhittaker5675]

same here im looking at the omegon mini trak

[@marstrooper2045]

@@simonwhittaker5675 Nice, i am going to check out the omegon mini trak. So many star trackers to choose from. I been eyeing the star adventure star tracker.

[@Aaerox90]

I have the Omegon Mini Track LX2 and it's amazing what this little mechanical champ can do. Especially shooting wide angle photos, even with rough polar alignment you can easily achieve 60s exposures. All without batteries or any form of external power supply.

[@o0L4nc3r0o]

@@Aaerox90 I too have been using the Omegon LX2 Minitrack for months now. Took it with me on holiday, where I took my first 2 minute exposure without star trails :) I still use it, but at the moment, I'm waiting for the delivery of my new Skywatcher Star Adventurer. I've been doing some deep-sky imaging for some time now with the LX2, but the Omegon isn't quite perfect for long exposure of long-distance galaxies or nebulae. At 250mm (crop-sensor, so 400mm actual focal length) I'm getting star trails even after 30 second-exposures. :\ The Star Adventurer has the ability to connect a Guiding cam and scope because of the integrated ST4-port, which is why I bought me that one :)

[@Aaerox90]

@@o0L4nc3r0o The LX2 sure has its limits, but there's a polar alignment trick that might be viable for you. Since Polaris isn't the exact northern pole, you actually have to position the star on a circle between the outer edge and the center of the tube. Half of the radius, so to speak. Though you do need to know where to position it on this circle. So draw an imaginary line from Kochab (little dipper) to Polaris. Now move Polaris away from the center, like if you would extend that imaginary line. That's called the Kochab method (explained very roughly^^). There are several guides online which explain this method in way more detail. There's even a german guy who tried to test the physical limits of his LX2 using this method, but I don't know if a german article would be useful to you.

[@JuanFrank]

What about the Vixen Polarie tracker? I have that one and so far it has been solid... what I like about is how compact it is specially against the iOptron rivals.

[@rcpettengill]

I love the Vixen Polarie as well, very well made, very compact and easy to pack. 7 pound payload, double that with a counterweighted mount. With the multi-mounting block it works great with the very inexpensive Sky Tracker L-bracket and counterweight.

[@rcpettengill]

Make that Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer L-bracket and counterweight.

[@The_OEK]

Very informative and chill video. I am most likely buy iOptron SkyGuider this winter. Or, at least, i hope so.

[@patcurran7960]

Thanks Trevor, great reviews.

[@Evhen1991K]

Thx for review, You make awesome videos with usefull info. Keep going)

[@outbackwack368]

Where's the Skywatcher Adventurer? I received 2 identical iOptron Skyguider Pro's and BOTH were defective the same way. The polar scope was 180° out of alignment and the dovetail adapter screw holes did NOT align with the mount holes. Very poor quality control for the price. AND, I had to pay for return shipping to High Point! That sucked big time. I ordered the less expensive Skywatcher Star Adventurer Pro Pack and it is FAR better IMO. YMMV.

[@iancar29]

You do no the polar scope is meant to turn right?

[@kurosakebeyuki]

Ian Carr Tee Hee.

[@outbackwack368]

@@iancar29 First, learn how to spell. Second, yes. The instructions are detailed to have the 12:00 position IN THE 12:00 position. Once aligned, on both of them 6:00 was in the 12:00 position. That said, it does not excuse that the mounting holes DID NOT line up... only 1 screw could be inserted. THAT is unacceptable. Skywatcher = perfect in every way AND handles a bigger load, probably just like you...

[@AstroBackyard]

Hey! Here's an in-depth review of the Star Adventurer Pro: astrobackyard.com/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-pro-review/

[@lachlanwilson8096]

@@AstroBackyard Does the sky guider pro come with the wedge at the bottom to connect to the tripod and how does it connect?

[@meloandres71]

Great info! Sky Guider is my choice....👍

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

Need one of these! Thanks Trevor.

[@cecilchilders7698]

If the weight of the payload does not exceed the max payload why is there a max useful focal length? 10:13 into video. Thanks

[@FrankP83]

Try the MoveShootMove Sky guider 🤗

[@andrewparker318]

Hey I’m brand new to this. When buying a tripod will I have to worry about it having the right attachment that will connect to my tracker, or will I have to buy the correct attachment as some sort of accessory, and screw it onto the tripod?

[@columf08]

If I'm understanding you correctly all of the tracking mounts I have looked at have a 3/8" or 1/4" thread on them which are standards on tripod's and cameras. What you will need to be wary of some of these trackers don't come with a polar wedge as standard and if you have a tripod that does not have a head that you can tilt it would be a mare to polar align.

[@felipecrepaldi]

How can I align in the southern hemisphere?

[@cdh79]

hey, i'm a long time astrophotographer (20+ years, coming from the days from regular film, and now using mainly using a QSI-683wsg and Atik 490ex on a Tak baby-Q), and i enjoy watching your channel.. While a lot you explain is pretty clear to me, i wondered how to best incorporate the device around the 10:00 minute mark at the very right in the line-up, (in this shot it is not facing us).. my brother has one like this and he tells me it's fun to use for many daytime activities, while i have a much smaller model (and of different type) that just doesn't contribute much to my astro-imaging, because it usually just pushes stuff off my table. Maybe i'm using it wrong, but wondered if you could help me provide some guidance here? ;)

[@shawnewaltonify]

Just perfect! Thank-you.

[@kwisatz_haderach]

Thanks for all of your videos. Do you have one in combination with the guide camera? Besides: I am totally new to this, do camera and lens always have to point into same direction as the polar star finder thing?

[@wa1zlv]

Great review Trevor. I've been looking hard at the SkyGuider Pro and you basically made up my mind for me!! How do these handle the cold weather up there in "God's Country"? (Also, how is the T3i affected as well?) Clear skies!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Latitude! Good video.

[@ColinRobinson666]

I need to get me one of those redcats!

[@skyprop]

Question on the models mentioned in the video. What can one do when the user is in a site prohibits aligning the mount to the north Star, But would still like to take longer exposure photos of various areas of the sky? (I Shy away from Eq Scope mounts for the same reason)

[@jeffmeyers1420]

Thank you very much Trevor for this review. ! Question: Why do you have a Wiiliam optics Skyguider Pro wedge on your Skyguider Pro ? Jeff

[@jeheehan7234]

WOW !!!

[@Dennis-tf2cs]

Has iOptron changed the base on the SkyGuider Pro? I noticed the one you have is red and looks completely different (actually better) than the one that comes with the Pro.

[@zefrem1]

Can I ask you how much for every thing on the last tripod mount motor and camera and lens please, 2000,3000,4000, dollars

[@JoshuaVelaF]

Nice

[@Phambric21]

Question for the group, ironically I'm putting together a setup that I can use with my DSLR. I dont have a star tracker so I am using one of my celestron EQ mounts. What are the advantages other then size of using a star tracker over a EQ mount?

[@jimm5593]

The advantages with the trackers, obviously, is size, weight and portability. If you are content with your EQ mount and it tracks well, it might perform even better, due to its heavier build and heavier tripod. The cool thing about these trackers is you can pack them in a carry-on case and travel anywhere in the world with them and still get some nice images. Another cool, portable, affordable GOTO mount out there with RA and DEC motors, WIFI connectivity and an app for tablet control is the EXOS100 from Explore Scientific. I have one and love it.

[@geonerd]

If you already have a proper equatorial drive, portability is about the only advantage I can think of. And the simple fact that 'More Toys' is always a good thing! ;) With a second camera running, you'll get more entertainment (or frustration!) out of each observing session.

[@joeshmoe7967]

@@geonerd (or frustration) ....yep when things are going well it is awesome, when things are going wacky, not so much. Even more so in winter when your fingers are frozen, cause your tablet doest respond with gloves on...oh well, as they say you have to suffer for your art. LOL

[@gregsturgill3610]

Is podcast dead?

[@williamhepfer8956]

They are compensating for the rotation of the earth.

[@TheRattleSnake3145]

He said that.

[@williamhepfer8956]

@@TheRattleSnake3145 Just making clear what exactly is rotating. Also, did you notice his mispronunciation of sidereal.

[@teninnykanal]

Pounds? Could you translate this to kg please? ;-) It means nothing to me.

[@jameswhitehead6758]

2.2 pounds in a kg.

[@teninnykanal]

@@jameswhitehead6758 I'm joking ;-) Trevor is from Canada that's why I'm asking.

[@AstroBackyard]

SAI· DEE·REE·UHL. Got it. Which star tracker do you use? Please let me know if you agree with my choices! If you want to dig deeper into the specs of these mounts, I wrote a massive post on the subject: astrobackyard.com/star-tracker-astrophotography/

[@beyblader11111]

I don't have a tracker.

[@joeshmoe7967]

I am tossing my hat into the ring in favour of the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer, Pro Pack edition. Had mine for a month now and absolutely love it. Shooting with Canon 7D Mkii, and 300mm f4 lens for deep sky, and 18-135mm for wide. So far I have decent shots of M31, M45 and some Milky Way. Took it with me on a motorcycle trip to Ontario let month, but didn't use it until I went to a true dark site (Grasslands national park) on the way back. It is small, portable, very capable and affordable. $545 shipped right to my door. $389US at B&H Runs forever on a USB portable battery, but can run off of 4 AA batteries. Also does allow auto-guiding Now I just got to get image processing down. My results are not as good as Trevor's, with the same amount of light data.

[@elapid13]

Plus one, I've had mine for a year and love it.

[@TheSpacePlaceYT]

I'm in favor of this mount from what I've seen (I don't actually have it). It's $400 which is the cheapest of the 3 and it still preforms so well that I'm considering buying it.

[@michs1708]

it would be great to see the iOptron Prom compared to the Sky watcher Star adventurer. great vid as always. very clear and informative. Thanks

[@terrybrooks395]

What about the Skywatcher AZ-GTi, it's cheaper, 2 axis, EQ (with updated firmware) or AZ, is WiFi has go to functions and uses multiple star alignment ?

[@jeffsnell5599]

Just bought the SkyGuider Pro after watching this review. I was looking for a portable setup as well as a gap filler while my iOptron Gem 28 is getting repaired. Gotta say I am impressed! Took 60x3 min subs at ISO 800 on my modified Canon T5i w/flats, darks, and bias frames added, unguided. The result was way better than I expected! As always, great content and perfect for decision making. Keep up the great work and content. Hope all is well in the new place! Jeff

[@mlethbridge76]

Great video. I researched a bunch of different mounts at the beginning of summer and ultimately I went with the Skywatcher Star Tracker pro as it seemed to handle one of the heavier payloads (11 pounds), and haven't been disappointed at all.

[@iancar29]

the SW is good but bulky and the big negative is no lithium ION battery.

[@elouie]

Both brands seem to do what they are built to do, I have friends who swear by both. I bought the iOptron (least expensive) and completed my first four minute exposure with a 16 mm Sony A7R3 and 16-35 f/2.8 Sony zoom, it was corner to corner sharp.

[@aperturedriven88]

Just joined your page and I have to say thank you so much for everything that you've taught me in this deeply satisfying hobby. Maybe about a year ago on Instagram you liked two of my photos of the Orion Nebula on which is my favorite deep sky object and that really meant alot. Always looking forward to your new content! Hope you and yours have a great day! Clear Skies

[@chrish9725]

Great job as usual. I love the detailed descriptions you provide and your empirical reviews. Keep up the great videos. Thank you!!!

[@lharris828]

I thought that I had mid-heared you: sidereal is pronounced side ereal, not side-real.

[@xsauce3858]

I was disappointed the skywatcher star adventurer was not mentioned in this video. It’s one of the most popular star tracker.

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

I have that and like it alot.

[@Teeb2023]

It is a bizarre omission.

[@stew8584]

Maybe they don't sell them in Canada. Because I thought the same, "where was any skyWatcher?"

[@beforeandafterphotos]

Maybe it's like what's better, Canon or Nikon? Ya know? Maybe it's just easier to do reviews on which brand you like. I guess....

[@PsytastikTunes]

What about the MSM tracker? I have a star adventurer, but its very cumbersome. I'm always jealous of my colleagues with their ioptrons. Seems easier and faster to track and align. My 2 cents.

[@dr.leonardopinelli]

you can use 3s RC LiPo batteries as power supply.

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

I think the skyguider pro and the sky watcher adventurer are the two best portable tracking mounts out there, both accept a guider, they're compact, both track really well when aligned properly, neither of these need 12v power, i love the fact that i can power my adventurer with my usb power bank or 4x AA batteries, and i can keep it running forever like that. Personally i don't like the Fornax mount you showed here, while it tracks more stable, it has some serious drawbacks with it's need for 12v power and the need to reset the arm too often, it will simply be impossible to keep your target framed exactly how it was before the arm reset, this can cause some headaches, and lastly it's price tag, this tracking mount defeats the purpose of buying a compact tracking mount.

[@joeshmoe7967]

I concur on the star adventurer. Love mine, travels on my motorcycle!

[@CFProductionX]

I own the LighTrack II. Powering it is no issue at all, it just takes USB power bank and a cable / adapter with a built in step up. With the weight of the LighTrack being just marginally more than a Star Adventurer and the precision being so good that I can use it with all my lenses, it made a whole lot more sense for me. I haven't had the luck to get a lot of usage out of it yet because of the weather. But I don't feel like it is fair to say it defeats the purpose of buying a compact mount.

[@osangulon]

Thank you Trevor, for comparing the trackers. However, it would have been desirable if the Vixen Polarie Star Tracker and the Skay Watcher Star Adventurer had been included in the comparison. The Polarie is very compact and very high quality. In my opinion it is unbeatable for wide angle photography of the Milky Way. The Star Adventurer is very robust and very precise in tracking and can carry up to 5 kg. In my opinion, there are only three small improvement suggestions for the polar viewfinder cover, the lighting unit of the polar viewfinder and the plastic cover of the battery compartment. But also the iOptron Skyguider Pro is not completely made of metal and especially the panhead is not ok. The Star Adventurer -complete equipment - costs about € 380,00 in Germany, the Skyguider Pro -complete equipment - about € 460,00 and the Polarie - only the device - about € 325,00. What is also missing is an absolute beginner's device like the Omegon mount Mini Track LX3, which costs about € 190,00. This tracker works without electricity and is a wonderful alternative for beginners! The Fornax LighTrack II is the most precise mobile tracker and is the optimum. The advantage of this much more expensive exceptional tracker is that, compared to the other trackers, it has hardly any restrictions in the choice of used lenses. Everything from 12mm to 600mm can be handeld! You only buy this one tracker and can develop without restrictions. Many greetings from Germany

[@billvinson7859]

I have the Sky Watcher Star Adventurer with the Redcat 51 on an iOptron tripod. I use my Canon 60Da up on Mt Rainier Sunrise Washington state. I also have a Pentax K70 DSLR that has a built in Astro tracking function. It all keeps me going.

[@CountCarbsNotCals]

How do you take exposures with this? Like if you are taking 20 shots, do you have to sit there an click it on /off every 60 seconds is that automated, or just take one long few min exposure.

[@billvinson7859]

I have a interpholometer that can be programmed to take say 30 pictures of 35 seconds each with a few seconds between pictures. Or I can take each picture manual with the shutter set at up to 30 seconds.

[@CountCarbsNotCals]

Bill Vinson interpholometer, haven’t heard of that. Sounds like what I need.

[@allanmurray4156]

I’ve currently got the sky tracker pro and a canon eos 200d, would I be able to use the William optics redcat telescope with the 200d using the sky tracker pro.

[@drrach1]

Naah

[@Mediamarked]

Having a "baked in" battery is nifty at first, but if you can't install new batteries- you are stuck with servicing or breaking the warranty. Lithium Ion batteries are great, but they do wear out after enough charging/discharging cycles. Just a thought. Just as they are temperature sensitive, freezing temperatures kills them quick... Adding a battery pack (LiIon/ LiPo) with a stable 12v output is an option if you want mobility, but you have to be strict with maintenance on those. 12V Lead gel batteries work well too, but are heavy/ bulky and deliver 14.4V when fully charged. Study up on those points if you want to have a stable mobile power source.

[@geonerd]

Great video! But I honestly don't understand why you're freaking out about the Fornax battery issue. My LT2 draws ~125mA and will run for 15+ hours on ten NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. The 10 cell holder is about the size of a fat smart phone. Yea, it's one more thing to haul around, but I'm already lugging three camera bags to my local shoots. (One for the tracker, batteries, polar scope, etc., one for camera and goodies, and one for lenses.) To say nothing of the big-ass tripod. In this context, the extra weight of a small 10 cell holder utterly irrelevant.

[@aktrapper6126]

I've been a sky watcher for over 10 years now using a 10" and a 12" dobsonian telescopes. Now I want to photograph some deep space nebula and galaxy. Thanks for the video and the advice......it helps a lot.

[@Mohad.Alkooheji]

just a random question....do you believe in aliens??

[@jimm5593]

Hi Trevor. Enjoyed the video, very very helpful for newbies. I do, however have one little gripe. It seems to me that at times you are sacrificing completeness and objectivity by promoting only certain brands of products. In this case, it would not have hurt to at least tell the folks that there also are other fine options out there, such as the Star Adventurer and the grand daddy of them all, the Vixen Polarie. I love your videos and appreciate the hard work you put into them for our instruction, motivation and enjoyment, but humbly ask that you please do not get into making commercials, that emphasize one or two brands for whatever reason, and ignore the rest.

[@joeshmoe7967]

2 thumbs way up for the Star Adventurer!!

[@csc-photo]

I'm a little confused & overwhelmed by the iOptron kits - I'm comparing: - SkyTracker "Camera Mount with Polar Scope (Mount Only)", $299 - SkyGuider "Pro EQ Camera Mount", $428 - SkyGuider "Pro Camera Mount with iPolar (Head & Mount Only)", $598 I'm new to astrophotography. I shoot with a Nikon Z6 and I have a Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens on the way. My other lenses are the Z 24-70 f/4 S, and the F 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 AFP. I have a tripod with a removable ball head (Oben). I feel like the SkyTracker is a solid option to start, but I don't mind paying a little more for the SkyGuider since it seems to be a complete kit (counterweight, etc.). But I'm confused by the "iPolar (Head & Mount Only)" option. Any newbie advice & guidance is appreciated. Re-watching video now too. 🙂

[@bonavalentin]

on your site you link to the OPTRON SKYGUIDER PRO CAMERA MOUNT FULL PACKAGE item #: IO-3550 and on this video you link to item #: IO-3550A. Can you describe the difference and if it is worth the extra $150 for the 3550A?

I love your videos but not a fan of premier feature. How's it working out from a channel perspective? Waiting for this video anyway

[@TheRattleSnake3145]

I hate it too.

[@iancar29]

Whats premier feature?

[@iancar29]

Whats premier feature?

[@NPQC3flq]

Your video are verry interesting. I own a Celestron CPC 800 XLT which is good, but not for astrophotography. So Im looking to buy a star tracker or an EQ mount with goto and use it with a small refractor like the W.O. Space Cat 51. I'm wondering why someone would buy a iOptron SkyGuider Pro with a tripod and a Williams Optics base mount when you can buy a Sky-Watcher EQM-35 for at least $100 CDN less ? The weight and portability seem to be the only reasons I can see.

[@imre2784]

Excellent and very usefull presentation! Thank you! Greeting form Hungary!

[@AirTrashed]

I’m picking up the iOptron Pro as soon as Congress gets off it’s butt. I just got a saweeet deal on a 5Dsr. Not sure about S-N ratio, but at 50 megs in RAW, should be interesting. I used to guide a Meade 10” 2120, back during the last century, using gas hypered film. I’d sit hunched over a guide star for 20 minutes or so, making fine corrections, until my back gave out. This should be fun looking at the dark dry skies 20 miles north of Tucson. Can’t wait for winter!!

[@troypointerphotography]

Hi this is Troy from the UK I would like to know how to use my 500mm mirror lens for deep sky I have become more Interested since watching many of your video`s and which Telescope could I use with the best focal length a not to expensive one or a DSLR Telescope Also do you have to have anything in line with a Telescope adapter for a none distorted image many thanks keep up the good work troy @ troypointerphotography

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

Hate you Trevor...I pulled the trigger on the Skyguider Pro and will be camping at Lyman Run at the end of Sept. Can't wait. (☆☆Don't really hate you.☆☆ )

[@gyanrosling2226]

Could I get away with not using the big counterweight thing for the Ioptron Skyguider Pro if I shoot with a D610+ Nikon 16-35mm f4? I think the total weight is 3.37 pounds.

[@AtulC-c6d]

How does iOptron SkyGuider Pro compare to Sky Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro?

[@bradwheeler9946]

What tripod head do you use? (I assume it's some pan/tilt head but I'm also curious what you use as it looks more compact?) I have a lightweight carbon fiber tripod for backpacking, and my dog carries my MSM rotator...but I've had no success in polar alignment due to my inability to fine tune the MSM polar alignment.

[@davidupton8880]

I would love to see a video on autoguiding with the skyguider pro. I can't find much information.

[@darrenreely]

Look up Peter Zelinka.

[@fjdeschamps]

Which tripod do you recommend for the iOPTRON SKYGUIDER PRO?

[@angelogarciajr5356]

I have my tripod and my camera with lens. Does someone sell the complete unit, all I need to connect and start using? I was just on Amazon and was totally lost on this subject. Or do they just sell everything piece by piece which is tough when a person has no clue what is needed for a complete star tracking system.? This is why I have never bought anything. Thx

[@rickarmstrong2476]

Thanks for your guidance. No pun intended. Lol I went with the skyguider pro and a redcat51. I already own a canon rebel t6. Waiting for clouds to go away so I can give it a try!

[@Somm_RJ]

Hi, I'm really interested with this but competely ignorant. Can you use a regular viewing astronomy telescope for astrophotography? I mean I saw that there are specific astrophotography telescope when I googled.

[@Oxizee]

Anything which fits an 72ED with a Canon 60D and 30mm F4 finderscope ?

[@ytano5782]

Imho the next step above the Sky Guider is a serious telescope mount with Goto like the Skywatcher EQ-35.

[@AstroDenny]

I am the very happy owner of a Skyguider Pro. It carries my WO Z73 and DSLR easily- With an intervalometer there's no external battery or computer required. VERY portable and very capable. Thanks, Trevor for the great videos!

[@AstroBackyard]

Love it Dennis - I too, prefer using a little intervalometer to run a sequence. It doesn't get any more portable than that! Cheers

[@tomb9420]

Now that the camera industry is going mirrorless with a decade worth of DSLR lenses ! Im been out of luck with weather but I can't wait to get out and stargaze !

[@joshuawagy]

I am having the worst time with the iOptron skyguider pro. Just contacted High Point Scientific and they contacted Ioptron for me so we can trouble shoot all the issues. I may have just got a lemon.

[@kakariko4700]

Thank you for this awesome video. Hope I can start my journey in Astrophtography.

[@messier13ify]

My apologies if you’ve already answered this question, but what is your opinion of the Astrotracer feature on the Pentax cameras?

[@ant9944]

when the camera panned over to the dog, I thought it was your dob for a second...

[@JorgeMorenoCGArtist]

Who is better? Star Adventurer or Skyguider Pro? Both are similar...

[@seebass7]

Can anybody let me know what kind of tripod i should get if i am running a Canon T7i, Skyguider Pro and Rokinon 135mm?

[@BernardSolomon]

From 0:22 to 0:26 and there abouts, you look very enthusiastic in a creepy way. Lol Have lost count of the number of videos of yours that I have watched though.

[@cruikshank]

Excellent video as always. For those of us on a tight budget can we have your opinion on the mechanical clock drive Star Tracker? Thank You. Btw: Loved the lineup of the trackers with Rudy. Does he get his own fan mail?

[@geonerd]

Yea! Trevor, please review the Omegon 'Egg Timer' tracker if the opportunity arises! :)

[@vbs8099]

Hi, I noticed in your video, the "Fornax Mounts LighTrack II" had a scope hanging out to the side to align the unit ? That is not part of the LighTrack II unit is it ?

[@aharshephotography]

Love the video man.. I am a beginner and have sky tracker Pro, would you recommend counter weight balance on this tracker? I was hoping to mount bit heavy gear. Or would you recommend to upgrade to Sky guider?

[@AndersKvistDK]

I'd like to hear your view on the SkyWatcher AZ-GTI compared to those in the video - I got it a few years ago when I wanted to start with astrophotography. I really like it because: - it can be used very simple as a AZ mount, but put it on a wedge it can work as an EQ mount as well (requires beta firmware, but it works). - has battery for the ultimative portability, but still has the option to get external power (don't wanna waste batteries when at home). - wifi (can be controlled from a smart phone). - GoTo. - guiding. My primary setup is in EQ mode with a SkyWatcher 72ED with a Canon DSLR (unmodified) and a 50mm guide scope with a china T7 astro camera, a Raspberry Pi with Stellarmate and a counterweight - it's maxed out, but it works and now I'm preparing to buy a larger mount to prepare for a larger telescope as well - the AZ-GTI gave me the oppertunity to grow from nothing to where I'm sure of where I'd like to go from here :)

[@radicalrenegade8528]

Star adventurer?

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

Hey Trevor! Great vid as always bro! Just wondering, is there any possibility you could do some vids on photographing the planets please sir? I think you would get some awesome images with all your experience and knowledge? Thanks bro! ( From a Big Fan of yours! ) Wes, Liverpool, UK.

[@AstroBackyard]

Certainly Wes, on the agenda. Thank you!

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

@@AstroBackyard Oh wow Thank You so much Trevor! I really look forward to seeing it sir! Thank You for replying too Trevor, i understand you're a busy man and have a lot of people messaging you, so Thank You so much for your reply! You're vids are brilliant, and i've learned so much from you! God Bless you sir! Wes.

[@pavelbuga73]

is there a reason why all these trackers use polar scope and not a laser pointer instead? I mean, i recently got MoveShootMove tracker, which is absolutely fantastic and a polar alligment is done literally in seconds thanks to the laser pointer attached to the side of the tracker.

[@guyvanemmerik6060]

is it a The William Optics Latitude base used for skyguider ??

[@Paracidic]

does anyone know if for the first one demonstrated, you can mount just a telescope not a dslr?

[@mittenschannel5928]

Do you think it would be possible to get a motorized EQ mount for a telescope and a dovetail mounting plate as a cheaper star tracker alternative?

[@leghunter9201]

How do you align these mounts if you live in the southern hemisphere and can't see the south celestial pole?

[@theresaclarke2638]

Love your videos. I bought the Ioptron Skyguider pro after your first review of it shooting Andromeda a while ago! I some times have trouble with exact Polar Alignment. Would LOVE to see you do a paid tutorial including polar alignment tips :0)

[@user-jn4ih2sy7j]

Great

[@AstroFarsography]

Hmm that Fornax doesn't push my buttons. I have a diddy little Omegon Mini track that has a similar swinging arm system and I'm not the biggest fan of having to go and recharge it. Just got myself a Star Adventurer which I'm eager to try out though. Excited about the new possibilities that a star tracker will afford!

[@Jim_Mundy]

Great video and great information! Thanks!

[@lukashaag3122]

Hey I've just started with deepsky photography and yesterday I tried to photograph the andromeda galaxy for the second time in darker area. I'm using the skywatcher staradventurer 2i and I can't figure out what the problem is. I've used an 600mm objectiv and 30sec exposures and all frames where sharp but andromeda moved slowly but constant out of my frame. What could be the reason for this problem. Thanks for all answers🙌🏼

[@kanakrt9210]

I;m not particularly sure about why it moved away from the frame but wanted to ask if you are using any guiding? I don't think the 2i is suitable for telescopes/lenses beyond 400mm. Another problem might be with the balancing or the dec axis!

[@spamcan9208]

If that's entry level then it looks like I won't be able to get into this hobby.

[@barcakid7712]

Can you test out the move shoot move and tell us your thoughts about if it’s good or not