Digital Camera World Verdict
A versatile and portable star tracker integrating autoguiding capability. Adapted as a heavy-duty mount, allows for use of heavier telephoto lenses of deep-sky astrophotography and can even double up as a double camera setup.
Pros
- +
Up to 20 hours of battery operation
- +
Payload capacity up to 11lbs (5kg) with good counterbalance
- +
Multiple tracking speeds to track multiple celestial objects
- +
Built-in illuminated polar scope utility
Cons
- -
The user needs to acclimatize the operation to the guider head with set parameter controls. I.e. button configuration.
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The iOptron SkyGuider Pro is a heavy-duty style of star tracker mount, whilst being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, offers high-precision tracking. This can be utilised by incorporating a guiding telescope via the ST-4 guider bracket and an additional guiding camera.
Although optional, the SkyGuider can also be used as a standalone unit for wide-angle astrophotography. However, this set comes with a dovetail saddle that can be used to attach a small telescope or a mounting block to install the provided counterweight system.
Arguably, this design is more suited to deep-space practicalities, but the integral design demonstrates flawless possibilities that can be achieved with this setup.
Specifications
Tracking modes | North and South Hemisphere Star Tracking. 1X Cel, 1/2 Cel, solar, lunar, N/S |
| Body base connection | Vixen dovetail, 3/8” socket w/ 1/4” converter |
Allowable Loading Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3kg |
| Battery | Li-Poly, 3.7V, 2000mAh |
| Power Charge Port | Up to 20 hours at 20ºC |
| Optional Accessory | Micro USB (5V), 80% charge in 5 hours |
Dimensions | 133x115x95 mm (w/o alt-azi base) |
Weight | 1kg / 2.2lbs with battery |
Price
With multiple functions and available accessories in this bundle - the retail price of $359 / £299 is very generous and competitive. Good design, robust build, whilst providing a number of functions for this mount, makes it a great contender as a heavy-duty, portable star tracker solution.
Design and handling
A guiding camera can be used in conjunction with the SkyGuider to track a guiding star with a fair degree of accuracy. In conjunction, an optional iOptron Hand Controller can be installed via one of the external ports.
When operating the tracker unit, however, the user needs to acclimate themselves with the operation of the mount head to change and operate the speed of the tracking system. Pressing the central button once changes between tracking speeds - from ½, 1, solar and lunar sidereal speeds.
Unlike iOptron's SkyTracker Pro, the user needs to press and hold the central button to change the hemisphere tracking; there is no toggle switch between the north and south hemispheres. To illuminate the interior polar scope, the button needs to be pressed and held a second time to illuminate. This is indicated by the illuminated LED symbol on the base of the mount.
When mounting the base to the tracker, a ball head can be attached to the mounting block with a ⅜ screw attachment. The ball head can then be attached to the mount. A mounting bracket is supplied to which two cameras can be installed - as a secondary camera or guide camera (to which a bracket needs to be installed with the supplied ¼” screws) or for use of the counterweight system. The dovetail being attached to your desired camera. The large silver screw can be threaded through the bracket instead to screw the ball head directly onto the mounting bracket (depending on the user's application). The R.A. axis can be slowed to the desired position.
As another option, the dovetail saddle can be used in place of the mounting bracket to attach a small telescope using the four supplied ¼” screws). The counterweight rod can then be installed on the unused end of the bracket.
One note to make is one end of the counterweight hole is smaller than the other. It is advised to put the small end of the counterweight on first to allow adjustment from maximum to minimum height.
The polar scope is integrated in the center of the SkyGuider. Removing the front cap and rear eyepiece via the threaded cap will reveal the eyepiece and lens.
iOptron provides its own iPhone Polar Scope App to utilise a more accurate polar alignment. Adjust mount so that Polaris or Sigma Octantis matches the position of the green dot as shown in the map in relation to the polar scope reticule. For Android users, an alternative app would have to be used.
Performance
In terms of performance, the user needs to do their research with the included manual to familiarise themselves with the included tools and accessories for different mounting options. Once familiarised, a basic understanding button operation and cycle was needed. There is not an illustration on the mount itself for this instruction.
Compared with its predecessor models, the SkyGuider Pro has been significantly improved - from quieter motor operation, to an enhanced polar clock utility for more accurate polar alignment and a built-in chargeable power source allowing for 20-hour operation on a single charge. The Polar Scope mirrors what you would see in view of the polar scope to align Polaris (in the northern hemisphere) or Sigma Octantis (in the southern hemisphere). Overall, this method of polar alignment provides accurate tracking in a small period of time.
Considerations for latitude and azimuth operation, incorporating lock adjustments allow for fine adjustment to be made based on the photographer's location and when locating the north or south celestial pole. The azimuth locking knobs were another notable design success, preventing movement during execution of longer exposures.
It was good to see multiple operating speeds (the four options are x1 sidereal, ½ speed, solar and lunar) providing a flexible scope for tracking multiple celestial objects as well as tracking utilities for both the northern and southern hemisphere.
Verdict
Overall, I rate the iOptron SkyGuider Pro as a great heavy-duty, portable star tracker mount. There are a number of mounting possibilities that are adapted to both wide-angle and deep-sky astrophotography.
I would, however, take some time to familiarise the user with the possibilities and functionality of the tracker to get the most out of the experience – especially if looking to equip an autoguiding camera.
| Features★★★★★ | The SkyGuider Pro provides great versatility and is well adapted to track a number of celestial objects. |
| Design★★★★★ | It has a more robust build than its rivals, to withstand greater payloads and heavier telephoto lenses, even a small telescope. |
| Performance★★★★☆ | Great quality tracking and includes use of an autoguider to optimise longer exposure times. |
| Value★★★★☆ | Good value when weighing up features, quality and functionality as a heavy-duty star tracker vs. other competitive models. |
Many thanks to First Light Optics for the kind loan of the iOptron SkyTracker Pro for this review
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