Digital Camera World Verdict
An all-improved, compact star tracker within an affordable price bracket. The iOptron SkyTracker Pro's new and improved polar alignment and slewing modes provide more control when framing and capturing tracked images of the night-sky.
Pros
- +
24 hours of battery operation (at 20°C)
- +
Payload capacity up to 6.6lbs (3kg).
- +
Multiple tracking speeds to track multiple celestial objects
- +
Illuminated polar scope with 8 adjustable brightness levels
Cons
- -
Base of tripod uses a ⅜ screw. The mount will need to be removed to use ¼ attachment
- -
Centering of the polar scope could be improved - to align crosshairs
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If payload exceeds 1.2kg you will need the optional counterweight kit
- -
iOptron Polar Scope app not available for Android users
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The iOptron SkyTracker Pro is a versatile unit that is acclimatized to taking wide-angle images of the night sky. The compactness of its design makes this model of star tracker a versatile option to take with you in your camera bag.
Consisting of three elements - the star tracking unit, latitude mount, and polar scope - it is more adaptable to other star tracker camera mounts on the market that commonly require more components. Not only does the iOptron perform a quick setup, the it also successfully integrates accessible technologies to perform a more accurate polar alignment.
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 24 hours at 20ºC |
| Optional Accessory | Micro USB (5V), 80% charge in 5 hours |
Dimensions | 115x115x95 mm |
Weight | 685g with battery |
Price
The iOptron SkyTracker Pro retails for $225 / £189. Weighing up aesthetics, design and functionality, the iOptron SkyTracker Pro is an attractive competitor in this price bracket. The newer black color models are more appealing in terms of aesthetics, whilst incorporating a generous number of star-tracking modes.
Design and handling
Constructed from CNC-machined anodized aluminum, overall providing a good first impression of a well-constructed and robust design – to withstand impact and potential damage during transit.
The body size of the tracker, measuring in at 115x115x95mm, is suitable for both smaller or larger camera bags. A design that can easily be assembled in the field. Incorporating latitude and azimuth adjustments when targeting towards the north or south celestial poles.
The polar scope is attached to the in-built polar scope utility. As is the case with any means of polar alignment, some minor knowledge of astronomical objects is required to locate the north celestial pole (NCP) in the constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor for northern hemisphere users (and the south celestial pole (SCP) in the constellations of Octans and Crux for southern hemisphere users).
A 24-hour ‘clock’ is integrated into the internal polar scope graphic, enabling for fine-tuned polar alignment. 8-brightness red-LED adjustment is built into the base of the tracker to allow for greater feasibility depending on the photographer’s scenario. An interchangeable ¼” & ⅜” mounting screws is incorporated on the mounting plate - attaching the ballhead to the mount - providing greater flexibility depending on your setup.
iOptron provides their own iPhone Polar Scope App to utilize a more accurate polar alignment. Adjust the 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 needs to be used.
Performance
In terms of performance, the black model of the iOptron SkyTracker Pro was selected for the purpose of this review. This particular model is more suited for wide-angle astrophotography as opposed to deep-sky astrophotography, for which a separate counterweight accessory would need to be purchased.
Compared with its predecessor models, the SkyTracker 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 24-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.
A unique and impressive feature was the housed red LED illuminator for the polar scope. Offering eight brightness adjustments, caters to the photographer's needs depending on their environment or scenario. Other competitive models on the market offer a single standard or brightness that can make the process of polar alignment more challenging if too bright or too dim, so was an impressive consideration when operating during the summer months during prolonged twilight.
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 incorporation to prevent movement during the execution of longer exposures.
It was good to see for different operating speeds – x1 sidereal, ½ sidereal, solar, and lunar – providing a flexible scope for tracking multiple celestial objects, as well as tracking utilities for both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Verdict
Overall, I would advocate the iOptron SkyTracker Pro as a great example as a portable and lightweight star tracker option. It is clear to see that iOptron listens to their audience and has provided an updated, powerful star tracker that can be taken with you on the go.
Not only does it incorporate attractive and accessible features, the unit is well adapted using red light technologies in order to preserve night vision and setting up minimal components to provide accurate polar alignment in a small period of time.
| Features★★★★★ | The SkyTracker Pro provides great versatility and adaptation to promote quick and accurate polar alignment. |
| Design★★★★☆ | A strong, robust design that is compact, well adapted for travel and lightweight. |
| Performance★★★★★ | With good quality tracking, this model best suited for wide-angle astrophotography. Supporting payload of heavier, wide-angle lenses. |
Value ★★★★☆ | I rate this as good value compared to other similar models on the market, reflective of its portable design, quality product and size. |
Many thanks to First Light Optics for the kind loan of the iOptron SkyTracker Pro for this review
Alternatives
Also see our full guides to the best star tracker camera mounts and the best equatorial mounts
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