The iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount gets an update with the addition of the AccuAlign dark field illuminated polar scope that increases the precision of your alignment to improve tracking accuracy.

Ideal for wide-field astrophotography, the SkyGuider Pro tracks celestial bodies so you can capture images of the sun and moon, and it supports tricky star-scape shooting techniques. This versatile tracking system can be configured in multiple ways, including single or double-camera mounting or even carrying smaller telescope optical tube assemblies (OTAs).

The system functions as an equatorial mount, with a Right Ascension (RA) tracking motor to compensate for the apparent movement of celestial objects across the sky. A Declination mounting bracket allows the use of the counterweight kit to balance heavier imaging rigs and limit vibration and strain on the motor and gears—or for double-mounting cameras or OTAs. The tracking head runs on a factory-installed rechargeable battery with a 20-hour runtime. iOptron offers the SkyGuider Pro here, with just the tracking head and alt-az base for users with a reliable support system. The tracking head can be mounted on a tripod by itself using a conventional 1/4"-20 photo ball head, or the head/base can be mounted together on most astronomical, photo, video, or field tripods using the 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 mount on the bottom of the base.

Equatorial Camera Tracking System    11 lb Payload Capacity    Right Ascension Tracking Motor    AccuAlign Illuminated Polar Scope    Multiple Selectable Tracking Rates    Single or Double Camera Mounting    3 lb Counterweight and Shaft    Vixen Dovetail to Mount Small Telescopes    Internal Rechargeable LiPo Battery    Head and Mount Only, Tripod Required

Head:

• 11 lb max payload capacity when properly balanced
• Tracking rates: Solar, Lunar, Celestial, and Half-Celestial (for skyscape photography)
• 144x forward/reverse fast slew speed helps to find objects and frame shots
• Factory-installed AccuAlign polar scope enables precise alignment using latitude and longitude data from the iOptron Polar Scope app on iPhone or iPad
• A counterweight shaft and 3 lb weight are included to properly balance heavier cameras and lenses
• Ports: ST-4 Autoguider; shutter release; micro-USB charging; optional Go2Nova hand controller
• Runs on one internal rechargeable LiPo battery; up to 20-hour runtime

• Mounts on alt-az base via Vixen-style dovetail
• 1/4"-20 socket enables mounting on a photo, video, or field tripod using an optional ball head

• Right Ascension DC servo provides smooth tracking with limited vibration, and the optical encoder improves tracking accuracy
• Right Ascension clutch disk enables manual movement
• 35mm steel Right Ascension shaft
• 88mm, 144-tooth aluminum alloy worm wheel
• 15.2mm brass worm gear
• Four-piece roller bearing provides smooth movement with reduced vibration

• Vixen-style dovetail saddle accepts the tracking head without tools for attachment
• -30° to 65° latitude adjustment range
• ±5° azimuth adjustment range
• Bullseye bubble level
• 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 socket for attachment onto most astronomical, photo, video, or field tripods

• 3/8"-16 camera mounting block to mount camera directly onto tracking head or dual-mount on Declination bracket
• Mount a camera onto the head using a ball head for smaller cameras
• Use included Declination bracket for heavier rigs with included counterweight assembly, for dual-camera mounting or smaller telescope OTAs
• Dual camera mount payload of 11 lb + 7.7 lb

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is a computer required for polar alignment and if one is needed will it work with a Mac?

A: An electronic polar scope is built into the mount and a computer is not required to use it.

Q: 2. Does the iPolar option preclude the normal optical way to polar align (without the electronic alignment). Meaning can I STILL do it the using my eye?

A: Yes of course you can

Q: 3. Planning using this Skyguider Pro camera mount with the Nikon d7500 and D750 with the Tamron 150-600 and other small lens. So with the d7500 a the Tamron lens set at 600mm (which would be 900mm on the cropped sensor), will this track a deep sky object without startrails? How long of an exposure can I go before startrails?

A: For a long lens like the 150-600mm you would see trails at around 10-15 secs.

Q: 4. Is the clutch supposed to be flush with the body once tightened? I just received mine and there is an inconsistent gap that is approximately 2 mm wide (1/16 of an inch) at its widest. I am concerned this will allow debris to contaminate the SkyGuider.

A: ask MFR

Q: 5. Do you need to be able to see Do Do you need to see Polaris for this to work? If so, is there a work around of some sort?

A: This is not a Go-To Device, its designed for polar alignment for more accurate tracking.

Q: 6. Can a Samsun Galaxy S10+ phone be used for the alignment?

A: The iOptron Skyguider Pro does not use a smart phone for alignment. It used the built in polar alignment scope.

Q: 7. Can this device be used for Timelapse?

A: Silent tracking for smooth camera motion, perfect for long-term exposures. 4 tracking speed (1X, 1/2X, solar and lunar). 1X celestial tracking for imaging the sky and stars; 1/2X tracking speed for imaging both the starry night and the landscapes at the same time Tracking Photography When a supported camera is connected to the mount via a electric shutter trigger cable, the camera can be controlled by the hand controller. You can set the camera Shutter Length, time between each shot (Interval) and total Number of Shots. You may use these images to make time lapse video later. Press MENU = “Tracking Photography” = ENTER It will bring up the shutter setting menu. Start from “Input shutter length” field, Use ◄ or ► key to move the cursor and number key to change the number. Keep pressing the ► to move the cursor to next session: “Input interval,”, then to “Input the number of shots.” When finishing settings, move the cursor to ► and press the ENTER to start take photo. If you set the delay trig, the hand controller will beep before starting take photos. You may press the ENTER button again to stop the imaging process. You have to turn off the auto focus of the camera and set camera accordingly. You can see this info in the manual located on the B&H website https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1490837-REG/ioptron_3550a_skyguider_pro_camera_mount.html

Q: 8. Hi! Does the Skyguider Pro have a guide port? Thanks

A: Yes, the Skyguider Pro has a guide port.

Q: 9. How is build quality? Is it as good as Vixen?

A: The build quality is very good and it supports up to 11 pounds.

Q: 10. It says head and mount only, does that mean the counterwieght, bag and cable is not included?

A: This is what is listed as Ïn the Box" Padded Carrying Bag Counterweight Shaft 3-pound Counterweight Declination Mounting Bracket Micro-USB Battery Charging Cable Limited 1-Year Warranty Limited 90-Day Warranty on Battery