iOptron upgrades their SkyTracker Pro EQ Camera Mount with the addition of the iPolar Electronic Polar Scope—replacing the old-school analog polar scope with precise computer-aided polar alignment for your wide-field astrophotography sessions.

The mount is specifically made to capture long-exposure images of the moon and sun or wide-field photos of the night sky and skyscapes. It offers smooth and quiet right ascension motor tracking for clear imaging and precise tracking and multiple mounting options for both the camera and the mount itself. An internal rechargeable battery has a runtime of up to 24 continuous hours on a single charge so you'll be able capture multiple images with different filters or build stunning long time-lapse videos.

The single-axis servo motor features four tracking speeds: solar, lunar, 1x celestial (for tracking wide-field star patterns), and 1/2x celestial (for combination skyscape framing). Its tracking rates can be used in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres for worldwide use. The included iPolar Electronic Polar Scope is plug-and-play compatible with Windows PCs and makes precise polar alignment fast and easy using the on-screen computer instructions. Power for the iPolar comes via the USB computer connection, so it won't deplete the SkyTracker's battery and affect its runtime.

The SkyTracker comes in two parts: the Alt-Az base and the tracker module. The base attaches to 3/8"-16 photo/video/field tripod posts via its socket or 1/4"-20 posts with the included adapter plug. The tracking module can be attached to the base with a simple Vixen-style dovetail plate and saddle or directly to a tripod via a 3/8"-16 socket. The camera mounts onto the tracking module's motorized plate using an optional ball head for camera rigs up to 2.6 pounds, or with an optional counterweight kit for rigs from 2.6 to 6.6 pounds, including the lens.

Compact Single-Axis Equatorial Mount    6.6-Pound Payload Capacity    Multiple RA Tracking Rates    Removable Adjustable Alt-Az Base    iPolar Electronic Polar Scope    Internal Rechargeable Battery    1/4" and 3/8" Tripod Mount    Ball Head or Counterweight Kit Required    Mount Only—Tripod Required

• Single-axis equatorial
• 6.6-pound payload capacity
• 30 to 65° latitude adjustment range with Alt-Az base
• ±5° AZ adjustment range
• Camera mounts on optional ball head or counterweight kit, available separately
• Aluminum alloy construction with ABS polycarbonate covers
• Mount and base weighs 2.5 pounds
• Internal Li-Poly 2000mAh battery with up to 24 hours of continuous runtime
• Micro-USB charging, reaches 80% charge in 5 hours
• Wide 5 to 104° operating temperature

• Single right-ascension DC servo motor
• Quiet and virtually vibration-free for steadier imaging
• Tracking speeds: 1x celestial, 1/2x celestial, solar, lunar
• 180x forward and reverse fast slew speeds for polar alignment and to find objects
• Selectable Northern or Southern hemisphere
• Right ascension shaft: 25mm diameter, steel
• Worm wheel: 74mm diameter, 144 teeth, aluminum alloy
• Worm gear: 11mm diameter, brass
• Four-piece bearing

• Mount and base only. A tripod is required for proper use
• SkyTracker attaches to base with a Vixen-style dovetail plate and saddle
• Mount SkyTracker directly to photo/video ball heads or tripod via 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 socket
• Optional counterweight kit for smoother and more accurate tracking
• Camera mounts to SkyTracker with a standard 1/4"-20 threaded post

• Designed to fit directly into the SkyGuider Pro
• Installs without the need for additional adapters or mounts
• Utilizes a digital camera and downloadable computer software for Windows PC to provide accurate polar alignment anywhere on earth
• Works even if pole stars are not visible or the night is cloudy or suffers from light pollution
• Simple on-screen alignment instructions
• Plug-and-play; no drivers required
• Powered by USB computer connection
• 24" USB cable included

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. the wedge is included in the package right?

A: In the Box: iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope (Mount Only) Padded Carrying Case Micro-USB Charging Cable AccuAligning Polar Scope Limited 1-Year Warranty

Q: 2. Hello. How well does the rechargeable battery perform in cold weather? best skies are often in the dead of winter. Thanks in advance.

A: I've used it in the cold mountain-top but have not run the battery down, most I've seen is about 4 hours use with battery still doing well. I do take a USB battery tank along as a backup.

Q: 3. Is the iPolar required the laptop to be connected all the time? Or after the polar-align with the laptop, the laptop is not needed anymore?

A: Yes it is needed for alignment only and once aligned, a computer is no longer needed.

Q: 4. I see earlier questions on the use of IOS i see there is an IOS app, does that work in conjunction with the polar scope?

A: The Polar Scope Align Pro App for Scope alignment & astro tools will work with Apple products like an iPhone, and iPad to to aim.

Q: 5. Does this come with the alt/azi base or not? The manual leads one to believe BOTH the Tracker and alt/azi base are sold together for $299

A: Yes the the Alt Az base is Black and the motorized part with battery is Red. It comes with everything including a USB cord for charging and Polar scope.

Q: 6. I have a 100-400mm (3.5 lbs) lens with a canon 5D IV (1.6 lbs). Will this work? Will I need a counterweight? I would mount the lens on the device I think. Im just getting started and just learning about whats required.

A: With the camera and lens listed plus a ball, you will be close to the recommended, maximum weight limit of the SkyTracer Pro. I suggest saving the money you would spend on the iOptron SkyTracker Pro and associated counterweight and purchase the iOptron SkuGuider that has an 11 lb payload. I have the iOptron SkyTracker but wish I had purchased the SkyGuider that will better handle the heavier loads.

Q: 7. Does this come with the cloth carrying case, as I have seen on the iOptron website?

A: There a carrying case but it isn't cloth; it's more like a synthetic mete rial.

Q: 8. Can this be used to photograph deep space objects like the Orion nebula? I am planning to use my tamron 150-600 on a Sony A7R2. Would it work with this combo?

A: Yes however I would recommend getting the Ball Head, and Counter Weight with that set up. So it can support that weight.

Q: 9. Does this tracker have a setting that will just rotate horizontally without tilting?

A: There is no setting , but it is a matter of set-up. Mount the SkyTracker with the camera mounting block level in all directions. The mounted camera will then rotate continuously, and very slowly, across the horizon.

Q: 10. Question already asked but the answer is not clear. The mount can be use without the counterweight with 2.6 pounds of gear. My gear is 2.3 pounds without the ballhead and 3.2 pounds with the ballhead. Do I need the counterweight? Thanks!

A: The counterweight helps maintain smooth action of the driveMy recommendation is to get the drive