With a head design and precise synchronous belt transmission that improve tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron CEM26 Center-Balance GoTo EQ Mount makes an ideal mount for your astronomy and astrophotography needs when using small to medium refractors, reflectors, or Cassegrain optical tubes. Its combination of powerful computer hand controller, traditional polar alignment scope, and integrated Wi-Fi module, you will spend less time aligning your mount and more time enjoying the wonders of the universe. In addition to the mount head, you also get a solid, yet stable, stainless steel tripod to support your gear.

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    Go2Nova 8409 Computer Controller    212,000-Object Database    Multiple Assisted Alignment Procedures    Permanent Periodic Error Correction    Built-In Wi-Fi Module    Accualign Polar Finder Scope    Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle    26-Pound Payload Capacity    1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray

• Ideal for small to medium sized refractors, reflectors, and Cassegrain optical tubes
• German equatorial configuration provides smooth and accurate single axis celestial tracking for observation and astrophotography
• Center-balanced "Z" design places weight over the mount's center of gravity to provide greater stability, smoother movement, and quieter running while requiring less counterweight
• <±10 arcsec of periodic error that can be trained out over time with PEC function on hand controller
• 26-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight
• 0-60° latitude; ±6° azimuth adjustment range
• Built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount via smartphones running controller app
• 3.8" Vixen-style dovetail saddle
• Retractable counterweight bar prevents hitting the tripod or otherwise interfering with the mount's movement; 10-pound counterweight included
• 1.5" stainless steel adjustable-height tripod with leg-spreader/accessory tray

• Synchronous belt transmission improves tracking accuracy, with reduced vibration, especially with heavy loads
• Less than ±10 arcsec periodic tracking error
• 1.8° stepper motor with 128x microdivision
• 88mm, 144-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) worm wheels with zero backlash
• 55mm RA and declination ball bearings provide smooth movement with minimal vibration
• 35mm steel RA and dec axis shafts
• RA and declination gear switches release the gears for balancing OTA
• 0.17 arcsec (200 pulse/sec) motor resolution
• Low-power consumption: 0.5A (tracking), 0.8A (using GoTo)
• Runs on included 12 VDC 5A power adapter; plugs into a standard 110-240 VAC North American outlet

• 212,000 object database includes the moon, sun, planets, stars, comets, asteroids, and constellations
• Multiple assisted alignment procedures use the iPolar electronic polar finder
• Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX (6°/sec)
• Permanent periodic error correction eliminates tracking errors for long-exposure astrophotography
• Automatic tracking rate based on the selected object being tracked
• ASCOM-compatible computer control with planetarium software via integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Serial port for firmware upgrade
• Adjustable key and display brightness
• 8-line/21-character LCD screen; backlit 19-button user interface

• Factory installed in the altitude axis of the mount
• Helps you quickly and accurately equatorially align your mount without an external device
• Two sets of three concentric circles are clearly marked for aligning the mount on Polaris in the northern hemisphere or Sigma Octantis in the southern

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. 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: 2. Can you add gps to this setup?

A: Yes, iOptron GPS Module for CEM26, CEM40, GEM28, GEM45 Mounts BH #IO8438 • MFR #8438 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1625961-REG/ioptron_8438_gps_module_for_cem26.html

Q: 3. Is the scope able to perform a good alignment with the South Pole, for those in the Southern Hemisphere? Or is it only good for the northern hemisphere users?

A: It is possible, but far from easy & a solid working knowledge of the Sth Polar region of the sky is required. Sigma Octantis suffers from being sufficiently faint that once it is naked-eye visible, it is indistinct from its surrounding background of almost equally faint stars. Decent approximate alignment for exposures 30s with wider lenses can be achieved with the 'scope removed by using the opening for it as a sighting hole for the Crux/Centaurus (pointers) method. Precise adjustment is fiddly & best practised in daylight using a terrestrial landmark to familiarise yourself with those controls first. That said, this device is a tiny fraction of the price of a cheap Equatorial telescope mount, (& that will also need aligning). This instrument needs practise & patience to get good results from it & it would be unrealistic to expect to get great photos on your first few times in the field with it. (Reviewer in Australia, 28 deg Sth)

Q: 4. Does it have automatic alignment similar to "Level and Go" in iOptron AZ Mount Pro ? I just want to push the button, and it aligns itself, without the need to hunt for the three bright stars.

A: iOptron has released new firmware correcting the tracking and guiding issues. They are currently making new control board for those who suffered from slew speed slow down due to a chip zapping. New boards should be available in 3 weeks.

Q: 5. 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: 6. 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: 7. 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: 8. 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: 9. Can I solar align in the daytime to photograph the eclipse ?

A: Exposures will be so relatively short accurate polar alignment will not be necessary. Simply point the mount to magnetic north and that will be more than sufficient; especially since the camera lens focal length will be under 500mm, I assume.

Q: 10. Built in wi fi. So my laptop can control the mount and not use the hand control. ??

A: According to iOptron the Built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount via smartphones running controller app. Do not know if your laptop can download apps.