I'll try to be as constructive with my criticism as possible.
First off, Im very new at astrophotography. Ive only stacked the moon, because, well, I dont have a tracker. Without spending thousands of dollars, which I plan to do AFTER I get more acquainted with astrophotography in general. So I chose this route and Ive seen that its very capable with a DSLR and telephoto lens.
Disclaimer, I havent used it yet, just setting it up.
First: I already knew I would either A. need more weight, which can't be found at the moment OR cost around $60. The weight itself is $25, thats pretty steep, and the only place I found it wanted $35 shipping. Or B. plan ahead and find parts DIY to make a longer counter weight bar.
Why is the counter weight bar so short (8")!?
iOptron sells extensions for $25. I can make a 12" counter weight bar for $11.50.
Why not just include a 12" bar?
I say this because theres youtube reviews stating you WILL NEED more weight if using DSLR+Telephoto lens AND it was demonstrated.
The point behind this is the mount itself is only designed to accommodate 11lbs payload. My D850 weighs 2.5lbs and my Nikkor 200-500 weighs 4.5lbs, plus the counter weight 3.3lbs. Im already at max load. Why would I want to add weight!?
I cant find the extension bars anywhere. Everything from iOptron seems to be on back order!? That being said, the 8" bar that comes with the kit weighs about 1lb. I cant add weight. So Im making a 12" bar out of some 3/8-16 all thread, two coupling nuts and a 12" 20mm OD x 17mm ID aluminum tubing. Furthermore this kit was on backorder since January.
Secondly: The polar scope (seems everyone has this problem) is not collimated to Right Ascension Axis (RA). How do you ship a product thats not ready for use? I understand it could get bumped out of alignment during shipping, but if its that delicate, the design is flawed. Or possibly just ship it separate from the mount since we, the consumer, would have to align it anyways. On top of that, they include a 2mm allen(hex) key, but NOT a 1.5mm. You need both to collimate the scope.
Third: While adjusting the scope, the eye piece loosely fits into the scope. Making it to where if touched, it wobbles the alignment reticle optically. Luckily I have some rubber O-rings that did the trick. Why was there not an O-ring OR why was the threaded eye piece so loose!?
As far as construction materials, its decent, partial metal, partial plastic. The chuck could be aluminum. I can foresee it breaking.
I really want to get into astrophotography and Im not sure this mount was the way to start. I mean, its on the cheap, just to learn the basics and get use to the process before progressing to advanced equipment.
Considering how cheap this mount is and what can be done with it, these flaws are minor, but flaws non the less.
I'll update my review in the future, but in the meantime, iOptron should resolve these issues to get better reviews, thus sell more of your product. I understand this is a niche market, but all the more reason to either listen to your customers or do it right the first time.
iOptron:
Include a 1.5mm allen(hex) key
Include an O-ring for polar eye piece
Include a 12" counter weight bar
Not everyone uses IOS (Apple), please include Android App for polar alignment.
Please advise consumer its mandatory to check and collimate the polar scope with Right Ascension Axis (RA). Either with an advertisement before purchase and or with a note in package stating to do so. No where in the paper manual does it state to do this or that it may be required to be done. Its absolutely necessary.
Overall, Im content with my purchase, because its needed for what I want to do and it was the cheapest, fastest, easiest and most portable way to start Astrophotography.
I chose the Sky Guider Pro over other portable trackers because of Peter Zelinka reviews. The main points are how small it is and the rechargeable battery.
Update: After all the "issues" that I remedied, I can get 2 minute subs with 500mm. Weather hasnt been the best, but I was able to get some data. 22 minutes Lights, 30 Darks, 50 Flats, 100 Bias. M81/M82 pictured (cropped 1:2). Its not a lot of data, but its only my second attempt. I havent tried for longer subs due to weather. I'll update when I get the chance. For the price, this cant be beat, even with all the somewhat minor issues.
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Customer reviews
Room for improvement. (Minor mechanical)
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
I'll try to be as constructive with my criticism as possible.First off, Im very new at astrophotography. Ive only stacked the moon, because, well, I dont have a tracker. Without spending thousands of dollars, which I plan to do AFTER I get more acquainted with astrophotography in general. So I chose this route and Ive seen that its very capable with a DSLR and telephoto lens.Disclaimer, I havent used it yet, just setting it up.First: I already knew I would either A. need more weight, which can't be found at the moment OR cost around $60. The weight itself is $25, thats pretty steep, and the only place I found it wanted $35 shipping. Or B. plan ahead and find parts DIY to make a longer counter weight bar.Why is the counter weight bar so short (8")!?iOptron sells extensions for $25. I can make a 12" counter weight bar for $11.50.Why not just include a 12" bar?I say this because theres youtube reviews stating you WILL NEED more weight if using DSLR+Telephoto lens AND it was demonstrated.The point behind this is the mount itself is only designed to accommodate 11lbs payload. My D850 weighs 2.5lbs and my Nikkor 200-500 weighs 4.5lbs, plus the counter weight 3.3lbs. Im already at max load. Why would I want to add weight!?I cant find the extension bars anywhere. Everything from iOptron seems to be on back order!? That being said, the 8" bar that comes with the kit weighs about 1lb. I cant add weight. So Im making a 12" bar out of some 3/8-16 all thread, two coupling nuts and a 12" 20mm OD x 17mm ID aluminum tubing. Furthermore this kit was on backorder since January.Secondly: The polar scope (seems everyone has this problem) is not collimated to Right Ascension Axis (RA). How do you ship a product thats not ready for use? I understand it could get bumped out of alignment during shipping, but if its that delicate, the design is flawed. Or possibly just ship it separate from the mount since we, the consumer, would have to align it anyways. On top of that, they include a 2mm allen(hex) key, but NOT a 1.5mm. You need both to collimate the scope.Third: While adjusting the scope, the eye piece loosely fits into the scope. Making it to where if touched, it wobbles the alignment reticle optically. Luckily I have some rubber O-rings that did the trick. Why was there not an O-ring OR why was the threaded eye piece so loose!?As far as construction materials, its decent, partial metal, partial plastic. The chuck could be aluminum. I can foresee it breaking.I really want to get into astrophotography and Im not sure this mount was the way to start. I mean, its on the cheap, just to learn the basics and get use to the process before progressing to advanced equipment.Considering how cheap this mount is and what can be done with it, these flaws are minor, but flaws non the less.I'll update my review in the future, but in the meantime, iOptron should resolve these issues to get better reviews, thus sell more of your product. I understand this is a niche market, but all the more reason to either listen to your customers or do it right the first time.iOptron:Include a 1.5mm allen(hex) keyInclude an O-ring for polar eye pieceInclude a 12" counter weight barNot everyone uses IOS (Apple), please include Android App for polar alignment.Please advise consumer its mandatory to check and collimate the polar scope with Right Ascension Axis (RA). Either with an advertisement before purchase and or with a note in package stating to do so. No where in the paper manual does it state to do this or that it may be required to be done. Its absolutely necessary.Overall, Im content with my purchase, because its needed for what I want to do and it was the cheapest, fastest, easiest and most portable way to start Astrophotography.I chose the Sky Guider Pro over other portable trackers because of Peter Zelinka reviews. The main points are how small it is and the rechargeable battery.Update: After all the "issues" that I remedied, I can get 2 minute subs with 500mm. Weather hasnt been the best, but I was able to get some data. 22 minutes Lights, 30 Darks, 50 Flats, 100 Bias. M81/M82 pictured (cropped 1:2). Its not a lot of data, but its only my second attempt. I havent tried for longer subs due to weather. I'll update when I get the chance. For the price, this cant be beat, even with all the somewhat minor issues.
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 30, 2019
First off, Im very new at astrophotography. Ive only stacked the moon, because, well, I dont have a tracker. Without spending thousands of dollars, which I plan to do AFTER I get more acquainted with astrophotography in general. So I chose this route and Ive seen that its very capable with a DSLR and telephoto lens.
Disclaimer, I havent used it yet, just setting it up.
First: I already knew I would either A. need more weight, which can't be found at the moment OR cost around $60. The weight itself is $25, thats pretty steep, and the only place I found it wanted $35 shipping. Or B. plan ahead and find parts DIY to make a longer counter weight bar.
Why is the counter weight bar so short (8")!?
iOptron sells extensions for $25. I can make a 12" counter weight bar for $11.50.
Why not just include a 12" bar?
I say this because theres youtube reviews stating you WILL NEED more weight if using DSLR+Telephoto lens AND it was demonstrated.
The point behind this is the mount itself is only designed to accommodate 11lbs payload. My D850 weighs 2.5lbs and my Nikkor 200-500 weighs 4.5lbs, plus the counter weight 3.3lbs. Im already at max load. Why would I want to add weight!?
I cant find the extension bars anywhere. Everything from iOptron seems to be on back order!? That being said, the 8" bar that comes with the kit weighs about 1lb. I cant add weight. So Im making a 12" bar out of some 3/8-16 all thread, two coupling nuts and a 12" 20mm OD x 17mm ID aluminum tubing. Furthermore this kit was on backorder since January.
Secondly: The polar scope (seems everyone has this problem) is not collimated to Right Ascension Axis (RA). How do you ship a product thats not ready for use? I understand it could get bumped out of alignment during shipping, but if its that delicate, the design is flawed. Or possibly just ship it separate from the mount since we, the consumer, would have to align it anyways. On top of that, they include a 2mm allen(hex) key, but NOT a 1.5mm. You need both to collimate the scope.
Third: While adjusting the scope, the eye piece loosely fits into the scope. Making it to where if touched, it wobbles the alignment reticle optically. Luckily I have some rubber O-rings that did the trick. Why was there not an O-ring OR why was the threaded eye piece so loose!?
As far as construction materials, its decent, partial metal, partial plastic. The chuck could be aluminum. I can foresee it breaking.
I really want to get into astrophotography and Im not sure this mount was the way to start. I mean, its on the cheap, just to learn the basics and get use to the process before progressing to advanced equipment.
Considering how cheap this mount is and what can be done with it, these flaws are minor, but flaws non the less.
I'll update my review in the future, but in the meantime, iOptron should resolve these issues to get better reviews, thus sell more of your product. I understand this is a niche market, but all the more reason to either listen to your customers or do it right the first time.
iOptron:
Include a 1.5mm allen(hex) key
Include an O-ring for polar eye piece
Include a 12" counter weight bar
Not everyone uses IOS (Apple), please include Android App for polar alignment.
Please advise consumer its mandatory to check and collimate the polar scope with Right Ascension Axis (RA). Either with an advertisement before purchase and or with a note in package stating to do so. No where in the paper manual does it state to do this or that it may be required to be done. Its absolutely necessary.
Overall, Im content with my purchase, because its needed for what I want to do and it was the cheapest, fastest, easiest and most portable way to start Astrophotography.
I chose the Sky Guider Pro over other portable trackers because of Peter Zelinka reviews. The main points are how small it is and the rechargeable battery.
Update: After all the "issues" that I remedied, I can get 2 minute subs with 500mm. Weather hasnt been the best, but I was able to get some data. 22 minutes Lights, 30 Darks, 50 Flats, 100 Bias. M81/M82 pictured (cropped 1:2). Its not a lot of data, but its only my second attempt. I havent tried for longer subs due to weather. I'll update when I get the chance. For the price, this cant be beat, even with all the somewhat minor issues.
Room for improvement. (Minor mechanical)
By MacTuile on May 29, 2019
I'll try to be as constructive with my criticism as possible.By MacTuile on May 29, 2019
First off, Im very new at astrophotography. Ive only stacked the moon, because, well, I dont have a tracker. Without spending thousands of dollars, which I plan to do AFTER I get more acquainted with astrophotography in general. So I chose this route and Ive seen that its very capable with a DSLR and telephoto lens.
Disclaimer, I havent used it yet, just setting it up.
First: I already knew I would either A. need more weight, which can't be found at the moment OR cost around $60. The weight itself is $25, thats pretty steep, and the only place I found it wanted $35 shipping. Or B. plan ahead and find parts DIY to make a longer counter weight bar.
Why is the counter weight bar so short (8")!?
iOptron sells extensions for $25. I can make a 12" counter weight bar for $11.50.
Why not just include a 12" bar?
I say this because theres youtube reviews stating you WILL NEED more weight if using DSLR+Telephoto lens AND it was demonstrated.
The point behind this is the mount itself is only designed to accommodate 11lbs payload. My D850 weighs 2.5lbs and my Nikkor 200-500 weighs 4.5lbs, plus the counter weight 3.3lbs. Im already at max load. Why would I want to add weight!?
I cant find the extension bars anywhere. Everything from iOptron seems to be on back order!? That being said, the 8" bar that comes with the kit weighs about 1lb. I cant add weight. So Im making a 12" bar out of some 3/8-16 all thread, two coupling nuts and a 12" 20mm OD x 17mm ID aluminum tubing. Furthermore this kit was on backorder since January.
Secondly: The polar scope (seems everyone has this problem) is not collimated to Right Ascension Axis (RA). How do you ship a product thats not ready for use? I understand it could get bumped out of alignment during shipping, but if its that delicate, the design is flawed. Or possibly just ship it separate from the mount since we, the consumer, would have to align it anyways. On top of that, they include a 2mm allen(hex) key, but NOT a 1.5mm. You need both to collimate the scope.
Third: While adjusting the scope, the eye piece loosely fits into the scope. Making it to where if touched, it wobbles the alignment reticle optically. Luckily I have some rubber O-rings that did the trick. Why was there not an O-ring OR why was the threaded eye piece so loose!?
As far as construction materials, its decent, partial metal, partial plastic. The chuck could be aluminum. I can foresee it breaking.
I really want to get into astrophotography and Im not sure this mount was the way to start. I mean, its on the cheap, just to learn the basics and get use to the process before progressing to advanced equipment.
Considering how cheap this mount is and what can be done with it, these flaws are minor, but flaws non the less.
I'll update my review in the future, but in the meantime, iOptron should resolve these issues to get better reviews, thus sell more of your product. I understand this is a niche market, but all the more reason to either listen to your customers or do it right the first time.
iOptron:
Include a 1.5mm allen(hex) key
Include an O-ring for polar eye piece
Include a 12" counter weight bar
Not everyone uses IOS (Apple), please include Android App for polar alignment.
Please advise consumer its mandatory to check and collimate the polar scope with Right Ascension Axis (RA). Either with an advertisement before purchase and or with a note in package stating to do so. No where in the paper manual does it state to do this or that it may be required to be done. Its absolutely necessary.
Overall, Im content with my purchase, because its needed for what I want to do and it was the cheapest, fastest, easiest and most portable way to start Astrophotography.
I chose the Sky Guider Pro over other portable trackers because of Peter Zelinka reviews. The main points are how small it is and the rechargeable battery.
Update: After all the "issues" that I remedied, I can get 2 minute subs with 500mm. Weather hasnt been the best, but I was able to get some data. 22 minutes Lights, 30 Darks, 50 Flats, 100 Bias. M81/M82 pictured (cropped 1:2). Its not a lot of data, but its only my second attempt. I havent tried for longer subs due to weather. I'll update when I get the chance. For the price, this cant be beat, even with all the somewhat minor issues.
Images in this review
Easy and fast way to take great astrophotos. But you still need to know where you are aiming it ;-) Easy to transport.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 26, 2018
Easy and fast way to take great astrophotos. But you still need to know where you are aiming it ;-) Easy to transport.
By AstroBob on July 26, 2018
Normally I do my imaging with a very elaborate, expensive, heavy, and bulky setup. I wanted an ultra small/light setup for travel and fast setup. I have another Ioptron mount and it works great so thought this would be a good choice.By AstroBob on July 26, 2018
I have used it with my Nikon D800 DSLR and lens ranging from 20mm to 300mm. Even with the 300 the sharps remain dots with exposures up to 3 minutes or more. The attached wide field shot of the Milky Way was shot with a 20mm lens and 6 minute exposure on the DSLR.
My normal setup is a ATIK 940 EX cooled astro camera with the same Nikon lens. on the SkyGuider. I use a Bogen crutch leg tripod or a surveyors tripods. A heavy sturdy tripod is mandatory!
The mount can take up to 11# of camera and lens via a setup that uses a counterweight. There is a version with just the mount and another one with the equatorial mount bracket, counter weight shaft and counter weight, and a attachment that lets you set it up in several configurations.That is the setup I have. I went with the photo kit which only adds a few bucks to the cost. The included polar alignment scope is very accurate and fast to setup. It takes just a couple of minutes to polar align.it very accurately using a free app for Android or Iphones that matches the observing location, time and date to where Polaris is in relation to the true North Celestial Pole. That information is used to locate Polaris on the circum polar circle in the finder scope.
The guider itself hasa good sized gear with a brass worm drive. The transission from the motor is via a toothed rubber drive belt which will eliminate jitter. In short the drive is very smooth and accurate. The mount has siderial, lunar, and solar tracking rates as well as 1/2 siderial which is used when imaging the sky with landscape in the forground.
The mount is unique in that it includes a autoguide port. I haven't used that yet although I do have a small autogfuider setup that would work with it. However, the mount is so good you may not need it.....I am trying to keep from adding a bunch of additional gear...so may never use that guider port. Note thouigh that since the mount tracks only is RA....the guider would only move in RA also. Since DEC shouldn 't be an issue with a good polar alignment you really won't need DEC guiding. I included a photo of the setup I use with the ATIK camera.
Note that while this is a tracking mount there is no provision for GOTO or finding stars. You will have to find them yourself but if you know enough about astronomy that won't be a problem. The software I have allows me to focus and continually see where my ATIK camera is aimed. My Nidon was a little bit more difficult but I found a device that plugs into the camera hot shoe what can hold either a red dot finder or a green laser pointer to help you aim it.
The only issue I had was the first one arrived with a bad battery that would not take or hold a charge. Adorama promtoply issued a RA and sent another one which has worked flawlessly. I have bought a lot of gear over the years from Adorama so can vouch for their company and service. By the way the internal battery is rechageable and lasts for up to 20 hours but you can also plug an external power supply to run the mount as well as recharge the battery. That connection also let you upload firmware updates when they come out. THere is a port to have a camera cable release on some cameras, but in my case it was redundant for what I alread have.
In short this is an amazing device for astrophotography. It is easy to use, a qality product and well engineered. I will not give uip my more elaborate setup but this makes it easy to take great astrophotos......but it helps to have dark skies of course!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 5, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 24, 2022
Doesn't miss!
By Michael A. on July 24, 2022
It just doesn't mistrack. I love it! Super easy to polar align and incredibly dependable so far. Also I was surprised at how much more compact it is than I expected. Would highly recommend!
By Michael A. on July 24, 2022
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
A lot of money for hit and miss performance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 11, 2019M. Green
Polar alignment and level tripod
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 13, 2019
Polar alignment and level tripod
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 13, 2019
This is a great item, make sure you do a polar alignment an check level, I use it with my canon 7D mk2 with a canon 100-400 lens with no problems,
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 13, 2019
Images in this review
seseinternet
Ottimo inseguitore planetario.
Reviewed in Italy 🇮🇹 on August 12, 2022
