iOptron Skytracker Pro Review

iOptron Skytracker Pro Review

If you're into astrophotography, you know that a solid mount is crucial for capturing stunning images of the night sky. One popular option in the market is the iOptron SkyTracker Pro, a portable and affordable camera mount that provides a stable platform for long-exposure astrophotography. In this article, we will provide a thorough iOptron SkyTracker Pro review, including its features, performance, and pros and cons.

Features

The iOptron SkyTracker Pro is a compact and lightweight mount that weighs only 2.6 pounds, making it easy to transport and set up. It can support a payload of up to 7.7 pounds, making it suitable for mirrorless and DSLR cameras with lenses or small telescopes.

The mount's body is made of aluminum and features an azimuth adjustment and altitude adjustment knobs, allowing you to align your camera with the north celestial pole. The mount comes with a built-in polar scope, which helps you accurately polar align your mount.

The SkyTracker Pro runs on four AA batteries, which can last for up to 24 hours of continuous use. The mount also features a built-in shutter trigger cable, which allows you to remotely control your camera.

Performance

The iOptron SkyTracker Pro provides excellent tracking performance, allowing you to capture sharp and detailed images of the night sky. The mount has two tracking modes: celestial tracking and solar tracking.

In celestial tracking mode, the mount tracks the stars' apparent motion in the sky by rotating at the same rate as the Earth's rotation. In solar tracking mode, the mount tracks the sun's apparent motion across the sky. The mount's tracking accuracy is rated at +/- 0.2 arcseconds per second.

One of the best things about the SkyTracker Pro is how easy it is to use. The built-in polar scope and altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs make polar alignment a breeze, even for beginners. The mount's intuitive design means you can set up and start taking long-exposure images in no time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Portable and lightweight

  2. Accurate tracking performance

  3. Easy to use

  4. Affordable

  5. Built-in polar scope

  6. Shutter trigger cable included

Cons:

  1. Limited payload capacity

  2. Batteries not included

  3. Not suitable for heavy telescopes

  4. Limited warranty

Conclusion

The iOptron SkyTracker Pro is an excellent option for astrophotographers who are looking for a portable and affordable camera mount. It provides accurate tracking performance, easy polar alignment, and intuitive controls, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.

While the mount has its limitations, such as its limited payload capacity and lack of included batteries, its affordability and portability make it a great option for those who want to capture stunning images of the night sky without breaking the bank. Overall, the iOptron SkyTracker Pro is a solid investment for any astrophotographer looking to up their game.

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