iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount with AccuAlign (Head & Mount Only)

iOptron SkyGuider Pro Overview

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.

Tracking Head

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

Mounting:

• 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

Motor and Gears:

• 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

Alt-Az Base

• 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

Camera Attachment

• 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