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iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope (Mount Only)

BH #IO3322 • MFR #3322
 37 reviews
iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope (Mount Only)
Key Features
  • 6.6 lb Payload Capacity
  • Multiple R.A. Tracking Rates
  • Removable Adjustable Alt-Az Base
  • AccuAlign Illuminated Polar Scope
iOptron built on the success of their first camera tracking system with the redesigned and re-engineered SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount. The mount is specifically made to capture long-exposure images of the Moon and Sun, or wide-field photos of the night sky or skyscapes. Improvements include a smoother and quieter right ascension motor for clear imaging and precise tracking, the addition of an internal rechargeable battery with a runtime of up to 24 continuous hours, and multiple mounting options for both the camera and the mount itself.
In Stock
$288.00
$48/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $42.99
Options
AccuAlign Polar Scope
iPolar Electronic Polar Scope
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iOptron SkyTracker Pro Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Mount
  • 3Motors and Gears
  • 4Use and Handling
  • 5AccuAlign Polar Scope

iOptron built on the success of their first camera tracking system with the redesigned and re-engineered SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount. The mount is specifically made to capture long-exposure images of the Moon and Sun, or wide-field photos of the night sky or skyscapes. Improvements include a smoother and quieter right ascension motor for clear imaging and precise tracking, the addition of an internal rechargeable battery with a runtime of up to 24 continuous hours, and multiple mounting options for both the camera and the mount itself.

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 world-wide use. The included AccuAlign dark-field illuminated polar scope makes precise polar alignment fast and easy - especially when used in conjunction with iOptron's alignment app for Android and iOS devices.

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.

Mount
  • Single-axis equatorial
  • Payload capacity: 6.6lb
  • Camera mounts on optional ball head or counterweight kit, available separately
  • SkyTracker attaches to base with a Vixen-style dovetail plate and saddle
  • Mount SkyTracker directly to photo/video ball heads and tripod via 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 socket
  • 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 tripod mount on base
  • Aluminum alloy construction with ABS polycarbonate covers
  • Mount and base weighs 2.5 lb, total
  • Mount and base only. A tripod is required for proper use
Motors and Gears
  • 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 speed for fast polar alignment or 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
Use and Handling
  • 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 attachment post for optional ball head or counterweight kit
  • Internal Li-Poly 2000mAh battery with up to 24 hours of runtime
  • Micro-USB charging, reaches 80% charge in 5 hours
  • Wide 14 to 104° operating temperature
AccuAlign Polar Scope
  • Etched reticle for longevity
  • Illuminated with 8 intensity levels
  • 6° field of view
  • 8° field of view Polar sight hole allows for fast alignment without Polar scope

iOptron SkyTracker Pro Specs

ConstructionDie-cast aluminum with ABS cover
Payload Capacity6.6 lb / 3.0 kg
Mount TypeEquatorial
Motor DriveSingle-axis DC servo
Adjustment RangeLatitude: -30 to 65º, with alt-az base
AZ: ±5°
MountingBase to tripod: 3/8"-16, or 1/4"-20 with included adapter
Base to SkyTracker: Vixen-style dovetail
SkyTracker to camera: 1/4"-20
BatteryInternal lithium-poly, 3.7 V, 2000 mAh
Runtime24 h max, continuous operation at 68°F / 20°C
ChargingMicro-USB port, 5 VDC
Charges to 80% in 5 h
Operating Temperature14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
Dimensions4.5 x 4.5 x 3.7" / 11.5 x 11.5 x 9.5 cm
Base diameter: 3.1" / 8.0 cm
Weight2.5 lb / 1.2 kg, with battery
Packaging Info
Package Weight3.35 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)8.6 x 6.15 x 4.9"

iOptron SkyTracker Pro Reviews

Works reasonably well but design could be much better

By Mark
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-02

This is the second tracker I have purchased from iOptron. They both track accurately once properly aligned to true north. Unfortunately, there are a few design flaws which I think could be improved: the base is very heavy; the dovetail should be Arca-Swiss compatible (or at least with that option); the input USB power plug should be standard USB-A for robustness (it is different between the two models I now have!); there should be a display showing remaining battery power or charging status.

Makes a big difference!!! No more star trails.

By Justo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-26

Solid and reliable star tracking mount. Handles my Canon M50 and wide field plus 55-200mm kit lens no problem. Price is right and quality of unit is above par. B&H is a pleasure to deal with (bought camera and tracker through them). You can spend more but for a lightweight setup like mine it can't be beat !!!

Awesome tracker!

By Md Nazmus
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-17

This is my first star tracker and I got this in conjunction with the Samyang 14mm F2.8 Lens and I have to say, it's amazing. Although a tracker isn't necessary for such a wide angle lens, it still helped me capture magnificent images of the milky way galaxy. I'm going to also get a 135mm F2 lens as well and that's when the tracker will be put to the true test. Will update my review when I get the lens and take both of them for a ride.

Star tracker

By Nate
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-28

Great product

good buy - tracking appears very accurate

By Tom
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-16

I have tested this unit only once. It showed good tracking- nice round stars after a two minute exposure. That said, I was using an 18mm focal length, so this wasn't a challenge trial. The polar alignment scope is a pleasure to use and very accurate

You got to know your limitations...

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-01

I've had this for a couple years now, and I've used it in many different combinations of DSLR bodies and lenses. I have not suffered any of the odd equipment failure issues noted in some other reviews. I'm careful with it, but I don't baby it. Like others, I highly recommend really learning the polar alignment process, and check during any long sessions. Also, level your tripod, ideally while you still have plenty of light. Most recently, I pushed it right to (over?) its payload limit without using the recommended counterweight, and I could definitely see that in the results, although they were still quite acceptable. (see photos - both about 15-20 images stacked with darks but no bias or flats. Just trying to prove/test the feasibility.) In those cases I used a Canon 90D paired with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS III and the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II, both of which have tripod collars to help distribute the load at the ballhead, which is why I think it still worked OK. I'm already looking at the SkyGuider Pro EQ to handle the heavier payloads with those lenses, but will definitely keep this in my astro kit for wider view / lighter lens work. Having both for a single session will be awesome in terms of really taking advantage of any good conditions!

Not suitable for pro camera mounting

By Bipul
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-10

I was inspired by several positive review and very few critical once for this. It was easy to mount on the tripod then came the difficult part. The polar alignment can't be fine tune easily especially the lateral fine tuning is very hard. Though, the vertical fine tuning works smoothly. The whole setup will be off balance if you put some pro gear, I wasn't able to use my D850 with 24-70 f2.8 lens. I gave up after several trial and returned it.

Great for Milky Way shots

By WILLIAM
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-15

I've owned two Skytracker Pro units. It works great for wide field photography like Milky Way shots. It's not great for heavier lens and longer focal lengths - 200mm . Pro tip: buy an L bracket for vertical (portrait) orientation shots. That's especially true if you use a big heavy lens such as the Nikon 14-24mm 2.8 or Sigma 14-24mm 2.8. As others have noted there are some issues. I had the USB charging port pop off the circuit board when the cable got pulled while charging. Fortunately I found someone to repair it by soldering it back on. The mount is sloppy. I've heard that 3rd party mounts are much nicer and more accurate but they cost almost as much as this unit! Another tip - for quick rough alignment with Polaris use a cheap laser pointer. Then do the fine alignment once you have your composition. Verify polar alignment after any adjustments to the comp or changing lenses. I purchased an inexpensive ballhead to use just on my Skytracker Pro instead of constantly swapping the ballhead between my tripod and the tracker. A sturdy tripod is a must! It's easier to align the tracker if the center column rotates. IOptron instructions are pretty useless. Watch YouTube videos to learn how to use and align the tracker.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Does the polar alignment scope come with the $299 ...

Does the polar alignment scope come with the $299 package (3322)? I could not tell from the website. thanks, Bob in HI
Asked by: Robert
The polar scope is included; it says so in the title, and the "In the Box" section it mentions the AccuAligning scope. You just need a small ballhead to start shooting; and if you plan to use camera/lens kits heavier than 5 lbs get the counterweight kit, too.
Answered by: Lucio
Date published: 2021-05-11

question

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?
Asked by: sanjeevdas
Yes however I would recommend getting the Ball Head, and Counter Weight with that set up. So it can support that weight.
Answered by: Alex S.
Date published: 2020-07-06

question

Can this unit do a timelapse as well (not tracking the sky?)
Asked by: Geoffrey
It cannot do time laps
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-10-07

the wedge is included in the package right?

the wedge is included in the package right?
Asked by: Albert Nikko
No wedge is needed. It comes with a Removable Adjustable Alt-Az Base. All you need to get this thing cooking is a solid tripod and camera. Just FYI, if you are considering buying the counterweight set up for this so you can put on the heavier payloads I'd just buy the skyguider pro. Cost in the end is practically the same and its a better product. I made this mistake myself. Now I have both.
Answered by: Aaron
Date published: 2021-04-12

can this unit be purchased without the base and ...

can this unit be purchased without the base and without the scope?
Asked by: Mark
The iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope (Mount Only) BH #IO3322 • MFR #3322 is only sold complete.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 Manufacturer Warranty
Answered by: John
Date published: 2023-04-04

Is the battery replaceable?

Is the battery replaceable?
Asked by: Gaspar
No, the battery in this is not replacable
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2021-03-21

Will this work as is with a Mefoto tripod or do I ...

Will this work as is with a Mefoto tripod or do I need additional accessories?
Asked by: Kevin
Yes, its compatible with the Mefoto, but a ball head is suggested. Oben BD-0 Mini Ball Head B&H # OBBD0 MFR # BD-0 Oben MBH-11 Dual-Action Mini Ball Head with Arca-Style Quick Release Plate B&H # OBMBH11 MFR # MBH-11
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-03-25

What is the tracking accuracy? Does it do PEC ...

What is the tracking accuracy? Does it do PEC recording? What tripods do you guys use?
Asked by: Hans
In my experience the tracking accuracy has been remarkable. I also have experience with astrophotography through a telescope on an equatorial mount and for how small and compact this device is, the tracking is amazing. For milkyway shots with a wide angle lens, you can't beat it. If properly aligned, 2 or 3 min exposures and no star trails at all. It has a couple of modes and speeds. I've only used it for Milkyway shots. Mounted on a standard ball head/tripod, It comes with everything you need. I use a light weight, compact, tripod for hiking and it has no weight issues with the tracker, a canon 5dsr, and 24-70 2.8 lens.
Answered by: Nathan
Date published: 2021-04-22
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