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Building on the success of their previous systems, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro EQ Camera Mount increases the precision and payload capacity while reducing the form factor to produce an imaging support system to track celestial bodies and capture images of the sun and moon, or for wide-field astrophotography star-scapes shooting techniques. This versatile tracking system can be configured in multiple ways including single or double-camera mounting, or even mounting smaller telescope optical tubes.
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. An integrated polar axis alignment scope aids in accurate set up to improve tracking accuracy for long-exposure photography. 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 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 tripod using the 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 mount on the bottom of the base.
- 11-pound max payload capacity when properly balanced
- Tracking rates: Solar, Lunar, Celestial, and Half-celestial (for sky-scape photography)
- 144x forward/reverse fast slew speed helps to find and frame shots
- Integrated AutoAlign illuminated polar axis scope allows for precise alignment to improve tracking accuracy; 6° field of view for easier alignment; adjustable illumination intensity
- Counterweight shaft and 3-pound 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 to alt-az base via Vixen-style dovetail
- 1/4"-20 socket enables mounting to a photo, video, field tripod using an optional ball-head
- Motor and Gears:
- Right Ascension DC servo provides smooth tracking with limited vibration, and 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
- Vixen-style dovetail saddle accepts the tracking head without tools for attachment
- -30° to 65° latitude adjustment range
- ±5° azimuth adjustment range
- "Bull's eye" bubble level
- 3/8"-16 and 1/4"20 socket for attachment onto most astronomical, photo, video, or field tripods
- 3/8"-16 camera mounting block to mounts camera directly onto tracking head or dual-mount on Declination bracket
- Mount a camera onto 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-pound + 7.7-pounds