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iOptron SkyGuider Pro EQ Camera Mount

BH #IO3550 • MFR #3550
95 reviews
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iOptron SkyGuider Pro EQ Camera Mount
Key Features
  • Equatorial Camera Tracking System
  • 11-Pound Payload Capacity
  • Right Ascension Tracking Motor
  • Tracking Rates: Solar/Lunar/Celestial/Half-Celestial
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.
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iOptron SkyGuider Overview

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.

Tracking Head
  • 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
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
  • "Bull's eye" 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 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
EAN: 6943831501855

iOptron SkyGuider Specs

Key Specs
Mount Type
Alt-Azimuth
GoTo Capability
No
Payload Capacity
11 lb / 5 kg
Motor
Single Axis
Power Source
USB (Built-In)
Battery
1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
 • Up to 20-Hour Runtime at 68°F / 20°C
Mounting
To Camera:
GPS
No
Weight
2.2 lb / 1 kg (With Battery)
3.2 lb / 1.5 kg (With Base and Battery)
Mount
Mount Type
Alt-Azimuth
GoTo Capability
No
Payload Capacity
11 lb / 5 kg
Motor
Single Axis
Altitude Adjustment
Yes
Latitude Adjustment
Yes
Declination Adjustment
Yes
Right Ascension Adjustment
Yes
Counterweight
3.1 lb / 1.4 kg
Polar Axis Scope
Yes (Built In)
General
Power Source
USB (Built-In)
Battery
1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
 • Up to 20-Hour Runtime at 68°F / 20°C
Input Power
5 VDC
Inputs / Outputs
Micro-USB
Mounting
To Camera:
GPS
No
Operating Conditions
14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
Dimensions
5.2 x 4.5 x 3.7" / 133 x 115 x 95 mm (Without Alt-Azi Base)
Weight
2.2 lb / 1 kg (With Battery)
3.2 lb / 1.5 kg (With Base and Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
10.09 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.55 x 11.55 x 5.75"

iOptron SkyGuider Reviews

iOptron SkyGuider Pro - 1st time user

By Conrad
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-10-22

Though you may never need the additional bits, buying the Pro (full kit) version makes sense so you'll have the counterweight and bracket if you need it. It turns out that for a dSLR/mirrorless and moderate lenses, you can mount directly to the guider with a ball head. I recommend the Neewer GM28, having similar capacity to the guider. The ball head is nearly essential. When you first get the guider, gently explore all the adjustments and fastenings. There may be more than you think. There are several ways to assemble the parts. I recommend mounting it to a tripod having a standard 3/8"-16 threaded platform if possible. My ancient Manfrotto has three locking set screws on the platform, but they don't have anything to contact on the guider base. Not a concern, just screw it on firmly. If you're going to mount to a standard 1/4"-20 tripod screw, you'll need a thread reducer for the 3/8"-16 mounting hole. Probably should keep a spare around, though one will come with the ball head. If you have a view of Polaris, note that the guider tube has to be rotated such that the reticule illumination slot is liked up with the LED so it can light up. Until the leaves are off the trees I have no view of Polaris, and aligned the unit using a cell phone app. The sides and top are sufficiently square to use as reference surfaces against the phone. That worked very well for wide field views and moderate exposures. For longer lenses and long exposures, you'd want to use the built-in alignment telescope. The alt-azi base is geared on altitude and has opposing screws for limited azimuth adjustment. It's solid and works extremely well. It will shift slightly when the lock is tightened but that's not unexpected. Note that the rear protective cap for the telescope is threaded and obvious, but the front plastic cap is not. It pulls straight out but is quite difficult the first time you do it. The guider's job is simple- rotate at precisely the needed rate. It appears to do a great job of that. The only real pitfall is bumping or kicking the tripod after the guider is aligned. Because you're usually working in the dark; this is a constant risk. You also have to be a bit careful re-aiming the camera or making other adjustments. Bottom line is I give the unit high marks for quality, low price, possible different configurations, documentation and ease of use- once you get up the learning curve a bit.

Perfect for Milky Way shots

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-09-23

I have a larger Losmandy tripod and tracking mount for my telescope and astrophotography, but for more portable situations and times where wide-angle views are being taken, like typical Milky Way shots, this is perfect.

See any errors on this page?

Can I rotate the shaft and do adjustment while ...

Can I rotate the shaft and do adjustment while the guider is running?
Asked by: Andy
The manual adjustments can only be made prior to running the guider.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-05-10

SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with iPolar

SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with iPolar
Asked by: Steven
The iOptron SkyGuider Pro EQ Camera Mount BH #IO3550 • MFR #3550 has a Integrated AutoAlign illuminated polar axis scope allows for precise alignment to improve tracking accuracy; 6° field of view for easier alignment; adjustable illumination intensity
Answered by: John
Date published: 2022-09-15

Can you attach an Arca Swiss clamp to the camera ...

Can you attach an Arca Swiss clamp to the camera mount so you can slide a compatible plate into the clamp rather than using a ballhead with an Arca Swiss clamp. My preference not to have to remove plates from camera/lens to attach to camera mount (attached to the declination bracket)?
Asked by: Sharon
According to your procedure it would be possible.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2021-11-30

What does the camera mount on if the tracker ...

What does the camera mount on if the tracker attaches to the tripod? Where is the ball head used?
Asked by: Rose
The Ball Head is used on the left hand side of the Tracker. The bottom of the Mount attaches to the Tripod.
Answered by: Alex S
Date published: 2020-11-30

I already have a Polemaster camera to polar align ...

I already have a Polemaster camera to polar align my telescope, and it is easily removed from the telescope. Would that fit in this mount instead of my having to buy the iPolar camera (or the bundle that comes with iPolar)? Yes, I already know the visual polar scope can be used to align the mount, but accuracy is higher with a polar camera.
Asked by: Shelby
No, the Polemaster will not fit inside the Skyguider Pro.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-10-07

Are all brands of ballheads compatible to attach ...

Are all brands of ballheads compatible to attach to DEC Bracket?
Asked by: Sharon
I am not speaking of attaching the device to the tripod. I am speaking to screwing on a ballhead to the DEC Mounting bracket, the device with the counterweight pole, etc. Thanks.
Answered by: Sharon
Date published: 2022-02-23

Just to be clear, this comes with the mount head ...

Just to be clear, this comes with the mount head (tracker), the altazimuth base, dec bracket, and counterweight?
Asked by: Chris
Yes it does. But I found that I had to buy an additional counterweight when using ONLY a 400mm lens.
Answered by: Charles
Date published: 2024-11-27

How does the 1/2X tracking rate work. It's ...

How does the 1/2X tracking rate work. It's supposed to allow you to have the sky and also the ground without any blurring of the ground portion of the image. Has anyone tried this? How does it work? Thanks.
Asked by: Dan
It cuts down the movement tracking There are some YouTube video demonstrations
Answered by: John
Date published: 2020-11-03
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