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The Polarie Star Tracker from Vixen Optics is an incredibly compact, motorized, tracking mount. The smooth and sleek, visually attractive Polarie attaches to a standard camera tripod with a ball head on one side and a DSLR or smaller camera on the other up to 7 pounds. Point the Polarie north with the integrated compass, use the alignment window by pointing it at Polaris, the North Star, or use an optional polar scope. Star trails and false fuzzies are eliminated in the time exposures of the attached camera as the Polarie tracks the motion of the stars across the celestial dome. Two user-supplied AA batteries can power the unit for ~4 hours or an optional external power supply (not included) can be used. Although, not waterproof, the Polarie is designed to function in most weather conditions. It weighs in at less than an incredible 1½ lbs and is about the size of a paperback book. This is one cool astrophotography star tracker.
- Compact Astrophotography Mount
- Supports Camera Up To 7 lb
- Tracks with Star Motion
- Eliminates Star Trails
Vixen Optics Polarie Overview
Vixen Optics Polarie Specs
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Vixen Optics Polarie Reviews
Seems to work
It’s my first star tracker. I find it difficult to do any precise polar alignment. The additional accessories needed to help with alignment are quite expensive. I admit that i’m in the Southern Hemisphere and it is difficult to get a clear view of the Sigma Oct (Polaris Australis). I hope to update my review soon.
Vixen Optics Polarie
With this star tracker I was able to shoot the January 20, 2019 lunar eclipse using a Sony RX10 IV at base ISO with a longer exposure.
Solid product by Vixen Optics
My interest is astrophotography, deep sky, occasionally planetary, and recently became interested in include Landscape Astrophotography. Wanting a portable platform I looked into the Polarie by Vixen, having read other reviews, decided to give it a go. The unit is solidly built, nice size, and it is apparent a bit of engineering thought went into the design. I would add having tracking rate options is a great idea. First night out, 20F, in a bit of wind, the Polarie performed better than I expected, noting an 3 fold improvement of imaging time. Carried the weight of the Canon 6D, 100mm prime lens without any issue. My Polar alignment could have been better I am sure. I followed the manual and added an older Vixen polar scope to the process. I am impressed, the Polarie will be a very nice travel package for DSLR photography.
I like it very much!
It works! It is mall and convenient, which is perfect for my Sony a7R camera.
easy to use star tracker
i get about 2 and 1/2 minutes of good tracking with a 50 mm lens and that is without the optional polar scope, which i would consider buying if it had a light to illuminate the reticle (based on previous reviews). easy to set up and use. no indication yet of low battery after about 10 uses.
Exactly as advertised
This is exactly what I am looking for in a light weight and compact and easy to use accessory. Was very easy to set up and fits in my travel bag with out taking up a whole lot of space.
It Works
This is exactly what I needed--a simple, effective, and portable star tracker at a decent price. Yes, it fits in the bag nicely. The device is very well built. No messing with WiFi connections in the dark and cold as my other tracker requires. There are some trade-offs in terms of carrying capacity and longer exposures are difficult. It is the right balance of attributes for me. Money well spent.
Best star tracker
It is working perfectly. No accurate polar alignment is required. Rough polar alignment through the peep hole is fine for focal length from 14mm - 105mm with 30” to 120” exposure. I feel it can push to 105mm and 180” exposure with no problem. 200mm focal length with 120” exposure is acceptable, no obvious star trailing is seen. But considering this is done with NO polar scope, I think it’s fantastic. It is so small that it fits into my camera bag easily. Use only 2 AA batteries. Look and feel good. Expensive but well worth it.
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