Jim,
Those are fantastic images, and even more so for being unguided.
Paul Lind
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Waters <jimwaters@xxxxxxx>
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tue, 24 Apr 2018 01:42:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Tracker for DSLR Astrophotography
Rob;
I owned an AstroTrac TT320X AG and ended up selling it. I had too many
issues with it and in my opinion its overpriced. Get with me off-line for
the details. From your list there are two viable options - IMHO. The Star
Adventurer and SkyGuider Pro. I currently have the Star Adventurer. The
full setup which includes the DEC Bracket, Wedge and Counter Weights. I
have it on a Vixen HAL 130 Aluminum Tripod but a "good" photography tripod
will work. I also have a QHY PoleMaster mounted to the DEC Bracket. It's
easy to setup and use. I have had no issues with it so far other than
overloading the RA motor one time. Some of the images I have taken with it
can be seen below. I routinely use a Canon 200mm f/2.8-II L lens and a
Canon 6D without any real problems. With this lens I can shoot up to 150"
without any star trailing (Your mileage may very...). I can use my 300"
lens for about 120". I can shoot longer but I start throwing away subs. I
am considering getting the SkyGuider Pro to keep at a place I have up north.
In general you want a star tracker that has counter weights, can handle 10 -
11 pounds and one that allows you to use the Polar Scope with the camera
attached. You also need to decide if you want a RA Axis mount or a mount
that needs to be reset after a period of time - 2 hours.
If you are in the Phoenix area we can get together if you like so you can
look at my setup. I will be ordering the SkyGuider Pro later this week,
Some images with the Star Adventurer most of which were taken at Picket
Post.
https://flic.kr/p/Y7Tj7g
https://flic.kr/p/WBQze1
https://flic.kr/p/Z3zzF9
https://flic.kr/p/YUvW9W
https://flic.kr/p/CXjq8y
https://flic.kr/p/YrWXuV
My setup
https://optcorp.com/products/skywatcher-star-adventurer-astro-package-s20510
https://optcorp.com/products/skywatcher-star-adventurer-latitude-eq-base-s20
530
https://optcorp.com/products/skywatcher-star-adventurer-counterweight-kit-s2
0540
https://optcorp.com/products/qhy-polemaster-eq-mount-polar-alignment-camera
https://optcorp.com/products/vixen-hal130-sxg-aluminum-tripod-25161
The ALT/AZ wedge has issues and needs to be redesigned. There's too much
play / backlash in ALT. Using the Counter Weights will correct this issue
to some degree.
Jim
jimwaters@xxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
darkmatterinsights@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 8:28 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Tracker for DSLR Astrophotography
I know there are some accomplished astrophotographers in this group, so this
request may be pretty simplistic. I am looking to buy a tracker so I can do
longer exposure wide field photographs with my DSLR. I think there are only
a few options:
* Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
* Vixen Optics Polarie Star Tracker
* iOptron Sky Tracker
* iOptron Sky Guider Pro
The iOptron SkyTracker and Vixen Polarie don't seem to be substantial enough
for serious photography. That leaves me with the Star Adventurer and Sky
Guider Pro. I am leaning toward the iOptron Sky Guider Pro based on my
reading and a recent review in Sky & Telescope.
Does anyone have any experience with either Star Adventurer or Sky Guider
Pro for DSLR photography?
Thanks!
Rob
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