iOptron SkyTracker in black. Older version.
iOptron’s SkyTracker has a become a very popular way to do astrophotography on a budget using your own camera and lenses. The SkyTracker tracks the motion of the earth so you don’t get star trails in your long photos of the night sky.
Posted March 8, 2016. Updated Dec. 5, 2017.
iOptron Ball Head
You mount the SkyTracker on your tripod. A ball head sits on the SkyTracker (you can order iOptron’s ball head or use a ball head you already have), and your camera and lens go on the ball head. The ball head comes with a camera mounting plate. The ball head is Arca-Swiss compatible so you can use your own mounting plates if you already have an Arca-Swiss type system.
The iOptron’s SkyTracker comes with a polar alignment scope. Aligning this scope properly with Polaris is essential to long exposures of the night sky. There are alignment apps you can use on your smart phone, or you can use the free downlaodable charts created by Michael Covington.
iOptron SkyTracker, latest version
As of the date of this update (Dec. 5, 2017), the latest version of the SkyTracker currently sells for $269 at Amazon.com. There is also a heavy duty version for $428. The ball head is $58.
You can order the iOptron SkyTracker and ball head in the iOptron section of my Amazon powered photography store. When you order from my store you get the same great Amazon.com prices, delivery, and guarantee, and you help support my web sites. Thanks!
What kind of photos can you take? Here are some examples at Flickr from the iOptron Sky Tracker & Sky Guider Imaging Flickr Group.
Series Links
“How To†Series: Astrophotography with the iOptron SkyTracker – series overview
iOptron Sky Tracker and Ball Head
First Night: Testing an iOptron Sky Tracker, Part One
First Night: Testing an iOptron Sky Tracker, Part Two
iOptron Polar Scope Alignment with a Simple Chart
Related Links
The Best Night, Astronomy, and Astrophotography Books
How To Get Critical Focus in “Live View†Mode with a Magnified Image
Tripod Recommendations: The Best of the Best
Tripod Head Recommendations: Some of the Best of the Best
Purchase Links
The iOptron Astrophotography Gear section of my photography store has iOptron equipment and planispheres. The books section of my photography store has a selection of The Best Night, Astronomy, and Astrophotography Books. My photography store has direct links to Amazon.com so you get Amazon’s great prices, fast delivery, and excellent guarantee.
Buyer’s Guide Series Link
This is one in a series of articles that will guide you to the best of all things photographic. The rest of the series is here: Buyer’s Guide: Recommendations For The Best Photography Equipment, Software, Books, Magazines, DVDs, Online Photo Labs and More.
Web Site Links
iOptron – all products