Choosing a Star Tracker for Astrophotography (My Top Choice in 2026)
Updated January 9, 2026
A star tracker is a portable tracking camera mount designed for astrophotography. The device ‘tracks’ the motion of the stars to allow you to take long exposure images of space without star-trailing.
These devices are commonly used with a DSLR/Mirrorless camera and lens, or even a small astronomical telescope. Recent models now include dedicated smartphone apps to manage your imaging session and even point to deep-sky objects in the night sky.
Star trackers are now more accessible to amateur photographers than ever, with a wide range of options available. Deciding which one to spend your hard-earned money on can be daunting.
If you just want the short version, in 2026 I still recommend starting with a portable star tracker rather than jumping straight to a full-sized equatorial mount. The right tracker will let you shoot clean, long-exposure images of the Milky Way, nebulae, and galaxies with the camera and lenses you already own, and later grow into a small telescope when you are ready.
Table of Contents
- Quick List
- The Best Star Trackers for Astrophotography
- The Types of Images You Can Take
- How to Use a Star Tracker
- The Portability Factor
- Popular Models in the “Star Tracker” Category
- What Star Trackers Do Best
- Essential Accessories for Your Star Tracker
- Which Star Tracker is Right For You?
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
- iOptron SkyTracker Pro
- iOptron SkyGuider Pro
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
- Star Tracker Comparison Chart
- What’s The Next Step Up?
- Final Thoughts
- Other Popular Star Trackers Available
A star tracker is an important piece of equipment for those who travel for astrophotography.
Quick List
- Best Overall: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
- Best on a Budget: iOptron SkyGuider Pro
- Best for Travel: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Package
Unlike websites that simply list products without showing photos taken with the equipment, I have extensively used each of the star trackers mentioned above.
How to choose a star tracker (2026 quick buying guide)
- Budget and value: Basic trackers that only rotate in right ascension are cheaper and perfect for wide-field Milky Way work. Paying more for GoTo, dual-axis tracking, and autoguiding support makes sense if you plan to shoot smaller galaxies and nebulae with a telephoto lens or a small refractor.
- Payload and focal length: Heavier cameras and lenses (or a telescope) demand a tracker with a higher payload capacity. If you want to push past 135 mm into the 200–500 mm range, prioritize a more robust mount like the Star Adventurer GTi, Star Adventurer Pro, or SkyGuider Pro.
- Portability: Hiking and airline travel reward the lightest possible tracker and tripod. If the tracker feels too heavy to carry, you simply won’t use it as often.
- Ease of use: An intuitive polar scope, clear markings on the wedge, and a reliable app (where applicable) matter far more than a spec sheet. A mount that is easy to polar align in the dark will always outperform a “better” mount that frustrates you.
- Power and runtime: Built-in batteries or AA cells are ideal for remote locations. If you regularly shoot all night, factor in spare batteries or an external power source.
I am a full-time astrophotographer who has used many different star trackers from several brands for many years. I have created this resource for those looking to finally dive into astrophotography the right way with a star tracker.
If you’re looking for a reliable star tracker that is portable, can handle a small telescope, and includes GoTo functionality (that points to objects for you), I highly recommend the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi.
This model can handle a small refractor telescope such as the William Optics RedCat 61 (shown below) or similar. It’s a great starter mount for astrophotography that includes advanced features like GoTo, autoguiding, and can even plate-solve using a device like the ZWO ASIAIR Plus.
At the cost of about $800 USD (at the time of writing), this star tracker is by no means ‘cheap.’ However, compared to the average equatorial tracking mount for astrophotography, this is at the very bottom end. For even more affordable models lacking advanced features, the GTi offers a notable alternative.
While many first-time astrophotographers prefer to purchase a star tracker that can handle a small telescope when they’re ready, there are many options available for smaller setups like a DSLR camera and lens. For example, one of my favorite star tracker configurations includes my Canon EOS Ra camera, a Sigma 24mm F/1.4 lens, and a simple intervalometer to automate the exposures.
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi with a small telescope and a mirrorless camera attached.
The Best Star Trackers for Astrophotography
When it comes to astrophotography, a star tracker allows you to take better images. Your exposure lengths are no longer limited to 30 seconds or less due to a moving sky, and you can dial back camera settings like ISO and F-stop.
Equatorial camera mounts are designed to align with the polar axis of the night sky so you can take long-exposure images free of star trailing. Astrophotography requires long-exposure tracked images to capture as much signal (light) as possible, which is exactly what a star tracker enables.
All of these photos were captured using a portable star tracker mount.
Over the years, I have had many opportunities to review star trackers for astrophotography. I have learned that portable tracking camera mounts can vary depending on the brand you choose, from the mechanical design to the polar alignment procedure.
In this post, I’ll discuss the topic of using a star tracker for astrophotography and compare some of the best choices available in 2026. If you are interested in capturing Nightscapes or Milky Way Photography, a star tracker is arguably the most important investment you’ll make in equipment.
To be effective, a star tracker needs to be capable of accurately tracking the night sky for long-exposure night sky photography. Each model available has its strengths and weaknesses, from the portability factor to maximum payload capacity.
I’ll do my best to explain why the overall user experience is the number one factor to consider when choosing a portable tracking camera mount. Here is a list of my top choices to consider:
The Types of Images You Can Take
Before I go any further, I want to remind you of the kinds of images possible on a star tracker. There are plenty of night sky photographs shared on Instagram and other social media platforms from adventurous locations, and some of them are downright phenomenal.
However, many of them are ultra-wide field shots of the sky, lacking the reach needed to reveal wondrous deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. As a deep-sky astrophotographer, I aim to reveal the incredible objects hidden in our night sky, and a star tracker helps me achieve this.
Make no mistake: a star tracker allows you to dive into deep-sky astrophotography. The photo below showcases many incredible deep-sky objects, from the California Nebula to the Pleiades.
Deep-Sky Astrophotography using a Star Tracker. Canon EOS Ra, Canon RF 15-35mm F/2.8 on a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer.
How to Use a Star Tracker
A star tracker matches the rotation of the Earth so that you can take long-exposure images (at nearly any focal length) of the night sky. To properly track the stars that appear to move across the night sky each night, a star tracker must be polar-aligned and balanced.
To polar align an equatorial mount for astrophotography (including a small camera tracker), you need to adjust the base’s altitude and azimuth so that the mount’s polar axis is aligned with the celestial pole. In the northern hemisphere, we can use the north star, Polaris, to aid this process.
A portable star tracker with a ball head and a DSLR camera attached.
Without using a star tracker, the stars in the night sky will begin to trail after about 15-30 seconds, depending on the focal length of the lens used. This is because the Earth is spinning on its axis while the night sky is fixed. Amateur photographers using a stationary tripod can use the 500 rule as a guide for choosing the ideal shutter speed, but a star tracker removes this limitation altogether.
When a tracking camera mount is used, a small motor slowly rotates your camera in the right ascension, effectively matching the apparent movement of the night sky and freezing it in its tracks. The image below shows you what a 3-minute exposure using a 400mm lens would be like without using a star tracker. 
Long exposure images (180 seconds) shot at 400mm with and without tracking.
The Portability Factor
Luckily for amateur astrophotographers and photographers, there are many great star tracker options to choose from these days. Unlike a heavy equatorial telescope mount, a star tracker is portable, small, and lightweight. Because of its small size and compact profile, it’s usually a lot more affordable, too.
The star tracker category includes small EQ mounts that can carry a camera and lens combo, whether for wide-angle Milky Way photography or deep-sky imaging with a telephoto lens. Wide-angle nightscapes and Milky Way panoramas are the star trackers’ strong points. These types of projects usually involve traveling to a remote location, where packing light is necessary.
If you’ve ever seen a detailed photo of the Milky Way like the one below, chances are the photographer used a star tracker to capture sharp, long-exposure images with their camera and lens.
The Milky Way from a dark sky location. Stack of 60 x 2-minute exposures at ISO 1600.
A star tracker usually includes a polar scope, which helps find the north celestial pole and adjust the mount accordingly. A star tracker that has been properly polar aligned matches the exact apparent rotation of the night sky to freeze deep-sky objects in place.
Many of the star trackers available online today come in potentially confusing packages and bundles. My advice is to invest in a system that can handle your intended payload (and more) and offers features that make field imaging easier and more enjoyable.
A camera mount with motorized equatorial tracking capabilities is useful for photographing wide swaths of stars in the night sky and the solar system. Compensating for Earth’s rotation can also make moon photography easier.
You can also photograph planets at short focal lengths on a star tracker, as seen in the image of the planet Venus and the moon below. As long as the mount has been polar-aligned and balanced, longer focal lengths (up to about 500mm) are practical.
The portable, free-spirited nature of a device like this allows for quick setup at a moment’s notice. This means you can quickly orient your camera and capture the moon or planets during significant events, such as lunar eclipses or groupings.
The planet Venus and the crescent moon. Canon EOS R6, Canon EF 400mm F/5.6, Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer.
A star tracker is also a popular option for those traveling to a total solar eclipse. It is the perfect mount for your camera and lens, with a certified solar filter in front, of course.
In fact, I used the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi to photograph the Total Solar Eclipse in 2024. The tracker allowed my telescope to stay centered on the Sun to capture each stage of the event.
Popular Models in the “Star Tracker” Category
If you are a beginner in the world of astrophotography (see my beginner’s guide), investing in a tracking camera mount is the single biggest advancement you can make in terms of gear. You can now let the exposure time do the heavy lifting without relying on fast optics and high ISO settings to collect a decent amount of signal.
The following tracking camera mounts share many similarities, including the ability to track the night sky at different speeds. Before investing in a dedicated star tracker for landscape or deep-sky astrophotography, make sure the bundle you order includes everything you need to mount your camera and lens.
- iOptron SkyTracker Pro
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i
- iOptron SkyGuider Pro
- Fornax Mounts LighTrack II
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi (2022)
Which one should you invest your hard-earned money in for astrophotography? That will depend on the type of user experience you are looking for, and my goal for this article is to highlight the key differences in the user experience for each mount.
If you’re just looking to shoot wide-angle astrophotography using a camera lens, I have good news. All of the star trackers mentioned above can accurately track the night sky for incredible long-exposure images like the one below.
Canon T3i and Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 lens on the iOptron SkyTracker Pro.
What Star Trackers Do Best
These mounts are primarily designed for wide-angle astrophotography, meaning projects like Milky Way panoramas or mid-range focal length compositions using a 100-200mm telephoto lens. That’s not to say that you can’t use a star tracker for high-magnification deep-sky imaging, but that will demand the most of your tracker and require a diligent setup routine.
The portable nature of a star tracker often leads to some of the most memorable deep sky astrophotography sessions in the field, as they offer you the freedom to travel to a dark sky location without a trunk full of gear. One of my most incredible astrophotography adventures was setting up an iOptron SkyGuider Pro and William Optics RedCat 51 telescope to capture the Carina Nebula from Costa Rica.
The Carina Nebula from Costa Rica (9-minute exposure using a star tracker and small telescope).
It simply wasn’t possible to bring my computerized telescope mount to this location (on a plane), yet a star tracker fit in my carry-on bag and allowed me to collect tracked images of the night sky from the middle of the resort. These are the kinds of adventures you can expect when you invest in a portable star tracker for astrophotography.
Key Benefits of a Star Tracker
- Quick Setup and Alignment
- Lightweight and Portable
- Great for Travel
- Built-in Battery Power*
- Great for Camera Lens Astrophotography
* The Fornax Mounts LighTrack II requires an external 12V power source.
Based on my experience using star trackers for astrophotography from the backyard and beyond, I believe the most important factor is the user experience. If the star tracker is not easy to use in the field, or the process of setting up takes too long, you won’t use it as much. That’s all there is to it.
As any experienced amateur astrophotographer will tell you, your motivation to stay up all night and image will vary. Any additional friction between you and a successful image affects your decision to step outside on a less-than-perfect night.
Don’t forget about the tear-down process, either. If the clouds roll in and it looks like rain is coming, a lengthy teardown routine can become stressful. Star trackers can usually be carried inside the house with all elements attached at a moment’s notice. The same can not be said for a full-blown deep-sky astrophotography kit.
A star tracker should allow you to get up and running under a clear night sky quickly. It should be a pain-free experience that gives you the freedom and flexibility to capture amazing astrophotography images wherever and whenever you want.
Essential Accessories for Your Star Tracker
Whichever tracker you choose, there are a few supporting pieces of gear that can make or break your results. Many people underestimate these items, but they have just as much impact on your images as the tracker itself.
- A solid tripod: Your tracker is only as good as the tripod underneath it. Use a sturdy photo or video tripod with a load rating comfortably above the combined weight of your tracker, camera, and lens or telescope.
- Ball head or declination bracket: For wide-field work, a simple ball head is often the easiest way to aim your camera. For heavier lenses and small telescopes, the dedicated declination bracket and counterweight kit that comes with many “pro” bundles is a better choice.
- Remote shutter or intervalometer: Triggering the camera without touching it helps keep stars sharp and lets you automate long sequences of exposures for stacking later.
- Power and cables: Spare AA batteries or an external USB power bank ensure the tracker and camera can run all night, especially in cold temperatures that reduce battery life.
- Dew control: A simple lens or telescope dew heater strap and small power source can save a session if moisture starts to form on the optics partway through the night.
- Planning and polar alignment tools: Smartphone apps for planning (for example, Milky Way rise times) and polar alignment can make your setup faster and more accurate.
When you factor the cost of these accessories into your budget, it becomes easier to see whether paying extra for a more capable tracker (with GoTo or autoguiding in mind) is worth it for the type of astrophotography you want to pursue.
Which Star Tracker is Right For You?
I am hesitant to state which star tracker is “best”, as I have found them all to have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of user experience in the field. For most people, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is the ultimate solution (because of its GoTo functionality). Still, others may not need this feature and prefer something a little more compact.
I often see comments from beginners about being limited to a maximum exposure time using a particular mount before the stars begin to trail. I honestly believe these situations are almost always due to user error in the polar alignment and balancing procedure.
Every star tracker I have ever used for astrophotography was capable of sharp, 3-minute exposures using a focal length of up to 200mm. A portable star tracker must be accurately polar aligned and balanced to work properly. This may seem obvious to most people, but time and time again I see poor results being blamed on the hardware itself.
My portable star tracking mounts have traveled with me to some amazing places and captured some of my favorite astrophotos. Both of the iOptron star trackers I am about to cover are extremely popular in the amateur astrophotography and nightscape photography community and for good reason.
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
Best Suited For: Wide-field deep-sky Astrophotography with a Telephoto Lens or Small Telescope
Although this star tracker is the heaviest model on this list, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is still highly portable and a fantastic choice for astrophotography. Unlike the original Star Adventurer (and 2i model), the GTi model can also find deep-sky objects in the night sky using the SynScan GoTo system.
This is extremely useful for beginner astrophotographers who don’t know where to find deep-sky objects in the night sky. Using the dedicated SynScan Pro mobile app, users can select from a large database of targets (Messier, NGC, IC catalogs), and the mount will automatically point to the target for you.
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi.
For the pointing accuracy to be correct, you must make sure that your location is set and that the mount is polar aligned and balanced. The Star Adventurer GTi has a robust wedge base suitable for mounting cameras with long telephoto lenses and compact telescopes.
This mount has a built-in autoguiding port (ST-4) and a USB Type B port to connect your computer to the mount for direct control (ASCOM/EQMOD). My favorite feature of the Star Adventurer GTi is the adjustable illuminated reticle, which helps you in the polar alignment process while in the field.
- Weight: 5.7 lbs.
- Max Payload: 11 lbs
- Max Useful Focal Length: 500mm
- Built-In Battery: Yes (8 x AA batteries)
- Built-In Polarscope: Yes
- Autoguider Input: Yes
Real-world notes on the Star Adventurer GTi
- Is it worth the added cost? If you plan to move beyond casual Milky Way images into serious deep-sky astrophotography with a telephoto lens or small refractor, the GTi’s GoTo and autoguiding support justify the extra expense. It can replace a “starter” tracker and your first equatorial mount in one device.
- What it does best: Long integrations on nebulae and galaxies at 250–500 mm, small refractors like the RedCat series, and solar/lunar work where accurate tracking and automatic centering are helpful.
- Things to keep in mind: You still need a careful polar alignment and a solid tripod, especially when guiding. Don’t overload the mount; keeping the total weight well under the 11 lb rating will improve tracking performance.
- Recommended accessories: A sturdy photo or video tripod, the supplied wedge and counterweight kit, a small guide scope and guide camera if you want to autoguide, and a device like the ASIAIR or a laptop for plate-solving and automation.
iOptron SkyTracker Pro
Best Suited For: Nightscape and Milky Way Photography with a Camera Lens
If you’ve watched any of my previous videos, you’ve probably seen the iOptron SkyTracker Pro in action. This ultra-lightweight star tracker is iOptron’s latest variation of their incredibly popular and affordable wide-angle astrophotography mount.
The SkyTracker Pro (not to be confused with the SkyGuider Pro) weighs just 2.6 pounds and houses everything you need for long-exposure nightscapes in a little red (or black) box. A plastic box that is, with adorably simple controls to accelerate the RA axis to your intended target.
The iOptron SkyTracker Pro with a DSLR camera and a wide-angle lens attached.
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Max Payload: 6.6 lbs
- Max Useful Focal Length: 200mm
- Built-In Battery: Yes (Li-Poly 3.7V)
- Built-In Polarscope: Yes
- Autoguider Input: No
This camera mount was designed for wide-field nightscape images using a DSLR camera and lens. Many people have had great success using the SkyTracker with an ultra-wide-angle lens like the Rokinon 14mm F/2.8, all the way up to some heavier glass such as the Rokinon 135mm F/2.
It’s the most affordable star tracker I’ve used, and it has delivered exceptional results using several different camera lenses. One such instance was the time I used the SkyTracker Pro with my Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L Lens to shoot Mars and the Pleiades star cluster in the same frame.
The Planet Mars alongside the Pleiades Star Cluster. iOptron SkyTracker Pro and 24-105mm lens @ 105mm.
Real-world notes on the SkyTracker Pro
- Best use case: This is a Milky Way and nightscape workhorse. Pair it with a 14–50 mm lens, and you can capture long, clean exposures from dark locations without carrying a heavy mount.
- Where it saves money: If you know you will stay in the 14–135 mm range, the SkyTracker Pro gives you tracked images at a much lower cost than “pro” trackers designed for telescopes.
- Limitations to remember: The modest payload and lack of autoguiding mean it’s not the best choice for heavier telephoto lenses or a small refractor. Pushing the weight or focal length too far will quickly reveal tracking errors.
- Recommended accessories: A compact but sturdy travel tripod, a low-profile ball head, and a small intervalometer make for a lightweight kit that you can hike with all day.
iOptron SkyGuider Pro
Best Suited For: Nightscapes, Milky Way Photography, and Wide-Field Deep-Sky Imaging
The iOptron SkyGuider Pro is a big step up from the Tracker, offering a heavier payload capacity, a more robust design, and the ability to autoguide your images. The iOptron SkyGuider Pro is a top contender in the category of star trackers with stellar reviews from experienced nightscape photographers.
This portable EQ mount fits in the palm of your hand, yet can handle up to 11 lbs of imaging gear. With the counterweight kit attached, the SkyGuider has no trouble with larger telephoto lenses and even small refractor telescopes such as the William Optics RedCat 51.
The William Optics RedCat 51 is a great match for the SkyGuider Pro.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Max Payload: 11 lbs
- Max Useful Focal Length: 400mm
- Built-In Battery: Yes (Li-Poly 3.7V)
- Built-In Polarscope: Yes (Illuminated)
- Autoguider Input: Yes
Beginners often mix tracking and guiding or assume they both mean the same thing. Tracking is the act of matching the rotation of the Earth using an RA (right ascension) motor, with the axis of the mount aligned with the celestial pole. Guiding is a specialized astrophotography technique that uses a secondary camera to lock onto a guide star and sends small commands to the mount to improve tracking accuracy.
The iOptron SkyGuider Pro includes an ST-4 autoguide port that allows you to autoguide using the appropriate cabling and software on your computer. Although autoguiding is a powerful feature that allows for even longer exposures (and the benefits of dithering), it requires additional hardware to run.
The North America Nebula in Cygnus. iOptron SkyGuider Pro with William Optics RedCat 51 attached.
For smaller loads, such as a DSLR camera and 50mm lens, you can attach a ball head to the 1/4″ threaded socket on the mount. Heavier camera lenses or small telescopes will need to be mounted to the declination plate and utilize the counterweight system (shown above).
For those who prefer to polar align their SkyGuider Pro electronically, the iOptron iPolar device was designed to fit neatly inside this camera tracker. Be advised that once you make this modification to the mount (or order a version with the iPolar included), you lose an element of portability with the need for dedicated software control.
Real-world notes on the SkyGuider Pro
- Why it’s so popular for deep-sky: The combination of a higher payload, counterweight system, and autoguiding port makes this one of the most capable “true” star trackers before stepping up to a full equatorial mount.
- Typical projects: Wide-field nebulae like the North America Nebula, large galaxies like Andromeda, and southern targets such as the Carina Nebula with lenses in the 135–300 mm range or a compact refractor.
- What to watch for: As you approach the 11 lb payload limit, balancing becomes more critical. Take your time with polar alignment and make sure the tripod is on firm ground to avoid flex when you’re guiding.
- Recommended accessories: The full declination bracket and counterweight kit, a guide scope and camera if you want to push 300–400 mm focal lengths, and an external battery if you’re shooting all night in colder temperatures.
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
Best Suited For: Nightscapes, Milky Way Photography, and Wide-Field Deep-Sky Imaging
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro is responsible for one of my favorite images I have ever taken of the Andromeda Galaxy (shown below). This portable star tracker is easy to polar align, and the pro pack comes with everything you need to mount your DSLR camera, lenses, and even a small telescope.
The following image was captured using a Canon 60Da and a William Optics RedCat 51, mounted to the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro. I stacked 100 x 2-minute exposures at ISO 1600 for an unforgettable shot of M31.
The Andromeda Galaxy captured using the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro.
When comparing the specs between the iOptron SkyGuider Pro and the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro, you’ll notice several similarities. For example, the “Pro Pack” includes a counterweight kit, wedge base, and a built-in illuminated polar scope.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Max Payload: 11 lbs
- Max Useful Focal Length: 400mm
- Built-In Battery: Yes (4 x AA)
- Built-In Polarscope: Yes
- Autoguider Input: Yes
The Star Adventurer features built-in WiFi and Android/iOS App control, allowing users to manage projects like time lapses with their DSLR. Like the iOptron models I mentioned above, the Star Adventurer includes modes for solar, lunar, sidereal, and half-sidereal tracking rates.
I like that the Star Adventurer can run on 4 AA Batteries. Although it may seem like a step backward from a rechargeable Li-Poly battery, this feature may come in handy when you are taking pictures nowhere near a source of power. Sky-Watcher reports that these batteries can power the mount for up to 72 hours, more than enough time for a night of imaging or two.
I found the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro to deliver an exceptional user experience right out of the box. This portable star tracker’s hardware and premium finishes really stood out to me, and I love the mounting bar and counterweight kit.
Using the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer at the Black Forest Star Party in September 2019.
Real-world notes on the Star Adventurer Pro
- How it compares: In terms of payload and focal length, this sits right alongside the SkyGuider Pro. Your choice between the two often comes down to which ecosystem you prefer (Sky-Watcher vs. iOptron) and which wedge and controls you find more intuitive.
- Best projects: Milky Way mosaics at 50–85 mm, tracked nightscapes with foreground, and deep-sky targets like Andromeda or the Orion region using lenses in the 135–300 mm range or a lightweight refractor.
- Things to keep in mind: As with any tracker in this class, your tripod and polar alignment skills matter. Take a few extra minutes on the wedge adjustments, especially if you plan to shoot at 300–400 mm.
- Recommended accessories: The full Pro Pack (wedge and counterweight bar), a sturdy ball head if you are primarily shooting with camera lenses, and a remote shutter release for running longer sequences.
Star Tracker Comparison Chart
Here are the bare-bones specs of the star trackers mentioned in this post. The listed “longest useful focal length” is merely a point of reference. In reality, I believe all of these trackers could handle a 2-minute exposure using an even longer lens.
| Brand | Mount | Weight | Maximum Payload | Max. Useful Focal Length | Built-in Battery | Autoguide Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iOptron | SkyTracker Pro | 1.5 lbs. | 6.6 lbs. | 200mm | Yes | No |
| Sky-Watcher | Star Adventurer GTi | 5.7 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 500mm | Yes | Yes |
| Sky-Watcher | Star Adventurer | 2.2 lbs. | 10 lbs. | 300mm | Yes | Yes |
| iOptron | SkyGuider Pro | 2.2 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 400mm | Yes | Yes |
| Fornax Mounts | LighTrack II | 2.8 lbs. | 13.2 lbs. | 500mm | No | Yes |
When you look at the chart, try to match each tracker to the kind of astrophotography you actually want to do. If you mostly shoot wide-field Milky Way images while traveling, the lightest trackers with modest payloads will serve you well. If your long-term goal is deep-sky astrophotography with a small telescope, a slightly heavier tracker with autoguiding support is usually worth the investment up front.
What’s The Next Step Up?
A star tracker is perfect for photographers who want the ultimate level of portability and simplicity for their astrophotography projects. However, the star tracker category of camera mounts caps out at about 11 pounds worth of gear.
If you are looking to get into deep-sky astrophotography with a telescope, a small equatorial telescope mount, or even a strain wave drive mount like the ZWO AM5 is likely in your future. These are much more robust pieces of astrophotography equipment that are less portable and more expensive.
An interesting option for those who wish to mount a larger camera and telescope yet maintain impressive portability is the ZWO AM3. This telescope mount can carry an impressive 17.5 lbs. worth of astrophotography gear without the use of a counterweight.
The ZWO AM3 can handle 17.5 pounds worth of astrophotography gear without a counterweight.
Final Thoughts
I believe any mount that competes in the “star tracker” category should include a built-in power option. The iOptron SkyGuider Pro and Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer models include onboard, portable power.
This simple design feature means that I’ll reach for these star trackers first when traveling light or setting up for a brief imaging session. In the end, the best camera tracker for astrophotography will always be the one you use the most.
You can have the nicest equipment in the world, but if it doesn’t help you consistently achieve your final goal (pictures), it’s time to reflect on why you got into this hobby in the first place.
Other Popular Star Trackers Available
New and innovative tracking camera mounts are popping up every year. I believe this is a major reason astrophotography has become more popular, especially among daytime photographers.
The models discussed in this post are not the only options available; they are the ones I have personally reviewed. Here is a short list of some of the other star trackers available today:
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini
- AstroTrac
- Benro Polaris Astro Edition
- Vixen Polarie Star Tracker
- Slik Astro Tracker
- Omegon Mount Mini Track LX2
- Move Shoot Move Nomad
Related Posts:
- The Best Astrophotography Mounts Available (2026)
- The Blue Horsehead Nebula in Scorpius
- Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro Telescope Mount (First Impressions)
Thank you Trevor for all this information. I followed your recommendations and bought a SkyGuider Pro a year ago: what an impressive portable mount!
I use it with my Canon 6D + Samyang 135mm or my Z61 + ASI 1600 (autoguiding with a ASI 290) without problem. I added a support to use my Pole Master but I kept the polar finder to travel.
I think the Formax is too expensive and the tracking time is too short: I’m used to leaving my equipment running alone for 4 to 6 hours on the same object. In this load range a CEM25 is a better choice.
Thank you, because all your recommendations help us to avoid buying mistakes in this expensive hobby.
I bought an iOptron Smart EQ Pro Plus tracker. Finally got to use it a few weeks back and am pleased with the results. It holds 11 pounds and does have the port for guiding but I am not at that level yet….yet.
Great post and video Trevor – very helpful for someone just starting out !
You forgot to mention the vixen AP star tracker bundle:
https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-AP-Star-Tracker-p/25832.htm
It takes advantage of the modular nature of the Advanced Polaris system but it is too expensive.
Would be great to review that system some time in the future…
Trevor, I think the skyguider Pro would work great but I would also like a mount with a Goto feature and I am guessing I would need to use like the HEQ5 if I need that. Do you know if there is an add on the would work with the Skyguider Pro
You have a mistake in Star Tracker Comparison Chart – SW Star Adventurer has a autoguiding port.
Look up the specs here – this works with the GoToNova.
https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/3550.htm
https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/8400.htm
Hi Trevor,
I wondered if you had tried using this rig with the ASI294MC Pro, using a EOS-T2 Adapter (https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/new-eos-t2-adapter). Would it be possible to get some really wide field shots with a dedicated astro camera?
Hi Trevor, very informative. Which would be the easiest for a beginner to use. I have a 300mm zoom lens that I want to try this out on (not pro grade – so not so heavy). But want to consider the option of getting a 200 or 300mm L lens in future if this works out. Looking only at easy to use tracker- guiding with a external camera/laptop sounds too complicated.
Hi Sri, all of the star trackers mentioned in this article are pretty easy to use out of the gate. The biggest hurdle early on, will be the polar alignment procedure. These days, I find myself reaching for the Star Adventurer first – and that says a lot about how quick and painless it is to use!
I love the reviews! As someone else has asked about Vixen, I’d second that comment since I’d be very curious to get your input on Vixen products too, and especially their unique star tracker, the Vixen Polarie. It is readily available on Amazon in the US, so there are a lot of people like me who got it and image with it. I’m actually blown away by the metal components in the Vixen Polarie, and (big plus) their polar alignment scope and dovetail with an opening for on the fly alignment is huge! It’s got counterweights, and just seems like a solid clear challenger as Vixen usually is for optics due to their quality component. I have avoided their GoTo products since they do seem pricey, but the Polarie is a standout rare entry level offer from them imo.
I can’t afford a telescope yet, so I’m hooking up my heavy DSLR 300mm lenses, and the Rokinon f/2 (thanks for the tip!) and have been impressed. Here’s the catch – the step up kits which make this impressive do lead to pricey upgrades, and a more traditional experience that I’ve noticed with Vixen stuff of price premium. For example, adding the step up kit, the heavy load kit, the polar alignment tool wind up inflating your costs significantly as opposed to the Sky Adventurer which includes similar parts by default, so I’d like to see what someone more familiar with this space thinks of the value at that point.
Don’t forget the Skywatcher Star Adventurer Mini. It’s a slightly smaller and lighter version of the pro reviewed here. But I use it with my big full frame Nikon D750 with vertical grip and the Rokinon 24mm which is not a light lens. I haven’t experimented enough with telephoto yet, but a couple of advantages of this tracker: It is wifi controlled through an app. You can program several different modes, hit run, and then the device will shut off the wifi (to save battery power) and begin running the program. It can control your camera’s shutter.
The main reasons I went with the mini: It holds more than enough so I didn’t need the larger, heavier, more expensive “pro”, and it is useful for things other than night star tracking. For example, you can use it to make a time lapse, while it pans the camera, creating a really cool effect that you otherwise need to buy expensive and bulky rail systems to shoot. I’m very pleased so far, though I suppose it probably won’t work well with super tele lenses, based on the review data above. I almost always shoot wide angle night shots though. It’s size, weight and portability more than make up for that to me.
Another one to consider is the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi, which will calibrate from pointing it one or two stars and has a GoTo facility… also currently quite cheap. (I’m thinking about it for use with a camera…)
Trevor what do you think about the iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System as an alternative for Milky Way and possibly a travel system with a Skip to the beginning of the images gallery
Orion 80 mm ED F/6 CF Triplet APO?
Never mind the “Skip to the beginning of the images gallery” I copied the Orion 80 mm ED F/6 CF Triplet APO form a website and it came together LOL
Any recommendation on GoTo Tracker? Pros and Cons? I am looking for something not expensive that I want to start with DSLR and later wanted to add telescope. Anyone using the below combination or similar that does not break Bank$$$$.
https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/3550.htm
https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/8400.htm
“For those that prefer to polar align their SkyGuider Pro electronically, the iOptron iPolar device was designed to fit neatly inside of this camera tracker. Be advised, that once you make this modification to the mount (or order a version with the iPolar included), you lose an element of portability with the need for dedicated software control.”
How so? What additional requirements are required over the non-iPolar unit? Are they hard to over come?
To use iPolar, you need to connect the device to your computer and run the software. Some people may not want to lose the freedom of just manually polar aligning the mount and leaving the computer at home. However, it makes sense if it is your primary astrophotography mount.
Does anyone know whether these mounts will perform at say -5C ?
Im must say… quite poorly
At least the Skywatcher SkyAdventurer.
2 weeks ago ive tried to make some shots in -16C feels like (-8 maybe)
At the first 10 min, it was ok, but after the batteries chilled down it was simply not enough to power it properly.
Note: Im using it with a Skywatcher ED72 APO + 0.85x reductor/corrector, so the whole stuff is around its limit (with all the equipment it is around 4kg with the counterwieght) – which means the mech need to work heavily.
If you have a simplier set around 1.5-2kg, i think it should be ok longer.
Speaking of the weight, let me share my tougts on this:
Around its max capacity, the alignment knobs are a disaster – with its normal tripod (see astrobackyard full review on StarAdventurer).
If you want to make 60+ sec expo with it, you need to fine tune polar alignment at every step when you set up – because almost impossible to strength them properly not to move under such weight.
(when you put up the mech, then when you placed the counterweight and all the stuffs, then finally when you found your target)
Im not sure if my stuff is not faulty in some way – at least the fine tune knobs, but i needed to fine tune the alignment in every 5 shots. Which is of course exhausting.
What can you expect without guiding ? – my APO (72/420) + EOS 800D + 0.85 reductor with fine tuning aligment are able to shot around 90sec. At that rate, 40% of the shots will be junk as you will see guiding errors (star trail) – just a little but still errors.
If you lucky enough to accept such a waste of time, you can shoot marvelous things 🙂
If not, try to make 45-60sec expo with higher ISO. (Im using 800 usually – Bortle 5-6 just outside of Budapest) – but when i need to go to 45sec expo, i usually go up for 1600.
Orion with 12x45sec ISO800 – Skywatcher StarAdventurer pro + ED72 >
https://flic.kr/p/2kDHeW3
(Yes i know it still not completely out of the guiding errors, but still, it is a lovely one for me.)
For comparing :
https://flic.kr/p/2kpifYS
Same Orion nebula, but with my good-old Tamron 70-300 tele at 248mm, stacking with a bunch of (22) 120sec expo pictures.
(Please do not comment my post-processing errors – i know… :D)
So, Weight is the most crucial thing for these mechs!
Anyway, my experince is that on the: around 60sec with a normal telescope or 120sec with tele you should be fine 🙂
Im really recommend on that because it is truly an easy-to-use equipment and you will get much fun with it 🙂
Clear skies!
What about the Benro Polaris currently on kickstarter? No need to polar align, goto mount, 7kg load, 9 arc second tracking + lots of timelapse options. Too good to be true?
I don’t trust anything that needs a phone app. A few years down the line when the company has folded you are left with an unsupported app and potentially unuable hardware.
Trevor, this was an awesome introduction for me. Very much appreciated. Comments have been helpful as well.
I heard that the GO TO limits the exposure time to a maximum of 30 seconds, has anyone had any experience with a GO TO? I’m looking for a star tracker for deep sky photography but I still have doubts.
Just a question on a couple low end mounts. Have you ever had the chance to review the Explore Scientific iEXOS100-ET PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System or the larger Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC-Eight Mount?
I could say I’m a victim of Covid related Syndrome, iow, Live today for you never know if Covid or something else will kill you tomorrow.
If found this review amazing and succinct. I have bookmarked it.
I’m new to astrophotography, though astronomy has fascinated me for a few decades.
My biggest frustration is gadgets, methods, paralysis of analysis.
Your review shed some light and I am ready to dive into this well of excitement.
I cant wait to see my first properly processed image someday.
Thanks
Hi, some strange lights in the clouds have been seen over where I live, I have recorded them, I have never seen the beam of light where it originates from. Could a sky tracker accomplish this? Can I send you some of my videos to know your opinion?
I have a Canon EOS R5 and a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens. I would like to try shooting at max focal length, but it seems these mounts will accommodate 500mm max. I have thus far only done some milky way landscapes with a wide angle lens and no tracker. I was surprised to see max useful focal length in the charts – it’s the first time I’ve run across that. I understand the weight limitations, but what limits the focal length? Maybe the tracker isn’t accurate or steady enough to get clear images with the longer focal lengths?
Impressive!
I have the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i, when using it I like the ability to power it with an external power source. The Sky-Watcher wedge is a weak point and I have upgraded it with the William Optics Vixen Style Mount. I still use this setup, I also have a Move Shoot Move, ZWO AM3, and Sky-Watcher EQ6R Pro.
Alternatively, you can get a pentax camera and use its astrotracer functionality.