Need some help with a tracking mount

[Hakka]

I'm after a tracking mount for a nikon D800E and nikkor 14-24 lens, i just want to do wide angle milky way shots, the longest focal length i would use is 35mm.

I haven't had any experience with tracking so i have no real idea what i need. Preferably something reasonably light, i'm already lugging a lot of gear around with me.

I have a gitzo 3 series tripod and 2 manfrotto geared heads. Not sure if theres any other bits i need to get.

Also, do i need a laptop with any special software to align the mount?

Thanks.

[multiweb]

A vixen polarie would be perfect for you. No laptop needed. Just search these forums for pics and information.

[Dennis]

Here’s the link to the Vixen Optics USA Polarie page:
http://www.vixenoptics.com/mounts/polarie.html

Here is a link to a Kenko unit from Hutech in the USA.
http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/kenko/skymemo/index.htm

Another unit is the Astrotrac here
http://www.astrotrac.com/Default.aspx?p=how-it-works

The Losmandy star lapse system is here
http://www.losmandy.com/starlapse.html

There is quite a range in prices and size/weight between the above units.

Cheers

Dennis

[Hakka]

That polarie looks perfect but its rated to 2kg, d800 + grip + lens is around 2.5, plus 1.2 for the geared head or 0.5 for a ballhead...

[multiweb]

You'd be surprised how much it will actually carry. If you're on a budget then go for it otherwise get the starlapse. But then again, think about it. Why don't you get a small mount, then get a telescope, then get a cooled CCD then ... :)

[MrB]

Dennis has already mentioned the Astrotrac. http://www.astrotrac.com/Default.aspx?p=tt320x-ag
The basic Astrotrac is a little more expensive than the Polarie, but is claimed to be able to carry up to 15kg. I have never loaded it up that much, but I have put maybe 5kg load on it with no drama's at all. (Stellarvue SV70ED refractor, Field flattener and Canon 60Da, mounted side-by-side with an Orion ST80 guidescope and QHY5 guide cam)
The only real negative that some people point out about the Astrotrac is the maximum of ~2 hours tracking before the unit needs to be rewound, but that has never been an issue for me. It also has Solar and Lunar tracking rates(a friend borrowed it for the Cairns Solar eclipse), and also has a guide port, tho autoguiding works for RA only, but still better than nothing with longer focal lengths.
My Astrotrac gets borrowed all the time and everyone that has used it loves it and wants to get one, but I have the full kit which is pretty pricey so they keep borrowing that, but I don't mind :D
Worth considering.

[Hakka]

I'm thinking i might go with the polarie, i can remove my battery grip and use a ballhead to keep the weight down.

Thanks everyone.

[Dennis]

There is a Kenko mount for sale on Ice In Space here:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=104015

Cheers

Dennis

[Irish stargazer]

HI
I picked up a Polarie two weeks ago. Havent had a chance to test it yet due to the weather. I am using a Canon 7D with wide angle lenses. Its a very solid unit. I bought the full travel pack with tripod, carry bag and ball heads. Its quite adequate for the equipment I have but would upgrade the tripod and ball heads if I had a heavier camera. I am sure it can easily handle 3Kg

[anthony.tony]

http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=SI-105 -- Steve Massey My Astroshop - Vien Polarie - Tony.

[MortonH]

I was considering one the new Ioptron SmartEQ mounts as they can be attached to a camera tripod, but so many Ioptron mounts seem to have or develop issues that I am wary of them. Then a used Polarie popped up here and I grabbed it. Haven't used it yet due to the weather but the portability will be great. The Polarie itself is the size of a paperback book. You just need to add a couple of ballheads to get started (I had one already).

I was also concerned about the stated maximum load but search the web and you'll see lots of people putting more than 2kg on it without a problem. Seems the "actual" capacity is 3kg, maybe a bit more if you can balance it.

Morton

[anthony.tony]

You can Buy the Polarie Kit with tripod and everthing -Myastoshop - Tony

[Hakka]

Just ordered the polarie from myastroshop.com

Should I get the polar scope too?

Thanks for the help everyone.

[multiweb]

Nah... optional. At the FL and exposure times you're going to image you'll find that the compass and peep hole are more than enough. The whole idea of it is that it's a portable grab and go that fits in your pocket. No frills. The only thing you'll need is a USB power adapter to power it. The batteries will give you a couple of hours at best. Get one of those mobile phone chargers from eBay and connect it in the ciggie plug of your car.