IOptron Skytracker. - Page 3

JB80 (Jarrod) · #41 05-08-2013, 01:27 AM

There is a Lacerta Off axis guider for the Polarie polar scope available in Europe at least using an eq5? polar scope. There is a thread about it somewhere in this section.
I'm kind of loathed to get another ps after already having the Vixen version.
There are also whispers that Vixen are looking into a solution too, hopefully it will incorporate the existing polar scope.

TheoP (Theo) · #42 24-08-2013, 08:17 PM

I managed a few images recently in the Flinders Ranges. I still have a few lessons to learn but I will get there eventually...

Images taken with Canon 600D with iOptron SkyTracker:

M31 taken with a Canon EFS 18-135 at 135mm at f/5.6 and ISO-3200. M42. 4 x 180s lights and 3 darks.
M42 taken with a Canon EFS 18-135 at 135mm at f/5.6 and ISO-3200. M42. 3 x 180s lights and 3 darks.
Sagitarius taken with a "nifty fifty" (Canon EF 50mm) at f/2.0 and ISO-400. 13 x 60s and 4 darks.

I must confess, I like the SkyTracker, its very easy to use and fast to polar align. I use a laser / bracket to align and get it done accurately in a few minutes. I have not yet used the polar finder, its not great. Also, the battery compartment is a very tight fit and in future I will probably use an external battery pack.

ReaPerMan (Paul) · #43 27-08-2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheoP

I managed a few images recently in the Flinders Ranges. I still have a few lessons to learn but I will get there eventually...

Images taken with Canon 600D with iOptron SkyTracker:

M31 taken with a Canon EFS 18-135 at 135mm at f/5.6 and ISO-3200. M42. 4 x 180s lights and 3 darks.
M42 taken with a Canon EFS 18-135 at 135mm at f/5.6 and ISO-3200. M42. 3 x 180s lights and 3 darks.
Sagitarius taken with a "nifty fifty" (Canon EF 50mm) at f/2.0 and ISO-400. 13 x 60s and 4 darks.

I must confess, I like the SkyTracker, its very easy to use and fast to polar align. I use a laser / bracket to align and get it done accurately in a few minutes. I have not yet used the polar finder, its not great. Also, the battery compartment is a very tight fit and in future I will probably use an external battery pack.

Good Job Theo,

any chance of a picture of your laser/bracket setup?

all the best

Paul

TheoP (Theo) · #44 30-08-2013, 06:23 PM

Thanks Paul,

Please look at my post of 26 July in this thread. I have included a few photos of the polar alignment setup.

allan gould · #45 30-08-2013, 08:09 PM

Nice images Theo. I've Just got my Skytracker a few weeks ago and will be using it with my Olympus OMD which is about 1/3 the weight of a typical,DSLR and so should be a better bet with the tracking. Hope to get some clear skies soon.
Allan

TheoP (Theo) · #46 01-09-2013, 02:14 PM

Thanks Allan,

What lens are you going to use ?

You wont be dissappointed. The SkyTracker is quick and easy to use. I took a single exposure of 10 minutes of the Milky Way last night with a Tokina lens at 15mm and the tracking was great.

Large file available at: http://www.astrobin.com/54564/

allan gould · #47 01-09-2013, 02:52 PM

Looks really good Theo.
I have a full frame fish eye lens as well as 90 and 150 mm (35mm equivalent) lenses to use but I really want to do some artistic imaging with the setup. Also have a Nikon lens which is 140-300mm equivalent with the M4/3 olympus and so i will not be restricted by focal length issues.
Allan

ourkind (Carlos) · #48 14-09-2013, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheoP

Thanks Allan,

What lens are you going to use ?

You wont be dissappointed. The SkyTracker is quick and easy to use. I took a single exposure of 10 minutes of the Milky Way last night with a Tokina lens at 15mm and the tracking was great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan gould

Looks really good Theo.
I have a full frame fish eye lens as well as 90 and 150 mm (35mm equivalent) lenses to use but I really want to do some artistic imaging with the setup. Also have a Nikon lens which is 140-300mm equivalent with the M4/3 olympus and so i will not be restricted by focal length issues.
Allan

Theo that's a stunning image of the MW!

TheoP (Theo) · #49 14-09-2013, 06:13 PM

Thanks Carlos, I added a link to a high resolution version of the photo...

Danny_86 (Danny) · #50 17-10-2013, 02:44 PM

Hey guys, I was wondering what's a good site to get the iOptron Skytracker with the ball head, polar scope & even tripod?

TheoP (Theo) · #51 22-10-2013, 12:38 PM

Hi Danny,

You could try the following online shops. All of them will be able to send the items to you by post.

http://www.opticscentral.com.au/

http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tr...3/catmenu.aspx

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com....hotography.htm

I am sure there are others as well. Maybe contact someone in the Astronomical Society of Western Australia, they will be able to direct you to a local store. http://aswa.info

dpastern (Dave Pastern) · #52 01-09-2015, 02:15 PM

Sorry to revive an old thread:

I like the looks of the iOptron skytracker - from what I can see though, Bintel and opticscentral no longer stock it in Australia. Prices are up too, with the low AUD.

Can anyone describe the alignment process between the iPhone app and the unit itself for this dummy please?

Dave