Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro Pack 2I

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack – A Grab-and-Go Tracker That Punches Above Its Weight

If you're a visual observer dabbling in wide-field astrophotography, or a seasoned imager looking for a compact travel mount, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack might just hit your sweet spot. It combines surprising tracking precision, robust payload capacity, and built-in Wi-Fi control—all in a package small enough to fit in your camera bag.

This isn't a gadget. It's a tool. A serious, portable astrophotography platform designed to bridge the gap between casual nightscape shooters and deep-sky imagers on the move.

What Is the Star Adventurer 2i?

At its core, the Star Adventurer 2i is a high-precision motorized equatorial tracking platform capable of carrying small telescopes, DSLR or mirrorless cameras, and even compact refractors. Designed for long-exposure imaging, the 2i quietly follows the rotation of the Earth to keep your stars pinpoint-sharp across the frame.

But what sets it apart is its versatility. The "Pro Pack" includes everything you need to get started: the equatorial wedge, counterweight kit, and the fine-tuning mounting assembly. That means you're not just limited to piggybacking a DSLR—you can properly balance and align heavier gear for longer exposures and deeper targets.

What's New in the 2i?

The “2i” in the name brings a modern twist: built-in Wi-Fi and smartphone app control. Using the Sky-Watcher SAM Console app, you can program exposures, set up time-lapse sequences, or even guide the mount wirelessly—all without a hand controller or laptop. This frees you to work untethered in the field, with nothing more than your phone and your camera.

Whether you’re imaging the Milky Way over the desert or capturing a dark nebula from your backyard, the app-based interface puts the control in your hands—literally.

Payload Capacity

The Star Adventurer 2i can carry up to 11 pounds of gear, which is impressive for a mount that weighs under 3 pounds. That gives you headroom for most DSLR/mirrorless setups, longer camera lenses, or a small refractor like the Astro-Tech AT60ED or AT72EDII.

Keep in mind, balance is key. When properly counterweighted using the included kit, the 2i can comfortably support setups that might otherwise strain similar-sized trackers. You won’t get away with a 6” SCT, but that’s not what this mount was designed for. Think wide-field. Think mobile.

Polar Alignment: Simple and Solid

Accurate polar alignment is a must for long-exposure imaging, and the Star Adventurer delivers. A built-in illuminated polar scope makes alignment straightforward, and the included equatorial wedge provides smooth azimuth and altitude adjustments. The polar scope’s reticle includes a clock-face reference for use with mobile apps like Sky-Watcher’s SynScan Pro, or third-party tools such as Polar Scope Align Pro.

You don’t need to be a veteran to get this mount dialed in. With just a few minutes of setup, you’ll be ready to start imaging.

Tracking Modes

The 2i offers multiple tracking rates depending on your target:

• Sidereal Rate for deep-sky imaging.

• Lunar and Solar Rates for daytime or eclipse photography.

• 1/2 Sidereal Rate for nightscape panoramas—allowing you to track stars gently without blurring the foreground.

There’s even an autoguiding port onboard (ST-4), making the 2i one of the few ultra-portable trackers that can be guided for better tracking accuracy on longer focal lengths. That’s not something you see on many travel mounts in this weight class.

In the Box – The Pro Pack Advantage

This isn't just the barebones tracker. The Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack includes:

• Star Adventurer 2i mount head

• Equatorial wedge

• Fine-tuning mounting assembly (with Dec bracket)

• Counterweight shaft and 5-lb counterweight

• Ball head adapter

• Polar scope with illuminator

• Latitude (EQ) base

• Power cable (USB mini)

• Mounting hardware and user manual

Everything packs down small, making it a go-to kit for airline travel, remote dark sky sites, or even a quick backyard setup when time is short.

Power and Portability

The mount runs on two AA batteries, providing up to 72 hours of tracking in the field. You can also power it via mini USB, which means a simple power bank can keep you running all night. There's no need to lug around an AC adapter or heavy battery pack unless you want to.

Who’s It For?

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack is ideal for:

• DSLR/mirrorless astrophotographers shooting Milky Way landscapes, constellations, or large nebulae

• Amateur astronomers who want a grab-and-go imaging setup without hauling a full mount

• Travelers looking for a lightweight mount that doesn’t compromise on tracking quality

• Beginners ready to dip their toes into deep-sky astrophotography without the cost and complexity of a full equatorial setup

It’s not a replacement for a full GoTo mount with an 8” scope—but it’s not supposed to be. The Star Adventurer 2i does exactly what it promises: precise, portable tracking in a compact, thoughtfully designed package.

Final Thoughts

Sky-Watcher built the Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack for imagers who need to move light but still demand sharp, stable results. With app control, a generous payload capacity, and serious tracking chops, it’s more than a travel toy. It’s a real-deal astro tool that earns its keep.

Whether you're shooting your first star trails or your fiftieth nebula, the 2i gives you the control, flexibility, and freedom to get the shot—without the backache.