The iOptron SkyGuider Pro with integrated iPolar electronic polar scope is a compact yet capable tracking platform built specifically for wide-field astrophotography and lightweight imaging rigs. Whether you're shooting the Milky Way from a dark-sky desert or capturing time-lapse images from your backyard, the SkyGuider Pro gives you precision tracking in a palm-sized package—without the bulk or complexity of a full equatorial mount.
Designed for Portability, Engineered for Precision
The SkyGuider Pro was made with mobility in mind. At just 3.2 pounds, this all-metal mount head tucks easily into a camera bag or carry-on. But don't let its size fool you—inside, you'll find a precision worm gear drive capable of sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking rates with quiet, smooth motion. The internal rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 20 hours of tracking on a single charge, giving you full-night performance in the field with no external power required.
iPolar Built In: No More Guesswork
This version includes the iPolar electronic polar scope, factory-installed and aligned to the mount’s axis. The iPolar camera works with Windows software to give you a live, easy-to-follow interface for polar alignment—even if you can’t see Polaris. Forget squinting through a traditional polar scope or dealing with approximate alignments; the iPolar system gives you precise results in minutes.
Versatile Mounting Options
The SkyGuider Pro accepts a wide range of gear. A Vixen-style dovetail saddle is built in for mounting optional accessories like the iOptron declination bracket or your own custom rig. The ¼"-20 camera mounting screw on the included camera mounting block makes it easy to attach DSLR or mirrorless cameras directly. A counterweight shaft and 1kg counterweight are included, letting you balance heavier setups for optimal tracking.
Tracking Modes & Control
The SkyGuider Pro supports four tracking rates:
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1x Sidereal for long-exposure astrophotography
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0.5x Sidereal for nightscape shots with foreground
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Solar rate for solar imaging (with proper filtration)
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Lunar rate for following the Moon
Direction control lets you switch between northern and southern hemispheres, and there's even a built-in ST-4 autoguider port for guided exposures using your choice of guide scope and camera.
What’s Included
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SkyGuider Pro mount head with built-in iPolar
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iPolar USB cable
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1kg counterweight and counterweight shaft
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Camera mounting block with ball head mounting threads
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Vixen-style dovetail saddle
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USB charging cable for internal battery
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Soft carry pouch
Specifications
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Payload (balanced): Up to 11 lbs (5 kg)
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Mount weight: 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
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Power: Internal lithium battery or external 5V USB
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Tracking rates: Sidereal (1x, 0.5x), Solar, Lunar
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Polar alignment: Integrated iPolar electronic polarscope
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Autoguiding: ST-4 port
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Control: Manual switches + iPolar software
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Tripod compatibility: Accepts 3/8”-16 threads (tripod not included)
Observing Tip:
Want to get sharp stars with a long lens? Keep your total camera and lens weight under about 6.5 pounds for best tracking results without autoguiding. Add guiding and the SkyGuider Pro can support up to 11 pounds—enough for a small refractor and cooled astro camera setup.
