The iOptron SkyGuider Pro (#3550) is a compact, lightweight equatorial tracking platform designed for astrophotographers who want sharp, pinpoint stars in wide-field and telephoto images—without hauling a full GoTo mount into the field. Whether you're capturing sweeping Milky Way panoramas or isolating nebulae with a telephoto lens, the SkyGuider Pro delivers precision tracking and remarkable stability in a travel-friendly form.
Wide-Field Imaging Without the Weight
Weighing just over 3 pounds, the SkyGuider Pro slips easily into a backpack, yet it supports up to 11 pounds of balanced payload—enough for a DSLR with a hefty telephoto lens, or even a small refractor. Its all-metal construction and precision worm gear drive deliver smooth, quiet tracking for exposures of several minutes or more.
This is the same SkyGuider Pro mount trusted by astrophotographers around the world, minus the iPolar electronic polar scope. For many users, this version is ideal: you get all the core tracking capability without paying extra for a polar alignment camera you may not need. Use the built-in illuminated polar scope for quick visual polar alignment and start imaging faster.
Flexible Mounting, Easy Balancing
The included camera mounting block accepts a ball head or dovetail system (user-supplied), giving you freedom to mount virtually any DSLR, mirrorless camera, or small telescope. A counterweight shaft and 1kg counterweight are included to balance heavier payloads and extend your exposure capabilities. If you plan to image with longer focal lengths or heavier setups, proper balance helps maintain smooth tracking and reduce guiding corrections.
The SkyGuider Pro’s built-in Vixen-style saddle also lets you upgrade later with optional accessories like a declination bracket or fine adjustment wedge for enhanced versatility.
Tracking Modes & Field Performance
Whether you're a nightscape shooter or deep-sky enthusiast, the SkyGuider Pro has you covered with four tracking rates:
-
1x sidereal for deep-sky imaging
-
0.5x sidereal for wide-field landscapes with terrestrial foreground
-
Lunar rate for smooth Moon tracking
-
Solar rate for Sun photography (with a properly rated solar filter)
The mount also includes hemisphere switching, allowing easy operation in both northern and southern skies. And for guided imaging, a built-in ST-4 port allows direct autoguider control when used with a guide camera and software.
Onboard Power for the Entire Night
With an internal rechargeable lithium battery, the SkyGuider Pro runs for up to 20 hours on a single charge—plenty for a night (or two) of imaging off the grid. It charges via a standard USB port, so you can top it off with a wall adapter or portable power bank in the field.
What's Included
-
SkyGuider Pro camera mount head
-
Precision polar scope with red illumination
-
Camera mounting block with ¼”-20 thread
-
Counterweight shaft and 1kg counterweight
-
USB charging cable
-
Soft carry pouch
(Tripod and ball head not included)
Specifications
-
Payload capacity (balanced): Up to 11 lbs (5 kg)
-
Mount weight: 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg)
-
Tracking rates: 1x sidereal, 0.5x sidereal, lunar, solar
-
Power: Internal rechargeable lithium battery (up to 20 hrs), 5V USB charging
-
Polar alignment: Illuminated optical polar scope
-
Autoguiding: ST-4 compatible port
-
Mounting interface: 3/8"-16 thread (tripod not included)
-
Control: Manual switches for tracking rate and hemisphere
Observing Tip:
The SkyGuider Pro performs best when carefully balanced, especially with heavier cameras or telephoto lenses. If you're planning to go beyond 200mm focal length, consider adding a declination bracket and an optional fine-tuning wedge for better control and longer exposures.
