iOptron SkyGuider Pro Full Package with Precision AZ Base (#3550P)
Compact. Capable. Field-proven. Your gateway to portable astrophotography.
Whether you're shooting Milky Way vistas from a mountaintop or framing long-exposure star fields in your backyard, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro gives you serious imaging power in a travel-sized package. This full version (part #3550P) includes everything you need for guided deep-sky imaging with DSLR and mirrorless cameras—including the precision alt-az base for faster polar alignment, a counterweight kit for longer focal lengths, and the fully upgraded SkyGuider Pro mount head with rechargeable power and four tracking modes.
This is one of the most popular lightweight equatorial tracking systems on the market, and for good reason: it's rugged, accurate, whisper-quiet, and small enough to fit in a camera bag.
What’s Included in the Full Package (3550P)
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SkyGuider Pro EQ Tracking Mount Head
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Precision Alt-Azimuth Base for Polar Alignment
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11" Declination Bracket with Vixen-style Saddle
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Counterweight Shaft
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3.5 lb Counterweight
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Ball Head Mounting Adapter
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USB Charging Cable
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Soft Carry Pouch
Just add your own sturdy photo tripod and a DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens or small astrograph, and you’re ready to track the night sky with precision.
Portable Performance, No Compromises
Weighing just over 3 pounds (1.45 kg) without accessories, the SkyGuider Pro is a lightweight right ascension-only tracking mount that’s ideal for astrophotographers on the move. Its compact design hides a precision worm gear drive and stepper motor system, capable of tracking sidereal motion smoothly for up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) unguided—or up to 11 lbs (5 kg) with proper counterbalancing and a short guide setup.
Whether you’re imaging wide-field constellations with a 35mm lens or shooting galaxies with a 200mm telephoto, this mount can handle it with ease.
Four Tracking Rates + Camera Control
The SkyGuider Pro offers four distinct tracking rates, making it more versatile than a standard star tracker:
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Sidereal Rate – standard for star tracking
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Solar Rate – perfect for daytime solar imaging (with proper filtering)
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Lunar Rate – great for shooting high-res lunar mosaics
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0.5x Rate – ideal for motion time-lapses with slight foreground blur
You can also connect your DSLR via the camera trigger port, enabling automatic shutter control for programmed sequences.
Precision Alt-Azimuth Base for Faster Polar Alignment
Unlike many portable trackers that rely on flimsy screw-thread adjusters, the SkyGuider Pro full package includes iOptron’s high-quality precision alt-az base. With fine-tuning knobs for both altitude and azimuth, this rugged accessory allows for smooth, accurate polar alignment—especially when paired with the mount’s integrated illuminated polar scope.
Setup is fast, intuitive, and rock-solid. You'll be aligned and imaging in minutes.
Declination Bracket & Counterweight System
The included declination bracket supports a Vixen-style dovetail saddle, making it easy to attach a telescope or heavier lens with rigid, repeatable positioning. Add the supplied counterweight shaft and 3.5 lb counterweight, and you’re ready to balance loads up to 11 pounds, which opens the door to imaging with:
This makes the SkyGuider Pro more than just a star tracker—it becomes a true portable equatorial mount for serious wide-field astrophotography.
Internal Rechargeable Battery
The SkyGuider Pro features a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, good for up to 20 hours of operation on a single charge. Charge it via the included USB cable and leave the bulky power packs at home—ideal for remote sessions and international travel.
Easy Integration with Guiding Systems
A built-in ST-4 autoguider port allows you to connect a guide camera and dramatically extend exposure times. With a short focal length lens and proper guiding setup, the SkyGuider Pro can deliver pinpoint stars in 3–5 minute exposures or longer, making it a capable performer for deep-sky imaging on a budget.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Mount Type |
EQ Right Ascension Tracker (RA only) |
| Payload Capacity |
5.5 lbs unguided / 11 lbs counterbalanced |
| Tracking Modes |
Sidereal, Solar, Lunar, 0.5x Time-Lapse |
| Drive System |
Precision Worm Gear |
| Motor Type |
Stepper Motor |
| Polar Scope |
Integrated, Illuminated |
| Power Source |
Built-in 3.7V LiPo battery (USB rechargeable) |
| Battery Life |
Up to 20 hours |
| Guiding Support |
ST-4 Autoguider Port |
| Mount Weight (head only) |
2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Total Package Weight |
~5.5 lbs (with accessories) |
| Control Ports |
Camera trigger port, ST-4, USB charging |
