Newby question about tracker choice

Forgive me for asking such a simple question, but I'm having a tough time deciding on my first tracker - right now I'm looking at the iOptron 3302 and the Vixen 35505. I know these are nowhere near as complex as what some of you use and thus can't expect to get some of the incredible shots I see here, but I want to get my feet wet before going full bore. I've searched these forums and read reviews elsewhere, but I'm not convinced that either would be a bad choice.

I'm mainly a wildlife shooter, but spend a lot of time hiking and end up taking a more and more landscape shots, so I'm typically shooting with a 7D or 5DMkII. I've done some star trail tracking, but would like to get some Milky Way and planet shots. Ideally, the tracker I select would be something that I could carry with me when traveling to get those really unique shots.

The price on the iOptron ($299), and the fact that it comes with the scope has me leaning that way, but I'm wondering if the Vixen ($350 + $130 scope) would be easier to travel with, and if so, is it worth the price difference? Are there any other things that I should be concerned with? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

You're right that the Vixen has the weight advantage and it has better performance (periodic error) too. However, it only has a simple tripod mount which means that you have to use your own tripod head to setup the polar alignment. So you have to add the weight of another head into the equation. I would consider that a major downside unless you already have a geared head. The iOptron has the adjustment capability built in so you take your head off the tripod, mount the tracker on the tripod and put your head on the tracker.

Polar alignment is the key to using a tracker. Spend some time learning how to do it before you head off into the hills.

Enjoy.

Steve.

Thanks Steve; I hadn't factored in the need to carry an extra head. Now I'm leaning even more towards the iOptron.

And I'll definitely practice before I hike to some remote location, don't want to risk losing that perfect shot!