Recommendation for a simple Star Tracker , please!

I’m looking for something that doesn’t require a computer and is simple to use and setup. Any suggestions?

Thanks Jon

In astrophotography (AP) it’s common to start simple, both because one can add a tracker and work with the cameras/lenses/tripod one already has, and there is a *lot* of learning as each stage of AP gear and methods.

Most people buy a simple star tracker for wide-angle views. The Milky Way is the #1 target, with additions of landscapes = nightscapes.

Higher weight capacity and accuracy with longer exposures and greater magnifications (narrower FoV, more telephoto) are reasons to go to telescope mounts... and cost/performance for magnification are reasons to go to telescopes... and perhaps goto mounts... and automation solutions. Which all requires a way to get much weight & power to your observing site.

But trackers are portable, battery powered, and work with what you might have. A lens in the 14mm range, for example, but any ultra-wide angle.

Skywatcher Star Adventurer Pro Pack (link). The bundle gives you a wedge (important) as well as extensions to get you to some exploration of telephoto as well as wide-angle views.

iOptron Skytracker Pro is a similar tracker (link). It looks less expensive, but does not include the wedge or declination bar / counterweight kit. I’d definitely get the wedge even if sticking to ultra-wide angle.

There are others. Mini versions of these trackers won’t be as expandable or carry as much weight, but might be right for some. There’s a pinned thread in this subforum about the Astrotrac, the maxi tracker. There are other manufacturers.

I started with a previous version of the Skywatcher Star Adventurer bundle. Sadly, I’m still there at “started” due to living in a city under mostly cloudy skies and way less travel due to the pandemic. I hope to do more this summer!

You do need a very stable tripod under a star tracker, maybe you already have that. My old 3-series Gitzo tripod is super-stable, but the tracker manufacturers also sell medium-weight aluminum tripods.

Hi Jon,

How heavy a load are you thinking of using? Short camera lenses and a dSLR? What's your budget? What are you primarily interested in imaging?

Very best,

If you are planning to use a light weight camera with a short FL lens then I think the cheapest one would be Vixen Polarie.
If you want to use up to 300mm lenses, then Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer, iOptron SkyGuider Pro or LIGHTRACK II.