The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i is a powerful, yet portable star tracking mount. This had been my initial star tracker years ago, and I’m certain that it will help you capture astounding Astro images.
In this SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i review, you’ll learn everything about this astrophotography mount, such as the star tracker’s qualities, setup process, kits and pricing, pros and cons, and more. I’ll also share my viewpoint based on my extensive experience using the Star Adventurer 2i.
Note: The device known as the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i has also been designated as the SkyWatcherStar Adventurer Pro 2i. It is important to note that both references indicate the exact same model.
Let`s begin our exploration without delay!
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- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Overview
- Key specifications and assembly of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Guiding the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i to polar alignment
- Assembly of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Packages and Costs
- Comparison of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i and iOptron SkyGuider Pro camera mounts
- Ending – Is the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i worthwhile?
Table of Contents
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i – Overview
| The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i features key elements like a high payload capacity, battery runtime, build quality, etc., making it a great star tracker suitable for both amateur and advanced astrophotographers looking for a light and portable astrophotography mount. However, the Star Adventurer 2i has some disadvantages to consider, like a few design flaws or the battery system. Overall, it’s considered one of the best star trackers on the market for good reason. |
Specs for the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro 2i
- MASS: 3.7lbs (1.7kg)
- MAXIMIMUM LOAD: 11lbs (5kg)
- EXPOSURES: 5-6 minutes
- MAX OPTICAL LENGTH: ~400mm
- OPERATION TIME: 72hrs
- BATTERY TYPE: 4x AA batteries – Mini USB
- INTEGRATED POLARISCOPE: Yes
- GUIDE CAMERA INPUT: Yes
Pros
- Precise positioning
- Quality substances
Cons
- Low quality polar scope
- Flawed battery system
- Today`s deals from Sky-Watcher:
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SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Features and Build
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Weight
At 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg) without counterweights, the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i is on the heavier side compared to other portable star trackers that are available. It can still be carried during walks, but likely would not be as comfortable for longer hikes.
If lighter options interest you, check out our highlighted star trackers list.
Load
The SkyWactcher Star Adventurer 2i has a maximum load capacity of 11lbs (5KG). This is one of the best load limitations on the market, and it’s precisely consistent with its rivals.
The Star Adventurer 2i can very well take care of mirrorless and DSLR bodies using both wide-angle and average-range lenses to conduct Milky Way panoramas for example.
If you plan on using longer telephoto lenses to conduct deep-sky astrophotography, then you’ll need to employ the counterweights to better balance the setup and not strain the motors.
Power storage
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i possesses a operational time of 72 hours, which vastly exceeds the battery life of any other star tracker on the market. The bad news is that you must transport 4 AA batteries with you which is inconvenient and feels outdated. If you don’t want to use the 4 AA batteries, you can use a power bank to energize it instead.
The battery system is an aspect that SkyWatcher needs to improve in future versions of the Star Adventurer 2i. There’s been plenty of reports of battery leakage after having the device sitting for a few weeks; I’ve experienced it myself, unfortunately.
Polar Scope
To help with polar alignment both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i possesses a built-in polar lens; however, this polar lens doesn’t have an integrated illuminator, it comes with an external illuminator, which is a fragile piece of plastic that can easily break after some use and it`s simple to lose.
Device Used to Adjust Angles of Arcs & Associated Counterbalancing Weight
Both the movable bracket and counterbalancing weight of the Star Adventurer 2i are constructed of metal, which causes the entire mechanism to feel sturdy and solid.
These two accessories are intended to balance out the entire assembly if using a heavy camera and lens combination; this translates into enhanced functionality and less strain on the motor.
I generally utilize the declination bracket and counterweight especially when shooting with a longer lens or for more complex endeavors like creating a tracked Milky Way panoramic photo. But for taking a basic tracked Milky Way photograph, I do not employ these accessories.
Only the Premier Edition package for the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i telescope platform includes a declination bracket and counterweight fixture.
Quality Attributes
The overall quality of construction for the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i is good. The external components are assembled nearly entirely from metal with a few plastic pieces for the buttons and dials.
The internal components were also very well constructed, as reflected in the tracking functionality, which remains accurate even with bulkier burdens.
With modest maintenance, this star tracker can endure for an entire lifetime.
One flaw in the design of the Skywatcher to note is that it lacks an on/off button. It utilizes a dial that can be turned on accidentally, risking draining your batteries and stressing the motor. My suggestion here is to always remove one battery after usage. Simply flipping one of the batteries can lead to battery leakage as occurred to me once.
Automatic Guide
If you are considering conducting astrophotography that captures deep sky objects, the good news is the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i has an autoguider input you can employ for an even more precise tracking experience.
Using the autoguider will make the Star Adventurer less portable which is foreseeable since you’ll need to connect it to a laptop and a guide scope .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Polar Alignment
The process of aligning the polar axis with the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i is reasonably straightforward and simple. What makes the polar alignment process extremely precise is the equatorial wedge that is included with the Star Adventurer Pro 2i; it being the best i have seen on any tracker.
Precise polar alignment is crucial to achieve the best outcomes with your star tracker, and with the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i, you can attain 5-6-minute exposures with wide-angle and medium-focal length lenses, which positions it right next to its direct competitor, the iOptron Skyguider Pro,and far ahead of the smaller Star Adventurer Mini.
If wanting to shoot with longer lenses or a telescope, you can safely expose for 1-2 minutes if the wind is calm.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i’s tracking performance is excellent, mostly if you are using wide-angle and medium-range lenses. You can definitely do some deep-sky astrophotography with it, but it’s not its main strength. The newer (and larger) SkyWatcher Star Adventurer GTi is better adapted for that.
For a complete procedural guide on how to pole align your star tracker, check out the article I wrote on how to do astrophotography with a star tracker.
Additionally, you can obtain the SkyWatcher Console application for your mobile device to help achieve a more accurate polar alignment .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Setup
Setting up the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i can seem daunting initially, but following these straightforward steps guarantees you`ll have your Star Adventurer functional in no time!
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- Set up your tripod and ensure it is level.
- Mount the equatorial wedge
- Attach the Star Adventurer 2i to the equatorial wedge
- For objects with significant mass, install the movable bracket and counterweight accessory. Else, utilize a ball head instead.
- Do the polar alignment.
- Mount the camera with its accessories.
- Turn the mode dial to the star icon to power the device on.
- Select your composition and commence image capture!
Note: You can also operate your Star Adventurer 2i using WiFi through the SkyWatcher Console program on your smartphone. My experience with this feature has not been great so I recommend utilizing the physical dial to control your device.
If you want to delve deeper into how to establish the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i with diverse systems, the best tracking methods, and how to edit tracked images, you can find an in-depth tutorial in my Milky Way Pro Tracking course!
- Includes 62 video tutorials
- Over 23 hours of educational content
- 80+ RAW & PSD files
- Unrestricted support
- Free updates
- Access to an exclusive online group
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Kits & Prices
There are three main configurations for the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i. I’ll briefly summarize each option of the kit so you can locate the one that best suits your needs.
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Package
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Package markets for $429, which is more affordable than its direct competitor, the SkyGuider Pro. This is the kit I own, and the one I advocate as it offers the best value for money.
This package will permit you to perform anything from simple Milky Way photography to complex multi-row tracked panoramas and deep-sky astrophotography.
The Premium Package features the following:
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- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- SkyWatcher equatorial mount
- Declination bracket
- Counterweight
- Ball-head adapter
- Polar scope illuminator
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Astro Package
The Star Adventurer 2i Astro Package has a listed price of $410. This package is ideal if only light setups will be mounted and wide to medium focal lengths will be used. Still, I strongly advise opting for the Pro Package due to the modest price difference.
The following items are included in the Astro Package:
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- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Declination bracket
- Polar scope illuminator
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Photo Package
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The following items are included in the Photo Package:
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- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Ball head adapter
- Polar scope illuminator .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i vs iOptron SkyGuider Pro
The Star Adventurer 2i and the SkyGuider Pro from iOptron are two of the most widely used designs of portable star trackers, and for valid reason: they both offer outstanding tracking performance, in a relatively small body, at an affordable cost.
In the previous assessment I wrote regarding the iOptron SkyGuider Pro, I already juxtaposed these two star trackers and discussed their major pros and cons.
In essence, the primary benefit of the SkyWatcher model is its equatorial wedge; it functions reliably and is straightforward to employ. However, as mentioned earlier in this article, the polar scope and battery system of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i could be improved upon, which is where the iOptron SkyGuider Pro has an advantage
The iOptron is lighter and more compact than the SkyWatcher, making it simpler to transport. I recommend reading the iOptron SkyGuider Pro evaluation to obtain the full breakdown of the comparisons I made.
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i vs. Benro Polaris
The groundbreaking Benro Polaris star tracker released recently stands out. Its automation attributes have positioned it at the forefront relating to portable star trackers. The exceptional tracking abilities of the SkyWatcher’s make it a serious contender, even if it lacks all the automation qualities the Polaris possesses.
To summarize simply, these are the scenarios in which I would choose one tracker over the other:
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i: If you are searching for a dependable tracking experience and extended battery life, the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i should be your choice. The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i also costs significantly less than the Benro Polaris, which is an important factor to take into account. However, the SkyWatcher can be slightly more challenging to use when creating complex images like tracked panoramas.
- Benro Polaris: If you are searching for automated functions, such as tracked panoramas,go-to functions, and precise polar alignment, the Benro Polaris is the flawless star tracker for you. You can establish it, and it will create a tracked panorama without you having to touch the camera, which is highly convenient. However, I wouldn’t recommend the Benro Polaris if you are not patient as the learning contour is steeper compared to the SkyWatcher. This star tracker is also the costliest by a distinction on our list of the premier star trackers for astrophotography.
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i FAQ
When considering acquiring a new piece of equipment, there are many considerations. Throughout this SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i assessment I’ve addressed the most essential aspects you need to know about this star tracker. In this section, I’ve gathered some of the frequently posed inquiries about this unit. I hope you find it helpful .
What is the approximate price of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i?
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Package costs $488.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Astro Package costs $410.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Photo Package costs $350.
Does the Star Adventurer 2i have Automatic Guided Functions?
The Star Adventurer 2i doesn’t provide an automatic go-to feature. To obtain that functionality you’d need to consider the Star Adventurer GTi model instead.
Is the Star Adventurer 2i worth the cost?
The Star Adventurer 2i occupies a place at the top tier of star trackers currently available and will greatly aid in capturing exceptional astronomical imagery. The tracking capabilities deliver optimal performance and partly explain why it ranks among the most utilized options for many professional astrophotographers.
Can a telescope be mounted on the Star Adventurer 2i?
UK
Lee Big Stopper 10 stops
Square
High
Very High
Conclusion – Is the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i Worth it?
| The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i stands out from other star trackers as it offers exceptional performance in tracking, payload capacity, and battery life, which make it definitely worthwhile. While there are some flaws such as the weak polar scope illuminator lighting and needing four AA batteries, the Star Adventurer 2i remains a reliable choice despite its shortcomings. |
If planning to acquire the Star Adventurer 2i, going for the Pro Package is advised; it provides the best value and everything needed to do various types of astrophotography.
I hope you found this review of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i helpful. If you have any additional questions not covered in this article, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
To learn more about tracked astrophotography, I invite you to check out my Milky Way Pro Tracking Course!
Happy captures!
