The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is one of the smallest star trackers on the market as it can nearly fit in the palm of a hand. As a professional astrophotographer, I’ve employed this star tracker for the previous few years and in this SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini review, I want to impart my experience to you.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini was designed to be the portable version of its predecessor model, the Star Adventurer Pro, and it delivers on that aspect. However, in this review, we’ll cover more than merely its portability.
If wanting to learn more regarding the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini’s tracking capabilities, construction and features, polar alignment process, and all the pros and cons, continue reading!
- Overview of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini – Included components and assembly
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini with wireless connectivity
- Polar Alignment with the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini
- Instructions for assembling a SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Kit Options & Prices
- SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini vs. MSM Star Tracker
- Comparison of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini and iOptron SkyTracker Pro equipment
- Comparison of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini and SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
Table of Contents
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini – Overview
| The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is one of the most compact and portable star trailers found on the marketplace. Its body which is concise and featherlight makes it ideal to travel with, and its tracking abilities make it sufficiently trusted to take long presentation portraits at nightfall. However, the battery scheme and the necessity for WiFi contact to operate this star trailer are regions for advancement. |
Specifications for the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini
- WEIGHT: 1.4 pounds (0.65 kilograms)
- MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms)
- EXPOSURES: 1-2 minutes
- MAXIMUM FOCAL LENGTH: ~100 millimeters
- RUN TIME: 24 hours
- BATTERY TYPE: 2 AA batteries – Mini USB
- BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: No
- AUTOGUIDER INPUT: Yes
Pros
- Highly compact and lightweight
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Cons
- The original text contains “Operated through a smartphone app
- The polar aiming device could be improved
- Star adventurer mini specials:
*Note: During this analysis of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini, I’ll also refer to this tracker as “SAM”.
A key strength of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is that it includes the same equatorial wedge as the Star Adventurer Pro. This equatorial wedge is among the top-rated in the market, helping achieve a more precise polar alignment.
What I enjoy about the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is how portable yet capable it is. It can be taken on long hikes with a light setup; but if a slightly heavier camera and lens combo is needed to be mounted, it is also possible because it allows a counterbalancing system.
On the other hand, there are a couple facets that could be enhanced in this compact tracker. The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini can only be operated through Wi-Fi, which I find inconvenient as a smartphone application is necessary at all times.
Also, another primary disadvantage is that the Wi-Fi signal can sometimes be unstable.
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SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Features and Build
The features of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini were intended for two essential concepts: convenience and simplicity of use. It`s among the lightest star trackers available on the market, yet without compromise to quality construction.
Below, I’ll cover the key aspects that make the star adventurer mini worthwhile, but I’ll also mention some downsides to keep in mind if you are thinking about purchasing this tracker.
Let`s find out additional information!
Weight
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini has a mass of only 1.4lbs (0.65 kg). This does not include the equatorial wedge and declination bracket furnished with the Pro Pack. This renders it the lightest star tracker with this grouping of specifications; there are no other celestial trackers that can support a counterweight and also have a lower mass than the SAM.
Load
The payload capacity of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is 6.6lbs (3kg). This puts it right on par with its competitors; however, the added benefit of the SAM is that you can attach a counterbalance to it, which gives it an advantage when mounting heavier loads.
If you carry heavy equipment like a digital single lens reflex camera body or medium telephoto lens, the Star Adventurer Mini is a great portable option that deserves consideration.
Power storage
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini operates using 2 AA batteries and has a runtime of roughly 24 hours. The battery life for this star tracker is exceptional, only second to the Star Adventurer Pro. However, the fact that it utilizes 2 AA batteries is a downside. An internal battery would be far more convenient, and I hope SkyWatcher will add this to their future models.
Polar Scope
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini conveniently includes a polar scope as part of the package contents. This polar scope functions helpfully and fulfills its purpose, but the attached illuminator, similarly to the Skywatcher pro version, consists of a feebly constructed plastic component prone to breaking or becoming misplaced.
Additionally, the Star Adventurer Mini has a polar identifier that can assist do a rough polar alignment. If you are utilizing a wide-angle lens, this might be adequate; otherwise, you’ll have to refine it.
Explore our article about getting your feet wet in astrophotography with a star tracker to learn about polar calibration and more!
Device Used to Adjust Angles of Arcs & Associated Counterbalancing Weight
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini ships with an adjustment bracket if you get the Pro Pack; however, it doesn’t come with a counterbalancing weight, you’ll have to purchase that separately.
The declination bracket is constructed of metal and is solid. For heavier setups, I recommend using the declination bracket since it will provide more stability even without the counterweight.
Quality Attributes
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is built nearly entirely of metal. There are a few plastic bits, but generally, the built quality is excellent. Regardless of how light it is, it feels sturdy.
The internal components are also excellently crafted; the gearings are all metallic. This is shown in the tracking precision, which is among the best in its category.
From a design perspective, SkyWatcher ought to incorporate internal batteries into their star trackers rather than employ small AA batteries, which lack reliability and are not as practical as an internal battery.
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SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Wi-Fi
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini operates through a Wi-Fi network; meaning, a smartphone and a phone app need to be accessible to control this unit.
The Star Adventurer Console app (which can be downloaded free of charge both on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store) allows you to perform everything from polar alignment to establishing a time-lapse. The app itself gets the job done, and the interface is simple.
However, the Wi-Fi on the Star Adventurer Mini could be improved. My experience working with it hasn’t been smooth, and I’ve found it difficult to connect to the unit, and even after connecting, the connection drops at times .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Polar Alignment
Polar organization with the SAM is direct and equivalent to the technique in other portable star trackers.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini employs the equivalent polar scope and equatorial wedge as its larger counterpart, the Star Adventurer 2i. With these two accessories, achieving a precise polar alignment is straightforward.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini can execute exposures of 1-2 minutes with an exact polar alignment, using a wide-angle or medium focal range lens. This matches its direct competitors, the iOptron SkyTracker Pro and the MSM Rotator.
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A complete step-by-step guide on how to utilize your star tracker can be found in the article written on performing astrophotography using a star tracker.
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Setup
In this SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini assessment, I want to briefly go over the steps you need to follow to set up your SAM. The process can seem complex if you’ve never done it before, but by adhering to these simple steps, I guarantee that you’ll have your Star Adventurer Mini tracking in no time!
- Position your tripod and ensure it is stabilized.
- Mount the equatorial wedge
- Attach the Star Adventurer Mini to the angled bracket
- For heavy payloads, mount the declination bracket and counterbalance. Otherwise, utilize a ball head instead.
- Turn on the Star Adventurer Mini telescope mount
- Connect your smartphone to the Star Adventurer Mini
- Do the polar alignment.
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Mount the camera with its included accessories
- Choose your composition and star tracking!
Also, an internal polar scope illuminator similar to the iOptron Skyguider Pro would be another great characteristic .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Kits & Prices
If the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is being considered as your new star tracker, you should know that there are two main packages available: the Pro Pack and the standalone Star Adventurer Mini (which is only the star tracker) .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Pro Pack
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Pro Pack is typically priced at $399, though occasionally it can be found on sale at a slightly lower cost. This package is what I recommend as it delivers the best value.
This package will permit you to take astonishing Astro imagery such as Milky Way panoramas, mosaics, and more. Also, it ships with a declination bracket, so you can affix a counterbalance in the future if you need to install a weightier setup.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Pro Pack includes the following:
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini vs. MSM Star Tracker
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini and the MSM Star Tracker are directly competing goods used for tracking purposes. Both trackers have a small, lightweight design ideal for photographers seeking creative images in faraway spots.
However, the Star Adventurer Mini and the MSM Star Tracker have some pivotal differences worth bringing up.
I previously presented a detailed examination in my MSM Star Tracker review article, but to summarize briefly, these are the scenarios where I would opt for one star tracker rather than the other:
- For heavier payloads, I would opt for the Star Adventurer Mini. Both star trackers have an identical maximum carrying capacity; however, since the SAM supports counterbalances, it will perform better with heavier setups.
- For ease of setup and convenience I would choose the Move Shoot Move Star Tracker. It has a very simple configuration and start up. It is also lightweight allowing it to be taken anywhere .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini vs. iOptron SkyTracker Pro
Another direct competitor of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is the iOptron SkyTracker Pro.
Both star trackers were intended to be highly portable and lightweight; however, when considering weight and portability, the SAM is marginally lighter than the model from iOptron and its shape also makes transportation easier.
When talking about the battery, this is an advantage for the Skytracker Pro. The star tracker by iOptron includes an internal rechargeable battery that persists up to 20 hours on one charge. The Star Adventurer Mini runs up to 24 hours on 2 AA batteries. The convenience of having an internal battery is difficult to surpass.
In regards to usability, this is another triumph for the iOptron Skytracker Pro. Its physical buttons make it simpler to set up and operate, and the polar alignment process is easier thanks to the improved polar scope. The Star Adventurer Mini has a great equatorial wedge, but the polar scope is not as adequate.
Ultimately, regarding tracking performance, the Star Adventurer Mini and the Skytracker Pro are equal. They both offer excellent tracking abilities with wide angle and moderate focal range lenses. Both star trackers are compatible with counterweights, which makes the tracking even more accurate if you load a heavier setup .
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini vs. SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
Both the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini and the Adventurer 2i are exceptional portable astrophotography mounts. However, the Star Adventurer 2i has the advantage on all features, except for mass. The Star Adventurer Mini was designed to be the portable version of its larger counterpart.
If you have a light camera and lens setup, and you simply want to capture simple yet breathtaking Milky Way images, I recommend the Star Adventurer Mini. However, if your camera and lens combination weighs more than 6.6 pounds (3KG), I suggest the Adventurer 2i.
SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini FAQ
Is it possible to do daytime long exposure photography without filters?
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini can operate for up to 24 hours using 2 AA batteries. You may also charge this star tracker with an external power source like a power bank.
What carrying capacity does the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini possess?
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini has a maximum payload ability of 6.6 lbs (3 KG). This makes it ideal for cameras without mirrors or DSLR with light lenses.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is an excellent stargazing aid package and is definitely worthwhile. If you are searching for a compact yet powerful and reliable star tracker, the Star Adventurer Mini is a great fit. However, regarding convenience of use, its competitors; such as the MSM Star Tracker or the iOptron SkyTracker Pro, have better options for setup.
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There are two different price points for the Star Adventurer Mini depending on the package selected:
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Pro Pack retails for approximately $399.
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini star tracker is priced at $335.
Conclusion – Is the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini Worth it?
| The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini is one of the top rated star trackers available on the market. Its superb tracking skills, solid constitution and features make it a fantastic star tracker for both novices and experts searching for a portable star tracker. However, having to rely on a Wi-Fi connection to operate the SAM is less than preferable, and some characteristics like the battery system and the polar scope illuminator could be enhanced. |
If you are planning on acquiring the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Mini, I recommend you get the Pro Pack, this is the best value option. This package will allow you to take stunning and complex Milky Way images!
To see how this star tracker compares to other options on the market, I recommend taking a look at our list of best star trackers, where you’ll find all you need to take the next step in your astrophotography journey.
If any queries connected to the Star Adventurer Mini arise, leave them in the comments section below and I’ll be pleased to assist.
Happy captures!
