- Fifteen video lessons
- Over 4 hours of material
- Unrestricted support
- Free updates
- Access to an exclusive online group
In this Benro Polaris review, I’ll focus on the astroimaging capabilities of the Benro Polaris, using the unit as a star tracking device to automate some of the most complex tasks in astrophotography.
I`ll be assessing the Benro Polaris Astro Edition which has a peculiar declination bracket that allows it to function as an automated star tracker.
As a professional landscape astrophotographer, I’ve extensively used the Benro Polaris over the last two years. I have also worked with over 100 Benro Polaris models in the field and with the primary camera models at multiple astrophotography workshops, so I can outline the optimal means of employing it as well as all the advantages and drawbacks.
Ready to learn more about the Benro Polaris!?
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- Benro Polaris Review
- Key Attributes and Construction of the Benro Polaris
- Benro Polaris Polar Allignment Feature
- Benro Polaris Automatic Panoramas
- Benro Polaris Setup
- Benro Polaris Prices, Packages, and Discount
- Benro Polaris versus SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Conclusion – Is the Benro Polaris worth purchasing?
Table of Contents
Benro Polaris Review – Overview
| The Benro Polaris is an advanced star-tracker equipped with various automation functions, possessing a clear interface and compact form to transport. Where the Benro Polaris stands out compared to other trackers is in its automation capabilities. However, mastering this tracker requires more practice than traditional star-trackers as its learning curve is steep).
After testing all the best star trackers for astrophotography, the Benro Polaris is without question the most advanced star tracker I’ve ever evaluated and the best choice for intermediate to advanced astrophotographers. |
Benro Polaris Specifications
- WEIGHT: 1.5kg
- MAX PAYLOAD: 7kg
- EXPOSURES: 5-6 minutes
- MAX FOCAL LENGTH: ~400mm
- RUN TIME: 20hrs
- BATTERY TYPE: Internal – Rechargeable
- BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: No
- AUTOGUIDER INPUT: No
Pros
- Automated positioning & polar calibration
- Compact with great payload capacity
- Includes many automatic functions.
- Frequent firmware updates
Cons
- It can solely be operated remotely using a smartphone.
- Expensive
- Occasional software malfunctions in advanced functions
- Today`s Benro Polaris deals:
- Mejores ofertas del Benro Polaris:
The Benro Polaris is a head that attaches to a tripod that has many automatic capabilities. It can operate as a motorized tripod head for precise compositions, capture time-lapses with panning movement, or serve as a star tracker when using the Benro Polaris Astro Edition, which is the version that I’ll discuss in this Benro Polaris assessment.
What I appreciate about the Benro Polaris are the different smart abilities included in the unit. This device is capable of performing numerous automated tasks related to star tracking photography, and this, in my opinion, represents the future and what more brands should aim for.
However, the Benro Polaris electric tripod head isn’t flawless. Some key features, such as auto-tracked Milky Way panoramas, work perfectly, but there are still a few improvements Benro has to work on for future updates.
Let me guide you through this Benro Polaris review!
Note: the Benro Polaris is an intelligent electric tripod head. However, in this article I will refer to the Benro Polaris Astro Edition as an astrophotography tool since it assists with capturing astronomical events.
View my recent video review concerning the Benro Polaris equipment, where I guide you through the process of creating stunning photographs using this tracking platform!
Benro Polaris Features and Build
The Ona Las Rosas is another outstanding hotel in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, situated in Puerto de Santiago directly on the cliff. The lodgings here are remarkably well-equipped, providing comfortable rooms with elegant and beautiful design.
Everything in this star tracker is well-constructed from a hardware perspective. Generally, the software operates very well, but there are a few aspects that could be improved and I’m pleased to see Benro is listening to community feedback and addressing issues and bugs on the device by enhancing it with each firmware update.
Let’s examine each feature in more depth!
Weight (Click to reveal details)
The Benro Polaris weighs 3.3lbs (1.5kg). With its compact design and lightweight, this makes it a highly portable star tracker. This is notably light when compared to other star trackers offering go-to abilities.
Lighter options can be found in our guide to the best star trackers, but nothing with as many functions. The Benro Polaris is the most advanced and portable star tracker available.
Cargo
- Bayside Boutique Hotel – Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort – another Willemstad resort that provides guests with boutique suites offering majestic views of the surrounding sea
The Benro Polaris can readily accommodate DSLR and mirrorless setups with heavy lenses, which allows you to conduct intricate landscape astrophotography such as Milky Way panoramas as well as some deep-sky astrophotography if utilizing a longer lens.
Therefore, I recommend limiting the weight carried by the Polaris in order to minimize strain on the electric motors since no counterbalance mechanism is available to reduce the pressure on the engines.
Energy source
The Benro Polaris is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery that enables usage for up to 20 hours and fully recharges within 2.5 hours utilizing a USB-C cable. Additionally, you can expand the operating time or charge the Benro Polaris while traveling by employing an external power bank.
Benro sells a 20000mAh power bank intended for photographers. This power bank can be ordered with the Benro Polaris.
From my experience, the battery life of heavy usage like tracked panoramas can last around 6-7 hours at most, so I advise always packing a power bank to plug in the device if needed.
Declination Bracket & Counterbalance
You will only get a declination bracket if you purchase the Benro Polaris Astro Edition. This declination bracket is specifically designed for the Benro Polaris and has a small motor that aids with star tracking.
To operate your camera with this declination bracket and orient it properly, you’ll need either a panoramic base or a nodal rail. Neither of these accessories is expensive; however, this is a downside and flaw since it necessitates purchasing an additional item to activate the Benro Polaris. Another excellent alternative and what I advise is the A-Toll collar ring, which is lighter and works perfectly with this tracker to flip your camera vertically.
The Benro Polaris uses a unique design that does not accommodate traditional counterweights. Instead, it compensates through exceptional stability and weight capacity.
Memory Cards
The Benro Polaris requires a MicroSD card for operation, which is not optional. This MicroSD will be used by the Benro Polaris to store configuration settings, input settings, firmware information, and more.
Benro does not specify a minimum capacity requirement for this MicroSD card. However, as a personal recommendation, using a card with a storage ability of at least 64GB is advisable; this will make sure there is ample space for whatever data needs to be held by the Benro Polaris. The maximum allowed storage is 1TB.
You can find more technical specifics about the MicroSD card in the Benro Polaris user manual.
Note 1: If the MicroSD card is newly initialized, or has been formatted by another electronic device or computer system, you must prepare it for use with the Benro Polaris prior to employing it.
Note 2: Turn off the device for a period of time before removing the SD card. Immediately removing the SD card after shooting may cause damage to the SD card.
If you purchase any of the cellular versions of the Benro Polaris, you’ll receive a Benro Polaris featuring a functional nano SIM card slot. You’ll need to insert a SIM providing a network connection to remotely operate the Benro Polaris over a phone network and eliminate any distance boundaries.
Quality of Construction
The Benro Polaris has exceptional construction quality. It’s built almost entirely from metal, with a few flexible parts around the knobs. It feels strong and durable to the touch.
The internal components also appear to be very skillfully designed. The motors move extremely smoothly and precisely; this can be seen in how well it tracks the stars and rarely acquires a picture with star trails. It’s also worth bringing up that the Benro Polaris has an IPX6 rating, which means it can withstand dust, a splash of water, light rain, or even a heavy storm.
The Benro Polaris electric support stand also packs tightly. It has two primary placement modes: an “on” setting and a “resting” setting. In resting mode, the Benro Polaris will auto-fold into a compact configuration for easier storage and transportation.
Regarding the design, this is more personal, but I love the aesthetic component of the Benro Polaris. It looks clean and simple. The main color is dark gray with a few light gray highlights .
Benro Polaris Polar Alignment
Aligning with the North using the Benro Polaris is more akin to techniques utilized on advanced guided telescopes than traditional trackers. This unit lacks a polar scope, but the process can be easily achieved using the Benro Polaris App. This app features a database containing hundreds of celestial objects (planets, stars, satellites) to precisely align to the northern sky.
Follow this basic procedure to polar align the Benro Polaris:
* Prior to proceeding, if you want to see an in-depth guide on how to operate the Benro Polaris from the moment you take it out of the box, I recommend checking my Benro Polaris Course!
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- Setup the Benro Polaris
- Turn on the Benro Polaris and your camera
- Open the Benro Polaris smartphone app
- Double-tap the two joysticks to level the base
- Open the Benro Polaris Astro module
- Calibrate the unit by following the instructions on your smartphone
- Tap the objects menu (star icon with a magnifying glass)
- Select the celestial body you want to use for polar alignment
- Wait for the Benro Polaris to travel to the chosen object
- Use a laser beam to verify the object on your smartphone`s screen
- Fine-tune the initial alignment using the arrow keys on your smartphone
Note: You can use any item to Polar Align, so you can polar align with 100% precision even when you can’t see Polaris.
Note: Be sure your phone GPS is activated and functioning correctly to prevent calibration issues.
This is my preferred polar alignment process; It’s swift, straightforward, and exact. I would be delighted to see additional go-to star trackers comparable to this one in the future because it makes this crucial step significantly easier. In certain locations where Polaris is not visible or in the Southern Hemisphere, this tracker stands apart from traditional trackers where you need to do rough polar alignments utilizing outside apps.
Do not forget that if you want to optimally utilize your Benro Polaris, you need to pinpoint the prime periods annually to photograph the Milky Way. The most effortless way to do so at a glance is by using our Milky Way calendars!
Benro Polaris Automated Panoramas
The Benro Polaris enables you to create completely automated Milky Way panoramas as well as tracked panoramas. This is one of its primary selling points for astrophotographers.
Using the Benro Polaris Astro Edition device, you can configure it to automatically design a panorama or a tracked panorama. There is a common panorama mode, where you can input the rotational activity by picking the degrees to capture the image, and an easier method termed “Pro Pano Mode”, which is exceptionally straightforward.
Here are the necessary settings to input into the Benro Polaris App to capture tracked panoramas using the Pro Mode functionality:
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- A starting point and an endpoint (both horizontal and vertical)
- Camera sensor size
- Focal length
- Viewing frame (portrait or landscape)
- Overlap percentage
- Camera settings (shutter speed, ISO, aperture)
With these adjustments, the Benro Polaris will produce a completely automated panorama devoid of having to move or angle the camera manually. You can likewise choose the number of shots you want for stacking later on. Following each shot, the Benro Polaris app will exhibit a low-resolution sneak peek.
Tip 1: Set your camera to capture RAW + JPEG to be able to see a preview of the images in the Benro Polaris App.
Suggestion 2: Activate a 4-second Shutter Response time setting on the Benro Polaris camera to allow for smooth tracking when adjusting the camera`s position.
My experience using the Benro Polaris automated panorama function has been outstanding, capturing some of the best panoramic photos I’ve ever taken in my astrophotography career as you can see here.
I consistently utilize the Pro Pano Mode as I’ve habitually found it more convenient. You simply select a couple settings, identify where to begin and conclude your panorama, and the Benro Polaris will manage the rest 😉 .
Benro Polaris Setup
Configuring the Benro Polaris is somewhat not the same as different star trackers, but if you observe these uncomplicated steps, I guarantee you’ll have your Benro Polaris up and operational in no time!
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- Completely charge the Benro Polaris before initial use.
- Insert a MicroSD memory card into the Benro Polaris (continually with the chip facing upward).
- Access the Benro Polaris App (available for iOS and Android)
- Turn on the Benro Polaris: double press the power button, holding the second press until hearing three beeps.
- Position your tripod and level it properly
- Screw the Benro Polaris on top of the tripod
- Connect the Benro Polaris app
- Format your SD card utilizing the Benro Polaris
- Check for updates to the software using the companion mobile application.
- Secure the Astro Kit assembly onto the Benro Polaris tripod.
- Connect one end of the cable labeled “long-distance device cable” to the port labeled “Additional” on the Benro Polaris and the other end to the port with the same name on the Astro Kit.
- Mount the camera on the Benro Polaris and link it utilizing the compatible camera cable incorporated in the box.
- Follow the leveling, calibration, and alignment process.
- Start tracking!
My completely new Benro Polaris Course provides more details about setting up the Benro Polaris system, with over four hours of intricate video instructions,unrestricted assistance, a private online community with other Benro Polaris aficionados, and additional resources!
- Fifteen video lessons
- Over 4 hours of material
- Unrestricted support
- Free updates
- Access to an exclusive online group
Note 1:The Benro Polaris necessitates a MicroSD card for proper functionality, this component is not optional. The Benro Polaris uses the card to store important configuration information and input selections.
Note 2:Depending on your camera model, you may need to customize the USB connection settings in your device’s menu prior to using the Benro Polaris to ensure proper communication between the camera and tracker. This is particularly important for Sony cameras
Prompt: If connecting issues arise with your camera, try using an OTG cable adapter as this resolves the problem for many camera models like Canon EOS R series.
Benro Polaris Supported Cameras
Benro Polaris supports over 400 camera models from different brands. Here you can find a listing of some of the most popular cameras compatible with the Benro Polaris.
Sony
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- Sony A7II
- Sony A7RII
- Sony A7III
- Sony A7RIII
- Sony A7RIV
- Sony A7SII
- Sony A9
- Sony A9II
Canon
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- Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 1D X
- Canon EOS R
- Canon EOS R2
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon EOS R6
Nikon
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- Nikon D750
- Nikon D850
- Nikon Z5
- Nikon Z6
- Nikon Z7
Fujifilm
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- Fujifilm X-T2
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Fujifilm X-T4
A complete record of cameras and highlights upheld here.
Benro Polaris Prices, Packages, and Discount
The Benro Polaris comes in multiple packages at varying prices. As I pointed out at the beginning of this article, the Polaris is more than just a star tracker; it can undertake time-lapses, operate as a remote shutter, do long exposures, focus stacking, and more!
Benro Polaris WiFi Astro Pack
The Benro Polaris WiFi Astro Pack retails at $999. I’ve been assessing this version, which I propose for most astrophotographers.
This version includes the Benro Polaris WiFi smart tripod head and the Astro Expansion Kit; the latter is necessary to enable the star tracking abilities.
The Benro Polaris Astro Edition can perform everything the basic version and additionally, it can also be used as a star tracker.
The Benro Polaris WiFi Astro Pack provides:
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- Benro Polaris WiFi smart tripod head.
- Benro Polaris Astro Expansion kit.
You can also obtain the Benro Polaris from B&H if you live in the USA or Canada.
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Benro Polaris WiFi & Cellular Astro Pack
The Benro Polaris WiFi & Cellular Astro Pack is comparable to the normal Astro Edition but comes with a functional SIM card slot. This allows you to control the Benro Polaris through a phone network, eliminating any distance limitations for remote control.
Having applied the Benro Polaris Wifi Astro Equipment for a pair of years, this is actually the one We prescribe. In astrophotography, you will find extremely few circumstances exactly where you are able to gain benefit from managing the Benro Polaris over long distances through a mobile network.
Additionally, if you are simply not interested in tracking and just need the basic automated functions like time-lapse photography, panoramas, etc., you can also purchase the standard Benro Polaris WiFi Time-lapse Edition for $799 .
Benro Polaris vs. SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i
It is quite challenging to compare the Benro Polaris to standard star trackers similar to the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer 2i because there are really few common attributes between these instruments. However, as I discussed in the thorough assessment article for the SkyWatcher Star Adventure 2i, there are a handful of factors to keep in mind if you are considering any of these star trackers.
If you are searching to automate your astrophotography workflow, and you are patient to learn and practice, then the Benro Polaris is your star tracker. This mount has revolutionized astrophotography since its release, all thanks to its automation capabilities. The user experience has noticeably enhanced, and there are more resources to learn how it functions than a couple of years ago.
For a dependable tracking experience, the Star Adventurer 2i is among the best star trackers available on the market. It does not incorporate features for example automated tracked panoramas, but it is straightforward to setup, tracking performance is reliable, and troubleshooting is simplified if an issue arises. The equivalent applies to the iOptron Skyguider Pro.
Benro Polaris FAQ
The Benro Polaris is such a new device that there are a lot of unresolved queries around it. During this article, I’ve tried to cover as many aspects as possible. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Benro Polaris :
What is the Benro Polaris camera support?
The Benro Polaris is an intelligent motorized tripod head with multiple functions for example time-lapse mode, automated panoramas, automated tracked panoramas, star tracking, and more.
How the Benro Polaris camera support functions?
Operating the Benro Polaris requires using a smartphone app available on iOS and Android devices. Through this application, you can set up the necessary functions and input your camera settings. Additionally, the app will display previews of the photographs taken using the Benro Polaris.
At what altitude do helicopters routinely fly above New York City?
There are fundamentally four major packages available for the Benro Polaris:
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- The Benro Polaris WiFi Astro Edition (in addition called Benro Polaris Time-lapse Version) retails at $999.
- The Benro Polaris WiFi Time-lapse Edition is $799.
There is moreover the cellular version of the Benro Polaris, notwithstanding, this version isn’t sold through any of the major camera outlets like B&H or Amazon. You’ll have to contact Benro directly to purchase the Benro Polaris Wifi & Cellular version.
Is the Benro Polaris worth purchasing?
Following my evaluation of the Benro Polaris Astro Edition I am quite satisfied with the results and believe it represents the future of star tracking. My experience using this device has been highly positive thus far and I look forward to employing this star tracker more often. However, there remain a few software issues with this item, but Benro is listening to user feedback, responding rapidly to resolve any problems.
What camera models are supported by the Benro Polaris tripod?
The Benro Polaris supports over 400 camera versions from various manufacturers. Here are some of the most well-known camera versions supported by the Benro Polaris:
Sony
-
- Sony A7II
- Sony A7RII
- Sony A7III
- Sony A7RIII
- Sony A7RIV
- Sony A7SII
- Sony A9
- Sony A9II
Canon
-
- Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 1D X
- Canon EOS R
- Canon EOS R2
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon EOS R6
Nikon
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- Nikon D750
- Nikon D850
- Nikon Z5
- Nikon Z6
- Nikon Z7
Fujifilm
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- Fujifilm X-T2
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Fujifilm X-T4
You can find a full register here.
Conclusion – Is the Benro Polaris worth it?
| The Benro Polaris star tracker is considered the most technologically advanced on the market, packed with automation features that facilitate, refine and enhance the experience of star tracking for intermediate and expert astrophotographers. While future software updates may yield improvements, the Benro Polaris represents the coming era of astrophotography. |
As I`ve stated numerous times during this review of the Benro Polaris, the Polaris is an exceptional device capable of carrying out complex tasks independently. However, there are still some software issues that Benro needs to address.
Still, the BP has become my primary star-tracker ahead of the Skywatcher Star Adventurer and the iOptron Skyguider Pro. Its compact size and automated functions make my life simpler when in the field.
- This 5-star hotel in New York City – It has spacious rooms with large windows overlooking Central Park, an indoor pool, and spa facilities. Its location at Central Park West in front of Columbus Circle is very convenient.
- Fifteen video lessons
- Over 4 hours of material
- Unrestricted support
- Free updates
- Access to an exclusive online group
If any inquiries concerning the Benro Polaris arise, feel free to place them in the comment area below.
Happy captures!
