Best Star Trackers for Astrophotography in 2024

In recent years, devices used to track stars have become more accessible to the public, however, deciding which one to purchase can be taxing. There are numerous different specifications, manufacturers, designs, etc., which can make the process of obtaining the best star tracking device more difficult than it should be.

As a professional astrophotographer who has utilized diverse star trackers for numerous years, I`ve crafted this total purchasing guide in which I`ve put several top star tracker brands and models to the test and contrasted them to assist you in deciding which one is best accommodated to your necessities.

In summary, these are the top-rated star trackers in 2024:

1. Benro Polaris
2. iOptron SkyGuider Pro
3. MSM Nomad
4. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro
5. iOptron SkyTracker Pro
6. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
7. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini
8. Vixen Optics Polarie
9. Fornax Lightrack II

		Load	Cargo	Maximum Focus length	Operating Time	Pricing

11lbs (5kg)

400mm

20hrs

$488

TOP CHOICES FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY CAMERAS

Utilizing a star tracker for astrophotography will create a clear distinction between your images taken before and after using this method by allowing you to capture longer exposures of the night sky and will provide you more flexibility in your camera settings. For those looking for a way to improve photos of the Milky Way or to advance to the next level in astrophotography, this is the best investment one can make.

Below, the complete listing of the best star trackers will be seen along with a section with key factors to consider when purchasing a star tracker for astrophotography.

In essence, here are the top star-trackers for astrophotography in 2024:

Table of Contents

1. Benro Polaris

The Benro Polaris is considered the best overall star tracker for 2024. If you are seeking a tracker with advanced functions and several automated options, it will not disappoint.

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:

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• Mejores ofertas del Benro Polaris:

There is one term that epitomizes the new Benro Polaris: automation. Benro has loaded this star tracker with the latest advances. This star tracker can automatically go to any star you opt for and use it to polar align, produce tracked Milky Way panoramas automatically, and more!

This stellar tracker does not have a polar scope, but as mentioned earlier, the automated polar alignment process is performed via the smartphone application. Another great feature of this star tracker is that it uses an internal battery, but it can also be powered by an external power source.

In terms of physical capacity, the Benro Polaris boasts an incredibly massive 15lbs (7kg) payload capability, rendering it the maximum base load limit on this list; however, it does not accommodate counterweights. Regarding tracking abilities, it can comfortably achieve 5-6-minute exposures with wide-angle camera lenses.

The only disadvantage is that there are still a few flaws in some of the progressive functions, but these are not problems if you know the workarounds.

This paragraph contains a link to a full assessment of the Benro Polaris camera support equipment:

Detailed specs and opinions on the Benro Polaris tripod can be viewed here.

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2. iOptron SkyGuider Pro

The iOptron SkyGuider Pro is my preferred choice after the Benro Polaris, and the one I utilized for many years prior to switching to the BP. This star tracker is perfect for any astrophotographer searching to spend slightly less money and obtain a traditional mechanical star tracker that is trustworthy and straightforward to use.

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Technical specifications of the Ioptron Skyguider.

• WEIGHT: 2lbs (1kg)
• MAX PAYLOAD: 11lbs (5kg)
• EXPOSURES: 5-6 minutes
• MAX FOCAL LENGTH: ~400mm
• RUN TIME: 20hrs
• BATTERY TYPE: Internal – Micro USB
• BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: Yes (illuminated)
• AUTOGUIDER INPUT: Yes

Pros

• Compact design and capable
• Built-in polar viewer with illumination

Cons

• Its EQ base was flimsy.
• Declination bracket could see improvement

• Current deals on the Ioptron Skyguider:

Thanks to its considerable 11lbs payload capacity, the Skyguider is able of supporting larger optical devices and even minor telescopes, allowing you to capture up to exposures lasting 5-6 minutes even on a short telephoto lens without any issues.

This star tracker has a very effective polar alignment system. The built-in polar scope is illuminated; thus, making the process of aligning the tracker quite simple and easy. Additionally, you can obtain the iPolar version of this tracker, which comes with a small camera that facilitates the polar alignment process even more.

In regards to design, this tracker is compact and durable, and it feels as though it will last a lifetime. However, the equatorial base seems flimsy and not on par with the rest of the high quality design, being the main downside of this tracker.

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Here is a thorough evaluation of the iOptron Skyguider Pro.

3. MSM Nomad

The highly praised MSM Nomad has arrived to further enhance the already positive attributes of the MSM Rotator. With its significantly reduced cost, it targets amateur astrophotographers on a budget. MSM (Move Shoot Move) has done an excellent job delivering surprising outcomes with straightforward controls and reasonable pricing. All these factors make the MSM Nomad the top value star tracker for 2024.

MSM Nomad Specs

• WEIGHT: 1lbs (0.45kg)
• MAX PAYLOAD: 7lbs (3.2kg)
• EXPOSURES: 1-2 minutes
• MAX FOCAL LENGTH: ~50mm
• RUN TIME: 5hrs
• BATTERY TYPE: Internal – USB-C
• BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: No – sold separately
• AUTOGUIDER INPUT: No

Pros

• Very light
• Enhanced look and quality standards
• Effortless polar synchronization

Cons

• Restricted load bearing
• Not for complex panoramas

The MSM Nomad presently highlights a 7 pounds (3.2 kg) burden limit, which is the most elevated of all the little star trackers available, by a little edge. This will permit you to mount heavier focal points to do some profound sky astrophotography; in any case, it’s still not possible to mount overwhelming telescopes. On the off chance that you generally shoot with wide-edge and mid-extend focal points (up to 50mm), this tracker will cover all your needs, permitting you to trap up to 3-minute presentations with a decent polar position. This star tracker is the main one on this list that doesn’t uphold a counterweight framework.

Polar alignment is quite straightforward with this astrophotography mount. The basic kit comes with a laser, which merely requires pointing at Polaris or the south celestial pole. If lasers are prohibited in your country, you can obtain the kit with the polar scope instead.

The craftsmanship of this star tracker is adequate, considering the cost. The body is fabricated from aluminum alloy and feels quite hardy. The battery persists around 5 hours, but an external battery can be used to charge it via USB-C. Quality assurance with the MSM Nomad has proven better so far than with its precursor, and no reports have surfaced about faulty units with poor tracking performance.

Here you can see a full analysis of the MSM Rotator.We’ll soon have the full review of the MSM Nomad.

4. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro 2i

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro 2i is considered one of the top-rated ordinary camera star followers available. This tracking platform can effectively capture prolonged exposure pictures of the night sky for up to 5 or 6 minutes without issues even at higher focal lengths.

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

• Today`s deals from Sky-Watcher:

The rotating base that comes with this tracker is one of the best I’ve tested. It’s robust, precise, and dependable. Most materials in this model are very high-quality, but note that it’s a bulky and heavy tracker, so it’s not suitable for long hikes and trips.

However, the most disadvantageous aspect of this star tracker is its polar scope illuminator, which constitutes an externally unstable piece of plastic that is easily fractured or lost. I hope this receives improvements in a subsequent version.

Another downside is the power source, which uses four AA batteries. The main issue is the lack of a traditional on/off button; it has a wheel that can unintentionally turn while in the backpack. This has drained the battery a few times for me after arriving somewhere without realizing it.

Regardless of certain drawbacks, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro 2i continues to be one of the top-rated star trackers available in 2024 because it does an exceptional job of tracking, which is a core function. There are three option packages available: the Pro package, the Astro package, and the Photo package. I would advise opting for the Pro package as it delivers the best value for money.

If you want to discover more about this star tracker, read our complete Sky Watcher Star Adventurer 2i assessment.

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5. iOptron SkyTracker Pro

The iOptron SkyTracker Pro is the newest addition to iOptron’s lineup of portable astrophotography mounts. This star tracker is compact, yet its robust design will allow for precise tracking even when using longer focal lengths, such as 100mm. At this focal length, you can achieve up to 1-minute exposures without any issues.

Ioptron Skytracker Pro Specs

• WEIGHT: 1.5lbs (0.68kg)
• MAX CAPACITY: 6.6lbs (3kg)
• EXPOSURES: 1-2 minutes
• MAX OPTICAL ZOOM: ~100mm
• OPERATING TIME: 20hrs
• POWER SOURCE: Internal – Micro USB
• INTEGRATED POLARSCOPE: Yes (illuminated)
• AUTOGUIDER INPUT: No

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Pros

• Easy and tactile controls
• Supports counterweights

Cons

• Restricted capacity
• Plastic fabrication

• Current Ioptron Skytracker pro deals:

Similar to its larger counterpart, the illuminated polar scope featured in the iOptron SkyTracker Pro includes adjustable lighting levels, creating optimal observing conditions for polar alignment tasks.

Concerning mass, the iOptron SkyTracker Pro has a low body weight, measuring only 1.5lbs (0.68kg). It is able to support up to 6.6lbs (3kg) of added components, which can be further increased with balancing ballasts.

While compact compared to certain other trackers, this device will fit comfortably in a backpack and its light weight construction makes it amenable for hikes. The battery can power it continuously for up to twenty-four hours on a single charge and recharges via Micro-USB, allowing for multiple tracking sessions before charging is needed again.

The general construction of the iOptron SkyTracker Pro uses plastic, feeling somewhat inexpensive to the touch. The default equatorial base isn`t fantastic. The screws applied to regulate the azimuth are somewhat inconvenient and require getting accustomed to, but once you learn the technique, you`ll attain polar alignment with precision.

6. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi

Released on April 15th of this year, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is another new addition to this best star tracker list. It includes some unique features and great improvements over past Star Adventurer models.

Technical specifications for the Star Adventurer GTi.

• WEIGHT: Around 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms)
• MAX PAYLOAD: Around 11 pounds (5 kilograms)
• EXPOSURES: 5-6 minutes
• MAX FOCAL LENGTH: Approximately 400mm
• RUN TIME: 36 hours
• BATTERY TYPE: 8 AA batteries powering a 12-volt DC system
• BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: Yes (illuminated)
• AUTOGUIDER INPUT: Yes

• Current bargain prices for the Star Adventurer GTi:

There’s one feature that sets this mount apart: the GoTo (GT) capability. With this option, you can select a target on your smartphone – which can be stars, nebulae, or constellations – and the Star Adventurer GTi will find and automatically point your lens or telescope to the subject. This makes deep-sky astrophotography much easier, especially for beginners.

Compared to other entry-level tracking devices made by Skywatcher, this unit features an integrated light source in the polar viewfinder. However, this tracker still uses standard batteries, needing 8 AA batteries for operation. You can also power it with an external power source plugged into its 12v DC port.

The capacity to transport a payload of 11lbs (5KG) with this mount is equivalent to other premium portable star trackers on the market. This limit could potentially be extended further by incorporating counterbalancing elements. Tracking duration is also similar to the Star Adventurer Pro 2i, reaching approximately 6 minutes dependent on the focal length employed.

7. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini

Sky-Watcher engineered this camera star tracker for lightweight portability. The Star Adventurer Mini (S.A.M for short) is a downsized form of the initial Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro, allowing photographers on the move ideal utilization.

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:

It has a 6.6lbs (3kg) load capability, making it suitable for smaller to medium-sized configurations. You can obtain an optional counterbalance with the Pro package, but don`t push this tracker to its weight limits. Regarding tracking durations, you can achieve perfectly sharp stars with 4 to 5-minute exposures and around 1 minute with longer lenses.

Polar alignment in this tracker is much like the bigger Star Adventurer Pro 2i. It includes a polar scope that could benefit from an improved illuminator.

The battery life of this tracker is great considering its size, lasting up to 24 hours, on par with the iOptron SkyTracker Pro. However, the S.A.M uses 2 AA batteries instead of an integrated battery. It can also be recharged via Mini-USB even during usage which will prolong the battery life.

This star tracker contains built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and can solely be operated through an app on your smartphone. The SAM Console app is used to configure the differing tracking speeds and time-lapse mode. The issue lies in the unstable Wi-Fi signal and difficulty achieving the right connection on the initial try, which can make you miss valuable time.

More knowledge regarding this star tracker is obtainable by perusing our extensive Sky Watcher Star Adventurer Mini assessment.

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8. Vixen Optics Polarie

Originally developed as an astrophotography tracking device for DSLR cameras, the Vixen Optics Polarie remains a stellar choice for a celestial mount even with newer, lighter mirrorless cameras given its initial design as a star tracker. Although technology has advanced since its debut, it continues to serve admirably as an astrophotography equatorial mount.

Vixen Optics Polarie Specifications

• WEIGHT: 1.6lbs (0.73kg)
• MAX PAYLOAD: 5.5lbs (2.5kg)
• EXPOSURES: 1-2 minutes
• MAX FOCAL LENGTH: ~100mm
• RUN TIME: 2hrs
• BATTERY TYPE: 2x AA batteries – Mini USB
• BUILT-IN POLARSCOPE: No
• AUTOGUIDER INPUT: No

• Vixen Optics Polarie today`s deals:

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It falls into the category of basic star observation equipment, and its payload is restricted to 5.5lbs (2.5kgs), rendering it the lowest maximum load capacity on this list. Visitors can obtain a counterbalance as an extra accessory which allows the Polarie to withstand up to 6kg, but this will significantly increase the expense.

Polar alignment with this star tracker can prove challenging, generally in the Southern Hemisphere. It doesn’t come furnished with a full-size polar finder and relies on a tiny hole through the Vixen Polarie body. That`s why Vixen Optics offers you the choice to obtain the formal Polarie PF-L II polar finder for this tracker, but the expense may be a deterrent.

The Polarie has one of the finest designs, which resembles a compact camera both in form and size. It also feels robust, and employs two AA batteries which will run this star tracker for near to 2 hours approximately.

9. Fornax LighTrack II

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• Today`s discounted rates for the Fornax Lightrack II:

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This machine can sustain approximately 13 pounds (6 kilograms), which sets it ahead of its competitors by a significant difference. This load increases to 26.5 pounds (12 kilograms) when you pair it with the FMC 100 counterweight. With this load capacity, you can even install a medium-sized telescope or a large telephoto lens. At 1000mm you can get completely sharp exposures up to 6 minutes.

Polar alignment is another great aspect of this tracker. The polar scope is internally illuminated which makes everything easier. Unfortunately, this design isn’t perfect. Tracking time is limited to 107 minutes, and after that, you need to reset the tracker’s position, which is far from ideal.

Another significant downside is the lack of an integrated battery. The Fornax LighTrack II necessitates an external power source connected to its center-positive DC port to function, which diminishes portability.

What makes a Good star tracker for astrophotography?

If you are looking to get a new star tracker, there are a few elements you need to consider first. Save this list and use it as a star tracker purchasing guide:

Which is the most popular Star tracker in 2024?

The Event Honoring Astrophotographers Each Year is the most prestigious photo contest centered around astrophotography globally. Annually, the RMG (Royal Museums Greenwich) receives thousands of submissions, from which they determine a winner. Additionally, they publish statistics about the star-trackers most frequently used which they collect from the image metadata provided by the contestants.

We do not yet know which will be the most popular star tracker for astrophotography in 2024. However, utilizing data from the 2023 edition of the contest, these were among the most widely used star trackers last year if it could prove helpful:

Conclusion – Which star tracker is the best?

Finding the finest star tracker for astrophotography does not need to be difficult.

If you are searching for an introductory star-tracker that is also affordable, I would propose the MSM Nomad since it’s the most budget-friendly star-tracker currently available. However, if funds allow, I’d invest in an iOptron SkyTracker. Both options are excellent budget star trackers for beginners.

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It is a phenomenal unit, and I consider it the future of star-tracking. However, it will require a greater investment and a steeper learning curve.

Monitored astrophotography is fascinating, and, as you’ve seen, there are plenty of choices covering most needs. Once more, there is no wrong choice; just evaluate your needs, and that will determine the best star tracker for you.

Additionally, a star tracker is unimportant if you do not know how to establish it up and utilize it properly. In the Capture the Atlas academy, you will find an entire course devoted to clarifying everything you need to understand to maximize the benefits of your star tracker, such as advanced techniques like tracked Milky Way panoramas. You can also find a complete course on the Benro Polaris.

• Includes 62 video tutorials
• Over 23 hours of educational content
• 80+ RAW & PSD files
• Unrestricted support
• Free updates
• Access to an exclusive online group

Photograph the Milky Way

The Ultimate Milky Way Course

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Join now ➔

Leave a comment with any inquiries relating to star trackers or tracked astrophotography, and I’ll be pleased to respond.

Happy captures & clear skies!