Best Star Trackers (2025)

What is a Star Tracker?

Also called a "camera tracker" or "portable equatorial mount," it's a motorized device that rotates your camera to match Earth's rotation. This means:

• ✅ Sharp stars at 2+ minute exposures
• ✅ Use telephoto lenses (200mm, 300mm, 400mm)
• ✅ Capture faint nebulae invisible to static tripods

Top 5 Star Trackers (2025)

1. iOptron SkyGuider Pro - Best All-Rounder

The SkyGuider Pro is the gold standard. Accurate, easy to polar align, and handles telephoto lenses.

• Payload: 11 lbs (5 kg)
• Polar Scope: Illuminated, built-in
• Price: $399

✅ Why it wins: Dead simple polar alignment. WiFi control via app. Half the price of "real" mounts.

⚠️ Downside: No GoTo (you manually point at targets). Requires separate tripod.

2. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi - Best GoTo

The GTi adds WiFi and automatic object finding.

• Payload: 11 lbs (5 kg)
• GoTo: Yes (via SynScan app)
• Price: $549

✅ Why it wins: Points itself at targets. Perfect for beginners who don't know the sky.

3. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini - Best Budget

The SA Mini is tiny, cheap, and surprisingly capable.

• Payload: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
• Polar Scope: Optional ($69 extra)
• Price: $299

✅ Why it wins: Fits in a backpack. Good enough for camera + 50-135mm lens.

⚠️ Downside: Can't handle heavy telephoto lenses (200mm+).

4. Move Shoot Move (MSM) Rotator - Ultra Compact

The MSM is a minimalist tracker the size of a hockey puck.

• Payload: 3 lbs (1.5 kg)
• Price: $399

✅ Why it wins: Weighs 1 lb. Perfect for hiking/backpacking.

5. iOptron SkyTracker Pro - Classic Choice

The original SkyTracker, still solid in 2025.

• Payload: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
• Price: $299

Key Specs Explained

Payload Capacity

Total weight of camera + lens + accessories. Example:

• Sony A7 III: 1.4 lbs
• 70-200mm f/2.8 lens: 3.3 lbs
• Total: 4.7 lbs → Need 6+ lb capacity tracker

Polar Alignment

The tracker's axis must point at Polaris (North Star). Methods:

1. Polar scope: Built-in telescope with reticle (easiest, ±5 min accuracy)
2. Drift alignment: Watch a star drift and adjust (pro method, ±1 min accuracy)
3. Compass method: Lazy/fast but inaccurate (only for wide lenses)

What Focal Length Can You Use?

Essential Accessories

1. Sturdy Tripod: Don't cheap out. Get a Manfrotto 190 ($150) or better.
2. Counterweight: Balances heavy lenses (some trackers include this)
3. L-Bracket: For portrait orientation ($30-50)
4. Power Bank: Cold nights drain batteries. Get a 20,000 mAh unit.

Tracker vs Full Mount: Which Do You Need?