Vixen Polarie Star Tracker

I’ve only used this device for Widefield Astrophotography so can’t comment on Starscape, Lunar or Solar Tracking modes although I have no reason to doubt their effectiveness.Using the Polarie is really very simple and it comes with a twenty seven page manual. . The manual suggests exposure times based on lens aperture and separation in degrees from the celestial equator with an alignment error of two degrees.For more precise polar alignment allowing longer exposures with longer focal lengths the Polarie Polar Alignment Scope is required but the Polarie by itself is still a huge step up from a simple camera and tripod arrangement and the extra level of detail that can be captured is significant.I found it is much easier to use if the camera is the last item attached. Once the Polarie is aligned with Polaris I then attach the camera, point it at the target and take a few test shots before switching on the Polarie for longer exposures. As long as the Polarie is aligned and fastened down you can swivel the camera in any direction you like. You will, however, need a ball-head to connect the Polarie to your camera as the Polarie itself is connected to the tripod head.Tripod Head – Polarie – Ball Head - CameraOn the recommendation that a special tripod isn’t required (I have a Velbon EF-51) I purchased the Polarie together with the Andoer Camera Tripod Ball Head Ballhead with Quick Release Plate ¼. The latter was advertised with the Polarie as being “frequently bought together” which suggests they are compatible. However, the Andover Ball Head has a 3/8" screw mount which doesn’t fit the camera mounting block on the Polarie which has a 1/4” thread screw - so I bought an adaptor screw as well and everything fits together very well.The Polarie works a treat and its elegant simplicity will appeal to even the most Luddite-minded; there is nothing difficult or technical in its operation whatsoever. You should check, however, the load weight does not exceed 4.4 lbs, and that your tripod can handle both the weight of the Polarie (1 lb 10 oz) as well as your camera and lens.The Polarie is small enough to go anywhere, but I like to observe and take pictures from my garden. Polaris, unfortunately, is hidden from the only completely level surface in my garden by a tree. I bought, therefore, the Quick Polaris Location Compass which attaches to the accessory shoe on top of the Polarie. The latitude setting and compass is superior to the Polarie’s in-built ones, allowing for magnetic declination and better tracking without having to squint through the polar sight hole.Some pictures are enclosed – all taken with a ‘cheap’ Canon 1300D.with sixty second exposures Any defects in picture quality are down to post-processing, and are not a reflection on the Polarie.

This is one of the best engineered products I bought recently for astrophotography.Very well designed, great build quality and most importantly, it's an impressive with an outstanding tracking accuracy without needed a guider.I also owned the Meade Lx80 and now the NEQ6 from Skywatcher and I still prefer the Polarie.This thing is just really impressive, it is able to guide a small Takahashi fs-60 telescope, that is a very good performance.In 2-3 minutes I can pack a whole portable observatory in a backpack and can walk or cycle with a whole observatory with me!This is great mount to have for holidays, or when your main mount breaks down or you don't have the time or energy to spend 30 minutes setting up a full blown astrophotography kit.In fact this is becoming slowly my main astronomy kit.I've got few pictures of my setup posted on twitter under the @Polymorpion user name.Don't hesitate if performance is your concern.

Nearly got 5 stars but uses the batteries up quickly. Got a power bank which helps. Setting up can take a bit of getting used too, once set-up can take 3 to 5 mins photos of the stars. Well made and soiled build, arrived a few days early.

Solidly made, quality shows with this Japanese made product. The instruction manual is easy to follow and you can be polar aligned in minutes especially if you have some basic astronomical knowledge. Mounting the camera is equally straightforward but you will have to purchase a ball head adapter separately. Maximum load is 3kg so I weighed my DSLR beforehand but needn't have worried-with lens it was less tha 2kg. I got some good images without star trailing.I like the half speed tracking for landscapes and the solar and lunar tracking features which I hope to use in the future.Highly recommended.

Very good. Portable, beautiful, and easy to operate. It can be fixed on a ballhead, but notice that it is necessary to purchase a Convert Screw Adapter from 1/4'' to 3/8''.

The product was very compact and easy to set up. The operating manual was really easy to follow.Pricewise i think it could have retailed a bit cheaper! Would have been worth the price if it was shipped with a decentswivell ball head connector which i had to purchase seperately.

Extremely well made and solid item. Works perfectly and is thoughtfully designed for ease of use. If only Vixen could build in the ability to cause a few more clear nights in my vicinity. Competitively priced at time of purchase but have noticed since that price is quite volatile moving up and down on almost daily basis.

This is a fantastic piece of kit. It is superbly built and is very easy to use. I have a Canon 700d and 60D. I had to buy a ball connector but that was it.