Star Tracker Review: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i - A Notable Pick for Astrophotography Enthusiasts
In the realm of astrophotography, the Star Adventurer 2i stands out as an ultra-portable, lightweight mount tailored to wide-field, lightweight imaging. This means that it's not designed to bear hefty telescopes but excels as a compact powerhouse for night sky photography.
At first glance, one might find it puzzling, but the Star Adventurer 2i truly shines in its intended purpose. Measuring approximately 15x15x15 centimeters, this diminutive mount fits snugly into your backpack, alongside a DSLR. It takes its inspiration from the DSLR trackers of yore, which, much like their offspring, control only one axis (Right Ascension).
The Star Adventurer 2i moves around the celestial pole in a manner designed to mimic the stars' apparent movement. This dance allows it to track the stars closely while maintaining its portability and affordability. Unlike its heftier counterparts, such as the EQ6Ri Pro or CGX, these mounts typically come with one motorized axis only.
Although the Star Adventurer 2i may not support heavy telescopes, this means it's a precise instrument for capturing widefield images of the cosmos. Widefield images, as the name suggests, primarily focus on expansive portions of the sky, showcasing dark nebulae, constellations, and even sweeping views of the Milky Way. The challenge with wide field views lies in achieving non-trailing stars, which demands little experience to master.
While some daring souls use the Star Adventurer 2i as a light telescope tracker for visual observing, it's not wholeheartedly recommended. Given the mount's featherweight construction, any jolts or gusts of wind are liable to affect the telescope's field of view.
Colloquially referred to as a simple, uncomplicated device, the Star Adventurer 2i lies somewhere between a tracker and a computerized mount, blending functionality with ease of use. Weighing just 1.64 kilograms without accessories, it proves an excellent choice for aspiring astrophotographers.
The mount can handle a payload of 5 kilograms, a standard capacity for such compact tracks. In practice, however, it can manage around 3 kilograms, an ample weight to accommodate a decent camera-lens combo. The mount secures cameras using a standard 1⁄4 or 3⁄8 inch threaded plate, located at the bottom of most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Surprisingly, the Star Adventurer 2i is equipped with auto-guiding capabilities, although it is primarily designed for manual navigation. This feature works along the Right Ascension axis, not the Declination axis. While the Declination shouldn't require guiding due to its natural stability, any polar alignment errors could result in drift in both axes. Additionally, autoguiding requires a telescope on the mount, which is not applicable given its weak weight capacity.
Welcome to the intriguing world of the Star Adventurer 2i, where portability, affordability, and wide-field astrophotography converge to offer a stunning cosmic experience.
Tips for Maximizing Your Star Adventurer 2i Experience
The Star Adventurer 2i offers various features tailored to optimize your astrophotography endeavors.
One notable feature is the adjustable tracking speed. While conventional trackers offer a single speed, the Star Adventurer 2i lets you alter its pace. Options include Lunar, Solar, and several custom tracking speeds, enabling flexibility to track faster or slower than the stars.
Another advantage of the Star Adventurer 2i is its multiple power sources. Instead of relying on expensive, non-standard chargers, it accepts four AA batteries or can be powered via a Mini USB port using a power bank. Additional features include an illuminated polar scope operable in both hemispheres, and an app to simplify polar alignment.
For advanced users, the pro variant of the mount offers additional perks such as an EQ base, L bracket, counterweight, and motorized alt-azimuth control. These accessories improve ease of use and manual polar alignment, making astrophotography a smoother process.
Looking to delve deeper into the cosmos? The Star Adventurer 2i also supports time-lapse photography. By rotating at faster speeds and taking photos at set intervals, you can create fascinating videos depicting the celestial waltz.
The Proverbial Second-Hand Question: Should I Buy a Used Star Adventurer 2i?
A pre-owned Star Adventurer 2i can be an economical and effective choice for those seeking a solid star tracker. Given the mount's simplicity and few moving parts, testing its functionality is relatively straightforward.
Other Pointers for Your Astrophotography Journey
The Star Adventurer 2i offers a fantastic entry point for wide-field astrophotography. However, if you're eager to explore other options, consider the iOptron SkyGuider Pro, which boasts similar features and pricing. For those in search of the payload capacity to accommodate telescopes, larger equatorial mounts may better suit your needs.
Sources
[1] Astrobackyard Star Adventurer 2i User Guide[2] Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Product Page
- With an ultraportable design, the Star Adventurer 2i is a lightweight mount ideal for wide-field, lightweight astroimaging, perfect for beginner astrophotographers.
- Some telescopes may not be compatible with the Star Adventurer 2i, given its limits on payload capacity, but it excels at capturing stunning widefield images of celestial bodies like dark nebulae, constellations, and the Milky Way.
- The Star Adventurer 2i is equipped with adjustable tracking speeds, allowing for flexibility in tracking objects like the moon and sun, in addition to standard custom tracking speeds.
- The mount offers multiple power sources, such as four AA batteries or a Mini USB port, making it convenient for astrophotographers on the move.
- For advanced users, the pro variant of the Star Adventurer 2i comes with accessories like an EQ base, L bracket, counterweight, and motorized alt-azimuth control, improving ease of use and manual polar alignment.
- While pre-owned Star Adventurer 2i mounts can be a cost-effective option, it is essential to carefully test the mount's functionality before purchasing to ensure it operates smoothly.
