Astrophotography has always fascinated photographers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Capturing the brilliance of the night sky, star trails, deep-sky objects, and the Milky Way demands technical knowledge and specialized equipment. Among these, star trackers are crucial in ensuring pinpoint star tracking during long-exposure astrophotography. Without star trackers, stars would appear as trails due to Earth’s rotation during long exposures. Compact and portable star trackers have become increasingly popular among landscape astrophotographers who travel light but still aim for precise tracking. In this article, we will explore five of the best portable star trackers for astrophotography in 2025.
1. iOptron SkyGuider Pro
The iOptron SkyGuider Pro has built a stellar reputation as one of the most reliable portable star trackers for astrophotography enthusiasts. Compact, lightweight, and highly efficient, it is designed for tracking night skies, deep-sky objects, and time-lapse photography. Its tracking precision makes it suitable for both beginner and advanced astrophotographers.
The SkyGuider Pro has a built-in polar scope for accurate polar alignment, a critical aspect for effective long-exposure imaging. With a payload capacity of 5 kg (11 lbs), it can easily accommodate a DSLR with a long telephoto lens or even a small refractor telescope. Additionally, the SkyGuider Pro offers four tracking speeds: 1x, 0.5x, Solar, and Lunar, allowing versatile usage depending on the celestial object you’re targeting.
Another standout feature of the SkyGuider Pro is its silent motor, ensuring vibrations are minimized during long exposures. The internal rechargeable battery allows it to run for up to 20 hours continuously, making it perfect for remote astrophotography sessions.
Key Specifications:
- Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
- Tracking Modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)
- Polar Scope: Built-in with illumination
2. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack is one of the most popular and versatile portable star trackers among astrophotographers. It is particularly favored for its ease of use, compact design, and excellent tracking accuracy. This tracker is ideal for long-exposure nightscapes, Milky Way photography, and deep-sky imaging with DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
The 2i Pro Pack comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module, allowing photographers to control the tracker wirelessly via the Sky-Watcher smartphone app. This feature is particularly useful for remote locations where minimizing camera shake is crucial. The tracker also supports multiple tracking speeds, including sidereal, lunar, and solar rates, enabling versatility for shooting stars, the Moon, or the Sun.
Its payload capacity of 5 kg (11 lbs) allows it to handle a DSLR with a heavy telephoto lens or a small telescope. Additionally, the Star Adventurer 2i Pro offers time-lapse and panoramic modes, allowing photographers to create dynamic astro time-lapse videos. It is powered by AA batteries or an external power supply, providing flexibility during long outdoor shoots.
Key Specifications:
- Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
- Tracking Modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Battery Life: Up to 72 hours on AA batteries
- Weight: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi for app control
3. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is an upgraded and more advanced version of the Star Adventurer series, featuring full GoTo capabilities. This means the GTi can automatically locate and track celestial objects like nebulae, galaxies, and planets, making deep-sky astrophotography far easier. This feature is a game-changer for those who wish to capture detailed deep-sky images with minimal manual effort.
The GTi uses Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the user to control the mount through their smartphone using the Sky-Watcher SynScan app. It also has a higher payload capacity of 5 kg (11 lbs), making it compatible with small telescopes, heavy DSLR setups, and astro-lenses. The belt-driven motor reduces backlash, ensuring smoother tracking during long-exposure imaging.
The ability to use GoTo functionality also significantly reduces time spent manually finding celestial objects, especially when shooting in remote dark sky locations. Additionally, it can operate with a power bank via a 12V DC input, providing extended usage during long astrophotography nights.
Key Specifications:
- Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
- Tracking Modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- GoTo Functionality: Yes, via SynScan app
- Weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs)
- Power Source: 12V DC or external power bank
4. MSM Nomad Star Tracker
The Move Shoot Move (MSM) Nomad Star Tracker is the most compact and lightweight option on this list, ideal for astrophotographers who prioritize portability. Weighing just 450 grams (1 lb), the MSM Nomad is designed primarily for wide-field nightscape photography, such as capturing the Milky Way, star trails, or auroras.
The MSM Nomad features a laser pointer alignment system, eliminating the need for a polar scope. This makes the setup process incredibly fast — perfect for photographers on the move. It offers single-axis tracking, ideal for DSLR cameras with wide or mid-range lenses. However, it has a lower payload capacity of 3 kg (6.6 lbs), limiting its use for deep-sky imaging with heavier setups.
Its USB-C charging port allows quick charging, and the built-in battery lasts up to 5 hours, which is sufficient for most nightscape sessions. The MSM Nomad is best suited for photographers who prioritize portability over advanced deep-sky tracking.
Key Specifications:
- Payload Capacity: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Tracking Modes: Sidereal
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours
- Weight: 450 grams (1 lb)
- Polar Alignment: Laser pointer
5. Benro Polaris
The Benro Polaris is a revolutionary star tracker with smart app-controlled functionality and built-in image processing capabilities. Unlike traditional star trackers, the Polaris combines a motorized star tracker with an advanced camera controller, allowing you to automate your entire astrophotography workflow.
The standout feature of the Polaris is its ability to perform polar alignment without a polar scope. Using built-in GPS and star databases, it can automatically align itself to the celestial pole. This is a massive advantage for beginners and travelers who struggle with polar alignment in remote locations.
The Benro Polaris also supports panorama, time-lapse, and deep-sky tracking with high accuracy. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. The Polaris also supports multi-axis tracking, making it ideal for capturing celestial events like eclipses, conjunctions, and the Milky Way core.
Key Specifications:
- Payload Capacity: 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
- Tracking Modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
- Control: Smartphone app
Selecting the right star tracker depends on your astrophotography goals. If you prioritize deep-sky imaging with heavy setups, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi or iOptron SkyGuider Pro are excellent choices. For travelers who need something extremely compact, the MSM Nomad stands out. If you wish to automate your entire astrophotography workflow, the Benro Polaris is unmatched in innovation. Meanwhile, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro offers a balanced mix of affordability, performance, and ease of use. Ultimately, choosing the best star tracker depends on your budget, portability needs, and desired astrophotography style. With any of these five star trackers, you’ll unlock the ability to capture stunning images of the night sky with remarkable clarity and precision.
