AP Photoguider Star Tracker Mount with STAR BOOK ONE Controller
The Vixen AP Photoguider is a lightweight, portable, and purpose-built equatorial tracking mount made specifically for capturing stunning wide-field astrophotography. Whether you’re photographing constellations, meteors, comets, or starry nightscapes with a DSLR and telephoto lens, this compact system delivers high-precision tracking without the need for guiding corrections.
Engineered for simplicity and performance, the AP Photoguider features Vixen’s intuitive STAR BOOK ONE controller for reliable sidereal tracking and comes with a built-in polar scope for fast, accurate alignment. Its dovetail slide bar makes it easy to attach your camera and ball head, and the included counterweight system ensures proper balance, even with heavier setups. Weighing just 5.4 kg including the tripod, this complete tracking kit is ideal for dark-sky adventures where portability is key.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- Purpose-Built for Astrophotography – Designed specifically to capture starscapes, constellations, meteors, and deep-sky targets using DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
- High-Precision Tracking – STAR BOOK ONE controller delivers reliable sidereal motion and long-exposure tracking without guiding corrections.
- Compact & Lightweight – Full setup weighs only 5.4 kg (including tripod) for easy transport to remote observing sites.
- Flexible Camera Mounting – Includes dovetail slide bar PG and counterweight system to accommodate both lightweight and heavy imaging gear.
- Quick Polar Alignment – Built-in polar scope aligns within 3 arc minutes and features an auto-off illuminated reticle for battery efficiency.
- Accessory-Ready – Accessory shoe accepts a polar meter for alignment even when Polaris isn’t visible.
🌟 Who It’s For
- Nightscape and constellation photographers needing a reliable, portable star tracker
- Astrophotographers using DSLR or mirrorless cameras with telephoto lenses
- Outdoor photographers wanting to capture wide-field Milky Way shots
- Enthusiasts who want simple, accurate tracking without a full GoTo system
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See (and Capture)
- Wide-field starfields, constellations, and nebulae
- The Milky Way stretching across the night sky
- Meteor showers and bright comets
- Deep-sky objects like star clusters and emission nebulae with long exposures
🎒 What’s Included
- Vixen AP Photoguider Equatorial Mount
- STAR BOOK ONE controller
- APP-TL130 lightweight tripod
- Dovetail slide bar PG
- Counterweight bar
- 1 kg counterweight
- Polar alignment scope with illuminated reticle
- Accessory shoe for optional polar meter
Specs
| Configuration | AP Polar Axis Body, R.A. Motor Module, PG Mount Head, STAR BOOK ONE, Polar Scope PF-L |
|---|---|
| Slow Motion Control | Wheel and worm gears with full-circle micro electric movement |
| Quick Slewing Motion | Friction control system |
| Wheel Gear | 73.5 mm diameter, 144-tooth |
| Worm Gear / R.A. Axis | 11 mm brass worm, 59 mm aluminum alloy axis |
| Bearings | 4 ball bearings |
| Azimuth Adjustment | ±6.5°, twin knob screws, 1.4° per rotation |
| Altitude Adjustment | 0°–65°, tangent screw with handle, 1.9° per rotation |
| Polar Alignment Scope | 6x20 mm, 8° field, 3-star alignment, 8-step dimmer, auto power-off |
| Drive / Tracking | Electric pulse motor / High-accuracy tracking via STAR BOOK ONE |
| Max Loading Capacity | 6 kg (150 kg-cm torque load) |
| Cable Terminal | D-SUB9PIN male |
| Power Contact / Supply | USB Micro-B (5V 0.2–0.5A), external USB power supply compatible |
| Power Consumption | 1.0–2.5W (DC 5V 0.2–0.5A) |
| Weight (Mount Head Only) | 2.4 kg |
| Total System Weight | 5.4 kg |
| Tripod Material / Type | 3-section aluminum legs |
| Tripod Dimensions | Length: 570–1,296 mm, Height: 526–1,159 mm, Radius: 350–710 mm, Closed: 598 mm |
| Tripod Weight | 3.0 kg |
Warranty
Vixen warranties its products to be free from initial defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period based on part type:
Vixen Electronic Parts: Limited One Year Warranty
Vixen Mechanical Parts: Limited Two Year Warranty