A compact and versatile equatorial tracking mount, perfect for capturing astrophotography images using a telephoto lens.
A compact and highly portable equatorial tracking platform, the AP Photo Guider is designed for astrophotographers who want a simple and reliable way to image the night sky using a telephoto lens or lightweight telescope. This upgraded version now includes a dovetail slide bar DD, quick-release clamp set, supplementary counterweight bar, and a 1.9 kg counterweight, making it an even more versatile solution for star-tracking setups.
Accurate star tracking for long-exposure astrophotography without the need for guiding corrections.
Built for high-precision celestial tracking, the AP Photo Guider provides smooth and accurate motion, allowing users to capture long-exposure images of stars and deep-sky objects without the need for guiding corrections over several minutes.
Quick and accurate setup using the included PF-LII polar alignment scope, which provides alignment precision within 3 arc minutes and features a built-in auto-dimming illuminated reticle.
The included PF-LII Polar Alignment Scope makes setup quick and accurate. It enables polar alignment within 3 arc minutes, and features a built-in auto-dimming red illuminated reticle that gradually fades and shuts off to conserve power during use.
Everything you need to begin capturing star-tracked images
With everything you need to get started, the AP Photo Guider is a complete kit for tracking astrophotography. Just attach a standard ball head to the included dovetail slide bar, mount your camera, and you’re ready to shoot. The included extra counterweight and bar ensure proper balance, even with heavier camera gear.
Best suited for imaging with a telephoto lens.
The included dovetail slide bar DD and quick-release clamp set help maintain perfect balance by keeping the center of gravity aligned — even when using large telephoto lenses like a 70–200mm f/2.8, ensuring smooth, stable tracking for long exposures.
Sample photo: M31 Andromeda Galaxy
Equipment used: DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 6D Telephoto Lens: Tamron SP150-600 F5-6.3 Di Vc Use G2 / 600mm F6.7 Equatorial Mount: AP Photo Guider Telephoto Setup Kit Shooting Data: ISO1600, 3 minutes x 8 exposures (image composition), Auto white balance
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- Precision Tracking Without Guiding – Capture tack-sharp long exposures of deep-sky objects with no guiding system required.
- Quick Polar Alignment – Use the illuminated PF-LII scope to align within 3 arc minutes — no apps, guesswork, or extra gear needed.
- Built for Portability – Lightweight and compact for travel or backyard use; perfect for wide-field and Milky Way astrophotography.
- Complete Kit, Ready to Shoot – Includes dovetail slide bar, quick-release clamp, counterweight bar, and tripod — no separate purchases needed.
- Supports Telephoto and Mirrorless Setups – Easily handles DSLR/mirrorless cameras with lenses up to 70–200mm f/2.8 and beyond.
- Effortless Manual Slewing – Friction clutch lets you reposition the mount without knobs or clutches — intuitive and fast.
- Reliable Power & Control – Driven by STAR BOOK ONE controller with pulse motor tracking; runs on simple AA batteries or USB power.
🌟 Who It’s For
- Astrophotographers using DSLR or mirrorless cameras with telephoto lenses
- Beginners looking for a lightweight, grab-and-go star tracker with premium tracking accuracy
- Travelers and landscape photographers needing a portable astro-imaging solution
- Deep-sky hobbyists capturing nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters without complex guiding setups
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to Capture
- Long-exposure star fields with pinpoint accuracy
- The Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and other bright deep-sky targets
- Constellation panoramas and Milky Way wide-field shots
- Time-lapse and tracked night sky images with minimal setup time
🎒 What’s Included
- AP Photo Guider tracking mount
- PF-LII Polar Alignment Scope with auto-dimming illuminated reticle
- Dovetail Slide Bar DD
- Quick-Release Clamp Set
- Supplementary Counterweight Bar
- 1.9 kg Counterweight
- 3-section adjustable aluminum tripod
- STAR BOOK ONE controller
- All required cables and hardware
Specs
| Slow Motion Control | Wheel and worm gears with full-circle micro movement via electric drive |
|---|---|
| Quick Slewing Motion | Friction stop motion |
| Wheel Gear | 73.5 mm diameter, 144-tooth |
| Worm Gear / RA Axis | 11 mm (brass) / RA axis: 59 mm (aluminum alloy) |
| Number of Bearings | 4 ball bearings |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range | ±6.5°, 1.4° per screw rotation |
| Altitude Adjustment Range | 0° to 65°, 1.9° per screw rotation |
| Polar Alignment Scope | 5x20 mm FOV, 10° view, self-light-off dark field illuminator (8-step dimmer), ±3 arc minutes accuracy, CR2032 battery |
| Motor Drive | Pulse motor |
| Tracking | High-precision tracking with STARBOOK ONE |
| Max Loading Weight | 6 kg at 25 cm from crossing axis |
| Controller Cable Port | D-SUB9PIN male |
| Tripod Legs | 3-section aluminum, adjustable |
| Tripod Size & Weight | Adjustable 570 mm to 1296 mm; 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