Was curious if anyone here uses the Polarie for astrophotography? I've had mine for a while but am still getting used to it. Haven't gotten much picture-wise that I'm proud of yet. 
Vixen Polarie
Started by nwcs, 10/08/2014 07:44PM
Posted 10/08/2014 07:44PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/17/2014 05:33PM
| Edited 10/17/2014 05:34PM
#1
I have used mine a lot over the 14 months or so I've had it. It is certainly the easiest to use of the several tracking platforms I've got. The Astrotrac takes much longer to set up, though probably does a better job tracking. The venerable Byers Cam-Trak from the 80's is likely the best, but mine has some occasional electronic issues (takes 10m to start tracking), but will handle a 200mm lens.
The Polarie does "OK". The mount will handle up to 100mm pretty well, but not my Canon 70-200 F/2.8. I use the optional Polaris alignment scope for the ultimate accuracy. Have used both the mini-USB plug for long time-lapse sequences, but use the AA batteries too for convenience. A few of my adventures are at:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-god-its-full-of-stars.html
A nice shot of the Catspaw w/135 lens:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPM4ef8SH9Q/VAFilXayGvI/AAAAAAAAKLA/Ih5OYlgckRY/s1600/Cat_Paw_8_frame_stack_smC.jpg
A spectacular 9-frame Milky Way mosaic:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/09/more-star-b-que-2013.html
And the time-lapse I mentioned, using the Polarie half-speed option:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-windy-starry-night.html
I hope you enjoy...
-Dean
The Polarie does "OK". The mount will handle up to 100mm pretty well, but not my Canon 70-200 F/2.8. I use the optional Polaris alignment scope for the ultimate accuracy. Have used both the mini-USB plug for long time-lapse sequences, but use the AA batteries too for convenience. A few of my adventures are at:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-god-its-full-of-stars.html
A nice shot of the Catspaw w/135 lens:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPM4ef8SH9Q/VAFilXayGvI/AAAAAAAAKLA/Ih5OYlgckRY/s1600/Cat_Paw_8_frame_stack_smC.jpg
A spectacular 9-frame Milky Way mosaic:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/09/more-star-b-que-2013.html
And the time-lapse I mentioned, using the Polarie half-speed option:
http://theketelsens.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-windy-starry-night.html
I hope you enjoy...
-Dean
Funding Member
