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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
iOptron EQ Base for SkyHunter

iOptron EQ Base for SkyHunter

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3327-EQ
$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00
$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Enables equatorial tracking for the iOptron SkyHunter mount
  • Latitude adjustment range of 0º to 80º for use at any location
  • Precise ±5º fine adjustment range for azimuth
  • Wide Φ80 mm base for a stable connection to your tripod
  • Standard 3/8” threaded socket fits most photo and astro tripods
  • Vixen-type dovetail saddle for broad equipment compatibility
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • EQ Base for SkyHunter

    The iOptron EQ Base transforms your SkyHunter mount into a capable long-exposure astrophotography platform. This equatorial base provides a full latitude adjustment range from 0º to 80º, allowing precise polar alignment anywhere on Earth. With a fine azimuth adjustment range of ±5º and an integrated level bubble, you can achieve the tracking accuracy needed to capture sharp, trailing-free images of deep-sky objects. The rigid, Φ80 mm mounting base connects securely to any tripod with a standard 3/8” socket and supports your gear with a Vixen-type dovetail saddle.

    Precise Polar Alignment: 0° to 80° Latitude Range for Any Location

    The primary function of the EQ Base is to enable accurate polar alignment, which is non-negotiable for long-exposure imaging. By aligning your SkyHunter mount's axis with the celestial pole, you eliminate the field rotation inherent in alt-azimuth tracking. The expansive 0º to 80º latitude range ensures you can set up correctly whether you're imaging from the equator or near-polar regions, making this an essential accessory for any traveling astrophotographer.

    Stable Foundation: 80mm Base and Universal 3/8" Tripod Mount

    A stable setup starts from the ground up. The EQ Base features a wide Φ80 mm base diameter that creates a solid, rigid connection to your tripod, minimizing vibrations. It mounts via a universal 3/8” threaded socket, the standard for high-capacity photo and astronomy tripods. Once mounted, the ±5º azimuth adjustment allows you to make the final, critical left-right corrections to your alignment without moving the tripod itself, while the integrated level bubble helps you start with a perfectly horizontal foundation.

  • What is the purpose of the EQ Base for the SkyHunter mount?

    The EQ Base converts the alt-azimuth SkyHunter mount into a polar-aligned equatorial mount. This is essential for long-exposure astrophotography, as it allows the mount to track the apparent motion of the stars with a single axis, preventing field rotation and star trails in your images.

    What kind of tripod is required for the SkyHunter EQ Base?

    The base is equipped with a standard 3/8” threaded socket. It is compatible with virtually any sturdy camera or astronomy tripod that uses this common mounting screw. Ensure your tripod is rated to handle the combined weight of the base, the SkyHunter mount, and your camera or telescope.

    Can I use the SkyHunter EQ Base to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) from a mid-latitude location like 40° North?

    Yes, absolutely. The 0º to 80º latitude adjustment range easily covers all mid-latitude locations. You would set the base's latitude scale to approximately 40°, and then use the ±5º azimuth adjustment to place Polaris precisely where your alignment tool requires it, ensuring accurate tracking on M31 for long exposures.

    What equipment can I attach to the SkyHunter EQ Base?

    The EQ Base features a Vixen-type dovetail saddle. This allows you to mount the SkyHunter mount head, or any other compatible mount head or telescope that uses a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar.

    How do I use the ±5º azimuth adjustment on the EQ Base?

    The azimuth adjustment is for fine-tuning your alignment after your tripod is already pointing roughly north. Instead of trying to shift the entire tripod by tiny amounts, you use the adjustment knobs on the base to make small, controlled left-right movements to perfect your polar alignment. This is a critical feature for achieving high-precision tracking.

    I'm trying to image the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) from Australia at a latitude of 33° South. Will the SkyHunter EQ Base work?

    Yes. The 0º to 80º latitude range works identically in the Southern Hemisphere. You would set the latitude to 33° and perform your polar alignment on the southern celestial pole (using stars like Sigma Octantis). The base will allow your SkyHunter to track the Carina Nebula correctly for sharp, long-exposure images.

  • Dovetail Saddle Vixen-type
    Mounting Base Diameter Φ80 mm
    Mounting Base Socket 3/8” threaded socket
    Latitude Adjustment Range 0º ~ 80º
    Azimuth Adjustment Range ±5º
    Level Indicator Level bubble
  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty