Traqueurs d'étoiles

What a Star Tracker Can and Cannot Do

A tracker rotates a camera at sidereal rate about a polar-aligned axis. Simple, portable, and limited chiefly by payload and by how accurately you can align it.

• Payload capacity: Usually a few kilograms. A camera and a 50 mm lens is trivial; a camera with a 300 mm telephoto and a ball head approaches the limit of most trackers.
• Focal length and exposure length: Shorter lenses tolerate more tracking error. At 50 mm, several minutes is achievable; at 200 mm, tracking and alignment errors show much sooner.
• Polar alignment: The dominant factor in how long you can expose. A polar scope or an alignment app makes the difference between one-minute and five-minute subs.
• Ball heads and mounting: A sturdy ball head is essential, and a flimsy one is the most common weak point in an otherwise capable setup.
• Tripod requirements: A photographic tripod adequate for daytime use is often marginal for tracked astrophotography, where any settling shows in the exposure.
• Guiding ports: Some trackers accept a guide camera, extending useful exposure length considerably at longer focal lengths.

Why Choose David Astro for Star Trackers

Most tracker disappointments come from exceeding payload or under-building the tripod, and both are avoidable.

• Payload checked with the ball head: We total camera, lens, head and any counterweight, because the head is often forgotten and is not light.
• Tripod recommended honestly: We will tell you when your existing photographic tripod is not stable enough, since that is the most common cause of trailed stars on a tracker.
• Alignment method advice: We help you get accurate polar alignment with a polar scope or app, which is what actually sets your maximum exposure.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
• Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Star Trackers in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I expose with a tracker?

At 50 mm with good polar alignment, several minutes. At 135 mm, one to two minutes unguided is typical. At 200 mm and beyond, add guiding or accept shorter subs and more of them.

Can I put a small telescope on one?

A light refractor of around 60 mm is within reach of the more capable trackers, with a counterweight. Beyond that you are better served by a small equatorial mount.

Do I need a counterweight?

With heavier camera and lens combinations, yes. It reduces the load on the tracker's motor and improves tracking consistency, particularly as the payload swings around during the night.

What tripod do I need?

A sturdier one than for photography. Any vibration or settling during a two-minute exposure shows as trailed stars, and a lightweight travel tripod is usually the limiting factor.

Starting wide-field imaging?

Tell us your camera and lenses and we will confirm payload and tripod. Canadian stock, no surprise duties.