{"product_id":"ioptron-3327-eq","title":"iOptron EQ Base for SkyHunter","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnables equatorial tracking for the iOptron SkyHunter mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatitude adjustment range of 0º to 80º for use at any location\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrecise ±5º fine adjustment range for azimuth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide Φ80 mm base for a stable connection to your tripod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 3\/8” threaded socket fits most photo and astro tripods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVixen-type dovetail saddle for broad equipment compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEQ Base for SkyHunter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecise Polar Alignment: 0° to 80° Latitude Range for Any Location\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStable Foundation: 80mm Base and Universal 3\/8\" Tripod Mount\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the EQ Base for the SkyHunter mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of tripod is required for the SkyHunter EQ Base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base is equipped with a standard \u003cstrong\u003e3\/8” threaded socket\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the SkyHunter EQ Base to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) from a mid-latitude location like 40° North?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The \u003cstrong\u003e0º to 80º latitude adjustment range\u003c\/strong\u003e easily covers all mid-latitude locations. You would set the base's latitude scale to approximately 40°, and then use the \u003cstrong\u003e±5º azimuth adjustment\u003c\/strong\u003e to place Polaris precisely where your alignment tool requires it, ensuring accurate tracking on M31 for long exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat equipment can I attach to the SkyHunter EQ Base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe EQ Base features a \u003cstrong\u003eVixen-type dovetail saddle\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I use the ±5º azimuth adjustment on the EQ Base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI'm trying to image the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) from Australia at a latitude of 33° South. Will the SkyHunter EQ Base work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The \u003cstrong\u003e0º to 80º latitude range\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDovetail Saddle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen-type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Base Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eΦ80 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Base Socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8” threaded socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLatitude Adjustment Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0º ~ 80º\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAzimuth Adjustment Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e±5º\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel Indicator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel bubble\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917282308381,"sku":"IOP-3327-EQ","price":109.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-EQ-base-for-SkyHunter-1_a1b99268-4e7c-4ec0-ae9c-3fd53becdb5b.jpg?v=1789141855","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr\/products\/ioptron-3327-eq","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}