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iOptron SkyTracker Ball Head

iOptron SkyTracker Ball Head

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3305A
CA$91.00 - CA$91.00
CA$91.00
CA$91.00 - CA$91.00
CA$91.00
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  • Designed for iOptron SkyTracker and SkyGuider Pro Mounts
  • Provides Full Azimuth and Altitude Pointing Freedom
  • Enables Framing of Any Celestial Object
  • Standard 1/4"-20 Camera Mounting Screw
  • Standard 3/8"-16 Tripod/Mount Socket
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • SkyTracker Ball Head

    The iOptron SkyTracker Ball Head is the essential link between your star tracker and your camera, providing the freedom to point and frame any celestial object. While your SkyTracker mount is precisely aligned to follow the Earth's rotation, this ball head allows you to aim your camera independently, ensuring you can capture targets far from the celestial equator. It is a necessary component for unlocking the full potential of your wide-field astrophotography setup.

    The Essential Pointing Control for Your SkyTracker

    A star tracker's job is to move in one direction: Right Ascension. The SkyTracker Ball Head provides the other two axes of motion, effectively acting as the Declination and framing control for your camera. After polar aligning your mount, you simply loosen the ball head's tension knob, point your camera at your target—from the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) to the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex—and lock it down for a stable imaging session.

    Secure and Rapid Framing for Any Celestial Target

    Engineered for stability and ease of use, this ball head ensures your camera remains securely attached and precisely aimed throughout a long exposure. The design allows for smooth, fluid adjustments and a firm lock with minimal image shift, preventing flexure that can ruin a sub-exposure. This simple, robust accessory is the key to moving from basic constellation shots to beautifully composed deep-sky images.

    • Universal Mounting: Attaches to any tracker or tripod with a standard 3/8"-16 post and accepts any DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy camera with a 1/4"-20 socket.
    • Full Range of Motion: Offers 360 degrees of panning and a full range of tilt, allowing for both landscape astrophotography and astronomical imaging at the zenith.
    • Compact and Lightweight: Adds minimal weight and bulk to your portable setup, preserving the grab-and-go nature of your star tracker.

  • Why do I need the SkyTracker Ball Head for my star tracker?

    A star tracker only rotates on one axis (the polar axis) to follow the stars. The SkyTracker Ball Head provides the other two axes of motion (altitude and azimuth relative to the mount) needed to point your camera at a specific celestial object. Without it, you can only aim your camera where the mount itself is pointing.

    How does the SkyTracker Ball Head help frame objects like the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    The Orion Nebula (M42) is located on the celestial equator, but you may want to frame it in a specific orientation or include the nearby Horsehead Nebula. After your tracker is polar aligned, you use the ball head to make fine adjustments to your camera's pointing and rotation to achieve the perfect composition before locking it down for imaging.

    Can I use the SkyTracker Ball Head for daytime photography?

    Yes, absolutely. The SkyTracker Ball Head is a standard photographic ball head that works perfectly for terrestrial, landscape, and panoramic photography. Its robust design makes it a stable and reliable head for any standard tripod.

    What's the difference between using this ball head and just mounting my camera directly to the tracker?

    Mounting a camera directly to a star tracker severely limits your choice of targets. You would only be able to image a narrow strip of sky. The ball head decouples the camera's pointing from the tracker's axis, giving you the freedom to aim anywhere in the sky while the tracker continues to follow the stars correctly.

    How do I attach the SkyTracker Ball Head to my equipment?

    The SkyTracker Ball Head has a standard 3/8"-16 threaded socket on the bottom, which screws directly onto the iOptron SkyTracker, SkyGuider Pro, or any standard photo tripod. Your camera then attaches to the 1/4"-20 screw on the top of the ball head, which is the standard for all consumer cameras.

    Can I mount a small telescope to the SkyTracker Ball Head?

    This ball head is designed for cameras with lenses, not telescopes. While it might hold a very small spotting scope, it is not recommended for telescopes like refractors or Maksutovs. These optical tubes have longer moment arms and are more susceptible to flexure; they should be mounted directly to a Vixen-style or Losmandy-style saddle plate, not a ball head.

  • Type Ball Head
    Camera Mounting Standard 1/4"-20 Thread
    Mount/Tripod Socket Standard 3/8"-16 Thread

    • SkyTracker Ball Head

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  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty