Vixen Polarie Star Tracker Camera Mount for Astrophotography

The Vixen POLARIE Star Tracker allows you to take sharp and precise photographs of stars and the night sky, and is perfect for air travel thanks to its lightweight design

Travel camera mount for star photography
Very compact and light, optimised for air travel
Different tracking speeds
Designed for time-lapse photography
Very precise tracking (high-precision stepper motor)
Built-in compass (removable)
Can be upgraded for up to 6 kg bearing capacity (optional accessory)
Dimensions 95 x 137 x 58 mm / Weight 740 g

€419.00*

Prices include VAT. Shipping costs not included

Available, delivery time: 2-4 days

Product number: X002453

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see everything upside down and mirrored in the finder?

That is normal. Finder scopes are only used to make objects easy to locate. The image orientation does not matter for observation.

What is the difference between an alt-azimuth mount and an equatorial mount?

Alt-azimuth: easy to use, moves horizontally and vertically
Equatorial: enables precise tracking of objects with only one axis – ideal for high magnifications and astrophotography

What minimum apertures do I need for certain objects?

Moon: from 30 mm
Planets: from 100 mm
Deep sky: from 150 mm

View all FAQs →

Product information "Vixen Polarie Star Tracker Camera Mount for Astrophotography"

The Vixen POLARIE is a new camera accessory, that enables you to capture sharp, point-like images of the stars. It has been developed to track the stars and to compensate for the movement of the earth. POLARIE enables you to take atmospheric shots of landscapes and the night sky and can also capture these in sharp images. Extremely simple and compact design for use in every location on earth.

If you have ever viewed a romantic, starry sky, you will surely have felt the desire to capture it on film. But if you have tried to do this, you will know that it’s really not all that easy. This is because you need to have multiple exposures of several minutes if you want to photograph the stars. As our earth is always turning on its axis, the stars keep moving as time passes and become long strokes on photographs. Today’s digital technology gives us the option of obtaining shorter exposure times by increasing the sensitivity of the sensor, but, unfortunately, this dramatically increases picture noise and the picture becomes very noisy and ugly. This makes it impossible to take beautiful images of the night sky. For this reason, the Vixen company has developed the Polarie Star Tracker, which eliminates the problem of star migration. When you attach your camera to the Polarie, the device will track in the opposite direction of earth’s rotation and this allows for sharp, point-like images of the starry sky even when using long exposure times.

POLARIE is a new and unique camera accessory for photographing the night sky, with perfectly point-like stars being tracked. Using the simplest solution, it makes the experience of photographing the night sky more accessible for everyone. The multi-functional mode dial is adjustable for sky- and landscape-, moon-, sun- and star-tracking. Polar altimeter for a fast focus. Also included: USB connection for external power supply and a built-in compass for quick orientation. Available as optional extra accessories are a polar finder telescope for exact alignment with the celestial pole for long-exposure photography including into the telephoto range, and a tripod.

FEATURES

Tracking speed: Sidereal, 0.5x sidereal, sun, moon
Fine adjustment: F57, 6mm worm wheel with 144 teeth
Polar axis: F 40mm, aluminium alloy
Drive: High-precision stepper motor:
Bearing capacity: approx. 2kg incl. ball head
Orientation aperture: Field of vision 8.9° vInclinometer: 0° to 70°
Miscellaneous: Built-in compass (removable)
Power supply: 2x AA batteries (compatible with alkaline, Ni-MH, Ni-CD batteries) or external power supply
compatible with USB mini-B
Drive voltage: AA batteries: DC2,4-3.0V, Max. 0.6A
External power supply: DC4,4-5,25V, max. 0.3A
Operating time: approx. 2 hours with alkaline batteries
Approx. 20 hours with external power supply at 20°C with 2 kg load
Operating temperature: 0° to 40°
Dimensions: 95mm x 137mm x 58mm
Weight: 740g without batteries
Optional accessories available: Polar finder telescope, M-155 tripod, QPL compass, ball head

WHAT’S INCLUDED

1x camera mount

Batteries required:	false
Body material:	Aluminium
Colour:	white
Field of application [Photography]:	Photography, SLR
Material:	Aluminium
Net Weight total (incl. accessories) (g):	740
Product Family [Telescopes Accessories]:	Star Tracker

POLARIE_UG-German.pdf

POLARIE_UGE_GB_20111209.pdf

Accessories

Vixen polar meter QPL Compass for Polar Star Alignment

This accessory includes a compass with a spirit level and a height scale. The compass helps you to quickly locate the polar star when it is hidden behind trees or a mountain. The compass attaches to the accessory shoe on the Polarie Star Tracker or a device with a camera accessory shoe. FEATURES Compass Oil-filled compass Azimuth dimensions: 1° steps Height adjustment: 5° steps (max. +/- 70°) Markings: marked with luminous paint Spirit level: Built-in spirit level DELIVERY CONTENTS QPL compass

€49.00*

Vixen Polar Fine Adjustment Unit

The Polar fine adjustment unit is an accessory designed for installation of star tracking mounts such as POLARIE and the AP Star Tracker System with attachment between the photo stand and the star tracking mount. This device enables fine horizontal and vertical adjustment with installation of a polar axis target. The swivel head, which is designed exclusively for use on the base of star trackers, can be secured or removed with a single screw. The twin screw system for inclination and azimuth adjustment ensures fine movement and rigid locking. The adjustable inclination angle of 0ﾟ～85ﾟ enables use in a range of positions and situations. The fine adjustment range can be adjusted in three steps of low (0-30 degrees), medium (30-60 degrees) and high (60-85 degrees). FEATURES Fine adjustment unit for precise pole alignment For use on the AP and Polarie Star Tracker Adjustment range from 0° to 85° Photo stand connection (for 1/4'' and 3/8'' screws) Weight: 300 g WHAT’S INCLUDED Fine adjustment unit Allen key Adapter for 3/8'' screw

€99.00* €149.00* (33.56% saved)

Vixen POLARIE Multi Mounting Block

The Vixen POLARIE Multi Mounting Block was developed to fit Vixen profile dovetail rails, such as the Vixen Dovetail Slide Bar DD, to the Polarie Star Tracker. In this way you can increase the load capacity of the tracker up to 6.5 kg! By releasing the clamping lever on the multiple assembly block, you can move the dovetail freely and clamp it again, making balancing of your camera or telescope rig an easy task. The hole in the middle of the multiple mounting block enables the photographer to carry out the polar alignment without removing the POLARIE polar finder PFL with the dovetail rail DD or the dovetail rail PG. Using one of these combinations, you can easily put deep sky photography into practice with a telephoto lens, or compact telescope. PROPERTIES Allows the inclusion of dovetail rails The Star Tracker can hold up to 6.5 kg in weight Allows the use of telephoto lenses Polar alignment possible without removing the polar finder Weight: 440g WHAT'S INCLUDED POLARIE multiple assembly block Assembly tool

€159.00*

Vixen M-155MA Tripod with POLARIE Fine Adjustment Unit

M 155 MA tripod with polar fine adjustment and additional ball head for the Polarie Star Tracker.This lightweight, sturdy tripod was developed specially for the Polarie Star Tracker in collaboration with Velborn.Weighing just 1.7 kg, it is great for travelling and highly portable.The fine adjustment function enables precise polar alignment. FEATURESBall head with 1/4-inch threadExtendable in 3 sectionsWeight: 1.7 kgDELIVERY CONTENTM-155-MA tripod1x Ball head1x Fine adjustment unit

€172.00* €259.00* (33.59% saved)

Vixen Dovetail Slide Bar DD for POLARIE Star Tracker Astrophotography Mount

The DD dovetail mount was developed for the POLARIE multi-mounting block to attach camera equipment - from DSLR cameras, to telephoto lenses or even compact telescopes. Using this accessory, the load capacity of the POLARIE Star Tracker is increased to up to 6 kg. To make it easier to find the Pole Star, there is a wide slot in the dovetail for the polar finder. In addition to the regular accessories, two cameras can also be balanced on both sides of the existing photo thread (1/4 inch) with optional ball heads. PROPERTIES Accessories for the POLARIE multi-mounting block Allows you to balance the camera Increases the load capacity of the POLARIE Star Tracker to 6 kg Allows a counterweight to be attached Hole bores 1x 1/4 inch, 1x 1/4 inch external thread, 2xM6 internal thread on the plate WHAT'S INCLUDED Dovetail rail DD

€105.00*

Vixen Quick Release Panorama Plate

Attachment plates, such as the ARCA SWISS are compatible with this quick-release panorama plate. (Note: angle plate is not included in # 35527). The base of the Vixen Quick Release Panorama Clamp can be rotated 360 degrees so that the position of the mounted camera system can be adjusted simply by loosening the clamping lever. In addition to the recommended Vixen dovetail bar DD and top plate, the camera mount is also compatible with other devices with 1/4 ", 3/8" inch screws. The recommended accessory is the X000096 Angle L Bracket for portrait and landscape photography. PROPERTIES Can be rotated 360 degrees ARCA SWISS compatible Weight: 320g WHAT'S INCLUDED Quick-release panorama plate Screws and tools

€105.00*

Details

Vixen Counterweight 1.0kg

For balancing the Polarie Star Tracker in connection with the counterweight bar. The counterweight of 1.0 kg is also compatible with GP, SX mounts and mounts with 20 mm counterweight bar PROPERTIES Suitable for Polarie Star Tracker, GP, SX and AP mount For counterweight rods with a diameter of 20 mm Weight: 1.0 kg WHAT'S INCLUDED Weight: 1.0 kg Locking Bolt

€46.00*

Vixen AP Photo Guider Shaft

The counterweight rod is attached to the dovetail rail using a 1/4 inch photo screw. It is compatible with the Vixen counterweights 1.0 kg, 1.9 kg, 2.8 kg and 3.7 kg and is used to balance the AP Photoguiders, the Polarie or the Polarie U Star Tracker. PROPERTIES Shank diameter: 20mm Size: diameter 23x135mm Effective length of the counterweight rod: 130mm Weight: 330g WHAT'S INCLUDED Counterweight rod Locking screw

€52.00*

Vixen POLARIE PF-L II Polar Finder with Light

In the northern hemisphere*, simply position the polar star and two additional stars in the finder’s field of view so that each star is aligned with the corresponding positions in the finder reticle. This enables you to easily configure the equatorial mount with an accuracy of 3 arc minutes or less. The new design of the polar scope eyepiece improves the visibility of stars and makes the scale easier to read. *Three stars for polar orientation in the southern hemisphere are located in Octans. What is the polar alignment scope? The polar alignment scope is a small telescope that is installed parallel to the R.A. axis of an equatorial mount such that it matches the R.A. axis to be parallel in the direction of the diurnal motion of stars. The polar alignment scope utilizes 3 stars (Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep) near the north celestial pole. To locate the north celestial pole, simply align the positions on the reticle in the polar alignment scope with the 3 designated stars. In addition, the patterns of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are engraved on the polar alignment reticle for use as a guide for the north celestial pole. The polar alignment scope can align the polar axis of the equatorial mount as accurately as 3 arc minutes or less. The marks and patterns on the built-in reticle provide everything that you need for polar alignment The necessary information for polar alignment is integrated into the reticle, which is designed for locating the north (or south) celestial pole. It is not necessary to configure an hour angle setting in the dark. This makes polar alignment easier, as you can look through the eyepiece of the polar alignment scope. A free app is available to download via the following link. https://www.vixen.co.jp/app/ Dark field illumination (with automatic power off function) The switch on the polar alignment scope’s brightness adjustment dial illuminates the reticle in red when activated. Compared with bright field illumination, this prevents less bright stars from disappearing from the scope's field of view. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 levels by turning the brightness adjustment dial. The red light dims gradually after a certain period of time and turns off automatically. Easy to set up Remove the mounting block on the front side and the cap on the rear side of the POLARIE. Then insert the POLARIE PF-L finder scope into the POLARIE to complete the installation. The telescope is ready for use in no time! FEATURES Easy alignment via reference stars Dimmable red light No date or time settings required Light switches off automatically Free app from https://www.vixen.co.jp/app/ DELIVERY CONTENT 1x PF-L II polar finder 1x CR2032 battery

€185.00* €289.00* (35.99% saved)

Vixen SG-L02 Headlamp red-light white-light

The perfect LED head torch for nighttime observations! Adjusting your eyes to the dark surroundings is very important when making astronomical observations. In dark areas, it is very difficult to use astronomical equipment without a suitable light. With normal lights, however, the light intensity is more important than protecting your eyes against bright light. Using these lights at night makes your pupils contract, which can make it difficult for your eyes to readjust to the darkness. The SG-L01, our first astronomy LED lamp, featured a built-in red LED that provided a solution to this problem. However, the red light did not offer optimal visibility. On our new astronomy LED light, the SG-L02, the LED lights produce warm light to improve visibility. They also ensure that your eyes stay adapted to the dark. The LEDs do not emit light in the sensitive range of 555 nm. The brightness of the white light can be adjusted between 3 and 42 lumen, while the red light can be adjusted between 0.28 and 7.62 lumen. FEATURES Dimmable red light ensures that your eyes stay adapted to the dark Built-in rechargeable battery, charges via USB Waterproof design LED colour can be switched from red to white 0.28 to 7.62 lumen for red light 3 to 42 lumen for white light Dimensions: 41 mm x 33 mm x 30 mm Weight: 29 g DELIVERY CONTENT SG-L02 head torch Strap (size S) Strap (size L) Pocket clip Cable for charging the battery (USB-A plug to USB Micro-B plug)

€69.00*

Vixen Polar fine adjustment unit DX

For precise polar alignment of the POLARIE U Star Tracker.With this fine adjustment unit DX you can make sensitive movements in all directions in order to achieve an exact polar alignment.There is a quick-release fastener at the head of the fine-adjustment, which is compatible with the Vixen quick-change angle plate, or the Arca Swisssystem. You can attach or remove your Star Tracker quickly. An optional dovetail plate mounting block is available for versatile use.Thanks to the two M8 threaded holes at a distance of 35 mm on the head, the quick release can be exchanged for the separately available dovetail mounting block.This enables the straightforward mounting of telescopes or heavy telephoto lenses, like the Vixen FL55SS telescope.The fine adjustment DX is equipped with a 1/4 "or 3/8" thread and can therefore be used on all common photo tripods.This tripod adapter can be exchanged for a Vixen tripod adapter in order to be able to connect the fine adjustment unit to the heavier duty Vixen telescopic tripods too.The fine adjustment DX enables a large adjustment range from -30 degrees to 90 degrees and 360 degrees in azimuth.The mounted camera can be tilted freely from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 90 degrees (vertical) by loosening the clamping lever. The fine adjustments can be adjusted in a range of +/- 7.5 degrees.PROPERTIES1/4 "or 3/8" thread for photo tripods-30 degrees to 90 degrees and 360 degrees adjustable in azimuthFine adjustments in the range of +/- 7.5 degrees adjustable2 degrees adjustment per turn of the screwArca Swiss System compatibleAdaptable to Vixen telescopic tripodsAssembly of telescopes or heavy telephoto lensesOver 8 kg payload possibleWHAT'S INCLUDEDPole fine adjustment unit DXQuick release clampAngle plate L adapter for Vixen telescopic tripods with 45mm connectionTechnical specifications

€229.00*

Details

$Vixen Fluorit refractor FL55ss$

Vixen Fluorit refractor FL55ss

High-performance, top-of-the-range fluorite apochromat for mobile astrophotography and observers. Thanks to its small size and lightweight design, this high-quality fluorite refractor is ideal for excursions and air travel. It displays razor sharp and bright stars across the entire field of view of the full-frame image sensor (95% illumination with 44 mm image circle). The FL55SSS turns into a fast F/4.3 astrograph with the optional flattener and focal reducer. It allows you to use extremely short exposure times and a provides a large field of view for large nebulae or comets.Note: To achieve the optimum image quality of the FL55ss, we strongly recommend the purchase of this reducer and flattener set.Despite the small aperture, the FL55SS features a high-resolution HR eyepiece that produces stunningly clear images of the moon and the bright planets. When used for astrophotography, it delivers razor-sharp images of stars that are guaranteed to impress. FEATURES Objective lenses: 55 mm fluorite Focal length: 300 mm F5.5 Resolution and limiting magnitude: 2.11, 10.5 Light-gathering power: 62x Dimensions and weight: 80 x 282 mm; 1.5 kg Adapter and connections: 31.7 mm receptacle, 60 mm thread WHAT’S INCLUDED 55 mm optical tube with fluorite APO Dovetail adapter Extension Tube 60 mmDew cap Dust covers

€1,119.00*

Vixen QHD-33 Ball Head

Vixen QHD-33 ball head with 1/4 inch connection thread. Connects the POLARIE Star Tracker to your camera. The ball head can also be mounted on almost all photo tripods with standard 1/4 inch mounting screw. FEATURESLightweight ball head for the POLARIE Star Tracker 1/4 inch photo connection thread Also suitable for photo tripods with standard 1/4 inch screw SCOPE OF DELIVERYQHD-33 ball head (1pc)

€40.00* €59.00* (32.2% saved)