The Vixen POLARIE U 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
- POLARIE U Star Tracker for sharp sky images
- Small and lightweight tracking, perfect for travel
- Five different speeds for tracking and ST4 Autoguiding port (RA only)
- Excellent for timelapse shots
- Shutter release possible via a Smartphone
- Built-in bubble level and directional scale for time lapse
- Upgrade up to 6.5 kg load capacity possible with optional accessories
- High quality manufacturing - Made in Japan
- Dimensions: 88.5mm x 72mm x 110.5mm ; Weight: 575g
- Operating System: Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g
£560.00*
Available, delivery time: 10-12 working days
Product number:
14486
Former product no.:
X035491
Note: Our item numbers have been updated.
You can continue to search for products using either the previous or the new item number.
EAN:
4955295354917
WEEE-Reg.-Nr.:
DE 34323861
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
That is normal. Finder scopes are only used to make objects easy to locate. The image orientation does not matter for observation.
- 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
- Moon: from 30 mm
- Planets: from 100 mm
- Deep sky: from 150 mm
Product information "Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker"
The POLARIE U is an ultra-compact automatic star tracking device that can be easily transported.
In addition to the functions of conventional star trackers, which track a camera for a long exposures, accurately tracking the regular movement of celestial objects, the POLARIE U has a speed adjustment function, which allows it to be used as a panning mount too for time lapse photography.Using a smartphone, you can control the shutter release intervals of the images. Through the communication between the smartphone and the POLARIE U Star Tracker, you can control the exposures and take beautiful, sharp pictures of the stars and the Milky Way without getting any star trailing.
The Star Tracker is very small and light weight, making it ideal for mobile use or air travel.
The Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker in detail:
Star-scape photography (stars and landscape).
A silhouetted landscape on earth is photographed together with the starry sky. The beauty of a landscape and the starry sky can be shown together on one photo. POLARIE U opens up a wonderful foreign world of star-scape photography and makes this possible for both beginners and advanced photographers.
Conventional telescopic astrophotography photographs a relatively narrow area of the sky. Star-scape photography mainly uses a wide-angle lens and takes impressive photos in which stars, and other celestial targets such as the majestic Milky Way and landscapes are combined. The possibilities of the compositions are endless and a completely new kind of landscape photography opens up.
Weight reduction of more than 20% and improved load capacity.
The structure of the original POLARIE has been completely changed. The distance between the two bearings that support the rotating shaft is about four times the distance of the previous model. This leads to a higher load capacity despite the weight reduction of 20%. The maximum load capacity is 2.5 kg (approx. 2.5 kg at 10 cm from the centre of rotation) when used for wide-field astrophotography. The maximum load capacity is increased to 6.5 kg (approx. 6.5 kg at 10 cm from the centre of rotation) when a POLARIE Multi mounting block (optional) and a dovetail slide rail DD (optional) are combined. In addition, used in vertical configuration, the POLARIE U can reach a load capacity of 10 kg (approx. 10 kg 10 cm from the centre of rotation) for time-lapse photography and is therefore suitable for heavy camera equipment.
Settings via Smartphone
Communication between tracker and smartphone via the Vixen Polarie U App enables various settings via smartphones or tablet. For star/landscape photography, the speed is selected in user-defined mode, and for time-lapse photography, settings for interval time, exposure, and rotation speed can also be easily programmed.
Five different speeds:
Star-scape photography (half star speed). This setting is intended for displaying a landscape together with the starry sky. The stars are not tracked exactly, but slower in order not to blur the landscape in the foreground. This way you get beautiful images of the landscape and the starry sky.
Wide Field Astrophotography (Star Speed)
When this mode is selected, the POLARIE U follows the stars at the same speed as the daily movement of the stars. In this mode, widefield long time exposures of comets, nebulae, star clusters and the Milky Way are made and tracked precisely.
Solar Tracking (solar speed)
For recording solar eclipses over a long period of time.
Moon Tracking (moon speed)
For recording lunar eclipses over a long period of time.
Custom Mode
This allows you to set the POLARIE U to the desired tracking speed. The initial setting is four times the star speed. If you want to change the setting for a different speed, a smartphone or other wifi device and application software are required.
Shoot-Move-Shoot Mode
It is possible to stop the movement of the camera during the exposure and restart it after the end of the exposure. It is also equipped with a camera connector (shutter release) that controls the camera shutter during shooting with SMS or interval shooting. If the camera in use is connected with the cable release, the settings can be easily adjusted using a smartphone. A Wi-Fi connection is required when using this feature. An additional cable is required to connect the camera and POLARIE U together.
Autoguider port
Commercially available autoguiders can be used with the POLARIE U (Usable only in R.A.). An important new feature over the original Polarie - attach a small Guidescope, or Off Axis Guider and autoguiding camera to your main camera and use the standard ST-4 protocol port to guide the Polarie U in Right Ascension, ensuring absolute accuracy of tracking (requires additional separate computer, or standalone guider).
FEATURES
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
- Speeds: Sidereal rate, 0.5X star speed, sun, moon. North / South hemisphere compatible
- Operating System: Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g
- Worm gear: RA gear rim with 144 teeth (58.4 mm Al alloy)
- Screw: 9.8 mm brass
- RA and DC axis: 40mm, aluminium alloy
- Motor drive: electric motor drive with impulse motor (stepper motor)
- Load capacity: 2.5 kg standard, 6.5 kg with special accessories, 10 kg with fast motion
- Wi-Fi function for Smartphone
- Direction finder tube: 8.9 degree field of view without magnification.
- Power supply: USB Type-C or 4x AA batteries
- Dimensions: 88.5mm x 72mm x 110.5mm
- Weight: 575g
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
- POLARIE U Star Tracker
- Attachable direction finder
| Body material: | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Colour: | white |
| Data transmission: | Wireless via WiFi |
| Field of application [Photography]: | Photography , SLR |
| Field of application [Telescopes]: | Deep Sky Photography , Land object photography |
| Load capacity (kg): | 2.5 |
| Material: | Aluminium |
| Maximum load capacity (kg): | 10 |
| Mount Type [Telescopes]: | German/Equatorial Mount |
| Net Weight total (incl. accessories) (g): | 575 |
| Product Family [Telescopes Accessories]: | Star Tracker |
| Total height (mm): | 88 |
| Total length (mm): | 110 |
| Total width (mm): | 72 |
Product and safety instructions
Manufacturer:
Bresser GmbH, Gutenbergstraße 2, 46414 Rhede
Contact:
www.bresser.de
www.bresser.de
Warning notes
- General safety instructions DANGER Risk of suffocation! Improper use of this product can result in suffocation, especially for children. Therefore, carefully observe the following safety instructions. Keep packaging materials (plastic bags, rubber bands, etc.) away from children! There is a risk of suffocation! Keep cords, ribbons, and similar materials away from children! They could accidentally strangle themselves and suffocate! NOTE Risk of material damage! Improper handling can damage the device and/or accessories. Therefore, only use the device according to the following safety instructions. Do not dismantle the device! In the case of a defect, contact your dealer. They will contact the service center and may send the device in for repair.
- Never look at the sun through an eyepiece/telescope without a certified protection filter. A moon filter can never be used for solar observation. The moon filter is only suitable for moon observation. The solar filter must be mounted in front of the telescope opening, not at the eyepiece. Otherwise, the concentrated light beam through the optics will immediately destroy the filter foil, leading to severe eye damage, including permanent blindness.
- Never leave the optics unattended. Children and inexperienced adults could point the telescope at the sun without proper precautions and lose their eyesight.
- Do not expose the device to high temperatures.
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Accessories
Vixen Dovetail Slide Bar DD for POLARIE Star Tracker Astrophotography Mount
£98.00*
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
Available
Vixen POLARIE Multi Mounting Block
£149.00*
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
Available
Vixen Quick Release Panorama Plate
£98.00*
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
Pre-order
Vixen polar meter QPL Compass for Polar Star Alignment
£46.00*
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
Available
Vixen AP Photo Guider Shaft
£49.00*
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
Available
Vixen POLARIE U Polsucher PF-L II Set
£304.00*
finderpolar alignmentaccuracy of 3 arc minutesPolepolar finder PF-L IIred, dimmable lightingswitchesPROPERTIES3 star positioningNorthern skies: Polaris, Delta UMI, 51 CepSouthern skies: Chi Octantis, Tau Octantis, Sigma OctantisDimmable, red lighting in 8 levelsWHAT'S INCLUDEDPole finder PF-L IIMounting armCR 2032 battery
Available
%
Vixen trigger cable COM for Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung
£14.00*
£16.90*
(17.16% saved)
Release cable
Available
%
Trigger cable NA for Nikon
£14.00*
£16.90*
(17.16% saved)
This release cable was developed for taking time-lapse recordings with the POLARIE U Star Tracker and a DSLR camera. In combination with an app specially developed for the POLARIE U, you can simply set up an exposure control via WIFI, controlling your exposures very easily using your smartphone.Release cable
Available
%
Trigger cable CN3 for Canon
£14.00*
£16.90*
(17.16% saved)
This release cable was developed for taking time-lapse recordings with the POLARIE U Star Tracker and a DSLR camera. In combination with an app specially developed for the POLARIE U, you can simply set up an exposure control via WIFI, controlling your imaging very easily using your smartphone.
REQUIREMENT
POLARIE U Star Tracker, smartphone with the POLARIE U Control app and release cable for your camera
ROPERTIES
POLARIE U connection: 2.5 mm stereo mini plug
Camera connection: N3 type remote control connector
Spiral cable length: 20cm to 50cm
Weight: 26 g
WHAT'S INCLUDED Release cable CN3
Available
Vixen Polar fine adjustment unit DX
£214.00*
to achieve an exact polar alignment.An optional dovetail plate mounting block is available for versatile use.like the Vixen FL55SS telescope.
Pre-order
%
Vixen Counterweight 1.0kg
£29.00*
£46.00*
(36.96% saved)
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
Available
Vixen Counterweight 1.9kg
£49.00*
With the 1.9 kg counterweight, heavier optical tubes can be balanced on many Vixen mounts.
COMPATIBLE WITH THE FOLLOWING VIXEN MOUNTS
SX
SX2
SXD
SXD2
SXP
GP2
GPD2
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
1x 1.9 kg counterweight
Available
Vixen counterweight 2.8 kg
£58.00*
2.8-kg counterweight for mount counterweight barsUse counterweights to balance your mount. Multiple counterweights may be required depending on the telescope.FEATURESSuitable for SX, SXD, GP2 and GPD2 mountsWeight: 2,800 gPACKAGE CONTENTS2.8-kg counterweight
Pre-order
Vixen Pole finder bracket for Polarie U Star Tracker
£55.00*
With this pole finder mount you can connect existing polar finders from your AP or SX mount to your Polarie U Star tracker.The polar finder is simply screwed into the thread of the mount and the screw of the mount is fixed to the Polarie U Star tracker. This is a cost-effective solution to attach existing polar finders to the Polarie U Star Tracker. Usable polar finders are those of the SX, SXD, SX2, SXD2, AP, SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD and AXD2. Note: It is also possible to use it with a Polarie pole finder if the chrome-plated part, which is inserted into the hole of the Polarie Star Tracker, is unscrewed. FEATURESPolar finder mount for Polarie U Star TrackerCan be used with: SX, SXD, SX2, SXD2, AP, SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD and AXD2 pole findersLimited use with: Polarie pole finder (small modification required)Allows exact pole alignmentSCOPE OF DELIVERYBracket for polar viewfinderMounting screw
Available
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Vixen POLARIE U Polsucher PF-L II Set
£304.00*
finderpolar alignmentaccuracy of 3 arc minutesPolepolar finder PF-L IIred, dimmable lightingswitchesPROPERTIES3 star positioningNorthern skies: Polaris, Delta UMI, 51 CepSouthern skies: Chi Octantis, Tau Octantis, Sigma OctantisDimmable, red lighting in 8 levelsWHAT'S INCLUDEDPole finder PF-L IIMounting armCR 2032 battery
Available
Vixen Dovetail Slide Bar DD for POLARIE Star Tracker Astrophotography Mount
£98.00*
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
Available
Vixen POLARIE Multi Mounting Block
£149.00*
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
Available
Vixen polar meter QPL Compass for Polar Star Alignment
£46.00*
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
Available
%
Trigger cable CN3 for Canon
£14.00*
£16.90*
(17.16% saved)
This release cable was developed for taking time-lapse recordings with the POLARIE U Star Tracker and a DSLR camera. In combination with an app specially developed for the POLARIE U, you can simply set up an exposure control via WIFI, controlling your imaging very easily using your smartphone.
REQUIREMENT
POLARIE U Star Tracker, smartphone with the POLARIE U Control app and release cable for your camera
ROPERTIES
POLARIE U connection: 2.5 mm stereo mini plug
Camera connection: N3 type remote control connector
Spiral cable length: 20cm to 50cm
Weight: 26 g
WHAT'S INCLUDED Release cable CN3
Available
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BRESSER StarTracker Astronomical Photo Mount PM-100
£399.00*
Do you already own a photo camera and would like to create impressive pictures of the night sky with the help of the long exposure or even make time-lapse pictures with little effort ? The BRESSER StarTracker Astronomical PhotoMount PM-100 is the ideal base. Not only for beginners in astrophotography, this mount is particularly well suited, but also the experts swear by a compact and easy-to-use mount to automatically compensate for the natural rotation of the earth. The built-in tracking motor rotates the saddle-mounted camera precisely against the earth's rotation and thus the stars remain in pinpoint shape even with long exposures. If you already own a sturdy photo tripod with a video tilt head you can use the photo mount's head directly with the 1/4 inch & 3/8 inch photo thread holes. The pole height (latitude) is then adjusted by the video tilt head. The photo-mount with tripod with carry-case and polar wedge are also available as a bundle - Product No.: 4964120 Which cameras are basically suitable for use with the BRESSER photo mount ?
All cameras with ¼ inch (6.3mm) tripod connection thread and bulb length" B "for long exposure are suitable.
The BRESSER StarTracker Astronomical Photo Mount PM-100 is designed for a camera with lens of max. 2.0 kg total weight to carry and track in polar mode. In Azimut mode also a camera weight up to 5.0kg is possible. Large aperture, wide-angle lenses are ideal for the beginning, because the requirements for tracking accuracy accumulate with increasing focal length and exposure time. Thus, a shot with wide-angle lens can be exposed for up to several minutes and the stars remain punctiform without problems. For example, with a 200mm telephoto lens the polar alignment of the photo mount must be exactly right. But thanks to the integrated pole finder tunnel, this is done quickly.
After setting up the light and compact StarTracker Photo Mount, simply set the approximate latitude (pole height) and aim Polaris through the integrated pole finder tunnel. Then mount the camera with the photo lens using the quick-release plate on the supplied ball head. With the ball head, the camera can be aligned and determined at any time on any section of the sky. As soon as the tracking motor is switched on, long-time exposure can be started immediately. This does not even take 5 minutes ... The tracking is carried out by a precise stepper motor, which can be controlled by an easy digital setup on LCD screen. Low power consumption allows up to 20 hours of operation with just one battery charge or simply use the micro USB port for an unlimited power supply. FEATURES Equatorial StarTracker Photo-Mount Automatic siderial tracking against the Earth rotation Different tracking speed setting possible Suitable for northern and southern henisphere Time lapse: from 15 minutes to 48 hours Ballhead with quick release saddle plate and 1/4" Photo thread for Kamera mountingPhoto-Mount with 1/4" threaded bolt for ballhead mounting Additional quick release coupling for ball head removal High precision stepper motor with helical gear for accurate tracking Clear LCD screen and easy setup menu Battery operation 4 x AA batteries or mico USB (optional acc.) Battery life: up to 20 hours Weight Photo-Mont: 0.63kg Load capacity of Photo-Mount: up to 2.0kg/5.0kg (EQ/AZ) Optional Acc: Polar-wedge, Tripod and carry-case, optical pole finder scope with illumination unit SCOPE OF DELIVERY StarTracker astronomical Photo-Mount head Ballhead with quick release saddle plate User manual
Available
