Considering a Star Tracker

[jcass]

I'm am considering a Star Tracker, specifically the ZWO AM3N Equatorial Mount. Over the past several months, I've gone on several outings for Milky Way and night sky photos... a new genre for me that fits well with my enjoyment of camping and the outdoors.

Budget is a concern. It is AM3N is $1500 + tax. That is ok. But, power, vixen rail, an Arca-Swiss clamp, and some other items are adding up. Portable power is becoming the biggest additional cost factor. Growing weight is another limitation, but that is for another day. My decision point is to track or not to track.

• AN3N mount - buy once, cry once(?)
• Portable Power Station - 300Wh
  • Alternatives ???
• Vixen rail
• Arca-Swiss clamp

I'm considering this my buy in point and thinking this is nearing the $2400 mark. I may want to add a telescope in the future, maybe guidance, but not near term. Any recommendations or advice.

 

[JCBigler]

I've been considering the same thing.

Curious why you are looking at one so big though? What are you shooting on?

I've been looking at something like the Benro Polaris Astro, or Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi. I'm not doing deep sky stuff yet, but I feel like it would help my moon and Milky-way shots.