Vixen Polarie U Star Tracker

The technical details behind this mount head

The Vixen Polarie U Star Tracker offers a lightweight and compact design. It features a self-contained Wi-Fi module that has been added and works with the companion Polarie U app for Android and iOS devices to provide you greater control of the mount head for advanced shooting techniques and custom tracking speeds. This updated model runs on four AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries and has a USB Type-C port for using external battery packs for a longer runtime. The head can be mounted on a tripod in standard orientation or on its side, depending on how you are using it, and is compatible with both 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 tripods with a standard 1/4"-20 stud for your camera.

Excellent Features

Integrated bubble level ensures proper alignment and is very useful for time-lapse shots. The Integrated 2.5mm port for the camera shutter release cable is controlled by the Polarie for advanced photography techniques. 22-pound payload capacity when the Polarie U is set up time-lapse mode and placed horizontally. Upgrade capacity to 14 pounds using optional Polarie Multi Mounting Block and dovetail slide bar for heavier loads. The maximum payload capacity of 5.5 pounds for most applications. Mount traditional DSLR cameras and lens combos for wide-field and starscape astrophotography. Highly portable, measuring 4.4 x 3.5 x 2.8" and weighing just over 20 ounces.

Tracking and Alignment

Optional PF-L II polar alignment scope and mounting arm bracket. Integrated Autoguider port enables precise computer control. Unmagnified sight tube finder installs in the accessory cold shoe with an 8.9° field of view. User-defined custom tracking rate settings are available via smartphone. Celestial (sidereal), 0.5x sidereal, solar, lunar tracking rates. Set for use in northern and southern hemispheres. The circular scale around the rotation axis has 5° increments to check the angle of rotation during time-lapse photography.

Connectivity to Smartphone

Compatible with Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over operating systems running the Polarie U App. Built-in Wi-Fi module, using IEEE 802.11b/g. "Shoot-Move-Shoot" function stops the motor during exposure when shooting in time-lapse and starts the motion again when the exposure finishes—this ensures sharp images. Advanced programming enables you to link the mount's tracking with the shutter release to set up complex shooting controls required for time-lapse and interval photography. Control and program shutter release intervals. Program custom tracking speeds.

Key features

• Boost Payload with Optional Accessories
• Custom and Standard Tracking Rates
• Compact and Lightweight Design
• Standard 5.5-Pound Payload Capacity

Top three Reasons we think you will love this mount head

• Highly Portable
• Excellent Features
• Great Connectivity

Our experts opinion

Offering a portable and compact solution for wide-field astrophotography, starscape, and time-lapse applications, the Vixen Polarie U Star Tracker is 20% lighter than the original model and has a better payload capacity.