Sky Watcher Star Adventure Pro 2i

[recceranger]

Had my first real crack at wide field acquisition using the Star Adventure Pro 2i. 20-30% clouds did their best to ruin the night, but I was more interested in the operational aspect of using the gear. 
 

The tracker is extremely straightforward to set up, with out of the car to full set up in 10mins. Tripod levelling is easy using the spirit bubble and this was despite the fact I was on slopping ground. Polar alignment was also a simple process, and the only drawback using the ball head as opposed to counterweight shaft set up is that once the camera is attached, any movement of Polaris in the polar scope is a known unknown! However, at 14mm f2.8, the only thing required is rough polar alignment, so no issues. This was evident give that there was absolutely no star trailing over 20 x 2min tracked exposures, using the D7500. 
 

The other joy is that when you are tired at 03:30 and are stripping out the equipment, it’s as simple as switch off, collapse tripod, into the car and home! 

Design issue? - the equatorial wedge below the actual tracker could be more robust. It’s up to the job, but when adjusting the declination knob to get Polaris into position on the reticule, your chasing error due to the mechanism being somewhat ‘plasticky’. William Optics make a  far more robust wedge for the Skywatcher Star Adventurer, but at £189 I’ll put up with the original! 😃

In short, really impressive piece of hardware. Easy setup, precise tracking over long exposures, and fast pack up after a long night on the Brecon Beacons.

Edited June 3, 2021 by recceranger