Vixen Equatorial Mount AP Photoguider Telephoto Setup Kit

Master Telephoto Astrophotography with Precision Tracking Gear

Dreaming of flawless star photos? Unlock precision tracking with the Vixen AP Photoguider Setup Kit, delivering stunning results without the frustration of manual corrections.

Features

• Precision Tracking for Long-Exposure Astrophotography: High-accuracy tracking with STARBOOK ONE ensures detailed, streak-free images of celestial objects, even with several-minute exposures.
• Effortless Polar Alignment: Includes the PF-LII polar alignment scope with 3-arc-minute accuracy. Its 5x20mm magnification offers a 10° field of view, and the illuminated reticle features 8 adjustable brightness levels, turning off automatically to conserve battery power. Powered by a CR2032 battery, it’s designed for convenient use in remote locations.
• Telephoto Lens Compatibility: Perfectly balances large telephoto lenses, such as 70-200mm F2.8. The kit includes a dovetail slide bar DD, quick-release clamp set, and supplementary counterweight bar.
• Lightweight and Portable Design: Weighing just 2.4 kg for the mount and 3.0 kg for the tripod, this setup is compact and perfect for travel to dark-sky locations. The tripod adjusts from a height of 526–1,159mm with a radius of 350–710mm and collapses to just 598.4mm for portability.
• Customizable and User-Friendly: Features slow-motion control with wheel and worm gears for full-circle micro-movement, and quick slewing with friction stop motion for rapid adjustments. USB-powered motor drive ensures convenient operation, and azimuth and altitude adjustments offer precise control with ±6.5° azimuth and 0–65° altitude ranges.
• Built for Stability and Durability: Equipped with a 144-tooth worm gear system (11mm brass RA axis and 59mm aluminum alloy), 4 ball bearings, and a durable aluminum tripod with adjustable 3-section legs for stability on uneven terrain.
• Camera Compatibility: Works with commercially available ball heads, making it easy to adapt to your existing camera setup.
• Maximum Load Capacity: Handles up to 6 kg at a distance of 25 cm from the crossing axes, providing stability for heavy cameras and lenses.

The Vixen Equatorial Mount AP Photoguider Telephoto Setup Kit is for you if…

• You’re passionate about astrophotography and want a reliable mount for stunning star photos.
• You use telephoto lenses and need a setup that balances your gear perfectly, even with heavy cameras.
• You travel to dark-sky locations and need a lightweight, portable mount that’s easy to carry.
• You value efficiency and want polar alignment that takes just minutes to set up.
• You need stability to capture professional-grade astrophotography without shaky images.

Precision Tracking for Flawless Shots

Astrophotography requires precision. The Vixen AP Photoguider ensures your long-exposure shots of the night sky are sharp and streak-free. The STARBOOK ONE motor drive and 144-tooth worm gear system make tracking smooth and accurate without manual corrections.

Built for Telephoto Lens Users

Designed for telephoto lenses, this kit balances and stabilizes even large lenses like the 70-200mm F2.8. The dovetail slide bar DD and supplementary counterweight bar keep your setup secure, letting you focus on capturing stunning shots.

Designed for Easy Setup and Portability

The included PF-LII polar alignment scope makes setup fast and accurate. With 3-arc-minute precision, 8 adjustable brightness levels, and a wide field of view, it’s designed for quick alignment even in dark conditions. Powered by a CR2032 battery, it’s perfect for remote use.

Lightweight and Travel-Ready

The AP Photoguider is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for trips to dark-sky locations. The adjustable aluminum tripod and compact mount ensure portability without sacrificing stability, even on uneven terrain.

What’s Included in the Vixen AP Photoguider Telephoto Setup Kit?

Here’s what’s inside the box:

• AP Photoguider: The core of the setup for precise celestial tracking.
• R.A. Motor Module and STARBOOK ONE Set: Smooth, high-precision motor control for effortless tracking adjustments. Powered via USB Micro-B with low power consumption (DC5V 0.2–0.5A).
• PG Mount Head Set: A sturdy mount head that securely holds your camera and lens.
• Polar Alignment Scope PF-LII: Achieves 3-arc-minute alignment accuracy with 5x20mm magnification, a 10° field of view, and 8-step brightness adjustment. Powered by a CR2032 battery.
• Dovetail Slide Bar DD: Provides balance for heavier cameras or telephoto lenses.
• Quick Release Clamp Set: Enables fast and secure camera attachment for seamless adjustments.
• Supplementary Counterweight Bar: Adds balance to setups with heavier cameras, ensuring stability.
• Counterweight 1kg: Keeps your setup perfectly balanced for smooth, accurate tracking.

Specs at a Glance

Upgrade with the Vixen Polar Meter

Elevate your astrophotography with the Vixen Polar Meter, an optional accessory that simplifies alignment in challenging conditions. Designed to fit perfectly into the AP Photoguider’s accessory shoe, the Polar Meter is a valuable tool when Polaris or alignment stars are obscured.

Lightweight and easy to attach, it ensures precise tracking and enhanced flexibility in dense forests, valleys, or cloudy skies. Pair it with your AP Photoguider for a smoother, more reliable setup in any environment.

Sample photo: M31 Andromeda Galaxy

Equipment used:

• DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 6D
• Telephoto Lens: Tamron SP150-600 F5-6.3 Di Vc Use G2 / 600mm F6.7
• Equatorial Mount: AP Photo Guider Telephoto Setup Kit
• Shooting Data: ISO1600, 3 minutes x 8 exposures (image composition), Auto white balance