Home > Products > German Equatorial Mounts > SkyHunter Portable Mount >

SkyHunterTM Portable EQ/AZ GOTO System
SkyHunter<sup>TM</sup> Portable EQ/AZ GOTO System
telescope not included


 
Alternative Views:


Introductory Price $558.00


Availability: Usually Ships in 2 to 5 Days
Product Code: SHEQ


Extended Warranty:
Standard Warranty [Add 0.00]
One Year [Add $79.00]
Two Year [Add $129.00]
Three Year [Add $169.00]

 
Description Technical Specs Support Documents
 

iOptron's new ultra compact EQ/AZ GoTo mount -- introducing The SkyHunterTM!

Fifteen years after releasing the innovational CubeTM AZ/EQ GoTo mount, the SkyHunterTM takes the next step toward perfection. It is the lightest and most compact full function portable goto mount in iOptron's exceptional history. Weighing in at only 2.9 lbs (including internal rechargeable battery), the SkyHunter TM is capable of supporting an 11 lbs payload in both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes.

The SkyHunterTM mount features four tracking rates, 1X or sidereal, 1/2X for sky and landscape combined, solar and lunar. All 4 tracking rates work in both northern and southern hemispheres.

The SkyHunterTM mount can be controlled by an iOS or Android SmartPhone/tablet, an optional 8410 hand controller, or a computer via ASCOM, INDI or embedded drive.


First Light of SkyHunter (photo by Todd Bush • bushphoto.com)
M42 & M31 were tracked with the new SkyHunter using an AstroTech72EDII on a Nikon Z6. (single 30 second exposures, 433mm EFL f6)

MoonShine EarthShine (AstroTech72EDII, Nikon Z50+TC16a, 1032mm f9 1/160th sec ISO100 for MoonShine, 1032mm f9 6 seconds ISO100 for EarthShine)


Features
  • Specialized Grab N’ Go GOTO EQ/AZ mount
  • Mount weighs 2.9 lbs (1.3kg)
  • Payload 11 lbs (5kg) (balanced, exclude CW)
  • Dual-axis servomotors with optical encoders
  • Tracking speed: solar, lunar, 1X, 1/2X, S/N
  • Operation in both northern and southern hemisphere
  • Vixen dovetail saddle
  • Built-in rechargeable battery for up to 10 hours of operation (20°C)
  • Built-in WIFI adapter for full ASCOM, iOptron CommanderTM and Sky Safari control
  • USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
  • Optional Go2Nova® 8410 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
  • Counterweight Shaft: Φ20X200mm with 3/8” thread, stainless steel
  • Counterweight: 3 lbs (1.35kg)
  • Attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8” or 1/4” threads
  • 1.25" Stainless steel tripod (#3221)
  • Optional carbon fiber tripod
  • Pier-extension (#8041)
  • One year limited warranty on mount, 90 day for battery


PACKAGE CONTENTS
  • SkyHunterTM GOTO EQ/AZ mount
  • EQ base
  • Stainless steel counterweight shaft
  • 3 lbs counterweight
  • MiniUSB charging cable
  • #3221 Tripod
  • #8041 Pier extension
  • One Year Limited Warranty (90 day on battery)
Average Rating: Average Rating: 4 of 5 4 of 5 Total Reviews: 2 Write a review »

Accessories
Tripod for SkyHunter/iPANO/SkyGuider Pro/SkyTracker/SmartEQ/Cube
Price: $108.00
Tripod for SkyHunter/iPANO/SkyGuider Pro/SkyTracker/SmartEQ/Cube
Carry Bag for 1.5" Tripod
Price: $40.00
Carry Bag for 1.5" Tripod
Go2Nova® Hand Controller 8410
Price: $275.00
Go2Nova® Hand Controller 8410
Lithium-Poly Battery for SkyHunter
Price: $30.00
Lithium-Poly Battery for SkyHunter
1.35 kg Counterweight
Price: $35.00
1.35 kg Counterweight
iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope
Price: $218.00
iPolarâ„¢ Electronics Polar Scope
Precision AZ/EQ Base
Price: $218.00
Precision AZ/EQ Base
SkyHunter Extention Pier
Price: $68.00
SkyHunter Extention Pier


  1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 
3 of 5 Any real time data available September 22, 2022
Reviewer: Richard Witzke from Edmonton, AB Canada  
Ordered the eq/az through a local Canadian distributor. Just told that there was some issue with the mount and it will take a couple more weeks for delivery.  Left shaking my head. Has anyone even tried this mount yet for imaging with a light weight refractor, or even a camera?  I’m hoping that I did not sink $780 into some pit.
Thanks Johnny for your review. Now I have some hope for a good product and look forward to using it whenever it ships!

Was this review helpful to you?

  2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
 
5 of 5 SkyHunter review September 20, 2022
Reviewer: Johnny Irvin from Round Rock, TX United States  
As soon as I realized that they were releasing a new ultra-portable mount that performed in AZ as well as EQ, The SkyHunter, I immediately place a pre-order.

Without going into any details, the mount was subpar in functionality upon receipt.  It was a common issue in all the received mounts. I was disappointed but not despairing.
iOptron has a perfect track record in support and getting issues resolved.
They quickly addressed the issues, produced a new control board.

Swapping the boards was simple and the instructions provided were excellent.
The mount now operates exceptionally well.

With the rough polar alignment I performed, I was able to get perfect round stars at 120 seconds and no guiding.  
I expect it will do even better with a finely adjusted polar alignment.
I now find this mount to be exceptional for its design intent and I am most pleased with it.
This is now my goto mount for traveling with my DSLR/lens and small telescope.


Was this review helpful to you?