Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount Review

If you’re an avid astrophotographer or stargazer, you probably know the importance of having a stable and accurate star tracker. The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is a popular choice among amateur and professional astrophotographers for its portability, ease of use, and reliable tracking capabilities. In this product review, I’ll be discussing the pros and cons of the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount and whether it’s worth investing in for your astrophotography needs.

Overview:

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is a compact and lightweight star tracker that can be used for both astrophotography and astronomy. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows you to control the mount using your smartphone or tablet. The mount also has a built-in GPS system that allows for accurate alignment and tracking.

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Pros:

1. Portability: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is one of the most portable star trackers on the market. It weighs only 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) and is compact enough to fit in a backpack. This makes it easy to take with you on camping trips or to remote locations for astrophotography.
2. Ease of use: The mount is incredibly easy to set up and use. The built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount using your smartphone or tablet, and the mount’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
3. Accurate tracking: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has a built-in GPS system that allows for accurate alignment and tracking. This ensures that your images are sharp and free from star trailing.
4. Go-To functionality: The mount has a Go-To functionality that allows it to automatically find and track celestial objects. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who may not be familiar with the night sky.
5. Versatility: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount can be used for both astrophotography and astronomy. It can support a wide range of cameras and lenses, making it a versatile tool for astrophotography.

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Cons:

1. Limited weight capacity: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has a weight capacity of only 11 pounds (5 kg). This means that it may not be suitable for larger telescopes or heavy camera setups.
2. Battery life: The mount’s battery life is relatively short, lasting only 10 hours on a single charge. This means that you’ll need to bring a backup battery or power source if you plan on using the mount for an extended period.
3. Polar alignment: The mount requires accurate polar alignment for optimal performance. While the built-in GPS system makes alignment easier, it can still be challenging for beginners.
4. Price: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is relatively expensive compared to other star trackers on the market. This may make it less accessible to budget-conscious astrophotographers.

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is an updated version of the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer mount. While there are some similarities between the two models, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has several key differences that make it a significant improvement over its predecessor. Here are some of the differences between the two models:

1. Go-To functionality: One of the most significant differences between the two models is the addition of Go-To functionality on the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount. This allows the mount to automatically find and track celestial objects, which is a feature that was not available on the original Star Adventurer. This makes it easier for beginners to capture images of specific celestial objects, as they do not need to manually locate and track them.
2. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has a built-in Wi-Fi module and GPS system, which were not available on the original Star Adventurer. The Wi-Fi module allows the mount to be controlled using a smartphone or tablet, while the GPS system ensures accurate alignment and tracking. These features make the mount easier to use and more accurate than the original Star Adventurer.
3. Increased payload capacity: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has an increased payload capacity compared to the original Star Adventurer. It can support cameras weighing up to 11 pounds (5 kg), which is a significant increase from the 6.6-pound (3 kg) capacity of the original Star Adventurer. This means that the GTi model can support larger cameras and lenses, making it more versatile for different types of astrophotography.
4. Longer battery life: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has a longer battery life than the original Star Adventurer. The GTi model can run for up to 72 hours on a single set of AA batteries, while the original model could only run for up to 24 hours. This means that the GTi model can be used for longer astrophotography sessions without needing to replace the batteries.
5. Redesigned polar scope: The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount has a redesigned polar scope compared to the original Star Adventurer. The new polar scope is easier to use and align, making it simpler to set up the mount for astrophotography.

Overall, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount represents a significant improvement over the original Star Adventurer. The addition of Go-To functionality, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, increased payload capacity, longer battery life, and redesigned polar scope make the GTi model easier to use, more versatile, and more accurate than its predecessor. These improvements make the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount a popular choice among astrophotographers who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use star tracker.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is a reliable and versatile star tracker that is well-suited for astrophotographers and stargazers alike. Its portability, ease of use, and accurate tracking capabilities make it an excellent tool for capturing stunning images of the night sky. While it does have some limitations, such as its limited weight capacity and relatively short battery life, these are minor issues that can be addressed with some planning and preparation. If you’re in the market for a high-quality star tracker, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo EQ Mount is definitely worth considering.