1:36 from my experience (southern hemisphere) mounting the MSM on a ball head is perfectly fine but if you are looking for pin-point visual alignment through a polar scope, I'd recommend an EQ wedge, it's much easier to tilt and pan the wedge when aligning the unit
Thanks Alyn and it looks great for portability. What about a video specifically on using star trackers and the kind of shots you can get. A bit of a tutorial and showcase.
That's a cool little unit. I don't know how exact the laser is lined up with the mount's axis of rotation, but if you want a good alignment then just remember that Polaris is actually 2/3 of a degree off from the northern celestial pole. Interestingly, if you draw a straight line from Polaris to Kochab, the bright orange star at the end of the handle of the little dipper, the NCP actually lies on that line. So if you point the laser about 1.5 moon widths off from Polaris towards Kochab, you should be getting better alignment.
Yup there's always going to be some inaccuracy but for use with wide angle lenses it's great, quick and easy! Great advice on the alignment I shall try that next time I'm out thanks
Hi Alyn. WOW !! Looks the dog's danglies. On my Christmas card list. Perfect for old gits like me - light and easy to use. Now if only we had some clear skies forecast in Wales..... Thanks for uploading this review so quickly.
Thanks, Alyn. I'm new to your UA-cam channel after a friend recommended you. I like the straightforward review and information. I'll be watching many more. God bless.
Hello Alyn. I 've only just found the joy of making time lapse videos of sunrises, moonrises and sunsets with my GoPro 9 and the films are particularly thrilling when there are various cloud formations interacting. However, I'm new to astro filming and I wonder if the plane of the camera is aligned with Polaris and the subject is the Moon, will I be able to track it from moonrise to moonset? It's probably a dumb question as I can see the Moon has its own orbit that won't coincide with the star background but wonder if you've tried this? Cheers, James.
just bought one after watching your review .im a bit like you ,cant be bothered with all of the hassle with the other units.just want to point and shoot.im hoping its as good as you make out. thanks for the review..
@@multigabby2 yer mate.thanks. really good device.only being able to use it once at present.the weather's being rubbish and ive been busy with wotk.but it works really good.wasnt too sure if just point the lazer at a star that it would work without blur.but i manahed a 2m exposure with great results.looking forward to getting out over the xmas period. Cheers again pal..
I wish i could get this stuff. I love it. Easy to use and portable! Unfort... im living in Turkey and hard to find/get this . Maybe one day. Btw, hi from Turkey :)
Is there a way a device like this could be used to track and photograph a solar eclipse? With the extra mount, it is about as big as the other units that already have a mount.
I got this unit today. When I put it on "Star" mode i hear a very distinct "tic-tic" noise. By opening it I can see the gear is not moving smoothly but inconsistent steps. I assume this is not the way it is supposed to work?
Its a stepper motor it's how they work. It may come as a surprise but that they provide a much more precise rotation (as well as long life, high efficiency and no maintenance). The steps should be very consistent however, rotating 0.125 degrees ever 0.5 seconds. As it is such a small distance in a short period of time, the resulting motion is practically smooth.
Cheers for that, been waiting for this video so I can weigh up the options of what tracker to get. I have to say the polar alignment looks easier than on other trackers. Now to the Googlemobile!!!!!
After much humming and hawing I opted for the Star Adventurer Mini, just feel it will give me more flexibility and control when shooting timelapses and although it looks like more work for the polar alignment it should be more precise. Now looking forward to getting away in the motorhome in a couple of weeks to play with my new toy. Hoping for clear skies, dark skies and bright aurora. Cheers for the heads up anyhoo.
Hello Alyn, thanks for the review. I have an issue with this device which I am hoping you may have a solution. I want to take tracked and stacked images. After I take a first tracked image, how would you come back to the home position to take the second image. The rotation base is powered (that is it moves only under power and in one direction only). In my view doing this alignment by moving the ballhead by guesswork would lead to huge alignment issues when stacking your tracked images.
I saw you are not using the wedge but just a regular ballhead, how do you make sure your tracker is level? with the star-Adventure, yo carefully level your wedge and then sail in your latitude setting but I don't see you doing it with this Move-Shoot-Move.
Hi Alyn, was going to purchase one of these using your link. I notice when I use the link you are affiliate 14 but when I go to SHOP NOW it changes to 13 ? are you missing out ?
Looks great. Love my Skyguider pro but set up is a real pain and if you then want to move locations of compositions then your put off because of all the hassle. Will try this definitely
Hi Alyn. What can you tell me about the new Bluetooth version of the Move Shoot Move? It is for sale but don't k ow how it compares to the most recent version. There are pano, mosaic and video modes all setup on a phone app. That's all I can get from the webpage...
@@AlynWallace Wow, thank you for the quick reply. Currently in my cart. Showed up on the website when I clicked a discount code in the email they sent when I signed up for newsletter. Was not on the website initially. Trying to find out more before I click " buy"
Have you tried to shoot a long term sky timelapse, horizontal panning with 1/2 star speed? Mine stops after five hours, even while powered by an external powerbank. After pressiing the N/S button twice it continues rotating.
Was just about to buy this and then you mentioned that you do not recommend it with telephoto lenses and that is what I would want to use on it the most. A 70-200mm and 150-600mm as well. Do you not suggest it for telephoto lenses because they are too heavy or for another reason? Maybe to iOpton Skytracker Pro is better with telephoto lenses?
Alyn, novice question time? How can this be an EQ mount with only ONE gear head turning? Thought that is an ALT-AZ mount? Thought EQ meant 2 simo moving gear heads?
This is illegal in Norway since it comes with a high powered laser, only class 1 up to class 2m is allowed here, frankly the fact that it comes with a laser is a bad, people could easily get in trouble for that, I suggest anyone using this to get a cheap polar scope, but again its Chinese so.
HansensUniverse ah man that sucks. Yes anything can be bad in the wrong hands but i like to think the astro community are aware of the dangers and responsibility that comes wth lasers
I filed an application to the local authorities about using a class 2 laser for AP, the answer was a blank no, it's considered hazardous use of lasers here, sure i could take a chance and get caught, but it's so easy to spot someone with a laser, and people get on their high horses about it, i do wish they included a cheap polar scope or something like that, i just hope people are aware of the restrictions with lasers.
@@anjak4004 Good, i originally wanted to use a laser to assist lining up my shots for stitching together a big Mosaic, using the viewfinder isn't a viable solution.
this is only good to a point if you want to do it "right" (ie.. the traditional way) you're going to go whole hog into astronomy tripod - mount - OTA - imaging system - star tracker....... that's just the start start saving up - its not a cheap hobby : )
The answer to the question in the title is, no. This is not the most portable tracker ever. The Nano Tracker is lighter and smaller. The Minitrack LX2 is a bit lighter but larger, although its form factor is still very portable in a camera bag, and uniquely it requires no power. Technically, the most portable tracker of all is the Astrotracer feature built in to Pentax K-3II and K-1 DSLRs. Next most portable would be a compatible Pentax camera that requires the O-GPS1 accessory to get the Astrotracer function. That accessory is much smaller and lighter than any external tracker. Okay, Astrotracer only works with certain cameras but universality was not a stipulated condition. (Btw, Astrotracer is not a gimmick - it works.)
Hey alyn I have a question about the mount. When you are using it in star tracker mode, do you have to use the hot shoe pc cable? Or can you use it without the cable?
The hot shoe cable is for timelapse mode, it detects the sound of the camera shutter so it knows when do move the camera when you are doing a panning timelapse, you don't need it for star tracking
Nice video. I notice on Amazon it states that this unit is only compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony but not my Panasonic. Do you know why this is please?
Hi, Alyn. This is pretty exciting, to have such a compact star tracker! I took a look at your affiliate link and it shows the laser included. It is not included on the SIFO website. Are you sure it's included via your link? Also, don't you feel the Star Adventurer Mini (SAM) is so much more capable via the mobile app software?
Hi Sky. Yes I'm sure the laser is included :) I use an intervalometer that has all the capabilities of the SAM app. The SAM app drove me crazy, having to connect it etc. and then it uses so much battery of the device itself and the last thing I wanna be doing when out at night is fiddling with my phone.
I just got the SAM and am considering returning it to get this new one. (should I?) I didn't realize using the SAM intervalometer would kill the battery so fast. It seemed to run fine all night without the intervalometer, but I could see how it might run ½ the night with it. Is it a special intervalometer that you're using; which one? And, do you think you won't use the SAM anymore?
Also, I'm looking at your website store and there's no option to change shipping options. I'm moving around a lot and need to know the timing of deliveries.
Are you still using it Alyn as of Nov 2020? I’m interested in buying one the MSM still list you but they have no link, so was wondering if you stand by this tracker. Thanks Buddy 👍
@@AlynWallace thanks well, I have. Sigma 100-400 telephoto Lens so I have to decide whether just to get the one that can handle both or just the MSM for my wife angles. The telephoto is probably only really worth tracking the moon though. Can't really do planets . Not high enough focal length
@@AlynWallace Hi it automatically set the 10% code in the voucher box, i didn't think it would allow for 2, there listing is now quite clear, the laser is not included with the tracker it has to be ordered separately. hopefully will be here by Xmas and it stops bloody raining in Wales..........
Why I can't find any review about this tracker other than Alyn and Astrophotobear which are affiliated by the company. Anyone who already have this and took shots already or thoughts about this tracker? I need a honest review about this.
Yes. As a star tracker it is compatible with all cameras. As a timelapse head it requires a sound to trigger the movement so it won't work with silent shooting on the A7III but it will work with normal shooting mode
thank you Alyn, so I could use my ony A7 III with the external intervallometer (that I already use) to make time lapes on this SIFO mover, right ? Another question : is it possible to buy the Sifo without the laser pen and the battery ( I already have a pletora of them) , but with just the support of the laser ?
Yes you can use your normal intervalometer and create timelapses with the unit. We could certainly arrange it to be supplied without the laser however we can't be sure that your existing laser will fit into the laser mount that attaches to the unit
Great video! Do you think it should be easily possible to go like 30 seconds with an 85mm? Because then with a 1.4 I can go down to like 1000 ISO and take 10 and stack, should be very clean. Do you think my reasoning makes sense? I have decent experience with Milky Way but none with trackers, but I definitely want to have one!
Thanks for the reply, I think I'll go ahead with this then, although I am slightly worried about the laser pointer. In some countries, it might be a problem. I am not even sure the customs would let the laser pass at the customs in Sweden :/
As someone who has just bought the Skywatcher a couple of months back, I must admit I was watching the early part of this video thinking "Arrrrggghhhh!" But when you said it didn't really suit zoom lens work, I was thinking "Phew!"
Mine has come with the larger screw on the bottom (to attach to tripod base beneath the head) which appears to be fixed so you can't attach a plate like you've done?!
@@AlynWallace A few weeks ago. I've just discovered a hole on the back side with the smaller thread. The larger one where you screwed the plate in to definitely won't come out, so looks like they've changed the design slightly.
@@drubber007 drop us an email with your order number and I'll confirm if the large thread is removable, it should be, and then it goes into the hole you discovered (there is an insert inside the hole making it a smaller thread, that is also removable). This design change happened many months ago, the first few had glued the threaded rod in but that was immediately changed and since then they have all move been removable and interchangeable. It's worth me checking your order before trying to force the threaded rod to unscrew alynwallacephotography.com/contact
@@AlynWallace Thanks mate, I sent a message to the company and they told me that you have the oldest version and that's the reason mine is different. Cheers anyway for the offer of checking it out for me 👍
That's not close enough to proper alignment for me (nor many other astrophotographers) as you know, Polaris is not in line with the Earth's axis, that's why the other two units are larger, they allow for proper alignment using the built in polar scopes and more accurate wedges
Terry Brooks yup this is definitely for landscape astrophotographers and wide angle shooters. A nice small and lightweight solution when the others are a bit overkill and cumbersome
Yes, the portability for anyone travelling is a huge bonus feature and probably a "must have" for many, I have the original Star Adventurer and it's far too bulky/heavy to take abroad and in truth due to it's cumbersome size it doesn't get used anywhere near as much as it should, especially considering the numerous modes (timelapse etc) it has
@@terrybrooks395 I take my star adventurer abroad, it fits in the hand luggage along with my 6d and 100-400 & 14mm lens. I don't take the counter balance and the tripod goes in the suitcase.
If there's others nearby then yes potentially. Depends how long you take to polar align and how much of an asshole you mind being. You can also now use the unit with a polar scope to avoid this dilemma
You're a MSM Ambassador so I find it hard to believe your review is neutral and genuine. Also you get a kickback from your link. So of course this thing is amazing! But not really if you read real reviews.
Only problem that I have with this star tracker is that it could potentially ruin someone else's shot... Just imagine being the other guy and a streak of laser light ruins your long exposure. :-(
As if people don't ruin shots with their head torches? You use the laser for 10-15 seconds and you're done. I've had people walking about with head torches on for most of the night. It can also be polar aligned without the laser so I'd like to think most astro shooters are considerate people. Also your camera doesn't pick the laser up from that far away
3:15 ----- uhmmmm... i see some elongation there, buddy! those stars are not points! lol i guess you're new to astrophotography if you think that's "acceptable" : )
This looks really cool, but I have a big issue with the laser: This is not legal in all countries, certainly not at my favourite spot on La Palma, Canary Islands. I would be seriously pissed at any fellow photographer up on the summit doing this while I was shooting and the European Northern Observatory AND the police would too! If this happens several times, they will close off one of the best places for shooting the night sky for amateur photographers! If there is no option for a polar scope, this unit might be lots of trouble!
Hi Michael. Yes the legality of laser varies depending on location of course. And I'm pretty sure most astrophotographers out there, much like yourself, are fully aware of how stupid and wrong it is to use such a thing near an observatory. There is an option for a polar scope. The mount that holds the laser also has a hole with the dimensions to hold a Sky Watcher polar scope. I will make an updated video soon to discuss further the issues surrounding lasers and the polar scope option
"Absolutly no star-trailing with 2 min @ 50 mm" Yeah! And than you show a image with startrails? (@3:17) Beside this: The laser should NOT point to polaris, but to the northern pole. There is an astrotracker, that is cheaper, has less wight, or the same (it is portable like this one as well) and can archive the same or better results. (129.- € and it works fine with 135 mm lenses)
@@neletg Minitrack LX2 is with 560g nearly same wight, but needs no energy and is half the price, but has same or better accuracy, due to a simple polarscope Others like Star Adventurer, star Adventurer mini, Vixen Polarie... are same price or higher, bigger and have more weight, (but not that much) but are way way much more accurate due to a perfect polarscope. So this one here is: a) way less accurate than others (no polarscope and: Take a look on the ugly startrails on that 50 mm picture shown in the video) b) needs energy c) way more expensive than others with same or bit better accuracy. So there are a) better ones for (bit) more money b) equal ones for less money. --> This is a in beetween, that noone needs. Not for that price and inacuracy. BTW: I own 6 different mounts and I do own this one here. My 129.- Euro mount produces sharp stars with 50 mm (2 minutes exposure), not that unsharp eg-like star-trails shown in this video here. And it is always ready, 'cause it dosnt need energy. Or take the Sat Adventuer mini: Nearly same price, nearly same sice, but way more modes to use and a 100 times better polaralignement due to perfect polarscope. Ok - there is an additional polarscope to buy. And it is possible to buy an polarwedge. Thats right. But: Than the price gets higher than the Star Adventurer mini with less fotography modes, without wifi- mobile app, without great declination unit, without polarsope-light... Or just buy a simple an good astrotracker for a 2-week-trip to the mouintains, never worry about energy and pay only half the price, than get the LX2 So why buy this in-between unit when you can get it better for less money?
1:36 from my experience (southern hemisphere) mounting the MSM on a ball head is perfectly fine but if you are looking for pin-point visual alignment through a polar scope, I'd recommend an EQ wedge, it's much easier to tilt and pan the wedge when aligning the unit
Thanks Alyn and it looks great for portability. What about a video specifically on using star trackers and the kind of shots you can get. A bit of a tutorial and showcase.
TwoHandUke yup tracking vs stacking etc is on the list of upcoming vids for sure
That's a cool little unit. I don't know how exact the laser is lined up with the mount's axis of rotation, but if you want a good alignment then just remember that Polaris is actually 2/3 of a degree off from the northern celestial pole. Interestingly, if you draw a straight line from Polaris to Kochab, the bright orange star at the end of the handle of the little dipper, the NCP actually lies on that line. So if you point the laser about 1.5 moon widths off from Polaris towards Kochab, you should be getting better alignment.
Yup there's always going to be some inaccuracy but for use with wide angle lenses it's great, quick and easy! Great advice on the alignment I shall try that next time I'm out thanks
Code still works. Got mine a couple of weeks ago. Really is a great little thing for your smaller, wide-angle lenses.
Hi Alyn. WOW !! Looks the dog's danglies. On my Christmas card list. Perfect for old gits like me - light and easy to use. Now if only we had some clear skies forecast in Wales..... Thanks for uploading this review so quickly.
Tim Scanlan yeah nice little unit just what ive been waiting for. Im still workig on the cloud hoover sorry 😜
LMAO - nice one !!
Cracking review... honestly if the company don't hit you up for some help in designing the next version they're obviously not fully awake!
Aliens living at Polaris in 430 years : "wtf?? are they shooting us?"
I appriciate you a lot Alyn, and I would love to see more photos you took using this tracker.
Thanks, Alyn. I'm new to your UA-cam channel after a friend recommended you. I like the straightforward review and information. I'll be watching many more. God bless.
Hello Alyn. I 've only just found the joy of making time lapse videos of sunrises, moonrises and sunsets with my GoPro 9 and the films are particularly thrilling when there are various cloud formations interacting. However, I'm new to astro filming and I wonder if the plane of the camera is aligned with Polaris and the subject is the Moon, will I be able to track it from moonrise to moonset? It's probably a dumb question as I can see the Moon has its own orbit that won't coincide with the star background but wonder if you've tried this? Cheers, James.
just bought one after watching your review .im a bit like you ,cant be bothered with all of the hassle with the other units.just want to point and shoot.im hoping its as good as you make out. thanks for the review..
Hi Dean did the laser come with the unit ? I've looked at the listing theres no mention of it , cheers Gabby
@@multigabby2 yer mate.thanks. really good device.only being able to use it once at present.the weather's being rubbish and ive been busy with wotk.but it works really good.wasnt too sure if just point the lazer at a star that it would work without blur.but i manahed a 2m exposure with great results.looking forward to getting out over the xmas period. Cheers again pal..
@@milkman100001 Cheers appreciate reply, hope all your nights are clear.
Please, share here your experience. I'm thinking to buy one unit too.
Portable? Sure. But as awkward shaped the wedge mount is, I belive it's essential if you want fine adjustments for perfect polar alignment
They make a polar scope you can purchase to use with the mount as well. The laser is great for Ultra Wide Angle and getting a good start.
I wish i could get this stuff. I love it. Easy to use and portable! Unfort... im living in Turkey and hard to find/get this . Maybe one day. Btw, hi from Turkey :)
I have one on CL I think I'm going to score based on your favorable comments. Does it take batteries or USB power? TY
Is there a way a device like this could be used to track and photograph a solar eclipse? With the extra mount, it is about as big as the other units that already have a mount.
I got this unit today. When I put it on "Star" mode i hear a very distinct "tic-tic" noise. By opening it I can see the gear is not moving smoothly but inconsistent steps. I assume this is not the way it is supposed to work?
Its a stepper motor it's how they work. It may come as a surprise but that they provide a much more precise rotation (as well as long life, high efficiency and no maintenance). The steps should be very consistent however, rotating 0.125 degrees ever 0.5 seconds. As it is such a small distance in a short period of time, the resulting motion is practically smooth.
Looking up 'stepper motor' video on UA-cam is super enlightening! ua-cam.com/video/eyqwLiowZiU/v-deo.html
@@AlynWallace I took a video of the motor, it looks not consistent at all drive.google.com/open?id=17dq6eyVcCGDk3n5jrOqwhEeXWwqMuYLI
Cheers for that, been waiting for this video so I can weigh up the options of what tracker to get. I have to say the polar alignment looks easier than on other trackers. Now to the Googlemobile!!!!!
williemacdonald72 yup its a breeze. Theres a link in the video description for more info
After much humming and hawing I opted for the Star Adventurer Mini, just feel it will give me more flexibility and control when shooting timelapses and although it looks like more work for the polar alignment it should be more precise. Now looking forward to getting away in the motorhome in a couple of weeks to play with my new toy. Hoping for clear skies, dark skies and bright aurora. Cheers for the heads up anyhoo.
Great review!! Instantly ordered! Thanks mate! Can't wait to try it out!
how'd it go?
Hi Alyn,
Great video, I’m super excited I’ve just ordered my msm kit, thank you for offering the promo 5% discount.
Keep up the awesome work mate.
Lee
Hi, Alyn. Have you ever used the Vixen Polarie? If yes, what’s your experience with it? Thank you.
Hello Alyn,
thanks for the review. I have an issue with this device which I am hoping you may have a solution. I want to take tracked and stacked images. After I take a first tracked image, how would you come back to the home position to take the second image. The rotation base is powered (that is it moves only under power and in one direction only). In my view doing this alignment by moving the ballhead by guesswork would lead to huge alignment issues when stacking your tracked images.
Nice one alyn , that is so much smaller than the star adventurer ,which i carted around la palma . Gonna get one of these for sure . Cheers
andrew lewis yup packs in the bag nicely
I saw you are not using the wedge but just a regular ballhead, how do you make sure your tracker is level? with the star-Adventure, yo carefully level your wedge and then sail in your latitude setting but I don't see you doing it with this Move-Shoot-Move.
Hi Alyn, was going to purchase one of these using your link. I notice when I use the link you are affiliate 14 but when I go to SHOP NOW it changes to 13 ? are you missing out ?
What about vixen Polarie trackers. Seems like they are modular been interested in them for some time.
Any thoughts on MSM vs Vixen Polarie? It seems they are the natural competitors in small sized trackers.
Looks great. Love my Skyguider pro but set up is a real pain and if you then want to move locations of compositions then your put off because of all the hassle. Will try this definitely
Richard Hurst yup im coming from the same boat
Hi Alyn. What can you tell me about the new Bluetooth version of the Move Shoot Move? It is for sale but don't k ow how it compares to the most recent version. There are pano, mosaic and video modes all setup on a phone app. That's all I can get from the webpage...
I don't know much about it I'm afraid. I will enquire but I think they're still a while off
@@AlynWallace Wow, thank you for the quick reply. Currently in my cart. Showed up on the website when I clicked a discount code in the email they sent when I signed up for newsletter. Was not on the website initially. Trying to find out more before I click " buy"
Great video looks like a good bit of kit I'll have to have a go of it
How can you use a green laser to aim at Polaris? It's not like there's a green dot that bounces off the sky...
Have you tried to shoot a long term sky timelapse, horizontal panning with 1/2 star speed? Mine stops after five hours, even while powered by an external powerbank. After pressiing the N/S button twice it continues rotating.
Was just about to buy this and then you mentioned that you do not recommend it with telephoto lenses and that is what I would want to use on it the most. A 70-200mm and 150-600mm as well. Do you not suggest it for telephoto lenses because they are too heavy or for another reason? Maybe to iOpton Skytracker Pro is better with telephoto lenses?
I assume I can’t place objects in the foreground because they will blur during movement?
Alyn, novice question time? How can this be an EQ mount with only ONE gear head turning? Thought that is an ALT-AZ mount? Thought EQ meant 2 simo moving gear heads?
This is illegal in Norway since it comes with a high powered laser, only class 1 up to class 2m is allowed here, frankly the fact that it comes with a laser is a bad, people could easily get in trouble for that, I suggest anyone using this to get a cheap polar scope, but again its Chinese so.
HansensUniverse ah man that sucks. Yes anything can be bad in the wrong hands but i like to think the astro community are aware of the dangers and responsibility that comes wth lasers
I filed an application to the local authorities about using a class 2 laser for AP, the answer was a blank no, it's considered hazardous use of lasers here, sure i could take a chance and get caught, but it's so easy to spot someone with a laser, and people get on their high horses about it, i do wish they included a cheap polar scope or something like that, i just hope people are aware of the restrictions with lasers.
@@HansensUniverseT-A Hey now also available with polar scope
@@anjak4004 Good, i originally wanted to use a laser to assist lining up my shots for stitching together a big Mosaic, using the viewfinder isn't a viable solution.
Does anyone know if this can be used for Deep Space Objects?
this is only good to a point
if you want to do it "right" (ie.. the traditional way) you're going to go whole hog into astronomy
tripod - mount - OTA - imaging system - star tracker....... that's just the start
start saving up - its not a cheap hobby
: )
Nice handy bit of kit that mate! Congrats on breaking the 10k too!! 😁😁
Cheers pal!
The answer to the question in the title is, no. This is not the most portable tracker ever. The Nano Tracker is lighter and smaller. The Minitrack LX2 is a bit lighter but larger, although its form factor is still very portable in a camera bag, and uniquely it requires no power. Technically, the most portable tracker of all is the Astrotracer feature built in to Pentax K-3II and K-1 DSLRs. Next most portable would be a compatible Pentax camera that requires the O-GPS1 accessory to get the Astrotracer function. That accessory is much smaller and lighter than any external tracker. Okay, Astrotracer only works with certain cameras but universality was not a stipulated condition. (Btw, Astrotracer is not a gimmick - it works.)
yes on the pentax goodies built in :)
Hey alyn I have a question about the mount. When you are using it in star tracker mode, do you have to use the hot shoe pc cable? Or can you use it without the cable?
The hot shoe cable is for timelapse mode, it detects the sound of the camera shutter so it knows when do move the camera when you are doing a panning timelapse, you don't need it for star tracking
Great review! For milky way shots on a 18-35mm lens, how long an exposure could I expect?
2:35 veeeeery illegal in the european countries here😂
Police is on your ass in 10min... for real
Which tripod are you using with the tracking system ?
Nice video. I notice on Amazon it states that this unit is only compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony but not my Panasonic. Do you know why this is please?
Follow the link in the video description which explains everything :)
Hi, Alyn. This is pretty exciting, to have such a compact star tracker! I took a look at your affiliate link and it shows the laser included. It is not included on the SIFO website. Are you sure it's included via your link? Also, don't you feel the Star Adventurer Mini (SAM) is so much more capable via the mobile app software?
Hi Sky. Yes I'm sure the laser is included :) I use an intervalometer that has all the capabilities of the SAM app. The SAM app drove me crazy, having to connect it etc. and then it uses so much battery of the device itself and the last thing I wanna be doing when out at night is fiddling with my phone.
I just got the SAM and am considering returning it to get this new one. (should I?) I didn't realize using the SAM intervalometer would kill the battery so fast. It seemed to run fine all night without the intervalometer, but I could see how it might run ½ the night with it. Is it a special intervalometer that you're using; which one? And, do you think you won't use the SAM anymore?
Also, I'm looking at your website store and there's no option to change shipping options. I'm moving around a lot and need to know the timing of deliveries.
Do you still need to level your tripod? Enjoyed the video, quite informative...especially for a newbie like myself.
It does help yeah
Does it work well with a fullframe camera? Isn't it too heavy?
The payload is 3kg so yeah depending on lens :)
Are you still using it Alyn as of Nov 2020? I’m interested in buying one the MSM still list you but they have no link, so was wondering if you stand by this tracker.
Thanks Buddy 👍
Hell yeah it's always in my bag (if I'm not using it!)
@@AlynWallace ta very much Alyn what focal lengths do you use on it?
Will it be good for a DSLR or mirrorless cameras? Thank you.
That's exactly what it's for :)
Alyn Wallace thank you ☺️
Alyn What do you prefer this or the star adventurer?
They both serve different purposes so I don't prefer either. The MSM for portability, lightweight, wide-angle work. SA for telephoto astrophotography
@@AlynWallace thanks but can you use the SA for both telephoto and wide angle?
@@PatrickGuerrisi of course. It's just not as portable and quick to set up
@@AlynWallace thanks well, I have. Sigma 100-400 telephoto Lens so I have to decide whether just to get the one that can handle both or just the MSM for my wife angles.
The telephoto is probably only really worth tracking the moon though. Can't really do planets . Not high enough focal length
Are you aware of the Vixen Polarie Tracker?
Just ordered with the discount code. Ta!
Love the concept. How to you go about alignment without a visual of Polaris?
You can't, or you guess! Face North and aim 45 degrees up
I don't even know where is Polaris.. (
Alyn are you still using this, im looking to get my first tracker for my fuji xt2 with a 12mm or the 18-55mm lenses and these are now on sale?
Yup still using it, although the design has been updated since this video. Link to purchase in video description
@@AlynWallace I've seen they've moved to a button version but both luckily are in the sale
Would airlines tolerate the laser in the carry-on? Maybe not. But the scope is cheap on this one, not so much on the Vixen one.
You'd have to check with the airline but yeah I doubt it
what if I don't see polaris from my balcony view?
Just ordered one Al 10% off today and free shipping £160 which includes the laser............
Did you use the 5% discount code too?
@@AlynWallace Hi it automatically set the 10% code in the voucher box, i didn't think it would allow for 2, there listing is now quite clear, the laser is not included with the tracker it has to be ordered separately. hopefully will be here by Xmas and it stops bloody raining in Wales..........
Why I can't find any review about this tracker other than Alyn and Astrophotobear which are affiliated by the company. Anyone who already have this and took shots already or thoughts about this tracker? I need a honest review about this.
That looks almost exactly like my diy tracker :D
Tutorials or it's fake 😛
THANKYOU
very interesting ! is it compatible with the Sony A7 III ?
Yes. As a star tracker it is compatible with all cameras. As a timelapse head it requires a sound to trigger the movement so it won't work with silent shooting on the A7III but it will work with normal shooting mode
thank you Alyn, so I could use my ony A7 III with the external intervallometer (that I already use) to make time lapes on this SIFO mover, right ? Another question : is it possible to buy the Sifo without the laser pen and the battery ( I already have a pletora of them) , but with just the support of the laser ?
Yes you can use your normal intervalometer and create timelapses with the unit. We could certainly arrange it to be supplied without the laser however we can't be sure that your existing laser will fit into the laser mount that attaches to the unit
Thanks Alyn, I have just bought it ... i hope to count on you for the support (just in case...)
if you are fan of DIY subjects, here the way to build your own portable Astroduino motorized EQ mount: ua-cam.com/video/uSWVflUNAm8/v-deo.html
Great video! Do you think it should be easily possible to go like 30 seconds with an 85mm? Because then with a 1.4 I can go down to like 1000 ISO and take 10 and stack, should be very clean.
Do you think my reasoning makes sense? I have decent experience with Milky Way but none with trackers, but I definitely want to have one!
Thanks :) Yes certianly, with some good polar alignment you will get longer than 30 seconds, at least a minute
Thanks for the reply, I think I'll go ahead with this then, although I am slightly worried about the laser pointer. In some countries, it might be a problem. I am not even sure the customs would let the laser pass at the customs in Sweden :/
Sold out?!?Damn!When will be available again!? :O
You can still purchase direct from supplier... www.moveshootmove.com?aff=14
Mercì :)
As someone who has just bought the Skywatcher a couple of months back, I must admit I was watching the early part of this video thinking "Arrrrggghhhh!" But when you said it didn't really suit zoom lens work, I was thinking "Phew!"
Yeah, but I think I'll now sell my iOptron and get something more significant like an EQ5. Put the moon bazooka to new use :D
HEQ5 not the EQ ;)
Mine has come with the larger screw on the bottom (to attach to tripod base beneath the head) which appears to be fixed so you can't attach a plate like you've done?!
It should be removable. When did you order it?
@@AlynWallace A few weeks ago. I've just discovered a hole on the back side with the smaller thread. The larger one where you screwed the plate in to definitely won't come out, so looks like they've changed the design slightly.
@@drubber007 drop us an email with your order number and I'll confirm if the large thread is removable, it should be, and then it goes into the hole you discovered (there is an insert inside the hole making it a smaller thread, that is also removable). This design change happened many months ago, the first few had glued the threaded rod in but that was immediately changed and since then they have all move been removable and interchangeable. It's worth me checking your order before trying to force the threaded rod to unscrew alynwallacephotography.com/contact
@@AlynWallace Thanks mate, I sent a message to the company and they told me that you have the oldest version and that's the reason mine is different. Cheers anyway for the offer of checking it out for me 👍
@@drubber007 ok, are you based in UK?
That's not close enough to proper alignment for me (nor many other astrophotographers) as you know, Polaris is not in line with the Earth's axis, that's why the other two units are larger, they allow for proper alignment using the built in polar scopes and more accurate wedges
Terry Brooks yup this is definitely for landscape astrophotographers and wide angle shooters. A nice small and lightweight solution when the others are a bit overkill and cumbersome
Yes, the portability for anyone travelling is a huge bonus feature and probably a "must have" for many, I have the original Star Adventurer and it's far too bulky/heavy to take abroad and in truth due to it's cumbersome size it doesn't get used anywhere near as much as it should, especially considering the numerous modes (timelapse etc) it has
@@terrybrooks395 I take my star adventurer abroad, it fits in the hand luggage along with my 6d and 100-400 & 14mm lens. I don't take the counter balance and the tripod goes in the suitcase.
Won't shining the laser to get polar alignment potentially ruin someone else's long exposure photo?
If there's others nearby then yes potentially. Depends how long you take to polar align and how much of an asshole you mind being. You can also now use the unit with a polar scope to avoid this dilemma
When I don't have money I plan to buy telescope. But when I have money I spend it foolishly.
Isn't shining lasers into the sky something generally frowned upon by... Most people?
wow actually once an astrophotography item that is not a scam and based on equipment and designs of 20 years ago
It's a barn door tractor. Kinda??
no time lapse shot with this????????
ua-cam.com/video/0_DcWIy3tZs/v-deo.html
Hello, on 3:18 with a 50mm and 1 Minute: No startrails? ALL stars have startrails - that'a not a good picture
Isn't it dangerous to point a laser up into the sky?
If you point it at an aircraft yes which in some countries is a crime.
@@AlynWallace Alright then, thanks for telling!
He looks like Joseph Seed
You're a MSM Ambassador so I find it hard to believe your review is neutral and genuine. Also you get a kickback from your link. So of course this thing is amazing! But not really if you read real reviews.
Not having a polar scope is garbage. That thing is a wobbly pos. Differential flexure from hell
Only problem that I have with this star tracker is that it could potentially ruin someone else's shot... Just imagine being the other guy and a streak of laser light ruins your long exposure. :-(
As if people don't ruin shots with their head torches? You use the laser for 10-15 seconds and you're done. I've had people walking about with head torches on for most of the night. It can also be polar aligned without the laser so I'd like to think most astro shooters are considerate people. Also your camera doesn't pick the laser up from that far away
Lasers are dangerous and should not NOT be used.
That 2 minute exposure clearly had SO much star trailing.
3:15 ----- uhmmmm... i see some elongation there, buddy!
those stars are not points! lol
i guess you're new to astrophotography if you think that's "acceptable" : )
sent from China - bummer for me - import tax is to high. Would buy it if it was shipped from a EU country
Hot in the UK? 20 deg C? haha
This looks really cool, but I have a big issue with the laser: This is not legal in all countries, certainly not at my favourite spot on La Palma, Canary Islands. I would be seriously pissed at any fellow photographer up on the summit doing this while I was shooting and the European Northern Observatory AND the police would too! If this happens several times, they will close off one of the best places for shooting the night sky for amateur photographers! If there is no option for a polar scope, this unit might be lots of trouble!
Hi Michael. Yes the legality of laser varies depending on location of course. And I'm pretty sure most astrophotographers out there, much like yourself, are fully aware of how stupid and wrong it is to use such a thing near an observatory. There is an option for a polar scope. The mount that holds the laser also has a hole with the dimensions to hold a Sky Watcher polar scope. I will make an updated video soon to discuss further the issues surrounding lasers and the polar scope option
"Absolutly no star-trailing with 2 min @ 50 mm" Yeah! And than you show a image with startrails? (@3:17)
Beside this: The laser should NOT point to polaris, but to the northern pole.
There is an astrotracker, that is cheaper, has less wight, or the same (it is portable like this one as well) and can archive the same or better results.
(129.- € and it works fine with 135 mm lenses)
what astro tracker ist that?
And this astrotracker are?
@@neletg Minitrack LX2 is with 560g nearly same wight, but needs no energy and is half the price, but has same or better accuracy, due to a simple polarscope
Others like Star Adventurer, star Adventurer mini, Vixen Polarie... are same price or higher, bigger and have more weight, (but not that much) but are way way much more accurate due to a perfect polarscope.
So this one here is:
a) way less accurate than others (no polarscope and: Take a look on the ugly startrails on that 50 mm picture shown in the video)
b) needs energy
c) way more expensive than others with same or bit better accuracy.
So there are
a) better ones for (bit) more money
b) equal ones for less money.
--> This is a in beetween, that noone needs. Not for that price and inacuracy.
BTW: I own 6 different mounts and I do own this one here.
My 129.- Euro mount produces sharp stars with 50 mm (2 minutes exposure), not that unsharp eg-like star-trails shown in this video here.
And it is always ready, 'cause it dosnt need energy.
Or take the Sat Adventuer mini: Nearly same price, nearly same sice, but way more modes to use and a 100 times better polaralignement due to perfect polarscope.
Ok - there is an additional polarscope to buy. And it is possible to buy an polarwedge. Thats right.
But: Than the price gets higher than the Star Adventurer mini with less fotography modes, without wifi- mobile app, without great declination unit, without polarsope-light...
Or just buy a simple an good astrotracker for a 2-week-trip to the mouintains, never worry about energy and pay only half the price, than get the LX2
So why buy this in-between unit when you can get it better for less money?
@@psychotraktor check answer before
@@sternenhimmelfotografierende awesome, thanks for the answer!
I stopped listening at "chinese company".
Is it really so difficult to say "millimeter" ? :-(