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A travel-size GoTo mount that finds and tracks targets for your camera
Why we like the Star Adventurer GTi:
- GoTo in a star tracker's size: unlike single-axis trackers, it has motors on both axes, so the SynScan Pro app on your phone can point it at thousands of objects and keep them centered.
- Grows into a real imaging mount: autoguiding on both axes, a USB port for the ASIAIR or a laptop, and an 11lb (5kg) payload handle a camera with a telephoto lens or a small refractor like the RedCat 51.
- Light enough to hike with: the head weighs 5.7lb (2.6kg) and runs on eight AA batteries or 12V power.
- Worth knowing: choose the head only if you already own a sturdy tripod with a 3/8" thread, or the kit with Sky-Watcher's steel tripod and pier extension for a complete setup.
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is a compact computerized equatorial mount for astrophotography with cameras and small telescopes. It connects to your phone or tablet over built-in Wi-Fi, and the free SynScan Pro app aligns it, slews to targets and controls your camera's shutter through the SNAP port. A built-in illuminated polar scope makes polar alignment quick, and dual counterweight positions let it balance at any latitude from 0° to 70°.
Key specs: 5kg (11lb) payload · GoTo on both axes · built-in Wi-Fi, SynScan Pro app · illuminated polar scope · ST-4 autoguide, USB, SNAP and hand controller ports · 8 AA batteries or 12V DC · V-style (Vixen) saddle · 3/8" tripod thread · head weight 2.6kg (5.7lb)
What you can image
- The Milky Way and constellations: track a wide-angle lens for minutes per frame instead of seconds.
- Nebulae with a telephoto lens: the Orion Nebula, the North America Nebula, the Rosette Nebula and the Heart and Soul Nebulae at 135–300mm.
- Galaxies with a small refractor: the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy and the Leo Triplet.
- The Sun and Moon: solar and lunar tracking rates keep them centered (always use a proper solar filter on the Sun).
- Visual observing: a small Maksutov on the GTi turns it into a portable GoTo telescope for the Moon and planets.
How it works
Set the mount on a level tripod and polar align it with the illuminated polar scope. Connect your phone to the mount's Wi-Fi, open SynScan Pro, and align on one to three bright stars. From then on you can tap a target to go there, or let the app track while your camera shoots. For longer exposures at longer focal lengths, plug a guide camera into the ST-4 port or connect the mount by USB to an ASIAIR or a laptop running N.I.N.A. or PHD2.
What to add for the best results
- Star Adventurer ball head adapter: attach a photo ball head for easy framing with a camera and lens.
- Shutter release cable for Canon or Nikon: lets the SNAP port run your exposures from the app.
- William Optics RedCat 51 III: a 250mm f/4.9 astrograph that sits well within the GTi's payload.
- ZWO ASI220MM Mini with a UniGuide 32 guide scope: autoguiding for sharper stars on long exposures.
- ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera and guiding from one app.
- Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro: 12V power for all-night sessions instead of AA batteries.
- Star Adventurer tripod (if you buy the head only and need a tripod).
Star Adventurer GTi vs. other portable mounts
| iOptron SkyGuider Pro | Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi | ZWO AM3N + TC40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload | 5kg (11lb), balanced | 5kg (11lb) | 8kg (17.6lb) with no counterweight |
| Motors | Right ascension only | Both axes, GoTo | Both axes, GoTo, strain wave |
| Autoguiding | RA only (ST-4) | Both axes (ST-4 or USB) | Both axes |
| Head weight | 1kg (2.2lb) | 2.6kg (5.7lb) | 4.1kg (9lb) |
| Best for | Camera lenses, simplest setup | GoTo and guiding on a budget | Small refractors with no counterweight |
See all star trackers and equatorial mounts.
What's in the box
- Star Adventurer GTi mount head with built-in illuminated polar scope
- Counterweight bar and two counterweights: 1.5lb (0.7kg) and 3.5lb (1.6kg)
- USB cable for connecting a computer
- Instruction manual
- Steel tripod and pier extension (tripod kit, S20595, only)
A power cable, SNAP shutter cable, hand controller, ball head adapter and case are sold separately, and AA batteries are not included.
Star Adventurer GTi FAQ
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. The app walks you through alignment, and GoTo means you don't have to find faint targets by hand. Polar alignment is the main skill to learn, and the illuminated polar scope makes it straightforward.
Star Adventurer GTi or SkyGuider Pro?
The SkyGuider Pro is lighter and simpler, and it's great if you'll aim your camera yourself. The GTi finds objects for you and guides on both axes, which matters most with telescopes and long lenses.
Can it carry a telescope?
Yes, a small one. Small refractors such as the RedCat 51 or a 102mm Maksutov fit within its 11lb (5kg) payload. Stay well under the limit for the sharpest long exposures.
What do I need to power it?
Eight AA batteries in the built-in holder, or 12V DC at 0.75A through the 2.1mm power jack. For cold nights and long sessions, an external 12V battery is the better choice.
Does it work with the ASIAIR?
Yes. Connect it to the ASIAIR by USB and it controls GoTo, plate solving and guiding.
Do I need the tripod kit?
If you don't own a sturdy tripod with a 3/8" thread, yes. The kit's steel tripod and pier extension give the mount a stable base and keep a telescope clear of the legs.
Specifications
| Mount | |
|---|---|
| Mount type | Computerized equatorial (GoTo on both axes) |
| Payload | 5kg (11lb) |
| Motors | Mini DC servo, gear drive |
| Tracking rates | Sidereal, solar, lunar |
| Latitude range | 0° to 70° |
| Polar scope | Built in, illuminated, aligned at the factory |
| Saddle | V-style (Vixen) dovetail |
| Tripod thread | 3/8" |
| Counterweight bar | 213mm long, 20mm diameter, thread-on, dual position |
| Counterweights | Two, 1.5lb (0.7kg) and 3.5lb (1.6kg) |
| Control and power | |
| Control | Built-in Wi-Fi with SynScan Pro app (iOS, Android); optional SynScan hand controller |
| Ports | ST-4 autoguider, USB, hand controller, SNAP shutter control |
| Power | 12V DC, 0.75A, 2.1mm jack; or 8 AA batteries (not included) |
| Firmware | Free updates |
| Physical | |
| Head weight | 2.6kg (5.7lb) |
| Head size | 227 x 227 x 125mm |
| Shipping weight | 16lb (head kit), 27lb (with tripod and pier) |
| Model / SKU | Sky-Watcher S20590 (head kit), S20595 (with tripod and pier extension) |