Benro Polaris

• The Benro Polaris Timelapse Head is a 2-axis tripod designed for creating dynamic time-lapse videos, panoramas, and automated exposure adjustments. It’s focused on motion and precise framing for creative outdoor shots, making it ideal for landscape and travel photographers.
• In contrast, the Benro Polaris Astro Module upgrades the Timelapse Head with a 3-axis star-tracking capability, allowing photographers to capture sharp images of celestial objects like stars, planets, and the Milky Way. The Astro Module features advanced sensors, including GPS, accelerometers, and a compass, to accurately track the movement of celestial objects without the need for manual alignment, making it perfect for astrophotography enthusiasts.
• Essentially, the Timelapse Head is tailored for those interested in ground-based photography and video projects, while the Astro Module is an enhancement for those who want to delve into astronomy and capture the night sky with greater precision.

No, you do not have to perform a traditional polar alignment with the Benro Polaris 3-Axis Astro Edition. Instead, it uses a combination of advanced built-in sensors such as GPS, an accelerometer, and an electric compass to determine its orientation. This allows the device to calculate the rotation of the polar axis automatically.

For accurate star tracking, the setup involves using the Polaris app for a one-star alignment process, where you select a star from the app’s database, and the device will align itself accordingly. This simplified method makes it easier to set up than traditional equatorial mounts, which require a more detailed polar alignment process. This technology is specifically designed to streamline astrophotography by eliminating the need for manual polar scope adjustments.

The Benro Polaris supports a wide range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It connects to cameras via USB-C, Mini-USB, or Micro-USB, allowing users to control camera settings remotely. Compatibility depends on the specific camera model, but most major brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm are supported. This ensures versatility for photographers using different equipment.

The Benro Polaris Astro Edition boasts precision tracking capabilities, with an accuracy of up to 0.01 degrees (36 arc seconds). This level of precision is ideal for long-exposure astrophotography, allowing for clear images of stars without trails. It's particularly effective for wide-field night sky panoramas and targets like the Milky Way.

Yes, the Benro Polaris is designed to support camera rigs up to 7 kg (15 lbs). This payload capacity makes it suitable for heavier DSLR and mirrorless cameras with long lenses, providing stability and reliability even in challenging shooting conditions. However, users are advised not to exceed the weight limit for optimal performance.

The Benro Polaris offers several built-in modes to simplify complex photography tasks, including Panorama, Motion Timelapse, Focus Stacking, and Star Tracking. These modes can be controlled via the dedicated Polaris app, which allows photographers to adjust camera settings, preview shots, and manage the tripod head remotely.

The Benro Polaris is designed for rugged outdoor conditions. It’s constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy and stainless steel, with an IPX6 water resistance rating. This means it can handle rain, splashes, and dust, making it reliable for outdoor shoots in various environments, from mountain landscapes to coastal photography.