I have both the MSM and Polaris (I was an initial project backer). I use the MSM for very basic tracking, while the Polaris is for more advanced use (including panoramas). The Polaris requires a very strict setup routine, that basically falls into (1) making sure the unit is perfectly leveled and (2) the unit is properly north aligned before you start using it. It is absolutely critical that both are as precise as possible. Your phone is required, but does not have to stay on or connected at all times. You can attach and detach at will, without changing the running tracking. If anyone is interested, here is my routine (it is long)... Benro Polaris Setup: Deploy tripod as stable as possible (lock leg sections, spread legs as far apart as possible, add stone bag and weight to stabilize) Level the tripod base mount as best possible by adjusting leg sections (does not have to be perfect, but as close as you can) Use a tripod leveler (one that permits fine tuning via individual adjusters is preferred over a “bowl” type, as it is much easier to adjust) Fine tune the tripod leveler (use large precision bubble level to verify - one that allows 0.1 degree resolution) Place Polaris on the tripod leveler Calibrate phone compass and GPS (many astro/GPS/compass apps have the ability to help with this) Verify phone compass by use of Sun Surveyor and/or SkEye apps (sun/stars/planets should appear exactly at compass direction indicated by the app and if not, re-perform the previous step) Power up Polaris, start the Polaris app and connect Double tap the joysticks and (re)set the Polaris position to start (Astro plate mount should be level to ground, you may need to double tap the joysticks several times to make absolutely sure it is in the level starting position) Place the large precision bubble level on the Polaris Astro plate and verify perfect level (re-adjust the tripod leveler as needed). Ensure you use a good quality camera plate that sets the camera at 90 degrees to the Astro orientation Place the camera on the Polaris Astro mount. Select Astro mode and follow the compass calibration step Select and goto the object you wish to track Using the camera viewfinder (or live view), ensure the object is dead center (use Polaris joystick fine tuning or manual knobs to adjust as needed, do not rely on the Polaris app view of the sky shown) Once the object is perfectly centered, start tracking Monitor, verify and adjust tracking as needed throughout the session (using Polaris joysticks) Tips: You can manually adjust the alignment either with the app joysticks or, and I prefer, use the knobs manually. I find manual adjustment is much more precise. Buy one or more extra astro (that very short one you forgot) and camera connector cables... standard cables do *not* work and they have special wiring. Any standard USB-C cable can be used for charging.

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Excellent review. Seems like I need a tracker 😊

I don't need a star tracker... well... I didn't think I did... until I watched this video

When you mention the inaccuracy of the Benro Polaris is it about inaccurate polar alignment or star alignment? What you mention sounds more about star alignment, not polar alignment inaccuracy!

I'm aiming for ioptron, because of the possibility to align through the phone. No need to be near the tripod and maybe accidentally make it move by walking.