Benro Polaris questions

[jgarnold]

I recently purchased a Benro Polaris head, but the lack of documentation has me wondering if it will do what I want for regular panoramas and star tracking.



I’m interested in running the Polaris in a minimal configuration. In panorama mode, I only want the Polaris to move the head and trigger the camera through the shutter release port. I’ve heard that the Polaris stitches the panorama together inside of the unit, but I absolutely want to be able to disable this feature. Not interested in doing tethered USB shooting and having the images stored on the Polaris SD card. I want to set up my Fuji camera for exposure bracketing (for example five shots at -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 stop exposure) and have the Polaris trigger all five shots (with a programmable delay between shots), move the head, and take five more shots. Is this possible or does the Polaris app try to exert too much control over the process?

In star tracking mode, all I want the Polaris to do is track the selected object (unless I’m doing a sky panorama). I want full control over the camera and when it takes shots (no wired connection between the camera and Polaris at all).

JGA

 

[jgarnold]

I guess it’s not possible to use star tracking mode without any connection between the camera and Polaris because I think that the app requires a live view through the USB connection in order to do alignment. Is it possible to use the HDMI ports on the camera and Polaris to send a live view to the app? Not sure if the HDMI port on the Polaris is an input or output.

JGA

 

[jlg84]

I think you have no choice but to let the Polaris do its thing, but you don't have to use its stitched panorama (I never do).

 

[jgarnold]

I read today that people with unsupported cameras do exactly what I proposed... they simply connect a 2.5mm shutter release cable between the camera and Polaris, and then put the app into non-USB mode. Other people have successfully connected the HDMI ports together to get a live view in the app, but the camera's HDMI output must be set to 1080p.

I haven't tried any of this yet because waiting for the cables to be delivered.

JGA

 

[jgarnold]

I received the HDMI cable and here's what I've learned so far using a Fujifilm X-H2 camera and Android phone...

-On the Polaris app settings screen, change the WiFi mode from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. This vastly improves the lag of the live view from the camera.

-Set the HDMI output resolution in the camera to 1080p. The frame rate doesn't appear to matter very much. 24, 30, and 60 frames per second give similar results as far as lag goes.

-Click on the small USB connector icon on the main screen of the app. Change USB mode to SHUTTER mode and enable HDMI live view. Unfortunately, these options are not saved when you exit the app, so you have to do it every time.

Using a 2.5mm shutter release cable and an HDMI cable for the live view appears to be superior to trying to do everything over USB (especially if you have an unsupported camera). I don't want to operate in USB "tethered mode" which stores the images on the Polaris micro SD card (and by default stores nothing on the camera's cards unless you use a special Fuji app to change this behavior). You also maintain full control over the camera from the camera itself and the LCD display works normally as well.

JGA

 

[iho]

In star tracking mode, all I want the Polaris to do is track the selected object (unless I’m doing a sky panorama). I want full control over the camera and when it takes shots (no wired connection between the camera and Polaris at all).

Yes, you can do that.

i didn't link my Canon R6 with the Benor Polaris too.

Just connect your phone with it and do all the calibration when the app ask for the alignement just center the star with the center of your screen and in the same time focus with your camera or manually with the lens.

 

[caver101]

I recently purchased a Benro Polaris head, but the lack of documentation has me wondering if it will do what I want for regular panoramas and star tracking.

I’m interested in running the Polaris in a minimal configuration. In panorama mode, I only want the Polaris to move the head and trigger the camera through the shutter release port.

I am very pleased with the Polaris for regular panoramas; there are a couple of mine at https://speleotrove.com/gallery/Kenilworth_Castle.html -- the device easily creates panoramas up to JPEG limits (and probably far beyond .. I haven't decided whether that is worthwhile, yet).

Here https://speleotrove.com/gallery/Benro_Polaris_notes.html are my notes (which include a link to my checklist which should save time for most people). I do wish Benro would update their 'compatibility list', however! Or even better, document which USB protocol is needed/supported by the Polaris.

Mike Cowlishaw

Mike Cowlishaw