Introduction
Choosing between two similar products can be difficult. This is the case when you’re choosing between ipolar and polemaster. They’re the kind of products for which you’ll need every last detail before choosing one.
So, what is the basic difference between ipolar vs polemaster?
Firstly, ipolar costs $220 whereas polemaster costs $269. But polemaster has a much wider field of view than the ipolar. Then ipolar has 13 degrees of field of view but polemaster has 11×8 degrees. This makes the polemaster’s field of view better. Polemaster also has slightly more accurate images than the ipolar. However, ipolar is much easier to use.
Are you still confused? You don’t need to be. We’ve broken down each difference to declare a clear winner.
So, spare a few minutes and read our article. It’ll clear out all your confusion.
Ipolar vs Polemaster- Basic Difference
Ipolar and polemaster both are little cameras you attach to your mount’s polar finder. This helps to find flawless polar alignment.
Now, to choose one from these two you’d first need to know the basic differences. It’s the same for bipolar 10×50 and 12×50 too.
So, let’s find out what these basic differences are between the two cameras-
| Aspects | Ipolar | Polemaster |
| Price | $220 | $269 |
| Field of View | 13 degrees | 11×8 degrees |
| Accuracy | Average | Excellent |
| Easy to Use | Very easy | Somewhat easy |
| Software | ipolar software | QHYCCD PoleMaster Calibration Software |
Are you still confused? Not to worry. We have all the information in detail in the next section.
Ipolar vs Polemaster- Detailed Comparison
When dealing with similar products, a little difference can be worth a lot of money. That’s why you need the full picture. Just like how you look for every detail when searching for the difference pvs7 and pvs 14. This is the same case for ipolar and polemaster.
So, let’s see the detailed differences between ipolar vs polemaster.
Price
Ipolar and polemaster both have the same type of pricing. With that being said, polemaster has a slightly higher price than ipolar. Ipolar costs around $220, whereas the polemaster costs around $269.
So, in terms of pricing, the ipolar is the winner. However, it’s not a big gap. So, we don’t think the price will be a big factor.
Field of View
The ipolar has a field of view of 13 degrees. On the other hand, the polemaster has a field of view of 11×8 degrees.
As you can see, both of these devices have a good field of view. This is why you won’t need to move your mount during the polar alignment.
However, the polemaster has a wide-angle view which the ipolar doesn’t have. The polar alignment is easy to find thanks to the large field of view of 11×8 degrees.
Polemaster also doesn’t need a three-star polar alignment anymore. You will only need to do one-star alignment. This can be a huge time saver.
However, the ipolar also has some characteristics that make it unique. For polar alignment, you wouldn’t even need to see the pole star in ipolar. Not only this, the ipolar can work globally. What this means is you don’t need to set the hemisphere to use it.
So, there’s no clear winner here. Both of these products have some unique qualities. Thus, it’s up to you. Which one do you prefer?
Accuracy
When you look for the top-quality eyepieces for dobsonian, you first want to know their accuracy. In the same way, you’ll want to know the accuracy of these two products.
The ipolar has a unique image enhancement quality that makes the alignment more accurate. The ipolar has a resolution of 30 arcsec. This makes its images sharper.
However, the polemaster can attain accuracy that is impossible to accomplish with the bare eye. PoleMaster’s image camera also has a 30 arc second resolution.
You can use a single-axis mount on the polemaster. This will offer excellent polar alignment and will reduce DEC axis drift. This will help your mount perform at its best.
Although both of these products have almost similar accuracy, polemaster is slightly better.
It’s not like the polemaster is way better than the ipolar. But if you count it down to every last pixel, you might see the difference. Otherwise, it’ll look the same to you.
Easy to Use
The ipolar is compatible with almost all types of mounts. However, the polemaster is only compatible with a handful of mounts.
We have recommended some mounts that can be used for both ipolar and polemaster-
| iPolar | |
| Polemaster |
If you like any one of them, feel free to use them.
Furthermore, the ipolar software can be used for windows 7,8,10, vista. The polemaster software can be used only for windows 7-10.
You can use the ipolar on poor sky conditions as well. However, it’s impossible to use the polemaster under bad sky conditions.
The ipolar uses a ipolar software. On the other hand, the polemaster uses a QHYCCD PoleMaster Calibration Software.
Both devices can be connected through USB 2.0 cables. Both this software are easy to use. All you’ll need to do is download the driver and install it. You’ll be good to go.
So, it can be said that the ipolar is easier to use than the polemaster.
But whichever one you choose, make sure to know how to polar align during the day and night. This will help if you’re a beginner.
Final Verdict
Both of these products are so similar that it’s hard to call one a clear winner. It’ll most likely come down to personal preferences when you decide which one to buy.
If you’re someone for whom every pixel counts, go for the polemaster. However, if you need something that’s easy to use, go for the ipolar.
FAQs
Question: Does ipolar work with iPad?
Answer: Ipolar is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. iPolar was created to create precise polars for cruising ships.
Question: How to set up the polemaster?
Answer: In the front of your mount polar scope, place the polemaster base mount adapter. Tighten the inner screw with a hex screw. The rapid install plate should then be inserted into the mount adapter. Finally, tighten the thumbscrews and double-check that the quick-install plate is in place.
Question: Where is the iOptron ipolar made?
Answer: IOptron ipolar is made in China. But their headquarters are situated in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA.
Final Word
Now you know the basic differences between ipolar vs polemaster. So, you already know which one you want to purchase. However, we suggest that you try them on before actually purchasing them.
Good Luck.
iOptron iPolar Electronic Polar Scope (3339)
