WandererRotator Mini V2: Tiny but Mighty Field Rotator
Weighing only 420g, the WandererRotator Mini V2 boasts an impressive payload capacity of up to 10kg.
The professional Zero Tilt M54 Motorized Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA), WandererRotator Mini V2 emerges as a noteworthy astrophotography gear, offering an extra level of control and automation whilst taking photos of the deep space. With a dedicated software and ASCOM compatibility, this camera rotator aims to join a small pool of field rotators that are currently available in the market. So it is exciting to see that there are more options available.
With a 10mm thickness and a weight of just 420g, WandererRotator Mini V2 stands as the thinnest and lightest rotator on the market.
What is a Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA)?
CAA or camera field rotator, is a tool that sits between your camera and telescope and it alows you to change the rotation of your camera agnle precisely as you wish, so you can frame your astro image exactly as you like. It is designed to provide ultimate automation, so you don’t have to go outside and manually turn the field rotator on your telescope to achieve the perfect framing. It is particularly useful for those who have a remote astrophotography setup and wish to introduce another leyer of automation and remote access to their equipment.
A camera angle rotator is also extremely handy when it comes to setting up a series of targets to photograph one after another with different framing throughout the night. Thanks to plate solving, a CAA can frame each target exactly as intended in a completely automated workflow.
Design and Build
The WandererRotator Mini V2 boasts a sleek, ultra-low-profile design, measuring just 10mm in thickness. This makes it an excellent choice for setups where backfocus is limited. Despite its slim profile, it doesn't compromise on strength, supporting payloads up to 10kg with a centre of gravity 10cm away from the rotator.
Thanks to its patented rotating structure, WandererRotator ensures collimation at any angle, with no tilt.
Performance and Compatibility
Speed and precision are at the heart of the Mini V2's performance. It uses a patented magnetic mechanical rotation structure, which ensures zero tilt during operation. That is a critical factor in maintaining optical alignment. Despite its slim profile, it delivers outstanding rigidity and precision, making it ideal for demanding astrophotography setups.
Compatibility is another strong suit. The Mini V2 is ASCOM and INDI compatible, allowing seamless integration with popular astrophotography software like N.I.N.A. Its support for field de-rotation is particularly beneficial for users of alt-azimuth mounts and Dobsonian telescopes.
WandererRotator Mini V2 VS. ZWO CAA
ZWO CAA and WandererRotator Mini V2 share a lot of similarities and a few significant differences!
When comparing the WandererRotator Mini V2 to the ZWO Camera Angle Adjuster, it’s worth poitning out several differences:
Thickness and Profile: The Mini V2's 10mm thickness offers a more compact solution compared to the ZWO CAA's 16.5mm, making WandererRotator more suitable for setups with tight backfocus constraints. That is especially significant if you are using a filter wheel and off-axis guiding.
Weight: The WandererRotator Mini V2 comes at only 420g, compared to the ZWO CAA that wights 465g.
Payload Capacity: The Mini V2's design ensures zero flexure, providing added stability for heavier imaging trains. It spayload capacity is considerably higher at 10kg compared the 4kg that ZWO CAA offers.
Rotation Precision: The Mini V2 offers a higher rotation speed and finer angular resolution.
Power Supply: The inclusion of a 12V power input in the Mini V2 addresses power stability concerns, whereas the ZWO CAA relies on USB power.
Hand Controler: The ZWO also offers an optional hand controler that is also used with ZWO’s eletronic auto focusers.
Price: The thinness and heavier payload of the WandererRotator Mini V2 come at a price. Retailing at 399 USD, it is 100USD more expensive than it’s ZWO competitor.
| Feature | WandererRotator Mini V2 | ZWO Camera Angle Rotator |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 420g | 465g |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 10kg | ~5kg |
| Control Software | Wanderer Empire V2 | ASIStudio & ZWO ASIAIR |
| Rotation Precision | 0.005° per Step | 0.02° per Step |
| Rotation Speed | 4.5°/second | 7.5°/second |
| Optional Accessories | N/A | EAF Controller |
| Power Requirements | 12V DC + UCS-C | USB-C |
| Price | $399 | $299 |
While the ZWO CAA integrates seamlessly within the ZWO ecosystem, especially for users of ASIAIR, the WandererRotator Mini V2 offers broader compatibility for a wide range of astrophotography equipment. It is worth mentioning that both Camera Angle Adjustors are very capable and perform impressively.
WandererRotator Lineup
WandererRotator Mini V2, WandererRotator Lite V2, WandererRotator Pro V2
For this review, we have been testing the Mini model (the smaller one on the left in the photo above) which offers a M54 thread. That means that the rotator would most probably be fitted between the camera and the field reducer/flattener. The Lite version (M68) and Pro (M92) are especifically designed to be fitted between the telescope and the field reducer/flattener. That provides a huge advantange, meaning that when the rotator is moving, the field reducer/flattener is also moving with it, making the process of taking flat frames so much easier.
Things we love about Wanderer Rotator Lite V2:
WandererEmpire 2 is a dedicated software that gives you full control of your WandererAstro devices
Compact, slim, and lightweight, yet robust.
No compromises in build quality.
Great software design and control, thanks to the dedicated software, Wanderer Empire V2.
Quiet operation.
Things we would like to see improved:
No male-to-male adapter included.
It would be great to see a more affordable product in the future.
Final Thoughts
The WandererRotator Mini V2 stands out as a robust, precise, and compact camera rotator—, ideal for astrophotographers who seek high performance without compromising on space or stability. Its thoughtful design and compatibility make it a valuable and reliable addition to any imaging setup.
Credit: Steven "Nøkk" Song
About WandererAstro
WandererAstro is a Chinese astrophotography equipment manufacturer founded by aerospace engineer and passionate astrophotographer Frank Wang. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the field (having started astrophotography at the age of 12), Frank has become one of the most accomplished astrophotographers in China.
In 2019, frustrated by the lack of accessible motorised accessories like flat panels and camera rotators in the domestic market, Frank began designing and building his own. What began as a personal solution quickly drew the attention of fellow astrophotographers, sparking the idea for a dedicated company.
WandererAstro was officially established in 2021, becoming the first Chinese brand focused on developing advanced astrophotography accessories such as electronic rotators, motorised flat panels, and power distribution boxes.
Today, WandererAstro is one of the leading names in astrophotography in China, known for its innovation, precision engineering, and commitment to making high-performance gear more accessible to astrophotographers around the world.
The following photos were captured using the WandererAstro Mini V2:
