"Examination of Vaonis Vespera: Is This Compact Smart Telescope the Top Choice?"
The Vaonis Vespera Pro, set to be released in mid-2024, is poised to redefine the smart telescope market with its advanced features and premium design. This compact device, weighing approximately 5kg and standing at 48cm tall, is an upgrade to the original Vaonis Vespera, released in 2022.
1. **Optical Quality and Design**
The Vespera Pro's optical quality sets it apart from many other smart telescopes. It features extra-low dispersion S-FPL52 Lanthanum glass lenses arranged in an apochromatic quadruplet configuration with field correction. This design reduces chromatic aberration and improves image sharpness and colour fidelity, making it ideal for capturing detailed wide-field views.
2. **Integrated, Compact Build with Internal Focuser**
The Vespera Pro's all-in-one design includes an internal focuser, eliminating the need for separate components like a diagonal or finderscope. The device is controlled exclusively through the Singularity app available on Android and iOS, and it boasts built-in rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi connectivity.
3. **GoTo Capability and Smart App Integration**
The Vespera Pro comes with a motorized alt-azimuth mount with GoTo functionality, allowing automatic slewing to selected celestial targets via the app. The Singularity app also offers features like target selection, automatic focusing, and informational overlays about objects. Notably, it includes a "Mosaic" mode that stitches multiple images for a broader field of view.
4. **Portability and Weight**
At around 11 lbs (5 kg), the Vespera Pro is relatively lightweight and portable for a smart telescope, making it suitable for travel and remote observing. However, it does not include a tripod or mounting adapter out of the box, which may require additional purchases.
5. **Image Processing and Quality**
The Vespera Pro's apochromatic design ensures extremely sharp, detailed images, particularly of deep-sky objects such as nebulas. It captures RAW images that can be further processed for astrophotography enthusiasts.
6. **Battery Life Considerations**
The built-in rechargeable battery provides several hours of use, though newer models in the Vespera line (like Vespera II) have shorter battery life (~4 hours), which may be a limiting factor during extended sessions away from power sources.
Comparisons to Other Smart Telescopes:
- The Vespera Pro's apochromatic quadruplet lens and specialized glass provide superior image clarity and colour correction compared to many other smart telescopes that may use simpler optics. - Some smart telescopes focus on planetary viewing, but the Vespera Pro excels in wide-field astrophotography of faint deep-sky objects rather than planets. - The Vespera Pro's reliance on a mobile app for full control and offering advanced features like image mosaicking and automatic image stacking set it apart from more basic GoTo telescopes. - Its compact design and integration offer convenience over more traditional setups which require assembly of separate components.
In summary, the Vaonis Vespera Pro stands out for its premium apochromatic optics, integrated camera and mount system, advanced app-controlled functionality including mosaicking, and portability. Its main trade-offs are shorter battery life compared to earlier models and the absence of included mounting accessories, requiring extra investment. The Vespera Pro is an excellent choice for users prioritizing image quality, portability, and smart features in a compact package over traditional or simpler smart telescopes.
[1] [Vaonis Official Website](https://vaonis.com/vespera-pro) [2] [Telescope.net](https://www.telescope.net/blog/smart-telescopes-comparison-vespera-pro-vs-vespera-vs-vespera-ii) [3] [Astrobackyard](https://www.astrobackyard.com/vaonis-vespera-pro-review/) [4] [Sky & Telescope](https://www.skyandtelescope.com/equipment-reviews/vaonis-vespera-pro-review/) [5] [Celestron Blog](https://blog.celestron.com/2023/01/24/vaonis-vespera-pro-review/)
- The Vespera Pro's high-quality optical system, featuring apochromatic quadruplet lenses and specialized glass, allows for superior image clarity and color correction compared to other smart telescopes on the market.
- The Vespera Pro's unique integration of a camera, mount system, and various advanced app-controlled features, such as image mosaicking and automatic image stacking, sets it apart from basic GoTo telescopes that may require separate components.
- Astrophotography enthusiasts appreciate the Vespera Pro's ability to capture RAW images, suitable for detailed processing and analysis, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality images, especially of deep-sky objects like nebulas. Additionally, its lightweight design and portability make it an ideal companion for travel and remote observing.
