Smart Telescope Product Overview...

Vaonis Vespera II, Vespera 3 & Vespera Pro 2

The first smart telescope dates back to 2018 when the Vaonis [vye-OH-nis] Stellina was introduced. Later came Vespera—Latin for "evening"—which was branded as "the first ultra-portable smart telescope." Further development led to the release of Vespera II with the promise of delivering "ultra high definition images." Optimized for astrophotography, the top-of-the-line is now the Vespera Pro 2, which replaces the Vespera Pro, and the premium Vespera 3 has been added to the product line.

All three models are 50 mm aperture refractors. The Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 have a 245 mm focal length and f/4.9 focal ratio, whereas it's 250 mm and f/5 for the Vespera II. "Extra low dispersion S-FPL52 equivalent (ULD) lanthanum glass" optics eliminate chromatic aberration and yield high-contrast images at the same time a "refined field corrector" ensures edge-to-edge photographic precision. While an apochromatic quadruplet lens design was used in the Vespera II and Vespera Pro, the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 feature a new optical assembly that consists of a Petzval-inspired "flat-field three-group apochromatic quadruplet design" and are the only Smart Telescopes to include integrated optical baffles to block stray light. The result is slightly faster image acquisition, increased sharpness, higher color contrast and improved performance in light-polluted environments. Each model utilizes a UV-IR filter in the optical path to help with image quality optimization and protection of the sensor.

Only available in the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 is real time image processing that balances signal dynamics by intensifying dim elements and subduing bright objects. A new function, BalENS [BAL-ens], uniformly flattens the background to diminish gradients induced by atmospheric anomalies and light pollution. Unique to the Vespera Pro 2 is the Universal Master Dark. It never needs to be regenerated and is applied during the session to improve image sharpness and detail by reducing digital noise despite temperature, exposure, or gain changes.

An eyepiece is noticeably absent, which is typical for smart telescopes, so the "Singularity by Vaonis" app allows your smartphone or tablet to function as your visual gateway to the cosmos and the telescope control center. The app also allows you to enhance or modify captured images using the integrated SkyColor Studio or download pre-stacked RAW files for post-processing.

A technological advancement called CovalENS [CO-va-lens] captures a wider field of view than its native capability without a corresponding loss of resolution. This exclusive feature, also known as mosaic or panorama mode, is said to eliminate field rotation as it enhances the image and permits custom image framing. Multi-Night Mode saves all parameters—framing, exposure time, gain, and mosaic and stacking progress—which greatly simplifies resumption of the observation each night. Combined, multi-night mosaics can be captured with ease and integration time is unlimited. Use Plan My Night to schedule fully autonomous operation and avoid those late-night sessions.

Promoted as "the first intelligent astronomy companion," LumENS [LOO-mens] is an AI-powered companion built into the Singularity app. Responding to voice and text commands, it answers questions about the celestial object you're viewing or an object in its catalog. Interactions with LumENS are not monitored and when an observation ends or the app is closed, all data is deleted to protect your privacy. Available for Android and iOS, mobile data for Internet access is required.

Automatic functions include plate solving for accurate tracking, live auto-focus and auto-dithering during panorama mode that cancels hot pixels and reduces pattern noise. Other features include manual adjustment of exposure time and sensor gain and the ability to save individual sub-images for manual processing.

From there, the models diverge slightly...

Vespera II & Vespera 3

The image sensor is a Sony IMX585 (color), which is 8.3 megapixels, 3840 x 2160. CovalENS transforms 8.3 into 24 megapixels and the 2.5° x 1.4° field of view increases to 4.33° x 2.43° with a 2.39 arcsecond resolving power.

Vespera Pro 2

The focal length is 5 mm shorter and the focal ratio is f/4.9 instead of f/5 compared to the Vespera Pro. Like its predecessor, the sensor is a Sony IMX676 (color), 12.5 megapixels, 3536 x 3536, which is the highest resolution sensor of any Smart Telescope. But, again, CovalENS up converts 12.5 to 50 megapixels so the 1.6° x 1.6° field of view enlarges to 4.18° x 2.45° with a resolving power of 1.6 arcseconds.

The Vespera II has 25 GB of internal storage, 115 GB of user memory for the Vespera 3 and the Vespera Pro 2 has 225 GB. The display format is JPEG 8 bits, the unit images format is FITS 16 bits and the pre-stacked images format is TIFF 16 bits. Data transfer for the Vespera II is WiFi, but the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 now support 30 MBps transfers using the USB-C port.

They operate over a wide temperature range—down to 32°F—resist rain and snow, and are UV and impact resistant. All have an alt-azimuth mount that uses metal gears rather than plastic for durability and precision. Battery life for the Vespera II is 4 hours and 11 hours—nearly double that of other Smart Telescopes—for the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2.

The warranty for new and previously purchased Vespera II and Pro models has been extended to 3 years and the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 benefit from a 5 year warranty—the longest warranties among Smart Telescopes.

Accessories, such as dual-band, light pollution and solar filters, are optional. The Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 include a pre-installed hygrometer for temperature and dew control and tripod with bubble level. The Vespera Pro 2 is supplied with a darks/dust lens cap and hard case (flycase). The hygrometer and tripod are options for the Vespera II. They are 15.8 in. x 7.9 in. x 3.5 in. (439 cu. in.) and weigh 11 lbs. Specifications are detailed below.

To learn more about the Vaonis Vespera II, Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 and for updated information, visit the Vaonis† website.