Two Top-Tier Stargazing Devices Compared: Unistellar eVscope 2 and Vaonis Vespera 2 - Choose Your Cosmic Companion Wisely
In the realm of smart telescopes, two premium models have captured the attention of stargazers worldwide: the Unistellar eVscope 2 and the Vaonis Vespera II. These devices, while sharing some similarities, boast distinct features, specifications, and pricing that set them apart.
The Unistellar eVscope 2, a premium smart telescope from French manufacturer Unistellar, retails at around $4,899. It boasts a 7.7 MP resolution camera using a Sony IMX347 sensor and a pixel size of 2.9 μm. The device features a 114 mm (4.5 inch) aperture, 450 mm focal length, and an f/3.9 focal ratio, offering a field of view of 0.57° x 0.76°. The eVscope 2 is heavier, weighing 8.9 kg (19.8 lb), and has dimensions of 23 x 19 x 65 (H x W x L in cm). It was released in 2022 and is featured in numerous publications, including Amateur Astrophotography, Forbes, the Guardian, DIY Photography, PetaPixel, and Digital Camera World.
On the other hand, the Vaonis Vespera 2, a compact, premium smart telescope from French manufacturer Vaonis, is significantly more affordable, costing approximately $1,590. It comes with an 8.3 MP resolution camera using a Sony IMX585 sensor and a pixel size of 2.9 μm. The Vespera 2 has a 50 mm (2 inch) aperture, 250 mm focal length, an f/5 focal ratio, and a field of view of 2.5° x 1.4°. The device weighs 5 kg (11 lb) and has dimensions of 48 x 20 x 9 (H x W x L in cm). It was released in 2024.
One key difference between the two lies in their portability. The Vaonis Vespera 2 is more compact and portable, while the Unistellar eVscope 2 is larger and heavier. Another significant difference is in the battery life. The eVscope 2 offers up to 9 hours of imaging, while the Vespera 2 lasts around 4 hours, which may limit long sessions without external power.
The Unistellar eVscope 2 requires manual collimation and assembling on a fixed tripod, while the Vaonis Vespera 2 is self-focusing and has easy filter changes. The eVscope 2 also offers longer imaging session capabilities, but the Vespera 2's sensor is more sensitive, and it has advanced image stacking and filtering options.
In terms of image quality, the eVscope 2 produces excellent images, though slightly less detailed compared to the Vespera 2. The Vespera 2, however, excels in nebulas and deep space imaging, particularly in urban or light-polluted areas. The Vespera 2 also has a wider field of view and a slightly higher resolution camera than the eVscope 2.
In conclusion, the Vaonis Vespera 2 is ideal for beginners or urban stargazers wanting high-quality images at a lower price and better portability, with a battery life of about 4 hours. The Unistellar eVscope 2, while much more expensive, is suited for serious amateurs who need longer sessions and larger aperture, despite the higher cost and less portability.
[1] https://www.vaonis.com/vespera-ii [3] https://www.unistellaroptics.com/products/evscope2 [5] https://www.unistellaroptics.com/products/evscope2-specs
- The Unistellar eVscope 2 and the Vaonis Vespera II, both premium smart telescopes in the space-and-astronomy gadgets market, offer distinct features and pricing.
- The Unistellar eVscope 2, priced at around $4,899, boasts a 7.7 MP resolution camera and a larger 114 mm aperture, while the Vaonis Vespera II, priced at approximately $1,590, has a 50 mm aperture and a more sensitive 8.3 MP sensor.
- Interestingly, the Vaonis Vespera II, with its compact design and self-focusing capabilities, is more portable than the heavier Unistellar eVscope 2. However, the eVscope 2 offers longer imaging sessions due to its extended battery life.
- In terms of astrophotography, the Vaonis Vespera 2 excels in nebulas and deep space imaging, even in light-polluted urban environments, thanks to its advanced image stacking and filtering options. The Unistellar eVscope 2, on the other hand, produces excellent images, albeit slightly less detailed compared to the Vespera 2.
