Ultimate smart telescope showdown

Smart telescopes have been making astrophotography easier than ever since the first one was launched in 2018, the Stellina by Vaonis. Since then, their popularity has been consistently rising, with an increasing number of new models and brands entering the market.

If your not familiar with some of the newer smart telescopes, you might be wondering how much do smart telescopes cost on average compared to a traditional telescope, camera, and mount setup?

Smart telescopes and traditional setups are roughly equivalent. Smart telescopes like the Vaonis Stellina and Unistellar eVscope 2 are all-in-one packages that cost around $4,000-$5,000. It might seem steep for aspiring astronomers who want to get started as quick as possible, but more experienced astronomers and astrophotographers would agree that this price is comparable or equivalent to a mid-range astrophotography setup with all of the different components, one would need to start capturing the dark skies. 

We searched extensively across forums, blogs, and vlogs and found no real cases of professional astronomers entirely replacing their traditional astrophotography setups with smart telescopes so far. However, since 2018, smart telescopes have evolved significantly, becoming leaps and bounds better, and it's exciting to imagine how, in just five years, they could potentially take over and completely replace traditional setups.

There does seem to be a stigma among professional astronomers who are reluctant to embrace smart telescopes, thinking they are only suitable for beginners and cannot achieve professional results. However, this perception is changing as more advanced smart telescope setups improve their capabilities. For instance, many smart telescopes now offer high-resolution imaging and sophisticated tracking features that rival traditional setups. In fact, a significant number of amateur astronomers have reported achieving professional-grade results with smart telescopes, showcasing stunning images of deep-sky objects and planetary details, with little to no skill or experience. This evolution in technology highlights that smart telescopes are not just for novices but are powerful tools that can meet the demands of serious astrophotography.

We conducted a survey on ScopeTrader about smart telescopes, asking respondents if they considered them to be cheating in astrophotography. The survey is still ongoing, and you can participate by clicking here. As of June 2024, the results showed that 76% of respondents said no, it's not cheating, while 13% said they own a smart telescope but still consider it cheating, and only 9% voted yes, it is cheating.

Smart telescope finalists

The ScopeTrader team read through countless journalist reviews and comparisons between smart telescopes. There were a wide spread of results; some having apparent biases towards their top picks, and all shared a common attribute: they are too confusing, too drawn out and hard to read. It was clear that we needed to provide the Astro community with an unbiased and easy-to-follow comparison of all the smart telescopes, that even your grandmother could follow along and comprehend. After compiling data from the brands themselves, journalist reviews, comparisons, and vlogs, we fed that data into our own smart telescope algorithm, to rule out any bias, and help us determine the true winner of ScopeTraders's Ultimate Smart Telescope Showdown.
 

Unistellar eVscope 2

• Price: $4,000 to $5,000
• Key features: Enhanced vision technology, real-time image processing, high-resolution camera, app control, and portability
• Package includes: Tripod, backpack, and eyepiece
• App availability: iOS and Android
   

Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory

• Price: $700 to $900
• Key features: Advanced StarSense technology for precise alignment, remote control via app, high-quality optics, and suitable for all skill levels
• Package includes: Motorized mount, StarSense dock, high-resolution camera, and smartphone adapter
• App availability: iOS and Android

ZWO Seestar S50

• Price: $500
• Key features: Affordable, compact, user-friendly app, solar and deep sky imaging capabilities, and portability
• Package includes: Tripod, USB-C cable, and solar filter
• App availability: iOS and Android
   

Orion StarSeeker IV 150mm GoTo Reflector

• Price: $800 to $1,000
• Features: Automated tracking and alignment, large aperture for deep-sky observation, app control, and comprehensive database of celestial objects
• Package includes: GoTo mount, eyepieces, and finderscope
• App availability: iOS and Android
   

Vaonis Vespera

• Price: $1,500 to $2,500
• Key features: Compact design, automated tracking and alignment, app control, high-quality imaging, and ease of use
• Package includes: Tripod, battery pack, and carrying case
• App availability: iOS and Android
   

DwarfLab DWARF 3

• Price: $459 to $539
• Key features: Portable design, app control, dual-camera system for wide-field and close-up imaging, and suitable for both astrophotography and terrestrial use
• Package includes: Tripod, carrying case, and battery pack
• App availability: iOS and Android
   

Winner winner chicken dinner: Unistellar eVscope 2 takes 1st place

Using our algorithm to compare features, prices, performance, reviews, and comparisons, the Unistellar eVscope 2 emerged as the overall winner by a narrow margin. Its exceptional image quality, ease of use, and innovative technology make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. The eVscope 2's ability to reduce light pollution impact and its portability further enhance its appeal, making it the best all-around smart telescope of 2024. Its enhanced vision technology and real-time image processing provide stunning, high-resolution views of celestial objects, and its user-friendly app control makes it a favorite among both amateur and professional astronomers. This combination of features and performance gives the eVscope 2 a clear edge over the competition.

2nd place: Vaonis Vespera

The Vaonis Vespera is praised for its compact design and ease of use, offering automated tracking and alignment for hassle-free stargazing. Its high-quality imaging capabilities and sleek design make it an excellent choice for those seeking convenience without compromising on performance.

3rd place: Orion StarSeeker IV 150mm GoTo Reflector

The Orion StarSeeker IV 150mm GoTo Reflector stands out with its large aperture, perfect for deep-sky observations. Its automated tracking and comprehensive celestial database ensure that users can easily find and enjoy a wide range of celestial objects.

4th place: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Celestron's StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is ideal for beginners, featuring StarSense technology for easy alignment and app control. Its user-friendly design and affordability make it a great entry point into the world of smart telescopes.

5th place: DwarfLab DWARF 3

The DwarfLab DWARF 3 offers a versatile dual-camera system for both wide-field and close-up imaging, making it suitable for astrophotography and terrestrial use. Its portable design and app control make it a convenient choice for on-the-go stargazing.

Honorable mention: ZWO Seestar S50

The ZWO Seestar S50 is a budget-friendly option that provides great value with its compact design and user-friendly app. While it may not have the highest resolution, it excels in ease of use and affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners.