Smart telescopes

What is a smart telescope?

A smart telescope combines a telescope, camera, and computer into a single device. You control it with your phone, it auto-aligns itself, and it automatically takes pictures of nebulae, galaxies, and the moon. Everything that takes hours with classic astrophotography is done automatically by a smart scope.

This works automatically with two techniques. Plate solvingThe telescope photographs the starry sky, recognizes the star field, and thus knows exactly where to point. Live StackingHe makes dozens of short recordings one after another and layers them live, making noise disappear and the colors of distant nebulae appear on your screen. Precisely because of this, a smart scope also performs surprisingly well from a city garden with light pollution.

To be fair: a smart telescope isn't the best choice for planets. The focal lengths are short, so Jupiter and Saturn remain small. If you mainly want to see planets, look for a classic Dobson telescope.

Which smart telescope suits you?

• Down payment (up to approx. €400): DWARF Mini of the ZWO Seestar S30. Compact, lightweight, and surprisingly capable. The Mini literally fits in your jacket pocket and can also be used as a digital spotting scope for birds and wildlife during the day. Perfect for discovering if this hobby suits you.
• Mid-range (approx. €400 to €700): ZWO Seestar S30 Pro or DWARF 3. The S30 Pro is the newest of the bunch, with a four-lens apochromatic objective that provides sharper images than anything in its price range. The DWARF 3 is the versatile all-rounder for night and day.
• Higher segment (from approx. €1,500): Vaonis Vespera II on Vespera III. French design, higher sensor resolution, and the most beautiful image from a compact housing. The Vespera III is the top model for those who want to get the most out of deep-sky.

The ZWO Seestar S50 is no longer available. If you are looking for a replacement or are unsure which successor to choose, our comparison articles in the knowledge center can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see planets with a smart telescope?
Limited. The moon looks great, but planets remain small. For planets, a classic long focal length telescope is the better choice.

Do I need internet in the field?
No. The telescope creates its own Wi-Fi network that your phone connects to. Everything works fine even at a remote campsite or in the mountains.

Can I look at the sun?
Yes, but exclusively with a certified solar filter for your model. Without a filter, the image sensor will be irreparably damaged.

Smart telescope or classic telescope?
Do you want to look through an eyepiece yourself and experience the real photon moment? Choose classic. Do you want to take and share photos without a learning curve? Choose smart. Still unsure about your first telescope? Read our Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners.