Smart telescopes have opened a new, accessible avenue for newcomers to astronomy, providing an all-in-one platform for capturing those first stellar photons.
The Vaonis Vespera Pro is the latest model in the Vespera line and builds on the features of its predecessor, the Vespera II.
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While the aperture and focal length are the same, the Vespera Pro boasts the larger Sony IMX676 colour sensor, which offers 12.5MP resolution versus the Vespera II’s 8.3MP.
The pixel size of 2µm means a sampling rate of 1.6 arcseconds per pixel, which is perfect for average seeing conditions, so we were keen to see what details we could capture.
Unboxing and setting up
We received the Cosmic Bundle, which meant that in addition to the hard case and tripod that come as standard, we also received a Vaonis dual-band filter and CLS light-pollution filter.
Vaonis also sent us its solar filter, which does not come as part of the Cosmic Bundle but can be purchased separately.
The Vespera Pro’s design couldn’t be simpler: a single button and port on a sleek white unit.
Once we’d assembled the tripod and screwed it into the unit’s base, we downloaded the Singularity app (available for iOS and Android) and were ready to go.
Vespera Pro's solar filter
The summer days didn’t disappoint and we were soon granted an opportunity to use the solar filter.
Bringing the Sun into the Vespera Pro’s field of view was easy: after opening the arm, we selected Solar Mode in the app and popped the filter on before following prompts to level and aim the Vespera Pro.
It then effortlessly slewed to and centred our nearest star and we captured some lovely sunspot details.
At the time of review, via the app we could only save solar images as JPEGs; for solar and lunar imaging, TIFF files weren’t available during our review.
We felt this would be beneficial when it comes to stacking in processing software. We’d love to see video imaging as an option in future, to really boost details.
The Moon and deep sky
Our first clear night fell on a near-full Moon, providing a chance to test the Vespera Pro’s lunar imaging.
After opening the arm, we selected ‘Initialise’, which is the telescope’s orientation and autofocus routine.
This takes a little under five minutes to complete, after which we could scout the skies.
We selected the bright Moon and took a few snaps. While the autofocused results were crisp and clear, video and TIFF options would again be beneficial.
Next we tested it on the North America Nebula, NGC 7000, without a filter.
Using default settings, we started our imaging session and enjoyed seeing the target quickly come to life via the app’s live-stacking screen.
Over the course of 75 minutes – the kind of session where dew can easily creep in – the Vespera Pro’s integrated dew sensor and heater quietly kept the optics clear.
We saved the stacked image as a TIFF and soon opened it in Photoshop. We were seriously impressed with the clean, low-noise image, which made making our processing tweaks a breeze.
A second clear night soon beckoned and this time we clipped on the dual-band filter. The app instantly detected it, initialising and focusing without any issues.
Our target of choice was the Soul Nebula, IC 1848, for which we experimented with the camera settings in the app’s Expert Mode.
The Vespera Pro slewed effortlessly to our target and started its imaging run.
Again, we loved seeing it gradually take shape on the app’s live-stacking screen, despite being a much fainter object.
We barely managed 90 minutes on this target due to unforeseen cloud, but even so were delighted when reviewing the data in Photoshop.
Towards the end of our time with the Vespera Pro, we had discovered a new enthusiasm for ad hoc, unplanned imaging sessions, knowing that we were able to quickly take advantage of even an hour’s clear skies.
How the Vespera Pro performed
The Vaonis Vespera Pro has been incredibly well designed for deep-sky photography.
While we’d welcome a video option for lunar and solar images, we were too busy having fun capturing fainter and fuzzier objects to mind.
It produces clean imaging results that make additional post-processing a pleasure.
Whether you’re chasing nebulae on a summer night or capturing galaxies in the darker seasons, this smart scope feels built to keep delivering every time you set it up.
Using Vespera Pro Singularity app
Everything about the Vaonis Vespera Pro is designed to demystify astrophotography yet return exceptional imaging results that are worthy of more complex setups.
At its heart is Vaonis’s Singularity app, which works smoothly with the smart telescope.
It takes five minutes from switch on to begin capturing a target.
Singularity’s Explorer feature is incredibly intuitive, allowing you to instantly see which targets are visible from your location.
Simply choose an object and select ‘Observe’, or pick ‘Advanced’ to specify a particular region.
The ‘Plan my Night’ function lets you to organise your imaging session in advance and provides the times and visibility of targets, so you can prepare to capture multiple objects.
It even provides recommended observation times for your selections, so you can be sure you’re using every minute of clear sky.
For deep-sky objects, there are plenty of options as you gain confidence and broaden your imaging horizons.
Expert Mode allows control over the camera settings, while there’s also a Mosaic option for larger targets.
Vespera Pro 5 best features
Sensor
The integrated 1/1.6-inch Sony IMX676 colour sensor delivers 12.5MP resolution. To give this a further boost, Vaonis has incorporated five patented technologies called embedded new solutions (ENS), which enhance image signal, resolution, colour and sharpness. The noise-free, clean results were impressive.
Filters
The Vaonis Cosmic Bundle includes two filters which easily click onto the Vespera Pro’s lens. The CLS light-pollution filter is an excellent option for those living in urban areas or close to invasive streetlights, while the dual-band filter is perfect for capturing emission nebulae, isolating Ha and OIII wavelengths for greater detail.
USB-C port
The only port on the Vespera Pro’s sleek design is for a USB-C cable to recharge the telescope’s internal battery when connected to mains power. A charging cable isn’t included, but the 11 hours of battery life is more than enough to cover most imaging sessions.
Tripod
The carbon-fibre, adjustable tripod is impressively sturdy, despite its petite size. Throughout our time with it, we didn’t feel the need to swap this for a standard photography version. If you’re taking this scope on the road, the tripod can also be fully disassembled and packed into the hard case.
Carry case
A robust hard carry case is included to provide ample protection for the Vespera Pro, its tripod and accessories in transit, while a padlock is provided for extra safekeeping. The protective sleeve also ensures the unit is kept free from scratches, and a click-on dust cap keeps the lens clean.
Key specs
- Price: £3,089 Cosmic Bundle with filters; €2,490 basic package with tripod
- Optics: Quadruplet apochromatic refractor
- Aperture: 50mm
- Focal length: 250mm
- Sensor: Sony IMX676
- Mount: Motorised altaz Go-To
- Storage: 225GB built-in
- Ports: USB-C, Wi-Fi
- App control: Vaonis Singularity
- Extras: Cloth bag, CLS filter, dual-band filter, lens cap, hard case
- Weight: 5kg
- Supplier: Vaonis
- Tel: +33 4 84 98 00 21
This review appeared in the November 2025 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
