The new Vaonis Vespera is billed as a small yet powerful observation station. This clever device is a telescope/camera hybrid that puts a fresh twist on the art of astronomy. French company Vaonis gained renown for its Stellina, which aimed to take on today's best telescopes with its smart stargazing capability. While undoubtedly impressive (check out our Vaonis Stellina review for a closer look. We rate it amongst the very best telescopes for beginners, but at 3999€, it's really only for the ultra-keen or financially blessed astronomer.
The Vaonis Vespera is both more compact – it weighs less than 5kg (10lbs), and is apparently the smallest smart telescope in the world – and much more affordable. At 1499€ it's less than half the price of the Stellina, and in the same range as the fanciest smartphones. The brand showed off this new addition to the range at last week's CES 2022, and it's currently available to preorder, with delivery predicted for Spring 2022. The name means 'evening' in Latin.
Instead of using a traditional eyepiece, the Vespera links up to a smartphone or tablet, from which it'll guide you to interesting parts of the night sky. You select the stars you're in the mood to gaze upon – be that the moon, nearby nebulae or entire galaxies – and the telescope will find and photograph them. This opens up fun social possibilities too: you can record images to share with friends or on social media.
Newbies will also appreciate the chance to fast-track through the adjustment process (figuring out how to set up a telescope to view the night sky is a skill in itself), with the Vespera handling all that automatically via its mobile app.
“Our first revolution, Stellina, has been a worldwide success since the first year of its launch,” says Vaonis founder Cyril Dupuy. "With Vespera, we have brought all the technology embedded in Stellina within everyone's reach." Find out more on the Vaonis website.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
5 gadgets you need for your fastpacking adventure, according to an outdoor expert
If you aren't taking these out for a fastpack, then it's time too!
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
What's fastpacking: the adventure sport that lets you go further, faster, and lighter on the trails
Trail running meets backpacking for one epic adventure
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Shell review: the most waterproof (and shiny) jacket I’ve ever worn
It might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Olpro Stafford 2.0 review: 2-person backpacking tent made from plastic bottles
Good for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: Smart bone conduction headphones with enhanced bass
Shokz's headphones changed my opinion about running while listening to music, and now I struggle to go out without them
By Pat Kinsella Published
-
Is this Adidas’ next record-breaking running shoe?
With new technology and stiff competition, Adidas’ latest racing shoe aims to leave rivals in the dust
By Matt Kollat Published
-
AKASO Seemor 200 night vision goggles review: unparalleled clarity for nighttime adventures
AKASO’s new NVD unlocks the night with cutting-edge colour vision technology
By Derek Adams Published
-
Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily review: from gravel to groceries, this ebike can do it all
One bike for every occasion, Canyon’s Grizl:ON CF Daily is a versatile steed that just rolls with it, from getting you to and from work to exploring trails on weekends
By Pat Kinsella Published