Comparison of Key Advantages and Disadvantages: Vaonis Vespera II vs Seestar S50
By Anthony Robinson, Founder and Owner of Skies & Scopes
In the world of smart telescopes, two models have been generating a lot of buzz — the ZWO Seestar S50 and the Vaonis Vespera II. Both offer unique features, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
The Budget-Friendly ZWO Seestar S50
The ZWO Seestar S50, a budget-friendly option, is an ideal choice for those looking for their first smart telescope for solar and lunar imaging. With a 2-megapixel Sony IMX462 sensor, it provides clear images suitable for beginners or those with budget constraints.
The Seestar S50 is a compact smart scope, weighing approximately 2.5 kg, making it lighter and more portable than its counterpart. It comes with a tripod, adding to its portability.
With a field of view of about 1.8° x 1.0°, the Seestar S50 offers a smaller field of view compared to the Vaonis Vespera II. However, it is more than sufficient for entry-level astrophotography.
You can purchase the ZWO Seestar S50 from the ZWO/SeeStar official website for $499.
The Premium Pick: Vaonis Vespera II
The Vaonis Vespera II, a premium smart telescope, excels in camera resolution and field of view. It sports an 8.3-megapixel Sony IMX585 sensor, which can reach up to 24 megapixels with CovalENS technology, producing high-resolution images.
The Vespera II offers a native field of view of 2.5° x 1.4°, expandable to 4.33° x 2.43° with CovalENS. This wider field of view allows for the capture of larger images, thanks to its mosaic mode.
However, the Vespera II is physically larger and heavier than the Seestar S50, with dimensions of 48 x 20 x 9 cm and a weight of about 5 kg. Despite its premium features, it is priced at about $1,590.
The Vaonis Vespera II can be bought on Amazon.
A Comparison at a Glance
Here's a quick comparison of the key differences between the ZWO Seestar S50 and the Vaonis Vespera II:
| Feature | ZWO Seestar S50 | Vaonis Vespera II | |---------|-----------------|-------------------| | Camera Resolution | 2 MP | 8.3 MP (expandable to 24 MP) | | Field of View | 1.8° x 1.0° | 2.5° x 1.4° (expandable to 4.33° x 2.43°) | | Size | Compact, dimensions not specified | Larger, 48 x 20 x 9 cm | | Weight | 2.5 kg | 5 kg | | Price | $499 | $1,590 |
Both the ZWO Seestar S50 and the Vaonis Vespera II have their own product pages on their respective official websites, offering more detailed specifications and features. For comprehensive reviews and comparisons, you can refer to this article and this comparison.
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- The ZWO Seestar S50, an entry-level smart telescope, features a 2-megapixel Sony IMX462 sensor, suitable for beginners or those with budget constraints, providing clear images for solar and lunar imaging.
- The compact and portable ZWO Seestar S50, weighing around 2.5 kg, is more accessible for amateurs with its light weight and affordability compared to the Vaonis Vespera II.
- The higher-end Vaonis Vespera II, on the other hand, boasts an 8.3-megapixel Sony IMX585 sensor that can reach up to 24 megapixels with CovalENS technology, offering unmatched resolution in images captured with smart telescopes.
- Complementing its camera resolution, the Vaonis Vespera II offers a native field of view of 2.5° x 1.4°, expandable to 4.33° x 2.43°, suitable for capturing larger images through its mosaic mode. However, the Vaonis Vespera II is larger and heavier than the ZWO Seestar S50, making the Seestar S50 more travel-friendly for astrophotography enthusiasts.
