Unistellar eVscope 2 Telescope Review: The Best Smart Telescope for Beginners

The Unistellar eVscope 2 is a digital telescope manufactured by the Marseille-based company. Unlike traditional telescopes, the eVscope 2 is fully motorized and controlled through a smartphone or tablet app. This digital telescope combines the convenience of astrophotography with amateur astronomy, making it an excellent choice for beginners. In this review, we will explore the features, design, setup, usability, and image quality of the Unistellar eVscope 2 digital telescope.

Unistellar eVscope 2 Telescope Specs

·         Optical design: Reflector

·         Objective lens diameter: 4.5"/114mm

·         Focal length: 17.7"/450mm

·         Focal ratio: f/4

·         Software supplied: Unistellar app

·         Optical tube length: 65cm

·         Mount: Motorized alt-az

·         Tripod: Aluminium construction, adjustable

·         Weight: 19.8 lbs / 9kg including tripod

·         Storage capacity: 64 GB

·         Battery life: 10 hours

·         Connectivity: WiFi (10 devices can connect at once)

·         Maximum magnitude: up to 18 in dark skies/under 16 in urban areas

·         Level: Beginner

Design and Setup

Moving on to the design and setup of the eVscope 2, it presents a sleek and modern appearance. The light gray tube of the telescope is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with its surroundings. The inclusion of the Nikon Electronic Eyepiece is a notable upgrade from the previous version. This electronic eyepiece enhances the clarity, detail, and overall immersive experience of observing through the eVscope 2. The separate focusing adjustment using a small knob on the eyepiece allows users to achieve precise focus on the observed objects.

One of the key improvements in the eVscope 2 is the incorporation of a new Sony IMX347 CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 3200x3200 pixels. This represents a significant upgrade from its predecessors in terms of capturing finer details and producing higher-resolution images. The wider field of view offered by the eVscope 2 allows for breathtaking views of distant galaxies, nebulae, and even the Moon and Andromeda Galaxy. However, the planetary views might not be as impressive compared to specialized planetary telescopes, although Jupiter observations can still provide satisfactory results.

Setting up the eVscope 2 is a simple and straightforward process. Once the telescope is mounted on the adjustable tripod, users need to download the Unistellar app on their smartphone or tablet. Connecting to the telescope's WiFi Direct network, users can then perform an 'Autonomous Field Detection' within the app. This aligns the eVscope 2 with the night sky, ensuring accurate tracking and positioning of celestial objects. The app comes with a built-in catalog of approximately 5400 objects to choose from, making it convenient for users to navigate and select their desired target for observation.

Focusing the eVscope 2 is easy thanks to the focus wheel located on the underside of the telescope. This allows users to achieve optimal focus and obtain sharp, detailed images. Additionally, a Bahtinov mask is provided with the eVscope 2, which assists in achieving precise focus by creating diffraction patterns.

Features and Usability

Once the eVscope 2 is set up and connected to the app, users are presented with a selection of objects that are currently above the horizon and suitable for observation. The app provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily navigate and select their desired objects. Slewing to objects may take some time, but the eVscope 2 demonstrates impressive precision in its movements, accurately positioning celestial objects within the field of view.

One of the standout features of the eVscope 2 is its 'Enhanced Vision' mode. This mode utilizes the telescope's imaging capabilities to capture and stack multiple photos, resulting in stunning images even under light-polluted skies. The eVscope 2 employs advanced image processing algorithms to enhance the captured images, increasing their quality and revealing more details. Users have the option to observe the captured objects through the eyepiece or view them on their connected phone or tablet. This versatility provides a range of viewing options to cater to different preferences and needs.

The app accompanying the eVscope 2 also offers the convenience of instant sharing and downloading of the captured images. Users can easily share their observations with friends, family, or the wider astronomy community through various social media platforms or email.

Image Quality

The eVscope 2 boasts improved image quality compared to its predecessor, thanks to its higher-resolution image sensor and advanced image processing capabilities. While the 7.7-megapixel images it produces are not necessarily considered high-definition in today's standards, they deliver good-quality images with decent detail and clarity. The wider field of view of the eVscope 2 compensates for the additional pixels, allowing users to capture larger portions of the night sky in a single frame.

However, where the eVscope 2 truly shines is in its ability to provide enhanced contrast, deeper blacks, and richer star fields. These improvements greatly contribute to more visually appealing and engaging images. The telescope's built-in filters and stacking technology help overcome the challenges of light pollution that are prevalent in urban areas. This enables users to capture and visualize distant nebulae and other deep-sky objects that would otherwise be difficult to observe. While the eVscope 2 excels in capturing deep-sky objects, it may not provide the same level of detail and resolution when it comes to observing planets, compared to specialized planetary telescopes.

For optimal image quality, it is recommended to use the eVscope 2 in darker rural skies. In these conditions, the telescope can achieve its maximum potential, reaching a limiting magnitude of 18. This allows users to capture even fainter objects and reveal the wonders of the universe.

Price and Release Date

As for the price and availability of the eVscope 2, it is currently available for purchase at €3,799 / £3,399 / $4,199, making it a higher-priced option in the market. However, it is important to note that Unistellar offers free delivery in major territories, providing added value for the purchase. Additionally, the eVscope 2 package includes a large tripod and a custom-made backpack, further enhancing the convenience and portability of the telescope.

Unistellar eVscope 2 Smart Telescope Review: Verdict

In conclusion, the Unistellar eVscope 2 is a top-notch digital telescope that combines the benefits of astrophotography with amateur astronomy. Its wider field of view, improved image quality, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for beginners interested in exploring the night sky. The eVscope 2's user-friendly design, easy setup, and intuitive smartphone app make it accessible to anyone, regardless of their level of experience. While there may be some drawbacks such as slower slewing to objects, the requirement for manual focusing, and less-impressive planetary views, the eVscope 2 remains a powerful and capable digital telescope. With its ability to capture stunning images even in light-polluted areas, the eVscope 2 is a great companion for those embarking on their journey in amateur astronomy and astrophotography, even though it comes at a higher price point.