Smart Telescopes – Easy Astrophotography with App Control
Smart telescopes make it easy to get started with digital sky observation and astrophotography. Telescope optics, camera, automatic tracking and intelligent image processing are combined in one compact system. Many models automatically align themselves, locate celestial objects using GoTo and can be conveniently controlled from a smartphone or tablet.
Discover smart telescopes from ZWO, DWARFLAB and Unistellar for impressive images of the Moon, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies – ideal for beginners, travelling astrophotographers and anyone who wants to start imaging the night sky without a complicated setup.
Smart Telescopes – an Easy Way to Start Astrophotography
A smart telescope combines traditional telescope optics with modern camera technology, an automated mount and intelligent software. With a conventional astrophotography setup, the telescope, mount, camera, tracking system and additional accessories often have to be selected, connected and configured separately.
A smart telescope combines many of these components into one integrated system, allowing beginners to capture their first images of the night sky with considerably less setup.
Automatic Object Location and App Control
Many smart telescopes are controlled entirely through a smartphone or tablet app. Once the telescope has been positioned, the system can perform many of the necessary steps automatically, depending on the model.
These functions may include automatic alignment, selecting and locating celestial objects using GoTo, tracking the target during imaging and, on some models, automatic focusing and image enhancement.
This makes it possible to discover interesting objects without detailed knowledge of the night sky or the need to manually align a traditional telescope mount.
Live Stacking for More Detail
One of the most useful features of modern smart telescopes is live stacking. The integrated camera continuously captures individual exposures and automatically combines them into an increasingly detailed image.
This is especially useful for faint deep-sky objects such as nebulae, galaxies and star clusters, revealing structures and colours that can be difficult or impossible to see through an eyepiece alone.
Depending on the system, much of the image processing takes place automatically while observing. Many smart telescopes also allow individual exposures to be stored or transferred to a computer for additional processing.
What Can You Observe with a Smart Telescope?
Smart telescopes are particularly suitable for electronic observation and imaging of:
- nebulae
- galaxies
- star clusters
- the Moon
- large star fields and parts of the Milky Way
- depending on the model, the Sun when an appropriate and safe solar filter system is used
The objects a particular smart telescope can capture best depend on its aperture, focal length, camera sensor and optical design.
Models with a relatively short focal length and small aperture are often less suitable for detailed imaging of small planets such as Jupiter and Saturn than conventional telescopes with longer focal lengths.
Smart Telescopes for Beginners and Experienced Astrophotographers
A smart telescope is an excellent choice if you want to start astrophotography without having to assemble and configure a complex imaging system.
Automated operation removes many of the technical steps normally associated with traditional astrophotography.
Experienced observers can also benefit from a compact smart telescope as a portable second instrument for travelling, spontaneous observing sessions or mobile deep-sky imaging.
Compact models are easy to transport and can often be ready for observing within just a few minutes.
Smart Telescopes from ZWO, DWARFLAB and Unistellar
Our range includes different smart telescope systems from manufacturers such as ZWO, DWARFLAB and Unistellar.
Depending on the model, important differences include:
- aperture and focal length
- camera sensor and resolution
- field of view
- internal storage
- battery runtime
- integrated filter systems
- automatic tracking
- live stacking and image processing
- size and weight
This allows you to choose between highly compact and portable smart telescopes for beginners and more advanced systems designed for ambitious electronic astronomy and astrophotography.