Redefining Stargazing: Unistellar Odyssey Delivers a Smooth, Intuitive Observational Journey
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the Unistellar Odyssey, a premier portable smart telescope introduced in 2024. By assessing its key features, performance, and value, we aim to help potential buyers make informed decisions when considering this device.
Overview
The Unistellar Odyssey, a smart telescope with a built-in camera, offers fully automated astrophotography with minimal user input. Operated via a user-friendly app, it captures captivating images of celestial objects with ease.
Key Features
- The Odyssey was launched in January 2024, coinciding with the Odyssey Pro. Both models are part of Unistellar's Discovery Range, boasting enhanced usability and eliminating the need for collimating adjustments.
- Compared to the Odyssey Pro, the Odyssey lacks an eyepiece for live viewing, offering a more affordable option.
- The telescope features an 85mm aperture, 350mm focal length, and f/3.9 focal ratio. The onboard camera boasts a 3.7MP sensor, providing respectable image resolution.
- The Odyssey's portability, light weight, and sleek designmake it an ideal choice for astronomers who prefer to take their observations on the go.
Performance Evaluation
We base our assessment on five criteria: ease of use, portability, imaging quality, value for money, and versatility.
Ease of Use
One of the Odysssey's selling points is its improved usability. Unlike some of Unistellar's previous models, the eVscope, eVscope 2, eQuinox, and eQuinox 2, collimating adjustments are no longer required, offering a seamless user experience.
Portability
With a weight of 4 kg (8.8 lbs) (including the tripod) and a height of 122 cm (fully assembled), the Odyssey is lighter and more compact than competitors such as the Vaonis Vespera II and Vespera Pro. However, it slightly outweighs budget smart telescopes like the ZWO Seestar S50.
Imaging Quality
Telescope
The Odyssey's Telescope Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) specs include:
- 85 mm (3.3 inch) aperture
- 320mm focal length
- f/3.9 focal ratio
These specs rank the Odyssey above the Vespera II and Vespera Pro in terms of aperture, trailing only the eVscope 2, eQuinox 2, and Celestron Origin.
Camera
The internal camera offers a resolution of 3.7 megapixels, which enables impressive image capture capabilities.
Value for Money
Priced at $2,499, the Odyssey is a premium, mid-priced choice in the realm of smart telescopes. It offers a competitive edge over the Vespera II and sits approximately at the same price point as the Vespera Pro. However, it is cheaper than the Celestron Origin, eVscope 2, and eQuinox 2.
Versatility
The Odysssey caters to all levels of users and is capable of capturing both deep sky objects and planets. However, it lacks the liveview eyepiece found in the Odyssey Pro, eVscope 2, and other models, which may limit its utility for some astronomy enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Unistellar Odyssey Advantages
- Minimal collimation required for optimal usability
- Compact size and light weight
- Good telescope and camera specifications
- User-friendly app and sleek design
- Opportunity to participate in citizen science initiatives
Unistellar Odyssey Disadvantages
- Relatively expensive compared to budget smart telescopes and the Vespera II
- Lower spec than premium alternatives, such as the Celestron Origin, eVscope 2, and eQuinox 2
- Lack of a live-view eyepiece, as found in theOdyssey Pro and eVscope 2
Competitor Comparison
When considering the Odyssey, potential buyers should also explore the following alternatives:
- Unistellar Odyssey Pro: This model offers a live-view eyepiece, making it well-suited to those who prioritize real-time viewing.
- Vaonis Vespera II: Although its telescope has a lower aperture, it boasts a higher resolution camera, compact design, and lighter weight, making it an attractive option for many users.
- Vaonis Vespera Pro: With a similar telescope design to the Vespera II, the Pro variant offers a slightly higher resolution camera and comparable price point.
In conclusion, the Unistellar Odyssey offers a compelling option for those seeking a premium, portable smart telescope with excellent imaging capabilities. Its industrial design, user-friendly app, and enhanced usability have elevated it as a top contender in this competitive market.
- The Unistellar Odyssey, a smart telescope launched in January 2024, boasts fully automated astrophotography and is part of Unistellar's Discovery Range, which eliminates the need for collimating adjustments.
- The Odyssey's portable, lightweight, and sleek design, combined with its 85mm aperture and 3.7MP onboard camera, make it an ideal choice for astronomers who prefer to take their observations on the go.
- The Odyssey's value for money lies in its competitive edge over the Vespera II, being priced at $2,499, while offering improved usability and good image capture capabilities.
- The Unistellar Odyssey caters to all levels of users and is capable of capturing both deep sky objects and planets, making it a valuable tool for space-and-astronomy enthusiasts.
- However, for those prioritizing real-time viewing, the Unistellar Odyssey Pro, with its live-view eyepiece, might be a more suitable option, or they could consider the Vaonis Vespera II or Vespera Pro, which have higher camera resolutions and comparable prices.
