Is the eVscope 2 Worth it? See Galaxies, Planets, and more. Plus the Difference Between This Smart Telescope and the Unistellar eQuinox

At star parties across the United States, one smart telescope stands out as the main attraction. Even in a crowd of astronomical telescopes, the Unistellar eVscope 2 has the longest lines and the loudest "Wow!"s echoing into the night.

It's a common scene at both astrophotography events and family gatherings. Owners we've talked to always say the same thing. Whenever they bring out their eVscope– everyone wants to use it. Kids and adults all want to test just how easy (and FUN) it is to use this smart telescope.

Of course, there are some astronomy enthusiasts who have a problem with digital telescopes. People who prefer old methods and who turn their noses up at "smart" tech advancements. It's true that there are many telescope options available (like building your own set up as they often suggest). So maybe they ask a fair question– Is the Unistellar eVscope worth it?

For our short and simple answer, please jump to the bottom. But since there are so many reasons to buy a telescope (to see once-in-a-lifetime meteor showers, track planets, and take astrophotography images good enough for the background of your phone), we've answered some of the most relevant questions to help you decide for yourself if the Unistellar eVscope 2 is the best telescope for your stargazing.

Quick Links

• Can you see planets with Unistellar eVscope 2?
• Can you use the eVscope 2 telescope in the city?
• Can you use the eVscope 2 for astrophotography?
• What is the difference between eVscope and eQuinox?
• Is Unistellar eVscope 2 worth it?

Can you see planets with Unistellar eVscope 2?

Yes, the Unistellar eVscope 2 is a great telescope to see planets. All it takes is a few taps on the Unistellar app and even new astronomers can lock onto planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. The telescope's smart technology and Enhanced Vision mode reveal these planets in clear and detailed views. 

The eVscope 2's Sony IMX347 sensor offers both Live View and Enhanced Vision modes. The Live View resolution is 2,048 × 1,536. You can internally amp that up to 3,200 × 2,400 with full-frame Enhanced Vision. That's like streaming your favorite space movie in SD on YouTube vs watching it in a 4K theater.

You get the feel of the film and you enjoy the comfort of home-streaming (Live View), but it's another level of excitement to see every star in hyperspace (Enhanced Vision) rush by you with vivid clarity. In just seconds, you can see Jupiter's vibrant bands and great red spots. The aperture (114mm), focal length (450mm), and focal ratio (f/3.9) give wider-field views that are perfect for catching the rich colors of planets and nebulae.

eVscope 2 Key Features

• Aperture: 4.5" (114mm)
• Focal Length: 17.7" (450mm)
• Focal Ratio: f/3.9
• Electronic Nikon eyepiece with micro OLED
• Motorized alt-azimuth mount and three-stage aluminum tripod

Jupiter's not the only planet waiting for you to explore. Enter your location into the app and set out on a tour of the cosmos. See Saturn, Mars, the Pleiades (M45), the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), and the moon right from your backyard. Just type in what you want to see and the eVscope 2 adjusts itself to your cosmic destination. Like a space getaway (minus the astronaut food) that launches from your lakeside haven.

But what if you can't get to the lake or escape the city lights to use it? Just because it's a great telescope to see planets doesn't mean it's the best telescope to use in the city or light polluted areas. We'll explore Unistellar's answer to light pollution next.

Can you use the eVscope 2 telescope in the city?

Yes, you can. Thanks to Unistellar's Deep Dark Technology which filters out noise and light pollution by blocking interference from city lights. Even Las Vegas and Tokyo's legendary light pollution is no match for the eVscope 2. This smart telescope still captures clear views of the Triangle galaxy, Dumbbel nebula, and beautiful planets from these super bright cities.

Here's a Unistellar photo of the NGC 891 galaxy BEFORE Deep Dark Technology:

And this is an eVscope 2 photo of the NGC 891 galaxy AFTER Deep Dark Technology:

It might be time to rethink the idea that it's crazy to use a telescope in the city. Smart telescope advancements like "Deep Dark" and "Enhanced Vision" make stargazing possible for anyone. Even for city dwellers who can't escape light pollution. 

Can you use the eVscope 2 for astrophotography?

With the Unistellar eVscope 2, you don't need an extra camera for astrophotography. The built-in sensor takes clear images with great contrast and colors. Photos come straight onto your smartphone or tablet. It's an all-in-one system that makes astrophotography a breeze to use and set up. 

You don't even have to be an expert on constellations or celestial alignments. Finding beautiful targets to capture is a walk in the park with the Unistellar app. Just one tap and you're locked on to your cosmic target.

eVscope Photos Features

• Image Sensor: Sony IMX347
• Resolution: 7.7Mpx
• Storage: 64GB
• File Format: PNG

There's also an eVscope 2 backpack bundle that makes taking this telescope to your favorite astrophotography location a piece of cake. The specially designed backpack holds the eVscope and eQuinox models securely in place no matter where you take it.

If you want to capture the mysteries of the night sky on your next camping trip or show off the eVscope photos at star parties, the backpack telescope bundle makes a great addition to your astrophotography setup.

We haven't seen another telescope that's this easy to use for astrophotography. But that doesn't mean it's without drawbacks. There are some limitations. For example it only comes with an electronic eyepiece. If you're an extremely experienced astrophotographer, you might prefer the magnification changes or Barlow lenses that aren't needed for this setup.

What is the difference between eVscope 2 and eQuinox?

The key difference between the eVscope 2 and eQuinox is the viewing parts. The eVscope 2 has a more powerful sensor, larger Field of View, and an electronic Nikon eyepiece. The eyepiece allows for comfortable viewing plus brighter colors and deeper blacks when looking through.

The thing is, you don't need an eyepiece on a digital telescope. You can view its images of the stars and planets directly on your phone in real time. Which is one reason some old-fashioned astronomers reject the eVscope and its technology. The eyepiece is a luxury feature for those who want a hands-on experience and the option to view directly through their telescope.

Unistellar thought "if we're going to add an extra luxury, we might as well do it right." That's why their partnership with Nikon led to an eyepiece with a micro-OLED screen that gives users an immersive view.

Plus the Nikon eyepiece has been built with eye-relief in mind (even if you wear glasses). Long viewing sessions will no longer wear down your eyes like telescopes of the past. 

Explore the differences between the eVscope 2, eQuinox 2, and eQuinox in the table below:

Is Unistellar eVscope 2 worth it?

If you are new to astrophotography or want to enjoy the sights of the universe without the hassle of navigational calculations and tedious finder scopes, then the Unistellar eVscope 2 is well worth it. Using the eVscope 2 is a futuristic experience. We're big fans of its easy setup, user-friendly app, and comfortable eyepiece. 

If you're more old-school and can appreciate the slow build of mirror cooling, star alignment and planet tracking, then you might enjoy something like the Explore Scientific 20" Truss Tube Dobsonian more.

If your goal is to see galaxies or dive into astrophotography, you can't go wrong with the speed and beauty of the Unistellar eVscope 2. Just be warned– once your friends and family get a taste of this, they'll keep you up all night begging to use it!

Shop the Unistellar eVscope 2 Now.

Still have questions?

We'd be glad to answer any of your eVscope 2 questions or help you decide which telescope is perfect for your needs. Just drop us a line at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com or call us at 854-777-0909 Mon-Fri 9a-5p CST with all your Unistellar and telescope questions.