Hestia Smart Telescope - Setup & Solar Test!

I was completely taken by surprise when Vaonis generously sent me their latest smart telescope. They didn't mention anything but I'm very grateful. So, a big thank you to Vaonis! Today, let's take a close look, and put it to the test by capturing some Solar activity.

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[dpnerill]

I have one coming in soon. For the price, though, I was prepared to be underwhelmed. But, from this, I think I am actually whelmed.

[margolehman]

I got my Hestia two weeks ago and I've been waiting for a clear night to take moon photos. I struggle with the app, so please do more videos about that. At least you showed a few of the things it can do, no one else is doing that. The Hesitia pretty much just magnifies things. It's the app that does the work, so to speak. The tripod has issues. I wish it had a standard screw so I could use one of my other tripods. Looking forward to more videos from you about it.

[vincentbutton]

Looks great! Getting excited for mine. It's still on the boat somewhere!

[reluctantme]

My Hestia Smart Telescope arrived yesterday, took some pretty cool pictures of the sun today with sun spots. Looking forward to taking some moon pics when the sky clears. 🖖

[ronm]

Thanks for sharing. Doesn't look too bad.

[vincentbutton]

Arrived in time for eclipse. The device was a massive success. So glad I did the kickstarter. My pics were fantastic.

[DEWDNEYANIMALHOSP]

Thanks for the video. I think it’s the first video/unboxing. What is your opinion of it?

[sunnysmiles]

Mine came in today but I'm not home to check it out yet. Can't wait

[cutsy]

That's great! Please share a video on how to operate it and its functions and deep sky astrophotography

[demosloizides]

I've been using the Dwarf II astrophotography system since last May. It's great! I see things with it I can't see in my 10" scope. I use an NGC catalog with more than 7800 deep sky objects (DSOs). I can manually enter their coordinates. I didn't see any way of entering manual coordinates of DSOs with the Hestia. How many objects are in the Hestia database? Can you look at an object at your zenith without the phone falling off the Hesta? How are the settings for exposure time, gain and stacked frames? The video of the Sun was very shaky!

[mercury]

Something for you to try that I have speculated might work, grab one of the eyepieces from your other scopes and turn it upside down and place it on the optics on hestia that you set your phone on. I think this may work to turn hestia in to a spotting scope, if it works I’m not sure what mm eyepiece would be best but plan to try them to see

[VincentKoo]

Can you let me know the size of the solar filter?

[patriciacook]

We are drive ng (and adventuring along the way) from NV to TX for the eclipse. And of these smart telescopes be able to capture the diamond or beads? Please help? Thanks so much; in advance. 😊

[fabdeb]

Thanks for sharing. What smartphone are you using?

[coreywalendzik]

Mine should be delivered mid March. Started planning trip to Ohio to get in the path of totality. Any suggested locations that isn't a big city?

[mercury]

Once you have the upside down eyepiece in place, you may have to adjust optics on front of hestia for correct focus, I think you just rotate the lens assembly

[gwzapo]

Is this a goto type or do you manually move the scope using the tripod?

[Haywain]

Tried to order one, wasn’t impressed by the amount of comments from buyers who had gone months without receiving anything, and the comment from Vaonis, that they only have a prototype and not a working model? Good that you managed to get one, shame I’m going to be forced toward another manufacturer to fill the gap I have in my gear.

[shaunmk]

nearly got one, pleased i didnt...no tracking..all manual..very shaky...ended up getting seestar s50

[Tony-Elliott]

Seems to be a few of this type of telescope about at the min, but I think the ones with tracking look better