Smart telescopes like the Vaonis Stellina, Vespera, ZWO Seestar, Dwarf and Origin have changed the way beginners and experienced astronomers and astrophotographers explore the night sky. They promise automated astrophotography without complicated setups. But how do they actually work? Find out more about: Vespera X (and 2): Plan mode on smart scopes: In this hands-on review, I break down step by step how a smart telescope collects light, focuses stars, tracks the sky, and processes hundreds of short exposures into astrophotography images you can watch build up in real time. I also test the Vespera II X-Edition, showing its unique transparent case, included accessories (carbon tripod, hard case, hygrometer), and the pros and cons of its performance compared to the standard Vespera II. 00:00 Intro – Magic or engineering? 00:55 Vaonis and the X-Edition design 02:05 How smart telescopes work 02:55 Optics, camera & focusing system 05:30 Tracking, field rotation & stacking 07:30 Automation and onboard processing 09:30 Accessories & special features 12:05 Optical quality & image results 13:20 Storage limits & software artifacts 14:05 Final verdict & price You’ll learn about: • How smart telescopes track stars without polar alignment • The Sony IMX585 sensor used in the Vespera II • Stacking, live image building, and automatic background correction • Storage limitations and why stacked TIFFs matter • Exclusive features like CovalENS and Perseverance for mosaics and multi-night sessions At $2500, the Vespera II X-Edition is a collector’s item that highlights engineering with a clear shell—but it comes with tradeoffs. If you’re considering buying a Vaonis smart telescope or want to understand how these instruments really work, this deep dive will help you decide. Would you buy a transparent smart telescope, or does it feel like a gimmick? Share your thoughts in the comments! #SmartTelescope #Vaonis #Astrophotography