Is This the Future of Astronomy?

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  • Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
  • A special thank you to ‪@Astrobiscuit‬ for the cameo! It was a huge thrill to have him on.
    This is Stellina. Is it my enemy?
    It does almost everything I do to take pictures of space, but it does it faster, without me.
    They call Stellina an observation station. It’s not only a telescope, but a camera, and a computer that processes images.
    In many ways, it represents the future of amateur astronomy. Can it replace my 10 years of astrophotography experience?
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 654

  • @Spidouz
    @Spidouz 2 роки тому +302

    I’m a disable/handicap person, so it’s always complicated to carry heavy stuff, and that’s one of the reason I never did the first step in astro world… but yet, I love astrophotography and would hope it would be more accessible to everyone, including to me in my situation. So it might not be cheap, but if the results are there, I think it’s not more expensive than a whole setup, and yet it could be more practical… at least for beginners/amateurs. I will definitely take a longer look at this Stellina. Thanks

    • @parthd714
      @parthd714 2 роки тому +1

      I really wish to design a motorized compact mount.

    • @BuckeyeStormsProductions
      @BuckeyeStormsProductions 2 роки тому +3

      This is such a good point! It provides accessibility, at a premium, but...accessibility.

    • @alanrobinson2229
      @alanrobinson2229 2 роки тому +2

      @@BuckeyeStormsProductions hi
      Is it that much of a premium?All that's included may not but much more than putting all together yourself?
      Iam not an expert.

    • @svrwthr
      @svrwthr 2 роки тому +1

      This right here is great and beyond the point I made in the reply above about how most are missing out on a buying and building their own build and getting satisfaction from their build and achieving end result. Your case, as well as others who are disabled, is what this all in one is perfect for and not leaving anyone out. You still miss out on the post processing experience but hey, maybe PP is not to your liking and this works well for you. As long as the night sky is accessible to you, achievement accomplished by getting more to "keep looking up."

    • @inciwillard991
      @inciwillard991 2 роки тому +3

      I have 2 different system (Askar FRA500, iOptron CEM40EC, ZWOAA+, ZWOASI 2600mc Pro) and (ES80CF,HEQ5 Pro,ZWOAAPro,ZWOASI294MC Pro) I love them both but both are heavy and it takes time to setup all the while hoping and praying for a clear night. I bought Stellina (eta in 2 weeks) so I can drive further south or north from home then find a level area to balance, shoot for few hours and get back home. Stellina can never replace my scopes yet it may get dear hubby interested since it's so simple.

  • @thibautrey
    @thibautrey 2 роки тому +101

    It’s not stellina or the rest. I own a stellina and I love it so much. But I also own a 200/1000 newton with all the bells and whistles with dedicated Astro ccd and filters and such and I love it too. It’s about enjoying the hobby no matter how or when. When I’m tired after a long day or work stellina is here to relax and enjoy the night. When it’s the weekend and I have the time I enjoy taking my badass rig in the field.
    It’s not a battle with two armies, it’s one family with different members

    • @michaelzell4924
      @michaelzell4924 2 роки тому +3

      That's exactly how I think about it. Stellina is a nice addition to your standard rig. Hopefully there will be some competition in the future and prices will drop and make it more affordable.

    • @cemoguz2786
      @cemoguz2786 2 роки тому

      Yea also it in like a laptop you can not change scope or camera. Your badass rig can be flexable and upgeadable. To me tecnology is improving and I am poor. To get the most of it. Purchesing one by one is good option. You will get more juice and more experiance. If I have the money it is not a bad thing to have to be honest.

    • @gabrielex
      @gabrielex 2 роки тому +1

      I don't know about you but if I just want to relax under the night sky without carrying my heavy 8" SC, mount, CCD, filter wheel and all the other stuff I'd rather just go with binoculars or even naked eyes than this overpriced toy.

    • @wiser.kinder.calmer.6530
      @wiser.kinder.calmer.6530 2 роки тому

      well put

  • @themadhavsharmaphotography7029
    @themadhavsharmaphotography7029 2 роки тому +21

    *No one , No robot , however good it gets - will ever replace the experience in the cold winter night , spending those hours in solitude embracing the night sky , thanking god for every shooting star , that anxiousness while the stacking in DSS counts the stars , etc*

    • @itz_itachi5049
      @itz_itachi5049 Рік тому

      🎉

    • @jwdeepsky
      @jwdeepsky Рік тому +1

      Or as a teenager with the shitty telescope your parents got you for Christmas, freezing your ass off while finally landing on the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Epic moments

    • @hmuphilly9129
      @hmuphilly9129 2 дні тому

      God... really??

  • @32cricker
    @32cricker 2 роки тому +28

    I love seeing the collaboration between all the astrophotography youtubers that I personally follow. Your cooperation can only help this hobby reach the mainstream. Keep it up Trevor!

  • @NorthwesternOntarioAstronomy
    @NorthwesternOntarioAstronomy 2 роки тому +30

    STELLINA: “Dave. What are you doing, Dave?”
    ME * frantically trying to unplug it before I get sucked out the airlock.*

    • @astroheartuk4623
      @astroheartuk4623 2 роки тому +2

      I laughed too much at this! 🤣🤣

    • @ChrisTardif_
      @ChrisTardif_ 2 роки тому

      Looks like the robot from Interstellar

  • @lukomatico
    @lukomatico 2 роки тому +114

    As much as I personally love 'proper' (self mocking) astrophotography, anything that makes astrophotography/astronomy more accessible to people is generally speaking only a good thing! - It's there for us all to enjoy, not just the 'elite' (again, self mocking) few who have the time and patience and sometimes mechanical knowhow to enjoy it!

    • @AstroBackyard
      @AstroBackyard  2 роки тому +13

      Well said, Luke!

    • @vesk4000
      @vesk4000 2 роки тому +9

      I dunno I personally don't think it makes astrophotography any more accessible considering its price tag. Usually people want to start out with something cheaper, to make sure that they like the hobby.

    • @Astrolavista
      @Astrolavista 2 роки тому +7

      @@vesk4000 Maybe think of it as a pioneering start into a new branch of astro equipment. It's expensive now, but things might only get better and more affordable.

    • @jimgunn4498
      @jimgunn4498 2 роки тому +3

      @@vesk4000 Preach, $4000 is a chunk of change to throw at a new hobby. For that money, you buy a boat or a motorcycle or any number of other things, all of which can be used during daylight hours when you can actually enjoy them with friends.

    • @lukomatico
      @lukomatico 2 роки тому +1

      @@vesk4000 It's certainly a viable option for people who are cash rich but time poor :-) - but the important thing is it's just that, an option! we're lucky to have them :D

  • @brianfulda
    @brianfulda 2 роки тому +55

    Dude. Thank you for this video. "For my astrophotography friends, the diehards, I've got news for you: this isn't for us." That's exactly right. I've been trying to explain this to so many of the Stellina haters and you just summed it up perfectly.

    • @ChrisKoehn
      @ChrisKoehn 2 роки тому +3

      100% I enjoy my camera equipment but whenever a new piece of gear is released that I don't think I'd use, I don't get upset about it. Yet some people who are clearly not interested in this roboscope feel the need to freak out as if it is a personal insult. It's not for them! What it has done, sadly, is reveal the underlying gatekeeping nature of many hobbyists.

    • @cemoguz2786
      @cemoguz2786 2 роки тому

      Not a big deal too it is good but limited and not upgradeable. It is for fun for limmited targets and will be get old and you have to buy another model later with similar price.

    • @alanrobinson2229
      @alanrobinson2229 2 роки тому

      @@cemoguz2786 but for a large number of interested hobbyists,they may never even get as far as stellina will take them,never mind beyond?

  • @barrycraig1549
    @barrycraig1549 2 роки тому +52

    I have had my stellina telescope now for a year. I'm not new to the sky and how Sky conditions can change so quickly. It allows me to set it up very quickly go inside the house and enjoy my evening. I'm amazed at how many times it has been partly cloudy and I've got some the best images. I would have never attempted to do a setup with my own rig unless there was no clouds at all. It also takes away the guilt you feel when you don't or can't take advantage of a clear sky. Software updates have made the unit even more powerful. I liken this to the go-to telescope when they were first introduced years ago when everybody thought was going to destroy the hobby. There's going to be more Scopes like this in the future. It's going to introduce a lot more people to the wonders of astronomy and it's not going to take anything away from the person who enjoys the current state. Besides that the reason why we really do like astronomy is because we want to get away and enjoy the Solitude of the night sky. It's a noble Hobby.

    • @AstroBackyard
      @AstroBackyard  2 роки тому +6

      💯

    • @evemitchellanderson
      @evemitchellanderson 2 роки тому +5

      I also hope it makes people more aware of light pollution

    • @denodan
      @denodan 2 роки тому +1

      This is in fact is an EAA telescope and the exact same thing I do with my SCT 9.25, view live stacking on sharpcap pro. Stellina is doing live stacking just like DOING EAA .when you get a single image then becomes astrophotography.
      My setup is doing the exact same thing and cheaper, with larger aperture.
      Not saying Stellina gas no place, it does, not its o miracle or nothing new, it's an EAA instrument first as its showing live real-time stacking onscreen.
      This may well one day become the norm, when the tech becomes cheaper or if say celestron went down this road would become much cheaper and accessible.
      The only issue is its a fixed system. I can use many different types of cameras and filters and can aim anywhere, not locked into a fixed number of objects.
      Astronomy has become a lot more accessible over the years, with goto being used and computers, taking a lot of hard work out of the equation and getting easier overtime.
      Stellina is a step in taking the hard work out of it and a quick setup. Maybe when your to old to be able to lug out all your gear, then this is were Stellina comes into it. Makes Astronomy more accessible. It's like you can enjoy a car without being a mechanic, wereas some like to tinker with cars and drive them.
      Stellina has its place and can be very convenient as it takes dedication to be able to lug out all that gear, cameras, cables, etc and this can put people off.
      Stellina is an up and go system, no fuss method, but limited to what's in its data base of course. But handy still the same.
      I guess it's locked into all the objects that they know will show off the system and not show its weaknesses.
      Would be great if it was like a goto, override what's in database to give compete freedom.

    • @alanrobinson2229
      @alanrobinson2229 2 роки тому

      Hi
      As your not new to skywatching,would you say that the cost of stellina isn't that much more than putting together an equivalent rig?

  • @91wheelz
    @91wheelz 2 роки тому +15

    As someone in a wheelchair, I think Stellina would be a good telescope for someone like me. It would be nice to see what the telescope sees on my phone because sometimes it isn't easy for me to get to the eyepiece of the telescope

    • @SonoranAstro
      @SonoranAstro Рік тому

      have you thought of using an bino observers chair? not as light gathering as a scape but i think that could be a solution

  • @mccarthymccarthy1
    @mccarthymccarthy1 2 роки тому +19

    Great to see a biscuit / Astro backyard combo 👍

  • @michaelsmothers
    @michaelsmothers 2 роки тому +20

    Thanks for posting this. I've seen several reviews of Stellina, but yours is the first where anyone's explained who this is for. As an astrophotographer, this might not be for me. But as a teacher, this would be perfect for my classroom. You made excellent points about where this would fit well for our hobby. There's a niche for this and what it does, it seems to do well. Thanks again!

  • @CuivTheLazyGeek
    @CuivTheLazyGeek 2 роки тому +19

    Very good points Trevor, completely agree! I actually have an upcoming video about building your own modular Stellina (Cheap, Smartphone controlled, AltAz, no alignment needed, easy target selection, auto-platesolving, live stacking, etc.). What I dislike the most about Stellina and eVscope is the lack of upgradability... New sensor version? Buy a whole new Stellina! It's smartphonizes astronomy in terms of e-waste...

    • @ianbaber7051
      @ianbaber7051 2 роки тому +1

      Agreed, the cons are lack of modularity, initial price and proprietary software. Will be interesting to see your more flexible variant and how you handle field rotation :)

    • @SonoranAstro
      @SonoranAstro Рік тому

      updates?

  • @tommccrorie8022
    @tommccrorie8022 2 роки тому +1

    It looks good. The images look like they could be good, but I love stubbing my toe on a weight, in the dark. Trapping my thumb in the mount or almost dropping the OTA trying to attached it to the mount head. That's the bit that makes this hobby GREAT!

  • @AstroPixUK
    @AstroPixUK 2 роки тому +3

    Someone at our club has one. The results are pretty good but no replacement of a good imaging set up.

  • @clungebucket23
    @clungebucket23 2 роки тому +10

    I'm writing this prior to watching this video and I could be completely wrong. But I doubt it, however you'll probably say nice and non-committal things about this shiny, bleeping, overpriced lump of plastic.
    "Seriously Trev, torch it, kill it with fire.
    It's the very antithesis of your channel, your journey, our shared passion for learning this incredible 'hobby' that blends art and science.
    It's not about the destination, its the gradual improving and acquired knowledge along the path that's so rewarding.... Sorry fella, I'm baffled"

    • @jimgunn4498
      @jimgunn4498 2 роки тому +1

      I disagree, a little. I would love to have some folks around me with these little guys, if only to have someone to hang out with while I am imaging at night. Even if a buddy had one of these and we just have a couple beers and bs'd for a few hours, that would be great. As it is, I spend half and hour setting up my imaging run and then either fall asleep in my lounge chair or in the cab of my truck when it gets cooler outside. So far, astrophotography has been a completely solo experience for me.

    • @clungebucket23
      @clungebucket23 2 роки тому

      @@jimgunn4498 yeah, I was a little harsh. There's a place for these devices, but it's so niche and inapplicable to Trevs ethos and audience. Yes, an astro-buddy makes all the difference. I'm more inclined to get out into the wilds if he wants some low Bortle data and vice verca. Maybe Join a local club and I guarantee you'll find someone in just the same boat as you... Or post some of your images on your local community Facebook page and you will have backyard AP folks coming out of the woodwork...

    • @jimgunn4498
      @jimgunn4498 2 роки тому

      @@clungebucket23 Also, wouldn't you rather see it reviewed by someone with actual experience and knowledge about astrophotography instead of some yahoo on a UA-cam channel that just reviews iPhones and smart TV's? I would.

    • @clungebucket23
      @clungebucket23 2 роки тому +1

      @@jimgunn4498 well, it wasn't much of review was it? More of a rough promotional overview with no analysis of the output.

  • @adityaraje6423
    @adityaraje6423 2 роки тому +1

    even if I have a few extra dollars to spare I would prefer the rig . The process of the astro photography and the experience that it gives us via the rig can never be replaced.

  • @kongen07
    @kongen07 2 роки тому +2

    I love that you brought in the biscuit for this one. Big fan of ya both

  • @WingoverVideos
    @WingoverVideos 2 роки тому +1

    I am partially sighted with limited night vision. I have tried setting up a basic rig just in my back yard but did find it difficult at times focusing etc. The hobby became frustrating for me as a result. Then I saw a UA-cam video on Stellina and thought this might be the way. I purchased one 2 months ago and absolutely love it. For me it is a game changer but admire the hard core Astro photographers out there who go for perfection. Stellina has bought the wonderful world of Astro photography to me for which I thank Vaonis.

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      So because you are too lazy to find focus you need overpriced "All in One" stuff which does everything for you?
      I mean, if there is something easy in astrophotography, then its finding the focus by using a bright star and a bahtinov mask...
      Or your camera (like my very old APS-C DSLR) is easily too weak to even make focussing hard. Which I also found A LOT EASIER on my much newer full frame mirrorless.

    • @darkfeelings5
      @darkfeelings5 2 роки тому

      @@harrison00xXx did you read the comment!??
      WFT…. The dude clearly states he has limitations… if a hobby is frustrating and no longer enjoyable… why not go for something that brings the spark in!????
      BTW… I bought one because I am truly lazy…

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      @@darkfeelings5 "why not go for something that brings the spark in!"
      Ok, but still its pretty much crap!
      Btw, because im also very lazy... my mount sticks to the tripod permanently, all i have to do is a proper polar alignment (which im doing also the lazy way computer and guiding cam supported....) and screw the telescope to the mount, thats it.
      Sure, my 750mm/150mm F4 newton is bigger and heavier than this small 300mm refractor and in fact i would have loved more than once a "smaller" scope only for the bigger nebula because 750mm is "too much", but in fact 90% of the interesting deep sky objects are too small for my "compact" 750mm, in fact even my 1200mm newton! And a 2000mm+ SC reflector... well thats something like 4000$ above my budget!
      And the results of Stellina/Evscope etc... well, at best fitting to a 100$ 80mm refractor xD
      I get it, convenience and hasslefree usage is sometimes expensive, but in fact all they did with stellina is adding a cheap refractor, a lower end astro camera and a small guiding/astro computer like ASIAir in a very interesting looking enclosure.
      But is it worth anywhere 3000$+? Not close!
      In fact nowadays you can get fair priced travel mounts with decent performance, add a compact refractor, a guiding/astro computer and you also got a easy to setup and "compact" gear.
      Since you own this thing.... does it have at least a internal battery for some hours on the field? Because thats actually one of my biggest problems (not that its easy to solve)... im still relying on my cars battery which basically fits perfect... my mount need 12V+, better even 13-14V so the stepper motors are stronger and the mount wobbles less!

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      @@darkfeelings5 But funny that people still buy and defend this crap of "telescope".
      I mean its just facts... even with my beginner to midclass tele(zoom!!!!) lens i can get similar results (with a basic tripod and no tracking/guiding at all!)
      Sure, the old, cheap lens isnt the main reason why that is possible, its mainly possible because of my full frame camera which also costed about 1100$, but still the point is: with "basic" photography gear you get as good (or better!) results. And the regular camera gear is much cheaper than.. Stellina.
      I really like the name, if i ever get a girl its not impossible that she gets this name :D

  • @PatJones82
    @PatJones82 2 роки тому +1

    I think it has the ability to get more people interested in the sky, which then in turn grows our hobby, which then perhaps brings more attention to the problem of light pollution. As a middle aged +, but still capable person, I won't be buying one any time soon, but maybe 20 years from now, I'll manage to drag it from the shed to the yard and still be able to enjoy this hobby. So I think it is a win!

    • @nightsky_ash
      @nightsky_ash 2 роки тому

      Totally agree with your connection between astronomy interest and light pollution.

  • @Vortagh
    @Vortagh 2 роки тому +6

    I've seen this before on AstroBiscuits channel and.....This reminds me of those little Meade goto tabletop scopes. I remember when they came out, how people said those would be great for people who aren't "into" astronomy, but still kinda wanted to do astronomy stuff, or for people to get into astronomy. I have yet to see someone actually own one, or use one. And this? What is the actual target audience - At THAT price? Four thousand dollars. This isn't for schools. Or for your kid(s). This is a toy (with really nice results) for wealthy people. Or worse: rich people, bought as a novelty gift and forgotten after a few weeks. Or for people on UA-cam, who have enough reach to get expensive (astronomy) stuff for free. ;-)
    I see the concept and it's wicked cool. But, I mean - who is into Astronomy enough, to pay 4000$ for a system, but at that price is NOT into Astronomy enough, to have any actual interest in the how to. Like, I can't see people who want to start from 0 and put down that money for a one-trick pony. Can it do planetary videos even? It obviously can't give you the feeling of standing behind/beside the thing and seeing something through the eye piece for the first time in your life.
    Maybe in a few years, when the cheap china clones roll in, this will be a nice beginner thing for kids, or a cool christmas gift for one's retiree father. But, I mean, COME ON. FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS.

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      Yep, 4000$ is the biggest NoGo factor considering the results (which happens to be with a 2nd hand 750mm newton, not so mobile 400$ setup A LOT BETTER)
      In my opinion the 2nd worst is the mount design from the beginning (but necessary for the 0815 average joe so he doesn't even have to know what polar alignment means)... I mean you basically CAN NOT BUILD A ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY "All in One" scope but it literally is based on the WORST MOUNT POSSIBLE, a Dobson like mount...
      I See the usage of Dobson mount also in the fact they preferred design over usability, I mean this thing looks basically like a apple hipster device!
      Also.. a midclass astro camera, a small raspberry pi like astrocomputer and a cheap 80mm APO give you basically the same experience for less money, more upgradability, a proper EQ mount (MEANT FOR AP!), and with a high chance better results for LESS MONEY.
      Basically the biggest difference is... you need to know how to polar align (basic knowledge as soon you are only a bit interested in "real" AP), hopefully you are capable of connecting USB plugs. That's it.
      I had ofcourse a lot of troubles with my EQ3-2 at the beginning, but its also an experience I don't want to miss (but I want to finally get rid of the cheap gear problems haha) since I basically learned the most by practicing with garbage gear, when I finally go for proper mounts I know already how to do :)

  • @middlofmowhere1421
    @middlofmowhere1421 2 роки тому +5

    This is great Trevor! Exactly what someone who has had a brain aneurysm, like me 🤓 needs. Now to find the dollars 😆. Seriously though, I will still rely on you to fullfil my full out astrophotography dreams. Clear sky's to everyone 🎇!

    • @ChrisKoehn
      @ChrisKoehn 2 роки тому

      Fellow brain aneurysm survivor here!

  • @tony_r_pierce
    @tony_r_pierce 2 роки тому

    I see parallels with the way people use motorcycles, cars, computers. There are many people that love to modify their vehicles with turbochargers, custom exhausts, brakes, etc. And many people still love to build their own computers. Those things are fun and people love to do them. But the majority of people are happy with their motorcycles and cars and computers without taking them apart or knowing much about how they work. I'm happy to see this Stellina product and can see its appeal.

  • @verlorenish
    @verlorenish 2 роки тому +2

    Everyone here talking about spending thousands of dollars in fancy toys while I'm over here trying to edit my blurry ass take of the orion nebula with my $100 garbage can.

  • @GaryCameron
    @GaryCameron 2 роки тому +2

    This might be a great platform to hack for automated asteroid and comet searches.

  • @alexflynn2009
    @alexflynn2009 2 роки тому +1

    I’m am a amateur myself , but to anyone who is new to astronomy and wants the sweet sweet detailed Orion Nebula or andromeda galaxy this is a good option the price is dicey but it is very easy to work with. I have a dobsonian reflector 8” telescope and that may sound not so great but with a light pollution filter you can get some very epic pics with just a standard rig. I think over all I would rather get a standard or more advanced rig, than stelina.

  • @philippefenain4405
    @philippefenain4405 2 роки тому +26

    I am a bit frustrated that you don’t comment on the final quality of the images. I mean, not only on the phone where poor quality images may still shine but on a PC larger screen for example: what is the resolution? Any chromatic aberration (it’s only a doublet)? How is the light pollution suppressed ? Are the stars really round (polar alignment precision…) ? It would be nice to have a comparaison between a capture with Stellina and with a simple rig of a similar 80mm doublet…
    I am afraid people would invest the fortune needed to buy this and be quickly disappointed by its limitation and poor output.
    I may be wrong though.

    • @jerryli3438
      @jerryli3438 2 роки тому +3

      I mean the results kinda say for themselves. A well-processed photo from an 80mm triplet will smash that photo of the M42 shown in the video. The sensor is 6.4MP 1” I think which is inferior to many Astro cameras. Stellina use an alt-az mount and a field derotator so PA is unnecessary. The lack of OAG makes me suspect it only takes very short exposures (like,

    • @davidbentley8848
      @davidbentley8848 2 роки тому +4

      Have a look at the shoot out between Robot and Nerd by His Royal Biscuitness who has a cameo in this vid for comparison images..

    • @jerryli3438
      @jerryli3438 2 роки тому

      @@Astronurd that makes a lot of sense, but seriously, what a waste of the field derotator.
      If they put the same sensor as an ASI1600 and an OAG in there, and it could do say 2min exposures, it might actually be a very capable instrument.
      Also I can actually see the stars seem a little bit purple… maybe that’s the CA OP was looking for.

    • @ChrisKoehn
      @ChrisKoehn 2 роки тому +1

      "I may be wrong though." The Internet needs more of this humble attitude.

  • @tjzambonischwartz
    @tjzambonischwartz 2 роки тому +2

    Definitely not the future of astronomy for me, because I'm a visual guy. I don't want to experience the universe through a screen. I prefer to unplug entirely under the night sky. Computers just seem to get in my way. Give me a manual dobsonian, some binoculars, a copy of the pocket sky atlas, an observing chair, a red flashlight and a logbook and I'll be happy as a clam.
    All this technology stresses me out. I want quiet and the stars.

  • @itaialter
    @itaialter 2 роки тому +4

    I see Stellina are putting up the big bucks this time around.
    In my opinion (before watching this particular video) it's a nice idea that needs a lot of improvements and a bit of a cheaper price, so I assume it would be another 5 years before a worthy fully automated scope will hit the stores.

  • @kevin_delaney
    @kevin_delaney Рік тому +1

    You are right, I want to do it myself, family or friends may not though. This may be a GREAT gift..........

  • @UNLKYHNTR
    @UNLKYHNTR Рік тому

    I think astronomy and therefore astrophotography is going in the right direction with this. It opens up the hobby for so many people out there, no matter their physical condition or educational background.
    Astronomy is a great thing, it makes you feel a deep connection with everything around you, it puts you in your place and is very humbling, but in the most beautiful way possible.

  • @ravenstarver1360
    @ravenstarver1360 2 роки тому +1

    I often get this crushing feeling that I can google a thousand astro images roughly the same as mine, and think start to think what's the point in capturing my own? This automated thing really hits that nerve... where basically the only differences would be due to weather conditions, and some editing. So instead of hitting a button on Stellina to see the Orion nebula, why not hit a button on Google?
    One a robot gets the photo, the other somebody else did... where as if you capture it yourself manually at least you have a significant input on the quality of the results, and learn a lot along the way

  • @caroliensche13
    @caroliensche13 2 роки тому +1

    Great! Astronomy whithout leaving your smartphone!
    One thing im questioning myself - if this thing does everything for me, and my only job is to choose an object (on my smartphone) and watch its outcome (also on my smartphone) - how long would i enjoy that? I don't say our hobby has nothing to to with consommation, but that is consommation in perfection.

  • @cryptojihadi265
    @cryptojihadi265 2 роки тому +13

    Oh Dear God No!
    It's one step removed from just doing a Google image search.

  • @PaisleyTimez
    @PaisleyTimez 2 роки тому +4

    i love stellina. so easy. enjoyable and fun. thanks 4 the review.

  • @iasciateognisperanza3267
    @iasciateognisperanza3267 2 роки тому

    Many innovations have opened this hobby to larger and larger communities everywhere on the planet.
    I reckon a lot of us are young at heart and have some free time to enjoy the outdoor..
    When I was in my 20s and early 30s all I did was party, enjoy nights out, have fun with friends. Astronomy was in the back of my mind but I just didnt have the time. Stellina would have been nice to have, but we werent there yet.
    I’m glad I enjoyed those crazy years but now I’m enjoying life with my current hobbies.
    Having said that, I welcome this robot and believe that is going to be a great package to those young and older folks who dont have the space or time for this hobby.
    They can finally enjoy their evenings and late nights out or with good friends knowing for sure that Stellina is gathering a precise array of pictures.
    Who knows, it may well be the conversation hit of an after hours party …
    For the moment, I will stick to my middle age routine and enjoy the hobby as it is.

  • @markbergendahl2651
    @markbergendahl2651 2 роки тому +2

    Great review of the stellina. This is what I recommended to my son for my grandkids. He would be lucky to have more than an hour to spend searching for celestial objects. This is a good way to bring astronomy to kids, most of whom are not going to be interested in the esoteric fine points of astrophotography, nor will want to stand around for hours adjusting equipment.

  • @FTE99699
    @FTE99699 2 роки тому +2

    1:40 is the perfect summary - if you just want a picture, go for it. If you like the hobby - avoid it. There is always someone who gets the better picture - if you enjoy the process, the thing is not for you either :D
    In short - expensive toy to teach you that there is no target audience :D

  • @astrophotographysometimes2303
    @astrophotographysometimes2303 2 роки тому +6

    While I agree that it is really cool, for me seeing the object come to life feels better when I know I have actually worked hard and spent months/years learning how to use the software and equipment to get a nice picture. Getting good pictures feels like a reward for gard work. This device removes the hard work part and gets straight to the result. Yes it may be good for some people but I find the effort you put in to be the fun part. Taking that away just makes it a little boring imo

  • @ThePoisonDrummer
    @ThePoisonDrummer Рік тому

    I want one! Makes it easy to get my daughter on board and be able to take an image to school the next day. I get creating a rig. Kinda like a pre built RC Car vs building a custom one, but starting with a pre built gets you up and running and having fun.

  • @williammauney1129
    @williammauney1129 2 роки тому +6

    I'm just getting into the hobby and I'm going the old fashioned route for the most part. However I can see this being perfect for family members and friends who want to see an end result without the wait, and as you said without the hassle of planning, setting up, etc. Inviting friends with kids over, setting it up in the driveway in 5 minutes, and letting it go, being able to show them a result immediately could definitely drive interest in the hobby. And as they go home a younger person begins looking up more often? Not a bad result. This is an amazing product

    • @moldovianfieldmarshal6313
      @moldovianfieldmarshal6313 2 роки тому +2

      The old fashion way is more fun than watching the images on the phone it's not the same at least for me

    • @gabrielex
      @gabrielex 2 роки тому

      The other downside of this is ignorance, I already see plenty of people who just want to get a telescope for pictures yet they know nothing about telescopes/optics and astronomy and they have no clue what they're looking at nor how to orient themselves in the night sky, they just press a button. This is extremely sad.

    • @moldovianfieldmarshal6313
      @moldovianfieldmarshal6313 2 роки тому

      @@gabrielex you are very right my friend

    • @williammauney1129
      @williammauney1129 2 роки тому

      @@gabrielex I disagree. With any tool in the wrong hands that can be said. And yes there will be those that use it for that. But what if for every 10 families that get it, you inspire just 5-10% of the children in those families to go to the next step? I’ve been looking up since I was 7 or 8 but with little to no guidance. And if I had something similar that told me info about each and every object back then (over 40 years ago) immediately, gave me a starting point to research more on through multiple sources I may have become what I always wanted to be. An astronomer, one of my 7 year old desires.
      Will a large portion of these be relegated to the closet one day? Perhaps. But anything that can fire the memory and imagination of just a few children it’s worth it. I have a 7 year old myself now. And I’m doing what I can to stoke that fire. Would this help? With a child’s short attention span? Without a doubt but it’s a little out of my price range at the moment. As it is I bring him out to watch through my scope and let him watch me take some very basic pictures through an ASI294 and my 6SE. As I get better, my equipment changes, and my skill increases they’ll be even better. But I’m dedicated to this hobby now because of my parents who bought me a decent refractor all those years ago. How many parents can you say that about? Not many.
      I’m not trying to toot my horn but I can name 5 other couples I’ve met in the past month who have told me their kids are interested in space but don’t have the time to really spend dedicated to helping their children learn the night sky. This would be perfect for them. And what if just one of those children is inspired? Is that worth it?

    • @moldovianfieldmarshal6313
      @moldovianfieldmarshal6313 2 роки тому

      @@williammauney1129 i think if he is not in this hobby it's not very likely he will get into it but i am going to be happy if I've been proven wrong

  • @derp4428
    @derp4428 2 роки тому +42

    I have an 8" Celestron SC Edge HD with StarSense auto-align (plate solving) and GoTo and even that took me a while to figure out how to use on top of all the stuff I'm still learning about how to get decent photos (not entirely there yet, but ... on my way) - would I have had an easier time with a thing like this to get to the point where I could do my first somewhat detailed shot of the Orion nebula? Yes indeed .. would I want to have missed out on the journey to learn about focal lengths, camera types, filters, flats/darks/lights, stacking, post-processing and seeing my first shots come to life on my own with the risk of never have known anything about that process? Absolutely not .. but I do agree that the roboscope can get more people interested in our hobby and help them understand what it's all about

    • @geosobservations9496
      @geosobservations9496 2 роки тому +2

      I liked your reply. I had a telescope almost all my life but never got into anything extravagant. I'd love to finally piece together a rig now that I'm older and developed patience to do astrophotography 😅. However, having 2 boys and a special daughter who loves when I can show them planets and the moon. We go to UA-cam to look at all the fantastic images these folk all take. I got a phone adapter which made it easier for us all to view. But I'd like to be able to point at the sky and say let's look deeper. There now look at that. That is way out there. After looking at the price of a good camera and a decent computer to process images, dew heaters, filters, the scope I need to take really decent images... saving a year for Stellina may not be a bad idea, my kids and I would wear her out 😅... not to say you can't piece up a rig and try and beat her later.

    • @GaryMCurran
      @GaryMCurran 2 роки тому +3

      @@geosobservations9496 For the price of Stellina, I'm pretty sure you could put together a very nice rig.
      Explore Scientific EXOS 100 mount. $700 Let’s say 10-12 pound weight capacity for AP. Apertura 72mm with a field flattener, $750 ($1450) You also could go with a William Optics 81 with a FF for $1010 ($1710) A ZWO ASI 178MM with electronic filter wheel and LRGB filters, $750 ($2,200 or $2,460). For guiding, $150 for the scope and another $150 for a guiding camera. ($2,500 or $2,760) Plossl Eyepiece kit for $170 and a 2” diagonal for $150. ($2,820 or $3,080)
      You still have about $1,000 to spend. You can upgrade to an Exos 200 mount, or a Celestron AVX (get the Explore Scientific EXOS 200) for like $200 more. You’ll need to spend $500 on stupid accessories, like an AC power supply, or a battery for the field, cables and interfaces, etc. You could even buy a second telescope and not put you too much over the price of the Stellina. A GSO 6” Ritchey Chretien is about $500 now, I guess, used to be $400.
      Yeah, I would buy a standard rig, and learn AP the old fashioned way. You and your kids will appreciate it more.
      Of course, then you have to buy software to process the data, and there's a steep learning curve, but it so much more interesting than just taking an image off of your phone or tablet.

    • @geosobservations9496
      @geosobservations9496 2 роки тому

      @@GaryMCurran I thank you for that list... I've been wanting to do 2 things all my life and take the time now to do it. Love the 2 communities I'm nudging my way into, The rockhounders and astrofolk. My kids love the mediocre shots I'm taking of the planets they love space and getting out and I'm having fun too. I post a video they think I'm a Rockstar... 😅 I have a Celestron 127slt at the moment... I got it at a really good price... it's decent... I'm seeing more than I ever have before. I always observed I can eq set up decent I've stopped Saturn Jupiter and the moon with the cheaper set ups... an astromaster 130 eq with MD, I like it though. I just started using the phone for the first time to capture and I'm having a blast... I'm getting better. I will save for a bit... make a cookie jar 😅 I'm a bit of a fool, I joke around a lot but I will someday take some deep space photos, one way or another... and for me it doesn't have to be perfect just cool enough to wow myself and my kids 😁. As a kid I bought an old I think it was a Tasco with my paper money... then a so on and so forth but now looking at everyone's set ups... I'm confused at which way to go... I love fixing used stuff and good at it... so I'll be hunting for bargains 😆

    • @ChrisKoehn
      @ChrisKoehn 2 роки тому +2

      @@GaryMCurran For some people, it's plenty interesting to take an image off their phone or tablet. And plenty rewarding.

    • @GaryMCurran
      @GaryMCurran 2 роки тому +1

      @@geosobservations9496 I wanted to add to my previous comment. A few years ago, a woman went after me. Not even someone I was in a relationship with, but she decided to destroy me, and she did a very good job. I lost my home, and most everything I had, and then later on, I was evicted from another place which ended up with me attempting suicide and ending up in the hospital for a while. I DID lose everything. Well, mostly everything, including most of my astrophotography gear.
      So, I gave you a price of between $3,500 and $4,000 for entry level. I still have my Celestron AVX mount, although I don't have the hand controller or power supplies and cables for it. I have my two telescopes, a William Optics Zenithstar 71ED and a GSO 6" R.C. That's all I have left. I still have my DSLRs, and I still have my field flattener for the W.O. 71ED. But, I have Sony cameras and they aren't really very good for astrophotography.
      So, I went to HighPoint Scientific today.
      To replace the missing gear and other assundries, it will cost me about $6,500! This includes a hand controller, AC power supply, a set of Apertura SWA 1.25" and 2" Eyepieces, two Barlows (a 1.25" and a 2"). It includes a new guide scope and guide camera. Here's the big part, it includes a new QHY 268 Monochrome camera, filter wheel and LRGB and Narrowband filter sets, and a One Shot Color QHY 294 and a planetary QHY 458 camera. The cameras cost the better part of $4,000 and are by far the most expensive things on my list. But, this is what it will cost for me to get back into Astrophotography. I already have a laptop, and I can get for free N.I.N.A., which is acquisition softwear. For now, I can use Photoshop, but I really would recommend getting, and learning, PixInsight. I truly is the premier astrophotography software for creating images, but it's almost $300 USD. Those who use it will tell you it's well worth the cost, though, although maybe not the frustration at learing how to use it!
      I still think you can get into this for under $4,000, though from the ground up.

  • @GlaucusBlue
    @GlaucusBlue 2 роки тому +4

    if it wasn't so expensive, i've been tempted by stellina for a while, I live in an apartment, so can't really set stuff up in a nonexistent garden, but something I could chuck in the car and go to dark sky sites and get photos in hours is extremely enticing.

    • @PagsPayback
      @PagsPayback 2 роки тому +1

      There is a smaller version available at the end of the year called Vaonis Vespera. It's around 1500 bucks. The Field of view is a bit larger, making it more suitable for Deep Sky objects, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, the entirety of Horsehead and Flame nebula or Cygnus loop. Plus it is a lot lighter. Still not exactly cheap, But that is about the same money as a Redcat, a Star adventurer and a solid Tripod. So not really expensive either.

    • @GlaucusBlue
      @GlaucusBlue 2 роки тому +2

      @@PagsPayback thanks, that's very Interesting, will be keeping my eye out for reviews.

    • @barrycraig1549
      @barrycraig1549 2 роки тому

      You can use on a balcony many people are in light polluted cities

    • @GlaucusBlue
      @GlaucusBlue 2 роки тому

      @@barrycraig1549 don't have a balcony.

  • @denodan
    @denodan 2 роки тому

    EAA is growing and stellina is the ultimate EAA scope, does everything I sm doing now, but doing it on an sct 9.25, with reducer

  • @digitaltemperancesociety9286
    @digitaltemperancesociety9286 2 роки тому

    how the times will be changing. This reminds me of the days when digital cameras first started hitting the market. They couldn't match up to film at first, but now we can't live without them!

  • @justanothernoobe
    @justanothernoobe 2 роки тому +1

    Trevor, my friend … this is JUST THE START! I get that there's a heap of joy and achievement in tweaking and setting everything up. But this makes it achievable for the masses. And hey, anything that opens up access to anything that excites us like The Great Unknown, well … that can't be a bad thing :)

  • @davidkoonce8502
    @davidkoonce8502 2 роки тому +1

    I'll be honest; I completely get the DIY, ultra custom, side of true deep space photography. But for $4k I can be up and running in minutes, and have something I can share with my kids or a Boy Scout Troop, etc.

  • @DeejayDiablo
    @DeejayDiablo 2 роки тому +1

    Love the cameo with Astrobiscuit!

  • @shannongushuliak4412
    @shannongushuliak4412 2 роки тому

    Hello! I'm not one for joining large group discussions, but I've been following for a while now. Just subscribed.
    It makes me happy to know the type of photography I've strived to experience and learn is slightly closer to my reach.
    Even if it's expensive 😭 love from Canada.

  • @ntaylorblanchard
    @ntaylorblanchard 2 роки тому

    Could be very useful for schools. I'm an astrophotographer and a middle school science teacher. One of the problems with trying to have a "telescope night" here in NJ is that there are very few interesting targets you can see: moon, jupiter, saturn, maybe mars, maybe Orion nebula. I want to try it with an eyepiece rig and with EAA. With EAA the kids would be able to see nebula and galaxies that could not be seen through the eyepiece. The fast setup would be a major plus for a school night activity with very few hours to work with.

  • @kclooey
    @kclooey 2 роки тому +4

    Here’s my reasoning to getting this scope: I’m a college student and don’t have the time to really learn, and try to learn every nook and cranny of astrophotography. I love astronomy and just wanna take some awesome pictures that I can share with family and friends. I don’t have a lot of time to really take everything out on multiple nights, and spend hours on hours really learning everything needed. Like you said, getting straight to the point is what I’m after!

  • @TheTruckslover
    @TheTruckslover 2 роки тому

    It is actually a huge piece of equipment, now just imagine an "upgreadable Stellina", kind of a "plug and play" "motherboard" where you can plug your scope, imagine the same system, same form factor to a certain extent, just bigger to accomodate bigger scopes, and just like you adapt your astro camera to a telescope, now you adapt your telescope to the "astrorig", and suddenly you can get all the benefits of stellina but with whatever scope you want

  • @juliano191
    @juliano191 Рік тому

    Agreed 100% The utter and frustration and wires and power supplies, lenses. Cameras, scopes. Filter wheels!!! Its quite overwhelming. Within a few short years, these Robotic telescopes will equal and surpass traditional astrophotography.

  • @noahshrktr
    @noahshrktr 2 роки тому +1

    This is the best review I’ve seen for this product. Great work Trevor!

  • @strelnikoff7
    @strelnikoff7 2 роки тому +1

    This morning, I believe in an amalgamation of this and … conventional (our) methods/solutions…
    Because last night I have spent 5 hours fighting dew, collimation issues, calibration stars missing… but foremost the biggest and most massive swarm of mosquitos I’ve ever seen… largest specimens - never knew existed. So after tripple coating myself in chemicals, driving 2 hours back at 4 AM - and failing to capture Heart Nebula - I’m inclined to Stelina or something like that. 4000 bucks is about 3 iPhones … 😄

  • @Spidouz
    @Spidouz 2 роки тому

    One practical use I can imagine, if you’re living/traveling in a van/camper, with limited place, or limited time to always setup everything in a new locations, you can technically just turn it on, and done, you can stay in warm in your bed in your camper with your laptop/tablet while it takes pictures. When it’s done, you can easily store it and move to your next city… or state… or maybe even new country :)

    • @jimgunn4498
      @jimgunn4498 2 роки тому +1

      Exactly, I specifically told my father about this and the other smart telescopes as he just retired and is purchasing an RV and hitting the road. Imagine being in a new dark sky site every few days and being able to take some pretty pictures while you sit under the awning, grilling BBQ and drinking a beer. It is a great excuse to get the heck out of the RV and spend some time outside. Not to mention, think of all the conversation starter opportunities from passers-by at the campground.

    • @Spidouz
      @Spidouz 2 роки тому

      @@jimgunn4498 I just saw they will come next year with a cheaper, smaller version, Vespera (around $1,500). Even better if you’re on a budget, or really beginner and not sure you want to pursue deep in this hobby, or just if space is very limited in your van/camper/RV.

  • @freeman10000
    @freeman10000 2 роки тому

    One thing it can't replace is the fine old art or visual Astronomy; seeing the universe in the flesh.

  • @Tommyr
    @Tommyr 2 роки тому +2

    Fair review eh. I'm an evscope owner, one of the backers. As I said on Twitter these type of scopes are not meant to compete with normal astrophotography. The images are just a nice bonus. And no one has ever said the images from these scopes are better than normally shot images.
    These kind of scopes will just get better and better and the prices will come down as time goes by. They open up astronomy to a LOT of people. Hi Rudi!

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      yeah but what's the point in these "telescopes" then? You don't see much and watching any picture on a smartphone is definitely worse than looking directly thru a proper scope...
      If you could collect at least raw image data on SD card/USB stick, longer exposures than 10 seconds and so it would be at least a nice and convenient to use telescope if the big rig is too much or you didn't expect to use it, but as it is its basically a highly overpriced... robot like thing which send "poor" images to your phone.
      Every astronomy app show you a much more detailed view of the sky with the right overlay/map...

    • @Tommyr
      @Tommyr 2 роки тому

      @@harrison00xXx You don't get it. I guess I'm not surprised. Look up EAA. There is much less of a learning curve with these scopes. There are some people aren't interested in taking stunning astrophotos. They just want to see deep sky objects easily and these scopes do that VERY well. All the best astrophotos have already been taken anyway by people like Trevor and many other folks.
      Whether you like it or not these kind of scopes are the future. Prices WILL come down and they WILL get better as time goes on. Again, they ARE NOT meant to compete with normal astrophotography. So calm the hell down.

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      @@Tommyr "There is much less of a learning curve with these scopes"
      Ok, so tell me whats the real benefit...
      once more, polar alignment is basic knowledge, and anything else is pretty easy with slightly modern equipment (or the same as with this apple-scope)
      Or would you call using a notebook instead of a phone/tablet not EAA anymore?
      Also, you call it "deep sky".... but i dont see anything deep, all i see is a widefield-view with Stellina, and then the quality is even poor, especially if you target faint objects. If you try to watch faint AND small objects, you basically get "no" data at all.

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx 2 роки тому

      @@Tommyr I mean i dont know what gear you have and what struggles you have to deal with....
      But my, far from mobile or convenient 750mm newton and EQ3-2 mount is basically set up within 5 minutes, another 5 minutes for proper polar alignment, focussing and checking everything... The first sessions it was truly a hassle and especially sorting out problems as always with old, cheap low end gear.
      But only considering as i switched to indi/ascom and computer controls... Its basically like a more annoying to set up Stellina, but with MUCH MORE CAPABILITIES for basically 1/10 of the price!

  • @justinthehedgehog3388
    @justinthehedgehog3388 6 місяців тому

    This is the problem with tech. We don't have to think anymore, it's all laid on for us.
    It amazes me just how many astrophotographers don't even understand the very basics of astronomy; they just want to press a button and learn nothing for themselves.
    I have an old star tracker, a DSLR and a 200mm Sigma lens with tape holding the focus in place.
    No GOTO, no bells and whistles, no "apps", no smartphone. Just a love of the night sky and the knowledge needed to navigate it.

  • @mgmcd1
    @mgmcd1 2 роки тому +1

    I am a primarily visual observer. I don’t see what the difference is between this system, and just downloading some app like star walk that shows you what is in the sky, and allows you to look at a really good picture of it in the app. IF this system had a larger scope, and allowed you to look through a selection of eyepieces, that would be cool. But how do we know there is anything in the box other than a piece of glass, and an internet connection that downloads better and better images of an object it happens to be pointing at? Okay, that’s far fetched, but in the end, I am just looking at pictures on my phone that I could have looked up online anyway.

  • @dr.mainakchakraborty9297
    @dr.mainakchakraborty9297 2 роки тому

    I think this thing is good for public demonstrations and students..many people think , what we get after hours of capture and processing, can be viewed with that Astrophotography Rig we are using. This toy is for those. They will be very happy with this real time processed images. But for an Astronomer it's not the kind of thing they want. As with proper accessories ,and way of processing an Astrrophotographer can bring out that detail , even of a faint Galaxy or Nebula which Stelina /Evoscope can not produce.Also in this price tag, an excellent Astrophotography Rig can be set up. So for an Astrophotographer , this is not the choice.

  • @astrogerard2022
    @astrogerard2022 2 роки тому

    It's main purpose would be for EAA- Electronically Assisted Astronomy for public outreach or for people who just have a casual interest in astro imaging and want immediate results.
    It will do both very well.

  • @meadmaker4525
    @meadmaker4525 2 роки тому +2

    That's a pretty impressive bit of technology. I'd heard about Stellina, but hadn't really seen any of the pictures it was capable of delivering. Given it's only on an alt/az (not equatorial), I'm surprised the pics looked as good as they did. Still, as I continue to research what rig I'd like to eventually set up for myself, the Stellina isn't what I'm dreaming about. I understand who it's been built for, but, for me, how you do a thing is at least as important as the end result, so I'm definitely going with the Frankenstein model.

  • @twozerofour
    @twozerofour 2 роки тому +1

    To me it feels less like it’s taking photos and helping me experience the night sky that I’m looking at, and more so like it’s just googling whatever object I want to see and showing me a photo.

  • @paulj2468
    @paulj2468 2 роки тому +2

    An excellent video and honest review. It certainly poses an interesting question and potential a foresight into the future of the hobby we all love. I see everyday people looking for the quickest way from image taking to processing to showcasing their images, this seems to be perfect for them.

  • @ChrisKoehn
    @ChrisKoehn 2 роки тому +4

    Great video, and some interesting commentary from Trevor and partner. But there is a heck of a lot of gatekeeping in these comments. The biggest threat to the hobby is not automation, rather it's gatekeeping. Not even the most accessible technology will allow newbies to break through the greybeard barrier to entry for this hobby.
    The worst is when people say that there is a "proper" way to go about astrophotography followed by complaints about how it's best to do it "manually" or "by hand" when it's clear that astrophotographers today enjoy some of the craziest automation and assistive technology that allows them to create their images. If you're against automation then unplug, grab some plates and book some time at the observatory to capture some "real" images since that's the only way to truly enjoy astrophotography and astronomy.

  • @kdub_
    @kdub_ 2 роки тому

    A lot of the enjoyment I see with astrophotography is the complexity of it. Learning through trial and error is one of the most frustrating yet rewarding experiences I personally find the most fun. However, this is absolutely amazing for people who just want a more personal deep look into the night sky without having to put much thought into it. This is simply wonderful.

  • @paca_bill4863
    @paca_bill4863 2 роки тому

    I would think that the Stellina should not be viewed as the end-all, be-all, but rather, as you point out Trevor, only the beginning. It's definitely not the kids a cheapo refractor telescope from the big-box store for Christmas (thank goodness). But it is one way to get someone's interest up and piqued into astrophotography. I think it sets a baseline, showing what the possibilities are. For some, that's all they will ever need. But for others, they will want to explore and expand on that possibility.
    It basically mirrors what we see in ham radio. There are those that just want to get on the air locally through a repeater and talk with friends. An inexpensive handi-talkie works fine for them. But others who want to reach out, learn more, do more, and will get more complex radios, learn what makes a good antenna, what makes a great antenna, and build it themselves, and branch out into other aspects of ham radio.

  • @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938
    @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 2 роки тому

    Definitely great for clubs...connect it to a short throw projector...teach people who have never really seen the night sky...

  • @mikemontgomery8892
    @mikemontgomery8892 2 роки тому

    Trevor I think you missed one point and that is travel. Imagine packing the robot for a trip instead of the full rig. The robot is worth having for me just for road trips. You might could fly with it, assuming you got a really, really nice case, but on either a small plane - minus the real airports - or ideally in a vehicle, nothing could be better.
    I am buying one for just this reason. My Meade 8” SCT and all the crap that goes with it, does not travel well.
    Keep up the great work and I really hope you increase your collaborations. I would love to see you, AstroBiscuit and Dylan image the same object on roughly the same day… maybe even stack all sets of the results into a single image.

  • @davidbentley8848
    @davidbentley8848 2 роки тому +1

    I want one, .. It is on my list when I get old enough for my retirement pension.
    I do not have the patience for Big Rigs and a mass of cables that may or may not work.
    I have every respect for those that enjoy that aspect of photography.
    I also respect Ed Ting, learn to use the scope learn the sky do not get into astrophotography too quickly ..
    Oh look a nice sky lets take a pic. :)

  • @julianparks8485
    @julianparks8485 2 роки тому

    Portablility, Optics, and Mount. Maybe some serious aperture like 203mm or 254mm, but still portable. Also something for research purposes-variable stars, solar system, exoplanets.

  • @rizaradri316
    @rizaradri316 Рік тому

    My thought on Stellina, eVscope and Vespera is that these smartscope are they're just like point and shoot camera or a smartphone camera. Sure it will not be as good as proper astrophotography setup, but for some who wants to share their image on Instagram right away this will be a option for them.

  • @epicjcl6345
    @epicjcl6345 Рік тому +1

    love the astrobiscuit cameo!

  • @pipe_dev_null
    @pipe_dev_null 2 роки тому

    Aside from your knowledge and passion, some of the things I appreciate the most about your content is the honesty and sincerity you bring to the table. Thanks, Trevor!

  • @paulbramhall
    @paulbramhall 2 роки тому

    listening to music is not the same as learning to play , although this could be of great use to some. Love the content and of course the biscuit cameo

  • @MrGp3po
    @MrGp3po 2 роки тому +1

    Neat piece of kit but, of course limited by the size and quality of that scope. This may appeal to the instant gratification crowd. No doubt, it will attract a few more people to astronomy and astrophotography, if it becomes more accessible.

  • @wb6anp
    @wb6anp 2 роки тому

    Yup driving myself crazy trying to figure out how to set and take astrophotographs then getting m telescope damaged due to a sudden wind gust that blew it over. Now I have to start over. So right now my tele is in the attic stored.

  • @kd5nrh
    @kd5nrh 2 місяці тому

    Honestly, if I had the cash in my astronomy fund right now, this wouldn't be my first choice, but if I hit the lottery and money was no concern, I think it would be an awesome "second shooter" on a trip to Big Bend or a similar super dark sky destination where there's just so much more to see than I can handle by myself on a short trip.
    I mean, imagine if you could just set 3-4 of these up on different targets while you work the "big fish" the old fashioned way, or just have fun on the eyepiece while the robots do the imaging.
    I recently spent two nights in South Llano River State Park, and since I only had a DSLR on a regular ball head tripod and a Dob, I wasn't doing anything fancy, but there were dozens of objects to see, and only two surprisingly short nights to look. It would have been awesome to set up a robot without the long, drawn out process of dialing in a tracking mount, and just let it chase the stuff that's hard to lock onto with a Dob and a red dot finder while I had fun following Saturn and a few bright clusters.

  • @LeeShand
    @LeeShand 2 роки тому

    I have toyed with the idea of Astrophotography for a long while. My issue is, like with everything I do, I am all or nothing, but as I got older I tend not to jump in head first (most of the time) I know I will get bored in a year or two and knowing this has put me off buying lots of equipment. This though, might just scratch the itch!

  • @davidalbert9387
    @davidalbert9387 Рік тому

    I think it's just a matter of time before a robot scope will augment what it captures with an AI search engine scouring the web to help bring you Hubble-quality pictures. But at that point, google image searches on your phone work rather well too.

  • @randomoldbloke
    @randomoldbloke 2 роки тому

    For me it is all about the journey and this does not tick any boxes for me . I am disabled and have a larger scope, a good eq Mount and a couple of Astro cameras that I can and do control from my bed the only thing not automatic is my focus and that will change when I get the $ together and it is still cheaper than stelana by a good margin. I am lucky I live in a class 6 to 8 sky area and there is every possibility that I will capture some decent clusters before the wet season and I have to pack it up for about 4 or 5 months. Forget the perfect shots enjoy the journey and what ever images you get they are yours alone and not pre programmed. Clear skies

  • @Moments_by_Mark_Photography
    @Moments_by_Mark_Photography 2 роки тому +1

    I get it - that Stellina brings the experience of the night sky to others with ease and convenience. But people are still not "seeing" the object as it appears through a telescope with their eyes. They are seeing an image captured and processed by the telescope...one you can acquire online or out of a book The true experience is seeing the object with one's own eyes and imaging and processing that image yourself (if you choose). For those who are physically or visually impaired - this just may be the ticket and I respect that. But I plan to continue working on my setup and acquiring my images be means of being a grunt. Great video Trevor.

    • @johnrussell267
      @johnrussell267 2 роки тому

      You can't see deep sky stuff through a finder either though. You have to rely on the captured images and software also.

  • @benjaminolry5849
    @benjaminolry5849 2 роки тому

    Slap a field derotator, a proper triplet and sensor cooling in it and suddenly your possibilities are on par with classical AP rigs. The component and software cost for the new product might increase by 1k, but you could really sell it at a premium.

  • @PagsPayback
    @PagsPayback 2 роки тому

    To be honest, If I had the money, I would probably buy a Stellina or maybe a Vespera and run a script each night to image our closest visible Galaxies. Transient events should show up after just a few minutes. In the mean time I can setup the large scope and image nebulas etc. And if something interesting should turn up, pointing the big scope should be a matter of minutes.

  • @denodan
    @denodan 9 місяців тому

    You can still Process the fits, or tiffs, just like in astrophotography, so use the same processes if you wish to

  • @001__aadityamgoel__me6
    @001__aadityamgoel__me6 2 роки тому

    Hello in my opinion seeing through eyepiece in physical telescope is a wonderful experience and it is never replaced by robotic telescope

  • @leonkachan1603
    @leonkachan1603 2 роки тому

    To have any tangible impact this thing needs to be 8 to 10 times cheaper than it is now. At a present price it is a very expensive toy and a fashion statement.
    Usually people start with basic visual setup (up to $300 maybe) and grow into astrophoto. So to be a good starter option this scope needs to be under $500 US...

  • @bakerfx4968
    @bakerfx4968 2 роки тому +1

    This is good for the hobby for sure! It’s basically what DJI did with drones and now the enthusiasts are benefiting big time

    • @jimgunn4498
      @jimgunn4498 2 роки тому +1

      As a DJI Mini 2 owner, I can vouch for that first hand. I love that little guy...now I want a bigger, faster and nicer camera model.

    • @bakerfx4968
      @bakerfx4968 2 роки тому

      @@jimgunn4498 I recently got into the FPV side of things because of starting with the basic dji drones! And DJI makes that super easy too if you’ve got the money to spend

  • @brianreynolds1098
    @brianreynolds1098 2 роки тому

    Some people are missing the point here. I found your review to be right on. Fair and unbiased. Is there room in Astronomy for this scope? You betcha. Is it a replacement for the way you guys currently do AP? Hell no. It's a niche product and does very well for it's niche. In fact, it's probably good for people like me, who tried AP and didn't find it to their liking. This could bridge the gap between you and me, in that respect. I would do it because of the no-muss, no-fuss aspect of it. Thanks for the review. Best guy I could think of to handle it.

  • @nightoffire3723
    @nightoffire3723 2 роки тому

    May be the future of Astrophotography in US, Europe and probably in Japan too, where there are a huge number of astrophotographers and dealers usually provide good after service.

  • @johnc4651
    @johnc4651 2 роки тому

    I live n a city (Bortle 7, if not higher). I also have limited vision. Polar alignment is something I cannot do. Then there's the issue of focusing...Collimnation is out for the same reason.. But Stellina is somthing that I can use. Every- one who sees the images that I have gotten is amazed- "You got that HERE?"
    There is a street light evrry 50 feet or so on my street. The light pollution filter does a very good job. I will comment more later about how images appear on a computer or printed once I have a chance to work with the fits files.

  • @dewrunning
    @dewrunning 2 роки тому +1

    “Instant gratification” - the demise of us all. We are no longer THINKING, both 3 & 4 dimensionally …… exercising our brain is so important ! As an architect (and long time wishing for a telescope), the incredible interaction between hand drawn sketches, the eye, and the brain will never be circumvented by computer aided drawing …. The same holds true for astronomy !

  • @andreasnyh5740
    @andreasnyh5740 2 роки тому

    I am newbie in astrophoto. I have this to say. When you get a perfect picture of a objekt you have traked in hours then it is moore passion feeling in that picture. The first picture i succesful made i got wet eyes because i put so much money,time for that picture.

  • @MrSaisreekar
    @MrSaisreekar 2 роки тому

    My Dream come true when I saw Astro Biscuit and You on one Channel!! Love you!

  • @fromupthere.2209
    @fromupthere.2209 2 роки тому

    My son is a Deputy principal at a highschool here in Australia. I did an astro night for them a while back and they also had an old 12"dob that was missing eyepieces and the base slipped and wouldnt hold the tube.. something like this would be perfect for them for their science classes because all the kids could view at the same time.. Great vid..

  • @rharcha8878
    @rharcha8878 Рік тому

    this is the Bang & Olufsen of telescopes: you are buying the night sky, not a bunch of gear. great review, Trevor!

  • @michaelgrimes3564
    @michaelgrimes3564 2 роки тому

    Your Review of Stellina I think is spot on Trevor.... I saw Rory's (Astrobiscuit) Review also ….Both excellent reviews....I'm willing to bet that Stellina will be improved and upgraded in new models over time, giving it the ability to compete with us...Going to Cost a Small Fortune I bet.... For the Price Tag however, I'd rather spend the money by building a setup. Your right, It doesn't replace us, It fits a Niche, our intimate knowledge of our rigs is a real plus. And You can buy and setup quite a rig for Stellina's Cost....

  • @michaelzell4924
    @michaelzell4924 2 роки тому

    Last night I spend over an hour, trying to get my rig to work. Autoguiding just wouldn't work and I had no idea why, cause I didn't change anything till last time. Finally after almost two hours of trying, I gave up. That's very frustrating, cause this might have been the last clear night for weeks. So, using a device like Stellina is very tempting. Just start the robot and she will do the rest. Considering the price of the things I want to buy in the future to improve my Astrofotografie the price for Stellina doesn't seem to be so high. If I had the money, I would buy a Stellina, just to have the option to use her, when my standardrig won't work or I'm feeling lazy.

  • @samk2407
    @samk2407 2 роки тому

    I think the biggest thing is that unless you can't do astrophotography the normal way for some reason, you probably buy stellina as a fun disposable income purchase. You probably don't buy it if you have astrophotography as a hobby. Because stellina takes away most if the "doing" I find it really unlikely that someone would use it that often. They'd probably just break it out on a summer night at a party or on some road trip. You're not going to make a hobby out of using it because there's not much to learn or improve at, you just get cool images, that's awesome, but thats more of a demonstration that would be a cool exhibit at a museum than something you would do weekly or monthly.

  • @marcosmith6613
    @marcosmith6613 2 роки тому

    Very good video and introduction to the subject, this is just the beginning I'm sure. We need a strong astrophotography community that knows the detail and has the skill to understand the subject, whilst at the same time allowing more people to join in the conversation.