Verdict
The Unistellar eQuinox 2 automated uranology platform is not something you ’re probable to pick up on a impulse , but it ’s capable of let out fantastic things in the Nox sky . It ’s overshadowed by other Unistellar scopes , however , and may be overlooked as a result .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
calculate very much like its closemouthed cousin theUnistellar EvScope 2 , but a bit cheaper , this motorised smart scope houses a 6.2MP television camera .
It does n’t have the ocular from the EvScope , but hold the choice of peering through the small lens system or viewing the solvent of the scope ’s clever automatic epitome processing on a phone or pill sieve , it ’s pretty clear what most multitude will choose .
Otherwise , this is a very similar proposition to its more expensive pal , yet the differences show . The eQuinox 2 seems slower to set up , its image quality is not as unspoilt and its location and tracking ability finger less sharp .
That ’s not to say it ’s not useful – as an creation to astrophotography , or a agency to spread the news about just what ’s tarry in the dark sky to multiple phone - toting viewer at a star political party , this would make a groovy choice .
Design and features
The Unistellar eQuinox 2 look big . Its metal - and - black tube , with its one - point attachment to its saddle horse and complete lack of any visible control beyond a single release , gives an impression of technological progress and tranquil operation , even before you ’ve start it out of the boxful .
The tube and climb , with all electronics integrated within , pose on top of a tripod and are secured with two screws . It ’s all attractively put together , and has a serious heft when you break up it up . Extend the tripod legs , check that the battery is charged , localize the eQuinox 2 under clear , dark sky , and you ’re all do .
To operate the eQuinox 2 you ’ll need a smartphone or tablet , preferably one with GPS make in , though that ’s not a dealbreaker as you’re able to input this information manually . link to the Wi - Fi hotspot created by the scope , sign in using the Unistellar app ( you ’ll postulate an ID code print on the bottom of the oscilloscope , and it ’s a good melodic theme to take a photo of this before you originate ) , and you ’ll be able-bodied to take controller of the observation platform .
The Nertonian tube has a focal length of 450 mm , a focal ratio of f/4 , and a field of view constitute 34 x 47 arcminutes . From this , it ’s potential to get good views of larger object such as the Moon , Orion Nebula , Andromeda galaxy and more . Smaller object such as planet , more distant beetleweed and globular cluster can be viewed too , with a mere system much like the Android television camera app to change between zoom levels and get a closer facial expression .
Performance
Setup of the eQuinox 2 is peculiarly simple . All you need to do is to get it mounted on the tripod , direct at a sky that ’s dark enough to see headliner and unbothered by cloud cover , and with your phone or lozenge sequester to its wireless hot spot . It starts pointing straight up , and if you may see ace through the trailer in the app , then you may collide with the button to mechanically configure the scope so it have sex which agency to point .
This unconscious process seemed to take longer than with the EvScope 2 , as did the slewing movement that takes the tube from target to target . It took much longer to detect the Moon than the more expensive orbit , though once it had got itself worked out it was able-bodied to move between targets swimmingly , the catalogue in the app making extract slow free-base on fix and time , though not able-bodied to take into account overhanging tree or improbable buildings blocking the view .
The tripod legs are slender and in three segment , which mean the assembly is top - heavy . It sways slightly in the wind , making a calm , readable dark of the essence for observing sessions . The eQuinox 2 ’s tripod also had a slightly loose clinch that led to one pegleg break when pushed – not a problem that the selfsame tripod that follow with the Evscope 2 displayed .
Image quality
The eQuinox 2 uses a 6.2MP image detector that takes multiple images of its target and stacks them over time , producing a clearer image of dim nebulae and other celestial targets than you ’d get from a single exposure . This does n’t weigh so much when await at raw - eye objects such as the Moon or Jupiter , but for bleak galaxies you’re able to leave it to chase the target for an minute or more ( battery life is rated at 11 hours ) to pull together all the photons you’re able to and produce a clear image . There ’s an reflexive filter to remove light contamination , making it ideal for back - garden uranology in area surrounded by street ignitor , and up to ten viewer can connect their own phones to the scope ’s Wi - Fi and view its image too – great for showing off to friends .
In many ways , I ruined the eQuinox 2 for myself by go over the Evscope 2 first . If I ’d total to it without that prior experience , I would have been blown off by the image the eQuinox produces , but the more expensive Evscope 2 has a respectable sensing element inside , not only with more megapixels but greater light - gathering power , and this show up in the images . The eQuinox ’s files were generally dimmer and had less definition than shots of the same mark from the Evscope , although atmospherical shape on the nights spend observe could have affect this . The eQuinox ’s files also react less well to processing – the Orion Nebula showed its colours better from the Evscope , even though the eQuinox ’s stroke discover the same structure .
There ’s a manual focus wheel at the back of the background that need to be used – in combination with a Bahtinov mask – to really home in on the sharp images and produce point - like stars instead of rophy . It would have been nice to see this automated like the rest of the process , and you’re able to find yourself spending a lot of clock time twisting the wheel , waiting for the app preview image to update , then trying to turn it back the other way without pink the scope out of status .
you’re able to see a selection of sample below .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
If you ’re concerned in astronomy or astrophotography , but do n’t need to spend long , moth-eaten night standing in the middle of a field .
While it ’s a adequate to system , it ’s no match for a full ( and much more expensive ) astrophotography rig , and even other Unistellar products outclass it .
Final Thoughts
There ’s no debate that the Unistellar eQuinox 2 is inferior to theEvscope 2 . But it ’s also not nearly as expensive , and will do the same job . It ’s a fine scope if you ’re learning about the night sky , want an well-to-do – if not needfully quick – means to get at the wonders of bass - sky objects , the planets , and the open of the Moon , and do n’t mind making a expectant investment in it .
Compared to other astrophotography setups – a large refractor with a chill , specialised camera on an equatorial go - to go up , perhaps – it might even be considered chinchy . You ’re paying for public lavatory here , and that ’s what you get : Unistellar ’s smart range pop the question admittance to admiration we unremarkably ca n’t see , and for some that will be worth the price of accession .
Trusted Score
FAQs
No , this scope has no manual controls , so you necessitate a phone or tablet to moderate the telescope via the app .
Full Specs
