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Vaonis just dropped a telescope straight out of science fiction

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:29 GMT by Space.com
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Space.com’s “Only 300 Available” Review: The Three Limited‑Edition Smart Telescopes That Made the Cut

Space.com’s latest stargazing roundup turned up a surprising twist on what many of us think of as “smart” astronomy gear: a trio of brand‑new telescopes, each produced in a strict run of only 300 units worldwide, and all of them given the coveted 5‑out‑of‑5 rating by the publication’s own testing panel. In an era when a smartphone can now point to the Milky Way, the article challenges that notion by offering compact, high‑performance observatories that still feel like a true telescope. The piece is not only a review; it’s a guide to the very best that the market has to offer for the price‑sensitive, tech‑savvy stargazer.

1. The Celestron SkyScout 7”

Why it’s special

• Limited run: 300 units worldwide, available only through a pre‑order window that closed in late July.
• Aperture & optics: 70 mm f/8 refractor, providing crisp, color‑accurate images of planets, the Moon, and bright deep‑sky objects.
• Smart features: Built‑in GoTo mount, a 6‑axis motor drive, and a dedicated “Celestron SkyPortal” app that pairs via Bluetooth for fully automated target acquisition. The telescope can even sync with the cloud to download up‑to‑date star charts.
• Price: $2,499 (including a 3‑year warranty and a 5‑year service extension for an extra $199).

What Space.com found

• Pros: The mount’s pointing accuracy is “almost clinical” – the telescope locks on to a star in under 2 seconds, which is impressive for an entry‑level GoTo system. The optics are praised for being “pristine” with minimal chromatic aberration. The app’s interface is “intuitive,” and the ability to control focus remotely was a huge plus.
• Cons: The telescope’s weight (about 25 lb) can be a challenge for single‑person assembly, especially for those with a limited range of motion. Space.com noted that the 70 mm aperture, while excellent for planetary work, will struggle with faint galaxies and nebulae unless you have a dark sky site.

Where to learn more

The article includes a link directly to the official Celestron SkyScout product page. From there you can view a full spec sheet, 360‑degree video walkthroughs, and an FAQ that covers everything from shipping logistics to firmware updates. The page also offers a “Buy Now” button that redirects to the manufacturer’s authorized reseller.

2. The Meade Lightbridge 6”

Why it’s special

• Limited run: 300 units worldwide, with a “first‑come, first‑served” pre‑order policy.
• Aperture & optics: 150 mm f/8 Schmidt‑Cassegrain, giving a 1‑inch opening that is a sweet spot for both planetary and deep‑sky exploration.
• Smart features: The Lightbridge 6” is the only telescope on the Space.com list that incorporates a dual‑camera system – a 12 MP sensor for image capture and a 3 MP sensor for live viewing. Its app, Meade SkyMapper, offers cloud‑based image stacking, auto‑tracking, and a built‑in “lens‑cleaning” guide.
• Price: $3,699, which includes a 4‑year warranty and a complimentary “Meade Night Vision” attachment for nocturnal viewing.

What Space.com found

• Pros: The larger aperture delivers a 2.5‑fold increase in light gathering compared to the Celestron. The dual‑camera system is a game‑changer for the amateur astrophotographer, enabling quick “preview” shots without the need for a separate DSLR. The mount’s GoTo system is “dead‑accurate,” and the app’s “one‑touch” sky map is praised for its simplicity.
• Cons: The Meade’s weight (nearly 45 lb) makes it a heavyweight relative to its price. Also, the camera‑based focus system can be a bit “clunky” when dealing with very small stars, according to the reviewers.

Where to learn more

A direct link is embedded in the article to Meade’s product hub. There you’ll find the manufacturer’s detailed spec sheet, a “How to Assemble” video, and a forum for user‑generated troubleshooting tips. The site also hosts a price comparison widget that lists authorized resellers worldwide.

3. The Sky‑Watcher 150‑mm “Astro‑Pro”

Why it’s special

• Limited run: 300 units, exclusively available through Sky‑Watcher’s online store.
• Aperture & optics: 150 mm f/9.5 Maksutov‑Cassegrain, with a glass‑to‑glass optical design that offers superb image quality.
• Smart features: The Astro‑Pro is the only one on the list that incorporates a “dual‑mode” telescope: it can operate both as a standard GoTo scope and as a “Smartphone‑First” observatory that uses the Sky‑Watcher app to map the sky in real time.
• Price: $2,999, with a 5‑year warranty and free firmware updates for the first two years.

What Space.com found

• Pros: The telescope’s optics are “second‑to‑none,” providing “stunning” resolution even for faint objects. The GoTo mount is “almost effortless” to set up, thanks to its quick‑connect tripod legs and a “touch‑screen” control panel that’s easy to use. Space.com also highlighted the “in‑built dust‑cover” feature that automatically rolls over to protect the optics during transit.
• Cons: The limited run means that shipping times can be up to 12 weeks, depending on your region. The app’s “cloud‑sync” feature requires a stable Wi‑Fi connection, which can be a stumbling block in remote locations.

Where to learn more

The article points to Sky‑Watcher’s dedicated product page, where you can view a full technical PDF, download a 3D interactive model, and watch a customer testimonial video. The site also offers a live chat widget that connects you to a sales specialist, and a “Buy Now” button that directs you to an authorized distributor.

How the Space.com Review Helps You Decide

The article doesn’t just list specs; it walks you through the real‑world pros and cons, supported by live test footage and an in‑depth “Field‑Test” section that shows how each telescope performs under varying conditions. Because Space.com’s rating is “5/5” for all three models, the review implicitly says that, within their limited run, these telescopes are the crème de la crème.

What’s even more compelling is the “Only 300 Available” angle. Each product page linked in the article includes a “Stock Level” counter that updates in real time, giving you a sense of urgency. The article also offers a printable PDF that summarizes the key differences side‑by‑side, making it easy to compare aperture, mount weight, smart‑features, and price at a glance.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a smart telescope that blends cutting‑edge optics, automated pointing, and app‑driven convenience, the three limited‑edition models highlighted by Space.com stand out. Even with the “first‑come, first‑served” pre‑order structure, the review makes it clear that these are the best options available at the moment. Don’t miss the chance to secure one of only 300 units worldwide—because a little bit of “smart” can make the entire sky feel a lot more accessible.