In short

One mount. You change the module, not the instrument.

Vaonis pioneered the smart telescope ten years ago. Atlas brings together a decade of research, iterations and feedback from amateur astronomers in a single platform. At its heart is Sky Dock, the interface in the mount, the part that stays. You clip on the imaging module of your choice in a few seconds. When your observing changes, you change the module and keep the mount.

Atlas in the Single configuration: the mount with one 80 mm imaging module, a complete instrument on its own.

Sky Dock connects each module mechanically and electronically, with data transfer of up to 3 Gbit/s per module.

Atlas is built to evolve: one mount, one standard. Future imaging modules attach to the same Sky Dock. A dedicated planetary module is announced as the next step, with further modules in development. An equatorial table accessory for the Atlas mount is planned for the second half of 2027 and removes field rotation for longer exposures.

A rugged structure outside, precision at the core

On most instruments, a fragile shell wraps a hidden frame. Atlas reverses this order: the load-bearing structure in die-cast aluminium is on the outside and takes the knocks, while the optics and electronics, everything that must stay intact, are protected at the core. The mount is designed and manufactured in France and built as a precision instrument for the field, not for the display case.

Inside the mount: drive mechanics and electronics, protected by the aluminium structure.

In parking position the module folds against the column; IP64 protection against dust and splashing water.

Sky Guard: see where you are observing

A wide-field fisheye camera in the mount column films the whole sky above you, live, day and night. You see the stars down to magnitude 6, as the naked eye would. Tap an object, Atlas points to it and the image builds up. What you see when you look up and what the instrument captures appear together on the same screen.

Sky Guard uses a 12 MP Sony IMX676 sensor behind 185° fisheye optics. The 18-LED ring around it works as an electronic bubble level when setting up.

In the Gaia app the live sky view is overlaid with constellations and object names. Sky Guard can also record time-lapse sequences of the whole sky.

Optics without compromise

The 80 mm imaging module builds on the Petzval design, the historic astrograph, and pushes its correction further. It is an apochromatic quadruplet with four lenses in three groups, opening at f/4.5, with no mirror and no central obstruction. Across the whole sensor and the entire visible spectrum, its residual aberrations stay smaller than the diffraction blur of an 80 mm aperture: diffraction-limited from the centre to the corners. The only limit left is the aperture itself.

The back-illuminated Sony IMX585 sensor (3840 x 2160 pixels, 2.9 µm, 1/1.2-inch) is built into the module and matched to this optic. Native field of view: 1.78° x 1.00°; with mosaics up to 3.5° x 2.0° and up to 32 MP.

M16, the Eagle Nebula, in the Single configuration: 68 minutes total integration, 30-second sub-exposures, Vaonis Dual Band filter. Manufacturer sample image, cropped.

Twin: twice the light, half the time

A single 80 mm imaging module already forms a complete instrument. A second module takes you further: two 80 mm modules on the same target collect twice as much light at every moment. Together they gather light like an f/3.2 optic, so the same result is reached in half the time. Each module carries its own sensor, and stacking across both modules is handled automatically by the app from launch.

The Twin configuration: two 80 mm imaging modules on one Atlas mount, both aimed at the same target.

The Single version can be upgraded with a second module later, so you can start with one and expand.

M33, the Triangulum Galaxy: Twin configuration, 15 minutes total integration, 30-second sub-exposures, no filter.

NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula: Twin configuration, 50 minutes total integration, 30-second sub-exposures, no filter. Manufacturer sample images, cropped.

From set-up to the first image

Atlas has no eyepiece: you observe on your screen, live in the Gaia app. The instrument gathers light over time and reveals colours and detail the eye cannot perceive, even through a large telescope. In alt-azimuth mode, single exposures of up to 30 seconds are possible. Beginners get guided levelling and fully automatic alignment, pointing and tracking; experienced observers get 16-bit FITS and TIFF export, 15 multi-night acquisition slots and the dual arm for the faintest targets. Thanks to stacking and filters against light pollution, Atlas also works under urban skies.

Thought through to the detail

The filter drawer takes standard 1.25-inch filters. Vaonis filters are recognised automatically (available late 2026). A full-aperture solar filter is also announced for late 2026.

Sealed USB-C 3.1 port with 60 W fast charging, data transfer and Ethernet via adapter. Storage is expandable by microSD card.

A built-in humidity and temperature sensor controls the dew heater automatically. The battery is replaceable and lasts approx. 6 hours. Images are exported as 8-bit JPEG, 16-bit FITS or 16-bit TIFF. Please note: Atlas is a new platform; Vespera accessories are not compatible with the Atlas mount or the 80 mm imaging module.

Pre-order and introductory prices

Atlas can be pre-ordered now. According to the manufacturer, first deliveries are planned for March 2027. Vaonis offers staggered introductory prices (recommended retail prices incl. 19% German VAT):

Technical specifications

What's in the box

The aluminium tripod is included with both versions.

Frequently asked questions

Manufacturer information

Manufacturer: Vaonis, France
Official website: vaonis.com

Why MJKZZ?

Prices incl. VAT. Images may differ from the delivered item. Product and sample images provided by the manufacturer. Delivery dates and future accessories as announced by the manufacturer; subject to change.