Why your first telescope might not have an eyepiece

Space · Published 24 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The most beginner-friendly telescopes today are moving away from traditional glass lenses toward automated systems. Instead of wrestling with manual adjustments and complex optics, new smart scopes handle the heavy lifting—finding objects, focusing, and tracking—allowing you to view deep-space wonders directly on your smartphone screen.

For many newcomers, the sheer variety of telescopes can be daunting. While traditional setups require a baseline understanding of astronomy to locate specific targets like nebulas or star clusters, 'smart' telescopes are designed to remove these barriers. These systems are engineered for users with virtually zero prior knowledge, automating the most difficult aspects of skywatching, including object finding and precise focusing. These tools serve as an ideal gateway for both children and adults entering the field. They provide a manageable way to start skywatching without being overwhelmed by complex equipment.

A prime example of this shift is the Unistellar Odyssey series. Unlike a standard Newtonian Reflector that you would peer into manually, the Odyssey Pro uses a motorized alt-azimuth mount to track celestial bodies. It is designed for portability and quiet operation, making it suitable for viewing nebulas and star clusters. However, there is a significant trade-off: because these are smart scopes, they do not come with traditional eyepieces; instead, you view the images through a smartphone. The Odyssey model features a 3.35-inch aperture and a focal length of 320mm. It weighs approximately 14.3 lbs, making it lighter than the eVscope 2 or eQuinox 2.

Choosing the right entry point depends on your specific goals and budget. While smart telescopes offer a 'breeze' of an experience for beginners who want to see deep-space objects quickly, they are often more expensive than basic models. Furthermore, while they excel at automated tracking, some users find that these devices can occasionally struggle with orientation or may not be the ideal choice for high-detail planetary viewing compared to dedicated larger apertures. The Odyssey is specifically noted for being very quiet during its operation. This makes it a strong choice for those seeking a long-lasting and powerful portable experience.

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