Discover the Canon-powered US$99,000 smart telescope. Here's what happens "When you remove every limit" with Vaonis

A sleek, modern white telescope mounted on a cylindrical base, angled slightly upward against a neutral background
Canon optical heritage + Vaonis observatory engineering = a full-frame automated deep-sky imaging system without limits (Image credit: Vaonis)
For Context

Vaonis Hyperia telescope

(Image credit: Vaonis)

Originally planned for 2023-2024, at $45,000 / £38,000, Hyperia aimed to act as a hybrid between a consumer smart telescope and a full-blown observatory.

When we first covered Vaonis' Hyperia back in 2021, it sounded almost mythical – a "domestic Hubble" promised for wealthy amateur photographers, carrying an eye-watering price tag and an ambitious feature list. Now, Hyperia is no longer a concept. It's real, refined, and significantly more expensive...

Officially revealed in its final form, Hyperia answers a question posed by Vaonis and Canon: what happens when you remove every limit?

The answer: a $99,000+ all-in-one digital observatory, built for museums, science centers, and also professional public outreach – and it may be the most ambitious imaging instrument ever aimed beyond traditional observatories.

Canon & Vaonis

Canon optics + Vaonis engineering: an alliance that changes everything

(Image credit: Vaonis)

Hyperia marks a pivotal moment for Vaonis: a deep technical partnership with Canon. It's simple. Canon brings the optical DNA. Hyperia's optical system is built around a 150mm aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio, optimized to capture faint light with maximum efficiency.

Inside, 17 precision-engineered Canon lenses work as a single optical system, correcting distortion, chromatic aberration, and field curvature before light even reaches the sensor.

Each element is treated with Canon's most advanced anti-reflective technology: Air Sphere Coating. It minimizes internal reflections and preserves contrast.

The result is deep blacks, controlled highlights, and remarkably even sharpness from center to edge – critical for large-format astrophotography. This imaging is designed pixel-for-pixel, without compression or compromise.

North America Nebula captured with the Hyperia, explore more insights on the Vaonis website (Image credit: Vaonis)

Hyperia

With Hyperia, tracking, derotation, imaging, and processing are fully integrated into a single instrument. The dedicated app manages everything from planning and guided sessions to multi-night image stacking, object catalogs, and AI-assisted support – making Hyperia suitable for expert and public discovery and education.

(Image credit: Vaonis)

Key features

1. Field Derotator: Perfectly aligned stars
Keeps stars motionless during long exposures, ensuring sharper and more accurate astrophotography.

2. Filter Drawer: Filters at your fingertips
Swap filters in seconds and adapt instantly to any sky conditions or imaging style.

3. Direct-Drive Tracking System: Precision in motion
Delivers ultra-smooth, silent, and backlash-free tracking. Up to 60°/s - Full rotation in 6seconds.

4. Full-Frame Back-Illuminated Sensor: A 45MP full-frame
3.30° × 2.20° field of view, capturing faint details with exceptional clarity and depth.

5. Aluminum Body: Engineered for endurance
A rigid and thermally stable aluminum structure designed to perform flawlessly in demanding environments.

6. Seamless Ground Mounting Plate: Stability built in
A clean, integrated base that mounts and levels instantly for vibration-free, hassle-free observing.

Price & Availability

Hyperia is available from $99,000 (approx. £73,480 / AU$147,240). Production is strictly limited, with pre-orders opening in January 2026 and deliveries expected in 2027. Find more info here.

Your Alternative

For most, Hyperia will remain a dream instrument. The good news? Vaonis also offers far more realistic products, like the Vaonis Vespera II.

Read our full hands-on Vaonis Vespera II review (Image credit: Vaonis)

The Vespera II is compact, portable, and dramatically more affordable, available from $1,590 / £1,395/ AU$3,215.

It delivers automated deep-sky imaging with minimal setup. It's ideal for solo imaging, group sessions, and photographers curious about astrophotography without committing to observatory-level hardware.

Because, in the end, Hyperia shows what happens when you remove every limit and let engineering take over – and the six-figure price makes sure you don't forget it.

You might like...

Browse the best smart telescopes, best telescopes for astrophotography, and best star tracker camera mounts for astrophotography.

TOPICS
Kim Bunermann
Staff Writer

Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, Kim explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. Through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, she aims to encourage readers to explore the medium more deeply and embrace its full creative potential.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.