With dozens of smart telescopes available in 2026, choosing the right model comes down to your budget, desired portability, and favorite deep-sky objects. All recommendations in this guide are based on hands-on testing directly from my light-polluted rooftop and balcony in Utrecht, the Netherlands (Bortle … Continue readingSmart Telescopes: Best Buy Guide in 2026
In this guide, we’re focusing on the mid-range sweet spot for smart telescopes—roughly $400 to $1,000 (€400–€1,000)—where you find the ultimate balance between portability, 4K resolution, and deep-sky performance. For complete context, I’ve also included the entry-level DWARF Mini and Seestar S30 ($399 / €399), … Continue readingBest Budget to Mid-Range Smart Telescopes in 2026 – Seestar (S30, S30 Pro & S50 Pro) vs Dwarflab (DWARF 3, Mini, Draco)
After the Seestar S50, the S30, and the S30 Pro, this is ZWO’s latest and most expensive smart telescope: the S50 Pro. I spent 24 hours with the Seestar, and in that time I was able to capture four deep-sky objects, the Milky Way, star … Continue readingSeestar S50 Pro FULL Review & Hands-on Tutorial
Hey everyone! ToupTek sent me their new AE676M mono camera with their AFM mini Filterwheel, so I took it out on a first light adventure with the main goal of capturing Saturn, which is almost in opposition. When it comes to planetary imaging, monochrome cameras … Continue readingToupTek AE676M Mono Camera Review: First Light on Saturn & The Moon
Here’s my attempt to answer the 10 most-often-asked questions I have received from you over the years about telescope mounts—fully updated to reflect how technology has evolved, while keeping the fundamental principles intact. 1. What is a telescope mount? A telescope mount basically does two … Continue readingTelescope mounts: Top 10 questions answered!
Normally, I skip previews on Wido’s AstroForum as I prefer focusing on real-world testing from my urban rooftop. However, DWARFLAB’s new Draco smart telescope is different, as I believe it might fundamentally change amateur astrophotography in the years to come. So let me make this … Continue readingDraco Smart Telescope Preview: Goodbye nerdy Astro rigs?
The ToupTek HOPE D60 enters the wide-field astrophotography space aiming to deliver fast optical speed in a compact refractor design. Running at a fast f/4.66, it promises quick signal collection. I took it on a first light mission to photograph the expansive North America Nebula … Continue readingFirst Light Review: ToupTek HOPE D60 Astrograph
For astrophotographers who want a fast, dedicated wide-field imaging setup, finding a balance between optical quality, back-focus simplicity, and modular expansion is key. SVBONY’s SV545 45mm f/4.5 Petzval Astrograph aims directly at this sweet spot. Equipped with optional extra’s —such as the SVBONY’s Off-Axis Guider … Continue readingFirst Light Review: SVBONY SV545 Petzval Astrograph & Accessory Ecosystem
Harmonic drive (strain wave) mounts represent a massive leap forward for portable astrophotography. Instead of relying on heavy traditional gears and bulky counterweights, they utilize compact, high-torque robotic gears that pack incredible lifting power into featherweight bodies under 5 kg (11 lbs). With these next-gen … Continue readingBest Harmonic Drive Mounts for Astrophotography in 2026
By Wido Oerlemans | Last updated: June 2026 If you are hunting for the ideal beginner astrophotography mount, you have likely realized that the 8–15 kg payload range is the ultimate sweet spot for deep-sky imaging. If you’re in the market for a cutting-edge strain … Continue readingBest Beginner Telescope Mounts for Astrophotography (2026 Guide)