Forget telescopes! I tried these AR smart binoculars and it redefines astrophotography

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And the quality is so good that I saw stuff I couldn't normally see

Unistellar Envision smart binoculars.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

After getting my feet wet in astrophotography a couple years back while testing out some of the best camera phones, I eventually graduated to a smart telescope. That’s when I actually got acquainted with one of my favorite models ever, the Unistellar Odyssey Pro, but it just met its perfect companion.

It’s the Unistellar Envision smart binoculars, which I got a sneak peak preview of a couple weeks back. These are unlike any other binoculars I’ve checked out in the past, not only because of how it’s specifically tied to astrophotography and the night sky, but also how it incorporates augmented reality into the equation.

I got to try out a preproduction model with the Unistellar team on a trip to upstate New York, and let me tell you it made me see things I couldn’t normally see with my own eyes.

Helpful guide powered by AR

Unisteallar Envision smart binoculars with map overlay.

(Image credit: Future)

What makes it even more versatile apart from being an ordinary pair of binoculars to see farther is how it can also act as a guide on trips. It does this with the help of augmented reality by projecting an overlay onto the eyepiece. And since it uses GPS and real-time data, it knows its position and can show a 3D map overlay — which is used to mark targets, landmarks, and other points of interest.

Unistellar Envision smart binoculars.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I pointed it at a point in the horizon where I saw a ship, and since I’m able to mark its position, anyone else who picks it up can easily be guided to that exact position. For nature lovers and bird watchers, I know this would be really helpful keeping track of a target.

One thing I noticed with the AR experience is how it outlines the horizon and landmarks. From across the Hudson River, I could see the Unistellar Envision outlining the horizon. Take a look at the clip I shot above to see what I mean.

A better guide to the stars

Unistellar Envision smart binoculars used at night.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Of course, the Unistellar Envision really shines at night when it comes to astrophotography. While it’s not meant to replace your camera or telescope to capture deep space objects, such as nebulas and galaxies, what makes it valuable is how it makes it a breeze finding targets.

Through the app running on a phone, you can send targets to the Unistellar Envision — so that it guides you with AR to the exact coordinates. I got to make out some familiar constellations that night, like Ursa Major, with all of the major stars in crystal clear formation through the binoculars. The experience is like any of the star gazing apps I use to chart deep space objects with my phone, but through the scope of these binoculars.

For other targets, like galaxies, I was able to make out the faint image of the bright center of the M31 Andromeda Galaxy. Although the software’s expected to throw in additional details like short descriptions, this preproduction model only displays the names of these targets.

One thing I have to say about the Unistellar Envision is the optical quality of the lenses because it’s so crystal clear and sharp. Even in the night sky, I was amazed by what I was able to see with my eyes as it was sharp enough to make out faint satellites whizzing by in orbit.

Bottom Line

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Unistellar Envision smart binoculars.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

The hardware’s pretty solid, and at 2.65 pounds, has the kind of density that makes it feel like a professional pair of binoculars. That said, its $1,499 cost is a hefty price to pay — but it’s not totally overpriced in the world of astrophotography.

Early backers can get it for $999, which is a pretty substantial amount of savings. So far, Unistellar has raised $2.8 million through its initial round of Kickstarter funding. However, it’s going to be a while before it ships as Unistellar aims to start shipping the first round of deliveries around June–July 2026.

I really enjoyed what I’ve previewed so far and I’m told the software’s only going to get better. As a hobbyist, the Envision smart binoculars are the perfect astrophotography companion that does so much more.

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John Velasco
John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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