How Many Subs

Vespera Pro vs Vespera Pro 2: which is faster for deep-sky imaging?

Vaonis Vespera Pro against Vaonis Vespera Pro 2, on the same targets from the same skies, using the same photon-budget model as the rest of the site. Times are for a solid image; the calculator gives quick-look and showpiece figures too.

Speed. Across the 30 most popular targets from a suburban Bortle 6 sky, they are about the same speed. From a rural Bortle 3 sky the Vespera Pro 2 is 1.1× faster.

Field of view. Both frame 1.6° or so on the long side, so they suit the same targets.

Detail. Pixel scales are within 10% of each other, so neither has a real detail advantage.

Subs and dark skies. Both top out at 30 s subs, so neither has an edge at read-noise-limited dark sites.

Filters. Neither has a built-in dual-band filter, so emission nebulae from a lit sky are slow going on both.

Specifications side by side

SpecVespera ProVespera Pro 2
Aperture50 mm50 mm
Focal length250 mm (f/5.0)245 mm (f/4.9)
SensorSony IMX676, 12.5 MPSony IMX676, 12.5 MP
Pixel size2 µm2 µm
Pixel scale1.65″/px1.68″/px
Field of view1.62° × 1.62°1.65° × 1.65°
Sub exposures10 s, 20 s, 30 s10 s, 20 s, 30 s
Dual-band filterClip-on option (Dual Band filter)Clip-on option (Dual Band filter)
“No filter” positionNo filterNo filter
Read noise used0.8 e⁻0.8 e⁻

Timed on the same targets

Suburban sky (Bortle 6)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 6 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetVespera ProVespera Pro 2Faster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy3 h 16 min1,176 subs3 h 07 min1,121 subsSame
Orion NebulaEmission nebula38 min227 subs36 min217 subsSame
North America NebulaEmission nebula5 h 04 min1,822 subs4 h 49 min1,736 subsSame
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy10 h3,727 subs9 h 52 min3,552 subsSame
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula17 min103 subs16 min99 subsSame
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant5 h 32 min1,992 subs5 h 16 min1,898 subsSame
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster16 min98 subs15 min93 subsSame
PleiadesReflection nebula6 h 03 min2,177 subs5 h 46 min2,075 subsSame

Rural sky (Bortle 3)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 3 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetVespera ProVespera Pro 2Faster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy1 h 23 min500 subs1 h 19 min472 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula18 min111 subs17 min105 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
North America NebulaEmission nebula2 h 06 min757 subs1 h 59 min713 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy4 h 10 min1,501 subs3 h 56 min1,414 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula10 min62 subs10 min59 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant2 h 17 min824 subs2 h 09 min776 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster9 min53 subs8 min50 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×
PleiadesReflection nebula2 h 29 min897 subs2 h 21 min845 subsVespera Pro 2 1.1×

Try the Vespera Pro in the calculator Try the Vespera Pro 2

About the Vaonis Vespera Pro

The square-sensor Vespera with 2 µm pixels. Higher resolution than the II, and correspondingly slower per pixel: expect around double the time for the same per-pixel SNR. Run-out in 2026 and replaced by the Vespera Pro 2.

Where to buy the Vespera ProAmazon UKAmazon USAffiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

About the Vaonis Vespera Pro 2

The square-sensor 2026 Vespera with 2 µm pixels. Sharper than the Vespera 3 on small targets and correspondingly slower per pixel; the 12.5 MP square frame suits galaxies and planetaries.

Where to buy the Vespera Pro 2Vaonis store DirectAmazon UKAmazon USThe Vaonis store link is a plain link; the others are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Other comparisons

Vespera Pro

Vespera Pro 2

All comparisons · Buying guide · Vespera Pro page · Vespera Pro 2 page