Touptek, a company that provides good-quality, budget astrophotography gear, has launched the StellaVita. This compact device packs a punch and is designed to rival the popular ZWO ASIAIR. Unlike the ASIAIR, however, it offers open compatibility, meaning users are not locked into a single ecosystem. The StellaVita is positioning itself as a strong alternative in a market currently dominated by ZWO.
Introducing StellaVita
The StellaVita is all-in-one astrophotography controller that supports a wide range of third-party equipment. Unlike the ZWO ASIAIR, which is optimized for ZWO-branded gear, the StellaVita embraces an open ecosystem. This makes it particularly appealing to users who already own a mix of cameras, mounts, and accessories from different manufacturers.
Key features include dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) with an external high-gain antenna, Gigabit Ethernet for stable wired connections, multiple USB ports (2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0), 12V power outputs to run an entire imaging setup, expandable storage via SD card, and a dedicated StellaVita mobile app for Android and iOS. The app offers tools like a star map with field-of-view overlays, real-time image previews, and polar alignment assistance.
Early Reception
While the StellaVita has been praised for its hardware and compatibility, early users have reported software immaturity. Some describe the app as being in “beta” condition, with bugs affecting guiding functions and missing features like rotator control and advanced search tools.
There have also been mixed reviews on Wi-Fi performance, with some users experiencing weak signals and recommending external dongles. A few have raised concerns about hardware quality control, citing issues like loose antenna connectors. Despite these setbacks, the community remains cautiously optimistic, noting that Touptek appears responsive to feedback and is actively rolling out updates.
Limitations of the ASIAIR
The ZWO ASIAIR has long been the go-to solution for astrophotographers seeking a streamlined, wireless imaging experience. The ASIAIR supports automated polar alignment, plate solving and autoguiding, autofocus routines, and custom imaging sequences.
Its app is widely regarded as stable and user-friendly, especially for those using ZWO cameras, focusers, and filter wheels.
Despite its strengths, the ASIAIR is not without drawbacks. Its tight integration with ZWO hardware can be limiting for users with third-party gear. While some non-ZWO devices are supported, full functionality often requires workarounds.
Other concerns include an initial learning curve for the app interface, past Wi-Fi range issues (now improved in newer models), and limited control granularity compared to PC-based setups. Still, the ASIAIR remains a trusted and reliable tool for many, especially those already invested in the ZWO ecosystem.
Feature Comparison: StellaVita vs. ASIAIR
| Feature | Touptek StellaVita | ZWO ASIAIR Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Open, multi-brand | ZWO-centric |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band, external antenna | Dual-band, external antenna |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Power Outputs | 4x 12V DC | 4x 12V DC |
| Storage | 32GB + SD card | 32–256GB eMMC + MicroSD |
| DSLR Support | In development | Supported |
| Rotator Control | Not yet available | Supported (ZWO rotators) |
| Price | Similar or slightly lower | Similar |
Excitement and Caution
The astrophotography community has responded with a mix of excitement and caution. StellaVita’s open compatibility is a major advantage, especially for people who own all kinds of gear. But, many are waiting to see how quickly Touptek can address early software and hardware concerns.
Meanwhile, the ASIAIR continues to enjoy strong support, particularly among ZWO users. Its reliability and ease of use have made it a staple in many imaging setups, though some users remain wary of its ecosystem limitations.
So Who Wins?
The choice between the Touptek StellaVita and ZWO ASIAIR ultimately depends on user needs. New users or those with ZWO gear may find the ASIAIR’s polished experience more accessible. Experienced users with mixed-brand setups may benefit from StellaVita’s flexibility—if they’re willing to navigate early-stage quirks.
With both devices priced similarly, the decision hinges more on ecosystem preference and equipment compatibility than cost. As Touptek continues to refine the StellaVita, it may soon become a serious contender in the smart controller market.
