![StargazerMan](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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StargazerMan
Ireland
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 1 พ.ย. 2006
My name is Frank Ryan Jr and I'm an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. I've been stargazing helping people get into the hobby for over 40 years. I took my first astrophotos 30 years ago in the film days and when Photoshop was a place you went to buy cameras! This channel is for anyone interested in taking photos of the nights sky, telescopes, gear reviews, astronomical events from the beginner to advanced.
Seestar S50 - One year on from release - does it live up to the hype?
Full review / setup tips / how to capture ISS transits / what you can expect right out of the box without any image processing. I give my thoughts on if this is suitable for beginners and is it worth it.
🔭 If you intend on buying a scope or accessories, please use the links below. There’s no cost to you and I’ll include any discount codes available. I get a small % on referred orders that really helps the channel. 😊
I don’t get paid to promote any store over the other, I’ve usually bought from them in the past and can recommend them as reputable.
🔭 ZWO Seestar S50 🔭
🌏 Direct from manufacturer
👉 ZWO Seestar: collabs.shop/wlovks
🌏 USA
👉 High Point Scientific: www.highpointscientific.com/zwo-seestar-s50-all-in-one-smart-telescope?rfsn=8126018.611dc4
🌏 European Union
👉 AstroShop: www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/zwo-smart-telescope-ap-50-250-seestar-s50/p,78688?affiliate_id=STARGAZERMAN
🔭 Seestar S50 Accessories 🔭
My Son’s school project 😊
👉 Shopify: 0b47ba-d4.myshopify.com
👉 Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StargazerMan
👉 eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/stargazer_man
Set 1 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield
Set 2 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers
Set 3 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask
Set 4 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask + DIY Solar Filter holder
🔭 Levelling Base 🔭
🌏 USA
👉 High Point Scientific: www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-easy-leveler-for-seestar-telescopes?rfsn=8126018.611dc4
👉 Neewer: neewer.com/products/neewer-lp64-tripod-head-leveling-base-camera-leveler-66601992?ref=StargazerMan
🌏 Europe
👉 Neewer: eu.neewer.com/products/neewer-lp64-tripod-head-leveling-base-camera-leveler-66601992?ref=StargazerMan
🌏 Amazon
👉 amzn.to/3Wc9wU9
#Ad As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔔Please Subscribe🔔 th-cam.com/channels/HnL8MnF5v9lO-yLpc9HP4g.html
▶️ DIY Solar Filter for S50 th-cam.com/video/ViyY1lIt73I/w-d-xo.html
▶️ Motorizing a GSO Dobsonian telescope th-cam.com/video/NYCKvGiqonk/w-d-xo.html
*** Seestar S50 Specifications ***
Sensor IMX462
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Aperture 50 mm
Focal ratio f/5
Focal length 250 mm
Optical lens Apochromatic triplet
Storage 64 GB
Transmission Mode Wi-Fi 5G & 2.4G / USB Type-C / Bluetooth 5.0
Working temperature 0~40 ℃ (Recommended)
Mount type Alt-azimuth
Slew rate 1X - 1440X
Zero position Mechanical
Battery capacity 6000 mAh
Connection port 3/8“-20“
Net weight 2.5 kg
🔭 If you intend on buying a scope or accessories, please use the links below. There’s no cost to you and I’ll include any discount codes available. I get a small % on referred orders that really helps the channel. 😊
I don’t get paid to promote any store over the other, I’ve usually bought from them in the past and can recommend them as reputable.
🔭 ZWO Seestar S50 🔭
🌏 Direct from manufacturer
👉 ZWO Seestar: collabs.shop/wlovks
🌏 USA
👉 High Point Scientific: www.highpointscientific.com/zwo-seestar-s50-all-in-one-smart-telescope?rfsn=8126018.611dc4
🌏 European Union
👉 AstroShop: www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/zwo-smart-telescope-ap-50-250-seestar-s50/p,78688?affiliate_id=STARGAZERMAN
🔭 Seestar S50 Accessories 🔭
My Son’s school project 😊
👉 Shopify: 0b47ba-d4.myshopify.com
👉 Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StargazerMan
👉 eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/stargazer_man
Set 1 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield
Set 2 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers
Set 3 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask
Set 4 - S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask + DIY Solar Filter holder
🔭 Levelling Base 🔭
🌏 USA
👉 High Point Scientific: www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-easy-leveler-for-seestar-telescopes?rfsn=8126018.611dc4
👉 Neewer: neewer.com/products/neewer-lp64-tripod-head-leveling-base-camera-leveler-66601992?ref=StargazerMan
🌏 Europe
👉 Neewer: eu.neewer.com/products/neewer-lp64-tripod-head-leveling-base-camera-leveler-66601992?ref=StargazerMan
🌏 Amazon
👉 amzn.to/3Wc9wU9
#Ad As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔔Please Subscribe🔔 th-cam.com/channels/HnL8MnF5v9lO-yLpc9HP4g.html
▶️ DIY Solar Filter for S50 th-cam.com/video/ViyY1lIt73I/w-d-xo.html
▶️ Motorizing a GSO Dobsonian telescope th-cam.com/video/NYCKvGiqonk/w-d-xo.html
*** Seestar S50 Specifications ***
Sensor IMX462
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Aperture 50 mm
Focal ratio f/5
Focal length 250 mm
Optical lens Apochromatic triplet
Storage 64 GB
Transmission Mode Wi-Fi 5G & 2.4G / USB Type-C / Bluetooth 5.0
Working temperature 0~40 ℃ (Recommended)
Mount type Alt-azimuth
Slew rate 1X - 1440X
Zero position Mechanical
Battery capacity 6000 mAh
Connection port 3/8“-20“
Net weight 2.5 kg
มุมมอง: 12 384
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Sky Atlas for Dwarf 2 and Dwarf 3 - Beta review - Gamechanger!
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Simple Milky Way Photography Guide for Beginners
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Simple Milky Way Photography Guide for Beginners
How would anyone compare this to the benro Polaris? Torn between the two
What exactly is this: 15:25 ?
That's a Rigel Quikfinder. th-cam.com/video/0p6_3Wgvyj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sRXYUJc94P9hRBqE
@@StargazerMan Thank you very much
I got a second hand alt az/ equatorial mount. My 200mm newt tube looks huge on the mount but it does its work. Unfortunately importing the parts for a motorized dob mount would have costed me more. So finally I can take descent photographs. (provided that I finish the astroguider I'm building)
Hi I live on the island of st croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands- I waiting to receive my seestar and I ordered your sons adapter equipment any tips for being on the equator- the night sky’s are amazing here thanks tyler
Hi Tyler. Scott says a big thank you for ordering! You live in an area where the Milky Way core is so fantastically positioned. This area (for me at last) has some of the most amazing deep sky objects. Triffid and Lagoon nebulas for starters, but clusters like M22 are also great. These are literally on or below the horizon from my 57° North which is why I went to Tenerife a few weeks ago. Not quite your (7°?) but a lot better than I'm used to. I hope the accessories work out and any issues just let us know. Clear skies!
Rodriguez Helen Thompson Richard Young Scott
Your explanation of the Dwarf 2 is brilliant. I was a little concerned that if I paid out to buy the Dwarf I would be a little disappointed and maybe waste my money. But after watching your video, I am no longer worried. But am going to wait for a couple of weeks until Dwarf 3 is released. Thanks for your videos, keep up the good work.
Thanks! It's very encouraging to hear people find these videos useful. I've always relied on others opinions before making a commitment to buying gear and I think TH-cam is a great resource for it. The D3 looks great and I can't wait to review it. If it's possible when you order to use one of my affiliate links that would really help the channel and my relationship with DwarfLab. Clear skies!
Great video - ty wb applying this to an Apertura 10 soon
Thanks! Let us know how it works out
If something is designed "for beginners", then planets should definitely be part of the capabilities. Don't recommend buying until a new device covers that also, for beginners.
Hi Bento. Thanks for commenting. You've made me realize something! While the S50 does have a 'Planets' mode, it's designed for and best at deep sky objects, the Sun and the Moon (and daytime scenery) and most beginners may not realize this. I think beginners may expect a scope to be a complete 'all rounder' but there really is no such thing. What I believe you're suggesting is, for the ultimate 'beginner' scope, planets should also be part of the capabilities (while S50 does capture and stack planets, the results are probably disappointing as they are so small). This isn't a bad reflection on the scope, just that, for planets, a scope needs to have a high focal length. I have a single scope that I use really only on the planets because of this and I use it in conjunction with a very narrow field of view planetary camera sensor and magnify using a 2x Barlow lens. This allows me to get pretty decent images www.flickr.com/photos/franks_astrophotography/albums/72157594300479840/ If the S50 had this setup then you simply wouldn't be able to shoot anything else OTHER than the planets. You'd only fit a tiny part of any deep sky object in the frame and even the Moon, it would just be a small portion of the surface. So they way to look at it is, the S50 offers a decently deep field of view that allows beginners to capture a great mix of all the bright deep sky objects of varying sizes which means practically endless targets to choose. Hopefully with some software updates Seestar will implement a mosaic feature that will allow you to fit the biggest areas like Andromeda or The Veil nebula entirely in the frame. There are other smart scopes that have a wider field of view, for example the Dwarf2. While you can fit more sky in the frame, most objects look small in comparison to the FOV (field of view) of the S50. But, there are pros and cons to every piece of gear. Thanks again for your comment. I think it's easy for us old dogs to just assume people know some of this and I must point it out in future videos. Clear Skies and keep lookin' up!
Apparently you haven't worked out that telescopes for imaging planets must have a completely different design than telescopes for Deep Space Objects. You are a person who wants "everything and now". However, it doesn't work that way because the laws of optics are above your egoistic demands. There is no telescope that can image the planets well and also DSO at the same time.
You probably haven't figured out that telescopes for imaging planets must have a completely different design than telescopes for Deep Space Objects. You are a person who wants "everything and now". However, it doesn't work that way because the laws of optics are above your egoistic demands. There is no telescope that can image planets and DSOs well at the same time.
I just got mine and love it. I don't have time to "setup " a bigger scope, perfect for a simple night of photography at a deep sky.
I was skeptical when I first heard about it but the more I use it and the more I refine my processing workflow the more enjoyment I get from it. Clear skies!
isnt Sky Watcher Adventurer Mini in the same price range and weight/portability? Have you use both and have some feedback which one is better?
Hi Bartłomiej! They are both in the same range yes including weight and load capacity. I have not had the chance to use the SAM to compare but you've made me think I defiantly should do this so it's now on my list. As soon as I get the SAM I'll do a review video and compare.
where did you get your tripod?
Hey! That tripod is this one: www.highpointscientific.com/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-tripod-s20555?rfsn=8126018.611dc4 And I also got the extender : www.highpointscientific.com/sky-watcher-star-adventurer-tripod-extension-s20565?rfsn=8126018.611dc4 for a total of $134 it's a fraction of what I paid for my Manfrotto one, plus I can use this with the AzGti tracker / Seestar. (or just use it as a lightweight / tripod for regular photos).
@@StargazerMan thank you sir!
Someone, please explain to me how the S50 can show DSO without magnification. How is it done with filters, Sensor IMX462, and an Apochromatic triplet lens?
Hey. In astronomy, especially when observing deep sky objects (DSOs) like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, the key factor that determines the quality of your observations and images is not magnification, but rather light gathering. Here's why: **Faintness of Deep Sky Objects** DSOs are incredibly faint and often emit very little light compared to objects within our solar system, like planets or the Moon. The light they do emit has often traveled millions or even billions of light-years to reach us. By the time it gets here, it's extremely dim. To see these objects, your telescope needs to gather as much of this faint light as possible. **Light Gathering Power** The light-gathering power of a telescope is primarily determined by the diameter of its aperture (the main lens or mirror). The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect. This is why telescopes are often characterized by their aperture size - a larger aperture means the telescope can gather more light and thus reveal fainter objects. This light-gathering ability is crucial for DSOs because they often require the collection of every photon available to be seen or photographed. A telescope with a larger aperture can collect more photons over the same period, making faint objects appear brighter and more detailed in the eyepiece or on a sensor. **Magnification: A Secondary Concern** Magnification only enlarges the image created by the telescope. While this can be useful for observing details on brighter objects (like the planets or the Moon), increasing magnification on faint DSOs can actually make them harder to see. This is because as you magnify an image, you spread the light over a larger area, effectively dimming the image. For DSOs, high magnification can make an already faint object almost impossible to detect because it reduces the surface brightness of the object. If the telescope hasn’t gathered enough light to begin with, no amount of magnification will make a faint object clearer. **Contrast and Detail** More light not only makes objects appear brighter, but it also increases contrast and reveals more detail. For example, in astrophotography, longer exposures (or image stacking) allow the telescope's sensor to collect more light, which can reveal subtle structures in nebulae or the faint spiral arms of a distant galaxy that would otherwise be invisible. **Wide Field of View** A telescope designed with a focus on light gathering rather than magnification often provides a wider field of view. This is particularly advantageous for DSOs because many of them, such as the Andromeda Galaxy or the Orion Nebula, cover large areas of the sky. A wide field of view allows you to see these objects in their entirety, rather than just a small, magnified portion. When it comes to observing DSOs, the ability to gather light is far more important than magnification. Light gathering allows you to detect faint objects, increase their contrast, and see more detail, whereas excessive magnification without sufficient light can make objects appear dimmer and less detailed. Therefore, astronomers prioritize telescopes with large apertures that maximize light gathering, allowing them to explore the depths of the universe effectively.
The Seestar S50, like many modern smart telescopes, prioritizes light gathering over traditional magnification to observe and capture images of Deep Sky Objects (DSOs). Here’s how the Seestar specifically addresses the importance of light gathering: ### 1. **Aperture and Light Gathering** The Seestar S50 has a modest aperture size (generally around 50mm), which is not large compared to more traditional, high-end telescopes. However, it compensates for this smaller aperture by using a high-quality apochromatic triplet lens and a highly sensitive image sensor (Sony IMX462) optimized for low-light conditions. The design ensures that the light collected is used as efficiently as possible, reducing optical aberrations and maximizing the clarity of the images. ### 2. **Optimized for Low Light** The IMX462 sensor in the Seestar S50 is particularly effective at gathering light in low-light environments, which is crucial for observing DSOs. The sensor’s ability to capture more light in shorter exposure times allows the Seestar to provide clear images of faint objects without the need for extensive manual adjustment or tracking that traditional telescopes might require. ### 3. **Image Stacking and Processing** One of the key features of the Seestar S50 is its ability to use image stacking and advanced processing to enhance the images of DSOs. The telescope captures multiple short-exposure images and then uses software to combine these images. This process, known as stacking, effectively increases the amount of light gathered by summing the light from each exposure, resulting in a final image that reveals much more detail than any single exposure would. This technique is particularly important for DSOs, which can be too faint to observe clearly with just a single exposure. By increasing the effective light gathering through stacking, the Seestar S50 can produce bright, detailed images of DSOs without relying on traditional magnification. ### 4. **Use of Filters** The Seestar S50 also uses filters to selectively enhance the light from specific types of DSOs. For example, filters that isolate the wavelengths of light emitted by nebulae (like Hydrogen-alpha) can improve the contrast and visibility of these objects against the background sky. This filtering process further enhances the telescope’s light-gathering capability, making faint details more visible. ### 5. **Integrated Approach Over Magnification** Instead of focusing on magnifying the image, the Seestar S50 integrates its optical, sensor, and software capabilities to optimize the light it gathers. This allows users to see DSOs with greater clarity and detail without needing to rely on high magnification, which, as mentioned earlier, would only reduce the surface brightness of faint objects. ### Conclusion For the Seestar S50, the emphasis on light gathering rather than magnification is what allows it to effectively capture DSOs. By optimizing its optics, sensor sensitivity, and leveraging advanced image processing, the Seestar S50 can provide clear and detailed images of faint celestial objects, making it an accessible and powerful tool for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of modern astronomy, where capturing more light is key to revealing the wonders of the universe.
Good day! Thank you for the informative video! I have a question- which kit to buy in order to start shooting Milky Way panoramas? I have a tripod, a camera and a wide angle lens already.
@baginatora Hi. So this is the list of what I use. (I've checked the MSM site for the best options in terms of 'bundles' ) At MINIMUM you need #1 & #2. I'd HIGHLY recommend using #3 between the Nomad and the ballhead as it makes lining up your shot so much easier and puts less stress on the rotator. #3 is great for rotating the camera to take each section of a panorama. Lastly, if you're in a climate when your lenses fog up because of Dew then the heater is a must. Hope this helps. #1 Starter Kit (NOMAD+Ballhead+ Calibrated Pointer) www.moveshootmove.com/products/msm-rotator-for-star-tracking-time-lapse-panorama-photography?aff=339 #2 Wedge www.moveshootmove.com/products/new-wedge?aff=339 #3 V Mount www.moveshootmove.com/products/z-v-platform-designed-with-alyn-wallace-preorder?aff=339 #4 360° Arca Swiss Panoramic Panning base www.moveshootmove.com/products/360-panoramic-panning-base?aff=339 #5 Dew Heater www.moveshootmove.com/products/dew-heater?aff=339
Thank you for putting so much effort into this review. Really useful !! I have been an amateur astronomer for more years than I’ve got left, and I am really excited for these new developments. I can really imagine having a star party with this device showing my 8 grandchildren the wonders of the universe. They will be so into this ! Ordered a Dwarf III. Can’t wait for delivery day 😅 thank you for sharing your experiences!!
You're welcome! Sounds like fun times ahead.
My location has persistent banner clouds and going further involves crossing an International Border, so my outings are necessarily limited. Anything that can save on setting-up time is great, and frankly messing about with Cameras, cabling and batteries gets old after a while, let alone lugging a large suitcase of gear everywhere. Yup, I'm gonna invest in a Seestar!
I hear ya on the clouds and I don't have the time, patience or young back for carting big gear around any more. (Yet somehow still have a 15'' Dob) Enjoy it when it arrives!
For the gatekeepers, just ask to see their horse & buggy.
Less talk about "gatekeepers" vs novices would be better, concentrate on the subject 'One year on from release - does it live up to the hype?' amongst all the talk, you haven't answered the question..."does it live up to the hype"?
A fair comment! I'm still finding my feet with this TH-cam lark so appreciate constructive feedback. Indeed I did not answer the question. For what it's worth, I do believe it's lived up to the hype.
Hey could you tell me what is writen on the central chip on the ender pcb? That would help me a lot. Thanks
I'll take a look. Hang tough.
These little smart scopes are game changers. I had a HyperStar, ASI294, ASI Air and a $170 tri band filter for imaging. This $450 scope replaced $1500 of imaging equipment that it combines into one unit and does better, provided you post process the fits captured. Simply an incredible little gadget. And they’ll only get better. I keep my C8 around because someone seeing Saturn or Jupiter or the moon with their own eyeballs is a big deal - but anything imaging? I’m sold on smart scopes. So much less BS.
Totally agree. These are only the beginning of what is possible or to come.
I have loved astronomy all my life, and bought a Meade ETX-90 over 15 years ago and used it maybe 3-4 times. I'm almost 70 and the Seestar seems perfect for me. Bought one a week ago and am just waiting for good weather. Wish me luck!
My first 'proper' scope was the ETX125. I still have the OTA. Super optics! The S50 is a great little unit and I'm sure you'll love using it. Clear skies.
I’m interested in your son’s option 1. Can you tele me how order?
Hi. sorry for the delay! We were away for a few days. He's set up the listing now on eBay for the shield if that suits you? We can edit/change it to whatever country you are in etc. UK: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116288136110 USA: www.ebay.com/itm/116288136110
Loved your comments about the more snobbish astronomy buffs who might denigrate someone using any kind of automated "toy" like product lol. I see it from a different angle - it may help bring new people into the field by giving them a simpler less complicated entry path! Ignore the snobs and enjoy the possibilities.
💯
Instead of all these unnecessary levelers, just use an adjustable table what resin model users use. They are Cheap as chips. Then calibrate the Seestar on it. Install included tripod, place on a flat surface outside or use the same table you calibrated it on and you're good to go.
I have the seestar for around 7 months and only calibrate the level once lol its not necessary with eq mode
I've yet to image using it in EQ mode. Have some targets planned this winter season that will benefit from the fixed orientation. Looking forward to giving it a go.
I got my Seestar back in May, and so far, I love it. I feel like, yeah maybe a more expensive rig would be better..but it also requires a lot more work and adjusting to get it to work right. I have gotten to point where I can open the trunk of my car, take this out of its box, and be filming 5 minutes later. I am not a pro at editing the stacked images yet, but I can edit the regular stills that it sends to my cell just fine. And I have gotten some great images out of that! To be honest, some of the photography I get out of this totally blows my mind. I never expected to see things like nebulas, or clusters or even satellite trails. For $500, this is seriously the best toy I've ever treated myself to in my life.
I totally agree! It goes without saying the more expensive dedicated rigs will yield better results but it's all relative. I think the S50 is a gateway into that world should you want it as opposed to people buying all the other bits and getting frustrated and turned off, eventually quitting the hobby.
I'm interested in purchasing these items from you son. Option 2: Seestar S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers I am a full-time commercial photographer for publicity and production shooting. Dance, music, and theatre. I became interested in astrophotography. I don't listen to those who rag on people like myself who want to try something new. If others would like to do so, I don't have any time for them. Thanks for this review. I'm very excited to try this device.
Hi Mark. This is great! He's delighted ☺️. Is it ok if we come back to you in 2 weeks? We're on vacation at the moment so he can't print anything.
@@StargazerMan enjoy your vacation.
Hey! We're back and he's added the listing to eBay. Hopefully you can see it. Let me know if there is something we need to change / add. www.ebay.com/itm/116288215683?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=paTYM4H9QEO&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=paTYM4H9QEO&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I hesitate to buy a Seestar S50 for the fact that in the Netherlands the scope costs about 700 euro while buying it directly from ZWO it will cost about 520 euro including transport + VAT + import duties. At the other hand, if there is a problem with the product after some time you have a problem in repairing the product. Also the fact that it is expected that a successor of the S50 with improved specs in Fall 2024 will be released is a reason for doubting to buy the S50 now. However the price will be higher and the problem of the EU price level still stands. 😢 Question: Did you buy the scope directly from ZWO in China?
Hi. That is always the tricky choice. I usually accept the extra cost because you have an easy way to return if you have a problem with the item. This unit was sent to me by ZWO to review but it came from one of the suppliers in Germany within a few days.
Ja heel erg raar dat hij hier zo veel duurder is ik he ruik hem nu bijna 8 maanden en vind hem nog steeds fantastisch ben er heel blij mee en maakt astrophotografie stukken makkelijker
@@staphorst48 Ik heb inmiddels de knoop doorgehakt en de scope rechtstreeks bij ZWO besteld en deze is inmiddels onderweg naar mijn locatie. Het is een risico, weet ik, maar ook wel eens leuk om een bestelling rechtstreeks uit China te halen. Het transport via DHL verloopt goed en je wordt goed op de hoogte gehouden via mail updates. Verwacht de S50 donderslag a.s. dus ruim een week na bestelling wat reuze meevalt. Goed te horen dat je nog steeds enthousiast bent over de S50 want dat stelt mijn geduld wel op de proef!
Would you recommend for a 10 year old complete beginner into astronomy wanting to capture images herself and share.
I would say that's too young. The setup and operating needs an adult to teach how to do. I use supervised with my Son (15).
How much for option 2 in accessories and posting to Dublin? Just received my Seestar yesterday. Thanks👍
Nice one. I'll tell my young lad and he can price it for you!
@@StargazerMan lovely stuff thanks
Hey! Sorry for the delay. We were away for a few weeks. He's added the listing now to eBay - hopefully you can see it there. Shout if I need to change anything. www.ebay.ie/itm/116288215683?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=5282-175127-2357-0&ssspo=paTYM4H9QEO&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=paTYM4H9QEO&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
how heavy is the lower ota part. looks like you can move it alone quite easily, is it about 30kg?
The LTA (the mirror, cell & tube) is 26.5Kg. The original MDF Lower Circular base & rocker box is 26Kg. So you can lift that Ok but it's big and bulky making it much harder and a nightmare to transport. The remake with MDF saves about 7Kg but the main reason for doing it was to make it easier to store and drive to my dark sky location. Here's some more info. flic.kr/s/aHsmWavACA
@@StargazerMan thank you very much, this info is not listed anywhere. I was hoping it will be little less, for me it is at the limit of what may be safe to move without risk injuring back. hmm...
What month did you guys go?
Hey. We went in February
Will this work on a 12 inch meade lightbridge dob?
Hey. No. The system is compatible with the following scopes; GSO Dob 8"~16" bearing model. (Also branded as StellaLyra / Zhumell Z series) Aperura AD8" ~ AD16" Orion SkyLine Dob Series Spring tension model scopes like the Skywatcher/Meade Light Bridge are not compatible.
Thanks for replying!@@StargazerMan
Outstanding view thank you. Mine arrives Tuesday.
Thanks. Best of luck! Clear skies.
As far as pretending to be a complete beginner I would have liked to see how to download and update the app and the routine to calibrate the compass. I guess you assume we are fairly computer literate and that the instructions provided by the S50 are sufficient for compass calibration. A word of warning - If you use a sturdier tripod then turning it to calibrate the compass is tricky and if you leveled the tripod before mounting the unit then your leveling will have been in vain so a photographic leveling mounting head is a must. Other than that great stuff, thank you.
You're welcome! Great feedback. It's definitely a balancing act of showing 'just enough' over very detailed steps. You're 100% correct in saying you should do a compass calibration before leveling. I've found a way to make it slightly easier is using the attachment I show and basically just turning the unit on that as opposed to the legs (it's even easier on the AZ Gti mount). Clear skies!
I recently sold my eq6 and skywatcher 150pds cuz didnt have the time basically, so thinking of biting the bullet with this
I've seen some great images taken with the 150pds. What camera did you use? I've recently bought a 2nd hand Canon 6D (having stupidly sold off my original one a few years ago). The EQ6 is a great mount also, but time (and bulk) are a big factor for many, myself included. The ASI Air etc have taken the sport to new simpler/faster setups but the bulk remains. I love the speed and portability of the S50.
So much rambling. I got one because I had back surgery and wasn’t allowed to move my giant mount or 12” SCT onto it for a few months. It’s great!
Hope your back is better. I've a 16" Dob that I had to come up with a way to make it compact/easy to move (into the car and to the dark sites). Same with the old EQ mount for my photo setup. Having the 'run and gun' option is always nice and especially when you're physically prevented.
I am still undecided on discarding my camera and relying on Dwarf or Seestar for astro photography. However I'm not interested in posting photos on social media but printing them out in A4 or A3 size images. In your experience are they of sufficient pixel depth (?) to achieve results comparable to my full frame Sony A3?
Hi Michael. What is the exact model Sony camera you have?
Good intro and review. Also using Siril to post process the files from the Seestar one can get good images with a small effort.
Thanks! I've downloaded Pixinsight and I'm planning on learning it but Siril is perfect for now.
I can’t believe I spent around £3000 on the Unisteller EVscope when this thing seems better for around £500! Does anyone have the Dwarf 3 yet? And is it a good upgrade?
Hi Adam. The D3 hasn't shipped yet (and as far as I know only a select number of people outside of Dwarf Lab have been beta testing).
So in your personal opinion-which do you think is better, the ZWO Seestar 50 or the dwarf 2?
I think they are 2 very different scopes! It comes down to what do you mostly want to use it for / achieve. I've seen some comparison videos that give a sense of what each are good at bit I this unfair for example to say one is 'better' than the other when it comes to things that are subject to the users taste. For example, the D2 has a wider Fov so this suits people that are after that aspect, if you are looking for narrower Fov then S50 is for you, one isn't better than the other, they are just different. As in, a zoom lens is different to a wide field lens. I think I need to make a comparison video!!!
So in your personal opinion-which do you think is better, the ZWO Seestar 50 or the dwarf 2?
I think I need to sit down an list out all the differences make a comparison video! Each have a different set of pros and cons. Although they are technically both 'smart scopes' I'm starting to think it's like comparing apples to oranges and what it comes down to is personal taste. When I look at the differences I can see each being a good fit for particular demographics. I do t think it's fair to immediately say one is 'better' than the other, but rather, which one better suits your personal needs. Right now I use both 50/50 for specific things but I get people will fork out for one so need to make a decision. You'll probably hear very biased opinion from single unit owners but being in the position of having both but wanting to offer a fair and full comparison I'd like to take some time to put that together. Sorry to not immediately say 'Oh go for X!' but I think you deciding on what you want to get out of the scope is the way to think about it, which I know is hard if someone is a newcomer.
Does it work with a 10 inch Skywatcher Flextube
Hey. No the EzGoto / PushTo isn't suitable for the Sky watcher flextube.
Great review, what was the shipping time for you to Ireland? In Dublin myself and thinking about getting one.
Hey. I was sent the unit by ZWO from one of their German sellers and it took a week or so. Stephen in K-Tec Telescopes here in Dublin has them in stock ktectelescopes.ie/collections/zwo-mounts/products/zwo-seestar-s50-all-in-one-smart-apo-refractor-telescope Presumably you'd get it in a day or two from him. @ktectelescopesireland3777
@@StargazerMan cheers for the reply mate, yeah was looking at ktec bought stuff off Stephen before sound lad and horizon, it's 460 quid to buy direct from zwo but nearly 800 from all European sellers, might just bite the bullet and wait the longer delivery time buying direct for half the price.
I'll see if I can get a referral discount for you. Give me a few days.
@@StargazerMan cheers man appreciate that👍
Loving this scope so far as my yard has lots of trees and I am surrounded by 2 story houses. So I have to move the scope up to 4 times a night. But that is simple using the Seestar as all I have to do is to re-level it. I love your video BTW.
Thanks! Yes it's super fast and easy to reposition the scope.
I'd love to support your son's school project. I'm in the UK, what would be the costs and postage? (Option 3)
Oh that's amazing. He's going to price it up!
Hi Alex. Thanks for your patience. He's finally got the listing up on eBay. :-) I've added some context to the description and also some images to support. He's batch printed a bunch and changed the options a bit so this now includes a Bahtinov mask. Shout if you'd like to change anything around or if you feel the price is off. Thanks! www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116288340195?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=paTYM4H9QEO&sssrc=2524149&ssuid=paTYM4H9QEO&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Fantastic overview, thank you! I'm trying to decide between buying the Seestar S50 or the new Dwarf 3. Have you had a chance to review the news Dwarf yet?
Thanks! DwarfLab haven't sent out any for review yet. The specs are available alright but you'd need to see it in operation and the results to help you make your mind up. Although similar in that they are both "smart scopes" they are quite different in other ways.
I'm long sighted.needed glasses since 46.left eye dominant even though I'm right handed for shooting.my right eye is better at distance according to my optician.dont need to close an eye for shooting or astronomy
It's so interesting how different people's eyes can be. My left eye is distinctly green hue and my right is reddish hue. 🤪
Nah that’s just a Star Wars fighter(:
and that's no Moon!
😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉@@StargazerMan
Uh hello. Darth Vader's VW 😅