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Seestar S50 - One year on from release - does it live up to the hype?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 มิ.ย. 2024
- 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.
** Seestar Accessories ** This is my Son’s school project 😊
Seestar S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield
UK: www.ebay.co.uk...
USA: www.ebay.com/i...
Seestar S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers
UK: www.ebay.co.uk...
USA: www.ebay.com/i...
Seestar S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask
UK: www.ebay.co.uk...
USA: www.ebay.com/i...
Seestar S50 Dew / Light Pollution Shield + Star Spikers + Bahtinov mask + DIY Solar Filter holder
UK: www.ebay.co.uk...
USA: www.ebay.com/i...
** Seestar S50 **
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▶️ DIY Solar Filter for S50 • Make a White light Sol...
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** 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
I started this journey as a newbie 6 months ago. The S50 is my first. I'm kinda old and retired, so a 6 lb scope works for me. I did hundreds of hours of research and then stumbled on the S50. I was heading down the big rig $10K path. I thought $500, why not try. Embracing technology I say to naysayers. I've been having so much fun with this scope, which includes sharing with family and friends. Will I buy the next gen? Probably yes. I have over 100 images of galaxies and nebula so far. I find myself constantly checking the weather. Don't plan on stopping any time soon.
Sounds like you've been bit by the bug! This is exactly what this scope if great for. If you bought all the expensive heavy gear you'd have had a much steeper learning curve and way fewer successful shots. You may have even at this point gotten so frustrated that you decided it's not for you and sold the gear!
At least now with the S50 you've learned the basics and have images you can share with people. Everything you do from here on is an improvement.
Also, the weight factor is a real issue for sure. Also for Big DOB guys (like myself) you really need to stay fit and strong to lift and setup some of this stuff!
Clear skies.
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.
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.
Using this scope for more than 6 months now. It still amazes me. The ease of use and quality of images are amazing! Used a 10” newton for 10 years, but using the Seestar is way more fun.
I have to agree. It's not trying to compete with expensive dedicated scopes with cooled CCD cameras / guide scopes etc. It is what it is.
Do you get SeeStar images better than by 10” newton?
@@anata5127 yes and no. Yes because it is more fun, I spent more time with the Seestar. And the magic word in astrophotography is ‘intergrationtime’. Right now I have a project on messier 101 with an intergationtime of 7.4 hours over several nights. Wouldn’t and couldn’t do that with the newton. No because a bigger telescope gives better results. Would mean that I have to spend a thousand or two in € to get high quality images. Right now the fun outweighs the quality 😇
@@anata5127for the most part, I would say yes for DSO. Maybe not so much for planets.
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.
Got this video recommended, found a used s50 for sale at almost half price, bought it.
My vacation starts tomorrow, so hopefully this will help me kill a few hours.
Wow... Nice price!
Hello there. You are the people I really need for reviews on a product. Very long and detailed video. Keep up the good work and God bless.
Thanks for the kind words!
Those images are a lot better than I expected from such a small 'scope.
Indeed! It may be small but it can produce surprisingly great images.
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.
Thanks from a newcomer to astrophoto, pretty helpful and detailed video!
Your welcome!
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.
Outstanding view thank you. Mine arrives Tuesday.
Thanks. Best of luck! Clear skies.
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.
💯
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'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
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!
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
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 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.
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
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!!!
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).
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👍
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
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 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!
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.