My Patreon: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek Get the Seestar S30: tinyurl.com/4yzvuzje or tinyurl.com/yfkawdd9 (ZWO) or bit.ly/3O7WvGc (Agena) or bit.ly/4hJ79AN (HPS) or tinyurl.com/3nznjk96 (FLO) or tinyurl.com/24xek2tz (Astroshop EU) or tinyurl.com/2kzy93v9 (All Star Telescope) Dwarf III Smart Telescope: bit.ly/3SyChXu or tinyurl.com/y5r2pyjr (All Star Telescope) Seestar S50 Smart Telescope: tinyurl.com/43r5pd6y (ZWO) or bit.ly/49mQhLJ(Agena) or bit.ly/45k7J1b (HPS) or tinyurl.com/2zanj43e (FLO) or tinyurl.com/227p6h97 (Astroshop EU) or tinyurl.com/b6ekdycr (All Star Telescope) Lukomatico First Impressions: th-cam.com/video/02Mg6zdvS8s/w-d-xo.html Amazon affiliate: amzn.to/49XTx01 Agena affiliate: bit.ly/3Om0hNG High Point Scientific affiliate: bit.ly/3lReu8R First Light Optics affiliate: tinyurl.com/yxd2jkr2 All-Star Telescope affiliate: bit.ly/3SCgVbV Astroshop eu Affiliate: tinyurl.com/2vafkax8
Congrats on being one of the first to actually have the S30 in their hands for a review. Hoping you get your hands on the new rotator before the end of the year. Great review. Looking forward to you getting some clear skies and photos from this well priced scope.
Aperture diameter is the name of the game when selecting a telescope for use in astronomy. If you require fine detail and a brighter image, go for the largest aperture you can afford. A telescope with a 30 or 50 mm aperture might be good enough for a finder scope for on your main scope.
@@MichaelTalley-be4cc Yes, but it’s a trade-off. A 200 mm aperture is usable for planetary imaging, but it’s not very portable and cost is an order of magnitude greater.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek DwarfLab has just confirmed shipping to the UK this morning of my order so I won’t be buying the S30 now. DwarfLab has be 6months since ordering and if shipping had slipped again, I would have cancelled the order and gone for the S50 now it has the mosaic mode. No brainier really :-)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks, I’m really stoked about it coming with all sorts of plans for using it. As always, thanks for making this video and all the many others you do. There’s something for all tastes in your repertoire.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I'd be surprised if there isn't a lot of existing video that you can't reuse. The main problem is always the clouds. Getting enough time to have both devices out for a couple of hours. I'm really interested in the EQ mode on the dwarf3 I'll watch your video from last month and see if the eq is worth the extra money considering s30 is so well priced.
S30 is great for the price point. ZWO is pretty smart. Now I'm waiting for a S100 with EQ mode. I would pay double the S50 price. Get on it ZWO..... I'm waiting.
Making the night sky more accessible to people with a quality device is a great accomplishment! Enjoyed your review of the scope. I'll be sticking with my S50 for now!
Another great review! Thanks for keeping us all up to date with regard to the exciting new world of smart telescopes. I like that DwarfLab, and now ZWO, can see the value in small portable units for backpackers and travellers like myself.
@@nassermohd2317 In my opinion it depends on a few factors: If you want a larger FOV, a smaller and lighter size for travelling, and a cheaper price, go for the S30. If you want slightly better image quality and tighter FOV, and clearer shots of the Moon and the Sun, go for the S50. Don’t forget the Dwarf 3 is also a great option right now (although there’s a long wait time, currently).
I really like how ZWO are running the Seestar brand overall. Light, small, portable, all in one smart telescopes while still using their top tier technology from their standard ZWO products. The S50 was my very first telescope and is pretty much the reason I am study astrophysics in college now. Astrophotography is awesome, it's super fun! But it's also super difficult to get into the hobby as a beginner and learn everything you need. Smart telescopes overall feel like a nice bridge for people who want to get into astrophotography without being overwhelmed with complex telescope setups and gear prices, and I love that mentality. Let the newbies learn at their own pace. We don't all need to learn how to polar align an EQ mount on our first night.
Lowering the entry point into astrophotography gets more people interested in the hobby. It won't be replacing my s50, but i think it is a good entry point into AP for beginners or those on a tight budget.
just bought through your link. Happy to support your channel, even if it's just a tiny bit. Can't wait to get to play with it. Been living vicariously through you for a long time, can't wait to have a play
I have an S50, but I think it's great that they came out with something more affordable. That makes it accessible to even more people. Also, it means us S50 owners don't have buyer's regret and think "I wish I waited a little longer." Hahahahaha! This looks like a fun casual device for a family to dip their toes into astronomy and astrophotography.
I bought the S50 a few days after the S30 was announced and the mosaic mode was implemented. No regrets at all. Price and size was not an issue for me.
Ordered through your link although i already have a S50. But there have been instances where i wished i had more than one unit of smart scope especially when clear nights are so rare where I lived. (Singapore) . Your channel re-ignited my interest in astro photography. And when a bigger brother S80 or whaytever gets released..I'll order that too! Thank You!
I own a S50 for a few months by now, mostly bought it because of your excelente reviews, and I was really looking forward to this video and after your excelent presentation I would say that I would not buy the S30 at this point in time. The wider field of view is what I liked the most, but to loose some resolution was a bit of a downer to me. The filed of view issue can be addressed in the S50 with the mosaic mode that has been working fine for me so far. As far as traveling is concerned, the S50 still is very compact when compared with my regular setup, so traveling is also easy with the S50. Although if I was about to buy a smart telescope today without owning a previous one, I would most likely go for the S30 as it delivers a lot for such a low price. Thank you for your great videos.
Really interesting to see the S30, and hear your observations and questions. With a DWARF II, S50 and DWARF 3 arriving soon (I hope!) already, I don’t think the S30 adds anything for me. I think the next offering that would tempt me is in the 80mm aperture range - with an optimal sensor and focal length configuration. Portability is still a big deal for me too! 😁🔭 Thanks again!
At this price point, I think the S30 is a great move on the part of Seestar/ZWO. But my favorite feature of the Dwarf II has been ignored in the current generation of new low end smart scopes: the ability to use standard filters. I use my UHC and Deep Sky filters with my Dwarf II for excellent results. The fact that it uses 1.25" filters natively is a large part of why I got it instead of an S50. What I'd really like to see is scopes scaled to use standard filter sizes, whether it's T42, T48, 52mm, 58mm, or 82mm. I know it's possible to make adapters, I've printed a T48 adapter for my DII so that I can use my 2" filters with it, but I would really like these instruments to take the filters natively. I know the new ones have some filters built it, but I doubt that they're as good or as flexible as the collection of Lumicon filters I've invested in over the years.
With Christmas coming up, it makes a lot more sense for ZWO to launch the Seestar 30 because of its attractive price point and versatility that would appeal to a larger target audience interested in terrestrial objects as well as astronomical ones . Because of my budding interest in astrophotography, I went with the Seestar 50 because of its greater light gathering power and subsequent clarity for the Sun/Moon and deep space objects.
Hi Cuiv. Love your channel. I have the S 50 and I would have preferred a larger model rather than a smaller one. I'm sure they will come up with one next time around.
Hi Cuiv, I think you will probably find they don't make larger diameter / focal length scopes because of the extra cost involved. Some of the larger ones made by ZWOs competitors retail for £4K, or even more, in the UK, for that money you could more or less buy a ZWO ASI2600MC air, AM3 mount and a 60 or 70mm ota, which would work as a smart scope. And be just as easy to carry around. I think ZWO have got it about right with the See Star range, the fifty has the same focal length as the Red Cat51, which I'm very familiar with, personally I would have thought that it would be better to make it available with some different sensors, say an IMX 585, 533 or even a 571 would have been a better option. These sensors all work with the Red Cat51, I see no reason why they shouldn't work with the See Star S50 as well.
Yep, when we get to 4000 pounds we get into "build your own rig" territory - although I think the full setup with a good scope would go a bit above that. Would be nice to have an S50 with the 585, 533, or 571, but I doubt the optics can support such large sensor as the 571, or even the 533. 585 might work? The Redcat is made for large sensors
The pinhole lens cameras don't get much energy from the sun so they don't burn up. The camera is in video mode so the exposure is milliseconds not allowing the pixels to heat up like a larger sensor.
I'm pretty sure ZWO would have tested this - off camera I've had it pointed at the sun with no issue for over an hour. With small lenses like this the sensor shouldn't get damaged, especially if it has a UVIR cut filter in front. Still, it might be a problem long term?
I can see where that bit of size and weight savings might benefit the traveler, but I don't travel much. I am still impressed by the s50's aperture capability but I would like to see more of an s100 with a bigger, more square or circular sensor. Keep up the good work, Cuiv! /Dave 👍👍
First time I used the wide FOV lens on Dwarf 3 to find the sun I also thought that was really cool. Works on the moon too, if Dwarf doesn't find the sun.
I want a smart scope that can get in real close to the planets. Given ZWO's ingenuity, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult. Just an adjustment to the optics, and maybe double the aperture. There would be room for a widefield lens as well. That would class as a deluxe model. Maybe $800? Hopefully less.
I think they'd need a large adjustment to the tracking as well! That's the difficult part. Smallest scope giving a decent result may be something like a 5inch Mak, but for planetary you really want 8 inch SCT, so that brings you to a very different ballpark! Honestly with GoTo mounts and things like the Celestron 8SE, I don't really see the need to have a smart scope for planets, but I'm probably wrong!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I have a 5" Mak(2" aperture) on a wedged GTi. On an inch thick ioptron tripod. With an ASI224MC. A Seestar for the countryside wouldn't be a bad idea. So, it's on the list.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Yeah 2", It's a Skywatcher 127mm f12.They only seem to be available in Europe. Couldn't get one shipped in either. But i found a camera shop in Wales that had a display model. I paid through the nose somewhat, but the view through a 28mm 2" eyepiece is amazing.
ZWO has said that the wide-angle lens on the S30 *can't* do astro and the specs I've seen online say it's limited to much shorter (less than 1sec) exposures. Also, the D2 couldn't do astro on the wide-angle, just the telephoto. The addition of astro on the wide-angle for the D3 (along with the sensor upgrade) was one of the selling points for me. I was able to use it to get shots of C/2023 A3 with the Milky Way back in October.
Not dropping my money on a little S30, I want something more powerful than the awesome S50, perhaps S80 or S100. ZWO take our money no problem, they make great products.
I have the Dwarf II and love it to bits. I was tempted by the S50 but resisted, tempted again by the Dwarf 3 and resisted as well. This one is cheaper, so temptation is bigger, but until equatorial mode is supported I think I'll save my money for later
Personally I am glad they went smaller, that way I don't have to wrestle with the choice of whether to upgrade my s50 just yet ! I love the S50, unbelievable results. Presumably I would love an s70 more though. 51% more to be exact 😀
That finder scope deserved and honorable mention at the end...I'd love for zwo to make a "quick look" finder option to see what your finder sees. I keep having to turn off main camera make finder main camera, etc...
You got it Cuiv! It should have been like an S50- II or S50Max or call it whatever, I was hoping for a more refined/upgraded version of the S50, because I have like a 50-60% frame rejection with my 1 year old S50 while stacking, and that's getting into the "annoying" category for me. I'm sure others have better results, but I also know that others have even worse and it has nothing to do with experience or user error, they just vary too much in build quality. At this point, I think the new Dwarf 3 is what I keep an eye on, especially that they just came out with the Equatorial mode for their new smart scope. I'd rather waste time with polar alignment and have a nice framing that stays through the night, than depend on some mosaic algorithm which needs more time and considering how the seestar struggles to keep on target, I am skeptical with an even lower priced ZWO smartscope, I don't expect it to be a higher quality than the S50.
Nice early impression vid Cuiv. Looking forward to seeing whether you can coax (trick) it into EQ mode like you did the S50. Also, given the documented 'zero amp glow' of the IMX662, does the S30 require/enforce pre-session dark frame accumulation as per the S50??
Thanks for this, I’m looking forward to seeing actual astro images from it, but as an S50 owner, which now has mosaic mode, I do not think it is worth getting. I am pretty sure that ZWO will also be working on a higher spec smart scope, and that will definitely be of interest as and when it is available. In the meantime, internal mosaic stacking and EQ mode support would definitely be welcomed!
@@jamesmason7857 I think the S50 is better than the S30 if you can afford the difference, the only other contender at this price range js the Dwarf 3. Between the D3 and S50 there are pros and cons, but I’ve been delighted with my S50.
We need a swarm of these drone cameras, you choose multiple targets and each one of them goes hunting for the targets you assigned it to. When it cannot find a target because the neighbors wall is in front of it it should automatically hunt another target.
I saw Lukomatico`s video yesterday and asked myself why there`s no carrying case. Thanks for the info that it will have one :) I would probably never bought the S50 due to its size. The S30 however is very interesting. This might come on my wishlist so I don`t have to carry my DSLR with me when hiking
If they made an S100 and could keep it under 1k US, it would seriously compete with my ED102. I like the optics in the Seestar better. Nice review of a cute lil' thing.
Hey Cuiv, I am so glad you finally got one to test out, I made a comment on your other video recently about the s30 vs s50, I am still trying to figure out what one I would like to get.... I have been wanting the s50 for so so long but just havent had the funds to buy one yet. With the s30 out, it is a lot cheaper , but I dont know if I like not getting as much detail as the s50 would. For someone that doesnt have either, all I own is a small cheaper telescope (celestron omni az 103), would you suggest the s50 over the s30?
It's reeeaaaaaaallly hard to recommend one over the other - I went through the pros and cons in this video as much as I can, and it's up to you to decide...
Great video! I would really appreciate more aperture as long as the price doesn't rise "astronomically" ; S100 with equatorial mode at least, under $1,000 USD. Peace!
If you had to choose between the S30 and the S50, which one would you buy? I'm not asking for a recommendation. I'm just curious to know what you would buy.
I preordered on 1 Nov. Why? I have the bug. Glad to see ZWO is shipping. S70, S100 can't wait. Happy SW is the same. Plan to use it as a on the road scope. Probably use my s50 tripod and case. Informative review, so far. Clear up sky's!!!!!! Thank you.
Hi Cuiv, 490€ in France Are you sure that you can shoot the milkiway with the tiny optic ? I read that is not a feature of the s30 in official zwo facebook group.
Hey tip when you do solar again have the scope pointed left to the sun and it should find it no problem. Great video as always, I heard it has star trail features with the mini camera, can wait for you to do a deep dive into all it features. Do you know if you can use both seestars at the same time
Great review! I am interested in solar eclipse photography. Air travel with conventional setups is too cumbersome for me. Now that we have Dwarf 3, Seestar 30 and 50 available, would you evaluate them for solar eclipse photographers? Thanks!
What would be the advantages expected from a Seestar S75, would it become a lot more expensive and bigger. On the other hand, do you see them being able to keep the costs down with only the width restricted by the lens?
It's tough to say, I get the feeling they're already pushing the mechanics of their design, so they'd need to have some better mechanics at higher cost I assume...!
I love my s50 and it does everything so well, Just the planet which are a bit small. Think I would go for the bigger model. S100 would be brilliant. Or perhaps Seestar could produce an attachment lens system to go onto the s50 similar in dimension to a Dew shield.
13:47 There doesn't seem to be a sun filter on the wide angle lens? The Dwarf 3 uses filters on both lenses when observing the sun. Will the S30 wide angle lens cook itself over time?
Did anyone else feel nervous when Cuiz was holding the S50 in one hand and the s30 in the other? I have had my S50 out three times now and the sub rejection rate has been pretty low. I get the level between 0.0 - 0.1 (It usually toggles).
Thank you for your review. I like the S30 because it is cheaper and lighter but I don't know yet wich one I'll buy: S30 or S50. I'd like to see images of the moon and a four zoom on it. Just to see the details offered. Can the sun spots be more detaile by taking several pictures?
I would assume you would, although the larger FOV makes tracking less critical. Still, you're right, you'd likely need to bring your own tripod (or use a level adapter) for proper leveling
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I had someone try it and the S30 doesn’t care about leveling anymore for Solar and I would guess it doesn’t for the Moon either. Nice!
Hello Cuiv! ....By the way, when it comes to fogging and humidity, what does it say about the S30 💧💧?... I didn't hear about it in the presentations!.... 🤔
Hi, I feel the dwarf 3 ticks many boxes and would probably have been my choice until you mentioned your version having misaligned optics,🤔so not sure..but no worries as my wife says I'm not allowed to buy any more astro gear😩 I still look forward to further imaging and reviews, Atb Tom.
As others have mentioned, the price in Europe is obscene campared to the rest of the world. Even when adding VAT it does not make sense. I dont think it will sell well at all in europe, I was thinking of getting it before I saw the european price.
Yeah, I've also checked the price of the S50 in Europe, and it's really high... It reminds me of when mounts and scopes from the US (Meade, Celestron, etc.) were 2-3x the price in the US here in Japan, mostly due to local dealer cuts.
imagine if each starlink satellite had a telescope and other exploratory equipment installed instead of just being a (mostly luxury) internet access point.
A tripod you cannot adjust seems like ZWO are going backwards. Not unless you have a perfectly level table or use another tripod. The NeeWer GM13 levelling base head is what i use. So much easier than those levelers with three individual adjustment screws. The GM13 only uses one.
Re. the Dwarf 3 star shapes, another reviewer was told by Dwarflab that it was a known issue with the first batch due to pinched optics. That was the main thing that put me off from ordering one so hopefully its no longer the case with themass production units. The Dwarf 3 marketing promotes Milky Way imaging with the wide FOV which presumably means it's using a decent sensor like a Sony Starvis but it's not listed in the specs. I get the feeling the wide one in the S30 like in the Dwarf 2 is were they cut costs and is not suitable for astrophotography.
Yep, I've actually used one of my viewers as a "secret shopper" - he asked for an exchange and got one. Since a normal person was treated well, I'm also now checking with D3 to get a replacement!
I have the S50 and one phone. Can you connect to both at the same time? Also, my preference for the next generation was for equatorial capabilities and a larger lens. Mosaic mode has been a great addition for a larger FOV.
Say I have both my S50 and the new S30 running at the same time. Are you able to control both at the same time from the same app or do you need two devices running two seestar apps?
I think it's odd they opted for a smaller and cheaper version of the S50 while users were really asking for a pro version ( for lack of a better term ) with bigger aperture and better sensor than the S50 .
glad i weent with the traditional setup Second hand i managed to get a 533mc Uncooled. And then cooled with with peltier. can sustain 5C (doesn't seem to go lower? even if its 23C(room temp) or -1c (outside winter)) got a full goto setup with a narrowband filter and guiding/dithering for £1000
Hi, You 're trying helping me to choose.... Ouch , i've got Vespera pro, funny, but the Origin...My dream ?! Bigger and bigger but still better and better ? I'think you prepared something. Thank you for your work , ever clear. Leo from France.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Ho yes you 're right ! I ve got Equinox, Dwarf, S50...Now Vespera Pro... It's a race to ....? Seestar S100, S150 on EQ ...! At least , must learn photo traitement ....Of course Swo proposes good prices. Thank you Sir!
i just wonder if you can use both ( 30 and 50) at the same time with only 1 cellphone.. and i wonder if it need to be levelled and calibrated before starting.
Well, I sent a request to Seestar a couple of weeks ago, but did not get any response so far. The main question and one of the reasons I would buy a S30 is: Can I use the wide angle lens as a kind of Allsky-camera for Milkyway shots, meteor shower observations, star trails, or polar light observations. Another question is, whether it is possible to run S30 and S50 in parallel with one single controlling device. Or do I need a second one ? And finally, what about levelling of the S30 with this tiny tripod. Or isn't it necessary any longer ? If you can take a closer look on it, that would be great. Thx
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Great review ! "Cheap Skies !"
Congrats on being one of the first to actually have the S30 in their hands for a review. Hoping you get your hands on the new rotator before the end of the year. Great review. Looking forward to you getting some clear skies and photos from this well priced scope.
Thanks! I'm excited to get it out under the stars some more!
Aperture diameter is the name of the game when selecting a telescope for use in astronomy. If you require fine detail and a brighter image, go for the largest aperture you can afford. A telescope with a 30 or 50 mm aperture might be good enough for a finder scope for on your main scope.
@@MichaelTalley-be4cc
Yes, but it’s a trade-off. A 200 mm aperture is usable for planetary imaging, but it’s not very portable and cost is an order of magnitude greater.
Can't wait to see the s30 Vs dwarf 3 comparison when you have that ready. Looking forward to it
For now I made one on S50 vs Dwarf III since it was highly requested, now I may need to reshoot it all :(
@@CuivTheLazyGeek DwarfLab has just confirmed shipping to the UK this morning of my order so I won’t be buying the S30 now. DwarfLab has be 6months since ordering and if shipping had slipped again, I would have cancelled the order and gone for the S50 now it has the mosaic mode. No brainier really :-)
@@davebillybish congrats!!!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks, I’m really stoked about it coming with all sorts of plans for using it. As always, thanks for making this video and all the many others you do. There’s something for all tastes in your repertoire.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I'd be surprised if there isn't a lot of existing video that you can't reuse. The main problem is always the clouds. Getting enough time to have both devices out for a couple of hours. I'm really interested in the EQ mode on the dwarf3 I'll watch your video from last month and see if the eq is worth the extra money considering s30 is so well priced.
It's so exciting how smart telescopes are dramatically changing the hobby. Can't wait for larger aperture smart telescopes.
Yes! It's also pulling in more people to the hobby!
S30 is great for the price point. ZWO is pretty smart. Now I'm waiting for a S100 with EQ mode. I would pay double the S50 price. Get on it ZWO..... I'm waiting.
I hate to break it to you but a S100 will be far more than twice the price of the S50. Just by aperture alone, it is 4 times the area.
S100 could be done at that price with a Newtonian design, like Unistellar I guess...
Can it spot flying drones?
Making the night sky more accessible to people with a quality device is a great accomplishment! Enjoyed your review of the scope. I'll be sticking with my S50 for now!
The S50 is already all you need ;)
Another great review! Thanks for keeping us all up to date with regard to the exciting new world of smart telescopes. I like that DwarfLab, and now ZWO, can see the value in small portable units for backpackers and travellers like myself.
The small size and price are the main arguments!
If I want to buy one which one u recommend s30 or s50
@@nassermohd2317 In my opinion it depends on a few factors: If you want a larger FOV, a smaller and lighter size for travelling, and a cheaper price, go for the S30. If you want slightly better image quality and tighter FOV, and clearer shots of the Moon and the Sun, go for the S50. Don’t forget the Dwarf 3 is also a great option right now (although there’s a long wait time, currently).
@@nassermohd2317 I have another video coming up, but for now the S500 delivers better results!
I really like the the idea of a smaller version. This is something I would definitely like to take with me on a trip, hiking, camping, etc.
Yep, it's the reason why whenever I was traveling abroad, I was taking the Dwarf II rather than the S50...!
I really like how ZWO are running the Seestar brand overall. Light, small, portable, all in one smart telescopes while still using their top tier technology from their standard ZWO products. The S50 was my very first telescope and is pretty much the reason I am study astrophysics in college now. Astrophotography is awesome, it's super fun! But it's also super difficult to get into the hobby as a beginner and learn everything you need. Smart telescopes overall feel like a nice bridge for people who want to get into astrophotography without being overwhelmed with complex telescope setups and gear prices, and I love that mentality. Let the newbies learn at their own pace. We don't all need to learn how to polar align an EQ mount on our first night.
It's so awesome to see how the Seestar got you into your field! Ilove this!
Great news for first starters!
Yep!
Lowering the entry point into astrophotography gets more people interested in the hobby. It won't be replacing my s50, but i think it is a good entry point into AP for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Agreed, it's still a good gateway drug into the hobby, better than any of those hobby killer scopes :)
just bought through your link. Happy to support your channel, even if it's just a tiny bit. Can't wait to get to play with it. Been living vicariously through you for a long time, can't wait to have a play
Woohoo, thank you! Much appreciated!
The turrets in Portal 2 were considered cute as pie, until they became active. =)
Are you still there?♫
There you are! ♪
Target acquired~
I don't hate you 😞
They're still super cute when active I always feel bad about those poor things 😂
Pie?! The cake is a lie! 🎂
great fresh new review about the s30 seastar, thank you!
I have an S50, but I think it's great that they came out with something more affordable. That makes it accessible to even more people. Also, it means us S50 owners don't have buyer's regret and think "I wish I waited a little longer." Hahahahaha! This looks like a fun casual device for a family to dip their toes into astronomy and astrophotography.
Very good point about the buyer's regret bit haha
I bought the S50 a few days after the S30 was announced and the mosaic mode was implemented. No regrets at all. Price and size was not an issue for me.
It was great to see Lukes and your review Cuiv. Hoping mine arrives soon to join it's big brother and Dwarf cousins. A C75 would be good too
Ordered through your link although i already have a S50. But there have been instances where i wished i had more than one unit of smart scope especially when clear nights are so rare where I lived. (Singapore) . Your channel re-ignited my interest in astro photography. And when a bigger brother S80 or whaytever gets released..I'll order that too! Thank You!
Thank you for your support!!
I own a S50 for a few months by now, mostly bought it because of your excelente reviews, and I was really looking forward to this video and after your excelent presentation I would say that I would not buy the S30 at this point in time. The wider field of view is what I liked the most, but to loose some resolution was a bit of a downer to me. The filed of view issue can be addressed in the S50 with the mosaic mode that has been working fine for me so far. As far as traveling is concerned, the S50 still is very compact when compared with my regular setup, so traveling is also easy with the S50. Although if I was about to buy a smart telescope today without owning a previous one, I would most likely go for the S30 as it delivers a lot for such a low price. Thank you for your great videos.
Really interesting to see the S30, and hear your observations and questions.
With a DWARF II, S50 and DWARF 3 arriving soon (I hope!) already, I don’t think the S30 adds anything for me.
I think the next offering that would tempt me is in the 80mm aperture range - with an optimal sensor and focal length configuration.
Portability is still a big deal for me too! 😁🔭
Thanks again!
Makes sense to me!
Im still trying to figure out which one to buy for a budget. Ill wait for more testing from you
Thank you
What?!? I pre ordered mine and you got yours first??? OUTRAGEOUS!!!
At this price point, I think the S30 is a great move on the part of Seestar/ZWO.
But my favorite feature of the Dwarf II has been ignored in the current generation of new low end smart scopes: the ability to use standard filters. I use my UHC and Deep Sky filters with my Dwarf II for excellent results. The fact that it uses 1.25" filters natively is a large part of why I got it instead of an S50.
What I'd really like to see is scopes scaled to use standard filter sizes, whether it's T42, T48, 52mm, 58mm, or 82mm. I know it's possible to make adapters, I've printed a T48 adapter for my DII so that I can use my 2" filters with it, but I would really like these instruments to take the filters natively. I know the new ones have some filters built it, but I doubt that they're as good or as flexible as the collection of Lumicon filters I've invested in over the years.
Yep, that's a limitation indeed...!
That's a nice competitor to the Dwarf 3!
Indeed! Although the D3 still wins for me because of its eq mode!
With Christmas coming up, it makes a lot more sense for ZWO to launch the Seestar 30 because of its attractive price point and versatility that would appeal to a larger target audience interested in terrestrial objects as well as astronomical ones . Because of my budding interest in astrophotography, I went with the Seestar 50 because of its greater light gathering power and subsequent clarity for the Sun/Moon and deep space objects.
Yep, agree!
Hi Cuiv. Love your channel. I have the S 50 and I would have preferred a larger model rather than a smaller one. I'm sure they will come up with one next time around.
Thanks! We'll see what they come up with next!
Hi Cuiv, I think you will probably find they don't make larger diameter / focal length scopes because of the extra cost involved. Some of the larger ones made by ZWOs competitors retail for £4K, or even more, in the UK, for that money you could more or less buy a ZWO ASI2600MC air, AM3 mount and a 60 or 70mm ota, which would work as a smart scope. And be just as easy to carry around. I think ZWO have got it about right with the See Star range, the fifty has the same focal length as the Red Cat51, which I'm very familiar with, personally I would have thought that it would be better to make it available with some different sensors, say an IMX 585, 533 or even a 571 would have been a better option. These sensors all work with the Red Cat51, I see no reason why they shouldn't work with the See Star S50 as well.
Yep, when we get to 4000 pounds we get into "build your own rig" territory - although I think the full setup with a good scope would go a bit above that.
Would be nice to have an S50 with the 585, 533, or 571, but I doubt the optics can support such large sensor as the 571, or even the 533. 585 might work? The Redcat is made for large sensors
Great review, as usual. I would love to see some of the images fully processed to compare to the S50.
Will get that once I have good weather!
That secondary camera isn't gonna last long doing solar viewing. No filter on it
That is a major design flaw.
The pinhole lens cameras don't get much energy from the sun so they don't burn up. The camera is in video mode so the exposure is milliseconds not allowing the pixels to heat up like a larger sensor.
I'm pretty sure ZWO would have tested this - off camera I've had it pointed at the sun with no issue for over an hour. With small lenses like this the sensor shouldn't get damaged, especially if it has a UVIR cut filter in front.
Still, it might be a problem long term?
Put some tape over the 2nd sensor.
Surely it will be switched off in solar mode?
Very good review! Great entry to AP
Yep! It's a great starting point!
I expect the S30 design language to translate to the next version of the S50. Attractive in the white and black, magnetic filter holder, etc.
Will be good to see how it evolves!
I can see where that bit of size and weight savings might benefit the traveler, but I don't travel much. I am still impressed by the s50's aperture capability but I would like to see more of an s100 with a bigger, more square or circular sensor. Keep up the good work, Cuiv! /Dave 👍👍
Cheers Dave!
First time I used the wide FOV lens on Dwarf 3 to find the sun I also thought that was really cool. Works on the moon too, if Dwarf doesn't find the sun.
I want a smart scope that can get in real close to the planets. Given ZWO's ingenuity, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult. Just an adjustment to the optics, and maybe double the aperture. There would be room for a widefield lens as well. That would class as a deluxe model. Maybe $800? Hopefully less.
I think they'd need a large adjustment to the tracking as well! That's the difficult part. Smallest scope giving a decent result may be something like a 5inch Mak, but for planetary you really want 8 inch SCT, so that brings you to a very different ballpark! Honestly with GoTo mounts and things like the Celestron 8SE, I don't really see the need to have a smart scope for planets, but I'm probably wrong!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I have a 5" Mak(2" aperture) on a wedged GTi. On an inch thick ioptron tripod. With an ASI224MC. A Seestar for the countryside wouldn't be a bad idea. So, it's on the list.
@bazpearce9993 2" aperture? I meant a 5" aperture Mak, like the ETX125
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Yeah 2", It's a Skywatcher 127mm f12.They only seem to be available in Europe. Couldn't get one shipped in either. But i found a camera shop in Wales that had a display model. I paid through the nose somewhat, but the view through a 28mm 2" eyepiece is amazing.
@@bazpearce9993 so that's 5 inch (127mm) aperture
ZWO has said that the wide-angle lens on the S30 *can't* do astro and the specs I've seen online say it's limited to much shorter (less than 1sec) exposures.
Also, the D2 couldn't do astro on the wide-angle, just the telephoto. The addition of astro on the wide-angle for the D3 (along with the sensor upgrade) was one of the selling points for me. I was able to use it to get shots of C/2023 A3 with the Milky Way back in October.
Ohhh I've been waiting for this
It's an awesome little thing!
Not dropping my money on a little S30, I want something more powerful than the awesome S50, perhaps S80 or S100. ZWO take our money no problem, they make great products.
We'll see what they come up with next!
I have the Dwarf II and love it to bits. I was tempted by the S50 but resisted, tempted again by the Dwarf 3 and resisted as well. This one is cheaper, so temptation is bigger, but until equatorial mode is supported I think I'll save my money for later
Yep completely understand - EQ mode makes a huge difference!
Personally I am glad they went smaller, that way I don't have to wrestle with the choice of whether to upgrade my s50 just yet ! I love the S50, unbelievable results. Presumably I would love an s70 more though. 51% more to be exact 😀
Hahaha you can save money like this!
That finder scope deserved and honorable mention at the end...I'd love for zwo to make a "quick look" finder option to see what your finder sees. I keep having to turn off main camera make finder main camera, etc...
You got it Cuiv! It should have been like an S50- II or S50Max or call it whatever, I was hoping for a more refined/upgraded version of the S50, because I have like a 50-60% frame rejection with my 1 year old S50 while stacking, and that's getting into the "annoying" category for me. I'm sure others have better results, but I also know that others have even worse and it has nothing to do with experience or user error, they just vary too much in build quality.
At this point, I think the new Dwarf 3 is what I keep an eye on, especially that they just came out with the Equatorial mode for their new smart scope. I'd rather waste time with polar alignment and have a nice framing that stays through the night, than depend on some mosaic algorithm which needs more time and considering how the seestar struggles to keep on target, I am skeptical with an even lower priced ZWO smartscope, I don't expect it to be a higher quality than the S50.
I have a video on the Dwarf III equatorial mode, polar alignment literally takes a minute!
Nice early impression vid Cuiv. Looking forward to seeing whether you can coax (trick) it into EQ mode like you did the S50. Also, given the documented 'zero amp glow' of the IMX662, does the S30 require/enforce pre-session dark frame accumulation as per the S50??
It should just work - I also believe it did take dark frames like the S50 did
Thanks for this, I’m looking forward to seeing actual astro images from it, but as an S50 owner, which now has mosaic mode, I do not think it is worth getting. I am pretty sure that ZWO will also be working on a higher spec smart scope, and that will definitely be of interest as and when it is available. In the meantime, internal mosaic stacking and EQ mode support would definitely be welcomed!
On the lookout for a smart telescope, what one would you recommend for a beginner like myself the S30, S50 or something else?
@jamesmason7857 s50. For slightly higher cost it provides better resolved targets. Targets like globular clusters will suffer greatly with the s30.
@@jamesmason7857 I think the S50 is better than the S30 if you can afford the difference, the only other contender at this price range js the Dwarf 3. Between the D3 and S50 there are pros and cons, but I’ve been delighted with my S50.
Would love a s75 or s100 as long as not too expensive
My guess is they'd need to upgrade the mechanical parts of the scope, but would be fun to see!
As a somewhat seasoned astrophotographer, I was not interested in buying the S50, but the price on the S30 is so low, that I could not resist!
Hahaha they got you with their impulse buy strategy! But you won't regret it!
I may recommend to my sister that S30 as I have the S50 and waiting for the dwarf3 delivery !
Nice! You'll have the whole kit!
We need a swarm of these drone cameras, you choose multiple targets and each one of them goes hunting for the targets you assigned it to. When it cannot find a target because the neighbors wall is in front of it it should automatically hunt another target.
Cool review. I wish ZWO had concentrated on a newer better then S50 scope versus going backwards to try and challenge the Dwarf.
We'll see what they come up with next!
You just convinced me to buy one, and I'm not even an astrophycisist!
I saw Lukomatico`s video yesterday and asked myself why there`s no carrying case. Thanks for the info that it will have one :)
I would probably never bought the S50 due to its size. The S30 however is very interesting. This might come on my wishlist so I don`t have to carry my DSLR with me when hiking
Yep, the price and small size are really the main arguments! You may also consider the Dwarf III!
If they made an S100 and could keep it under 1k US, it would seriously compete with my ED102. I like the optics in the Seestar better. Nice review of a cute lil' thing.
And add Eq mode! ;)
I have already bought the Dwarf3 as it is much more versatile and the images are as good or better based on what I've seen. My 2 cents.
The Dwarf III EQ mode makes a huge difference for sure!
Thank you Cuiv, enjoyed the review
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Just ordered it!
Congrats!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks, look forward to its arrival. While I continue to pull hair to sort out my Stellar Mate setup.
I think a larger size would be a welcome direction with a sensor able to get a wider view. I think people would pay 1k for such a smart telescope.
great video. A comparison between Seestar S30 and Dwarf 3 would be interesting
Great video, I just wondering how do you level the scope ? I have an S50 and I know is and important step to have a good performance.
Yep, looks like leveling will require you to bring your own tripod!
Hey Cuiv, I am so glad you finally got one to test out, I made a comment on your other video recently about the s30 vs s50, I am still trying to figure out what one I would like to get.... I have been wanting the s50 for so so long but just havent had the funds to buy one yet. With the s30 out, it is a lot cheaper , but I dont know if I like not getting as much detail as the s50 would.
For someone that doesnt have either, all I own is a small cheaper telescope (celestron omni az 103), would you suggest the s50 over the s30?
It's reeeaaaaaaallly hard to recommend one over the other - I went through the pros and cons in this video as much as I can, and it's up to you to decide...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Forget about recommending one or the other. What I would like to know is; if you did not have the S50, which one would you buy?
Great video! I would really appreciate more aperture as long as the price doesn't rise "astronomically" ; S100 with equatorial mode at least, under $1,000 USD. Peace!
I recently ordered the Seestar S30. I ordered the Dwarf 3 for $399 US in May, but I am still waiting for delivery.
Hopefully you can get the D3 soon!
If you had to choose between the S30 and the S50, which one would you buy? I'm not asking for a recommendation. I'm just curious to know what you would buy.
S50, video comparing the two coming soon!
I preordered on 1 Nov. Why? I have the bug. Glad to see ZWO is shipping. S70, S100 can't wait. Happy SW is the same. Plan to use it as a on the road scope. Probably use my s50 tripod and case. Informative review, so far. Clear up sky's!!!!!! Thank you.
Clear skies! Hope you get yours soon!
It's elegant and only needs small bag, I would like to tear it down to see it's internal construction, thank you very much for the preview.
Yep the internal construction would be interesting, but I don't trust myself to open it!
Hi Cuiv,
490€ in France
Are you sure that you can shoot the milkiway with the tiny optic ?
I read that is not a feature of the s30 in official zwo facebook group.
Oh wow I just assume it would be the case, like the Dwarf III! It's a shame if that's not true, thanks for mentioning it!
@@CuivTheLazyGeekI was disappointed to read this, for $350 it could be a good complement to the s50, but at €490 without it, it changes the game...
Is the wish for an equatorial mode something which can be done by software? Thus maybe by ZWO in future releases?
As long as the gears are good enough, yes, software is all that's needed
Hey tip when you do solar again have the scope pointed left to the sun and it should find it no problem. Great video as always, I heard it has star trail features with the mini camera, can wait for you to do a deep dive into all it features. Do you know if you can use both seestars at the same time
I'm waiting for the Seestar S1000 with mimetic poly-alloy.
And Portal turret voice pack!
525 euros in the Netherlands...I think I will pass...
It's a bummer it's so expensive in Europe...
Wow, why? £369 in UK.
i wonder.. i pre ordered with paypall few weeks ago.. just for the zwo price (voor in nederland)
It was 2000 CNY here in special offer.
@@StuartAnderton EU taxes.
Great review! I am interested in solar eclipse photography. Air travel with conventional setups is too cumbersome for me. Now that we have Dwarf 3, Seestar 30 and 50 available, would you evaluate them for solar eclipse photographers? Thanks!
On the lookout for a smart telescope, what one would you recommend for a beginner like myself the S30, S50 or something else?
For a complete beginner, probably the S50. But if you want to get your hands dirty with equatorial mode, the Dwarf III is also good to consider
What would be the advantages expected from a Seestar S75, would it become a lot more expensive and bigger. On the other hand, do you see them being able to keep the costs down with only the width restricted by the lens?
It's tough to say, I get the feeling they're already pushing the mechanics of their design, so they'd need to have some better mechanics at higher cost I assume...!
What size of a Seestar would be needed to view Saturn rings? S150, S200 or?
Even the S50 can show the rings (or at least their outline), but to get a good view you'd need at least S150 (assuming longish focal length)
Was thinking of getting an S50 but now this has been released I’m not sure which to get . 🤔
It's a tough choice!
I have an S50 and D2 also D3 out for delivery, so decided not to go for S30 but nice review anyway thanks
I think S50+D3 is a really, really good combo!
I love my s50 and it does everything so well, Just the planet which are a bit small. Think I would go for the bigger model. S100 would be brilliant. Or perhaps Seestar could produce an attachment lens system to go onto the s50 similar in dimension to a Dew shield.
I think the S50 drives would be pushed to the limit by any weighty attachment on top!
13:47 There doesn't seem to be a sun filter on the wide angle lens? The Dwarf 3 uses filters on both lenses when observing the sun. Will the S30 wide angle lens cook itself over time?
Thanks for the review Cuiv. Curious, how do you level it, or is it self leveling?
Thanks again
Nice! Though, as I already have an S50... I think I will wait for the release of the S5... thousand. lol
It's going to be a space telescope 😂
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Observatory grade scope for $1000. 😆
Did anyone else feel nervous when Cuiz was holding the S50 in one hand and the s30 in the other? I have had my S50 out three times now and the sub rejection rate has been pretty low. I get the level between 0.0 - 0.1 (It usually toggles).
I never drop ANYTHING! (don't look at the dropped tripod :p)
Thank you for your review. I like the S30 because it is cheaper and lighter but I don't know yet wich one I'll buy: S30 or S50. I'd like to see images of the moon and a four zoom on it. Just to see the details offered. Can the sun spots be more detaile by taking several pictures?
Do you still need your level it for Solar? Don’t see how you could do that with that little tripod.
I would assume you would, although the larger FOV makes tracking less critical. Still, you're right, you'd likely need to bring your own tripod (or use a level adapter) for proper leveling
@ next time you try to do solar make it unlevel before you start and see if it complains.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I had someone try it and the S30 doesn’t care about leveling anymore for Solar and I would guess it doesn’t for the Moon either. Nice!
How do you level it with that tripod?
Seems you'd need to bring your own tripod - at least for DSO the Seestar is no longer so dependent on leveling
@@CuivTheLazyGeekI assume only for the S30?
@@davidstearn1342 for the DSO bit? No, it's also for the S50 - it's the alignment feature ZWO added in the app a while back
@@CuivTheLazyGeek so it looks like I will not need the leveler gizmo ?
Hello Cuiv! ....By the way, when it comes to fogging and humidity, what does it say about the S30 💧💧?... I didn't hear about it in the presentations!.... 🤔
Hi, I feel the dwarf 3 ticks many boxes and would probably have been my choice until you mentioned your version having misaligned optics,🤔so not sure..but no worries as my wife says I'm not allowed to buy any more astro gear😩 I still look forward to further imaging and reviews, Atb Tom.
As others have mentioned, the price in Europe is obscene campared to the rest of the world. Even when adding VAT it does not make sense. I dont think it will sell well at all in europe, I was thinking of getting it before I saw the european price.
Yeah, I've also checked the price of the S50 in Europe, and it's really high... It reminds me of when mounts and scopes from the US (Meade, Celestron, etc.) were 2-3x the price in the US here in Japan, mostly due to local dealer cuts.
@@bamsemh1 If they skip VAT then it is illegal, I personally am not fond of legal issues
Cuiv, if there is an S70 in the offing, what specs would you hope it to have?
Since that would restrict the FOV, I'd hope to have Eq mode support and larger sensor (at least 585)
imagine if each starlink satellite had a telescope and other exploratory equipment installed instead of just being a (mostly luxury) internet access point.
A tripod you cannot adjust seems like ZWO are going backwards. Not unless you have a perfectly level table or use another tripod. The NeeWer GM13 levelling base head is what i use. So much easier than those levelers with three individual adjustment screws. The GM13 only uses one.
Re. the Dwarf 3 star shapes, another reviewer was told by Dwarflab that it was a known issue with the first batch due to pinched optics. That was the main thing that put me off from ordering one so hopefully its no longer the case with themass production units.
The Dwarf 3 marketing promotes Milky Way imaging with the wide FOV which presumably means it's using a decent sensor like a Sony Starvis but it's not listed in the specs. I get the feeling the wide one in the S30 like in the Dwarf 2 is were they cut costs and is not suitable for astrophotography.
Yep, I've actually used one of my viewers as a "secret shopper" - he asked for an exchange and got one. Since a normal person was treated well, I'm also now checking with D3 to get a replacement!
I have the S50 and one phone. Can you connect to both at the same time?
Also, my preference for the next generation was for equatorial capabilities and a larger lens. Mosaic mode has been a great addition for a larger FOV.
Will it give the Dwarf 3 a run for it's money?
Specs are less good, no eq mode, but the price...!!!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Less telescope for just as much money.
@@Mr_Glennit costs much less
No S70 with 70 mm lens and 4K instead of 1080p picture quality in the near future ?
Say I have both my S50 and the new S30 running at the same time. Are you able to control both at the same time from the same app or do you need two devices running two seestar apps?
Just swap over which one you are logged in to, I would think.
I'll test with both in station mode!
Would make a good travel scope but I already have the d2
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
What details can I see in the scenery mode at 300 - 600 - 1000 - 1600 m? is it possible to use it for nature observation?
I think it's odd they opted for a smaller and cheaper version of the S50 while users were really asking for a pro version ( for lack of a better term ) with bigger aperture and better sensor than the S50 .
They probably saw a niche, and they might have something else in store!
Why does seestar app have exposure times upto 30 seconds when you can't go above 10 sec with an alt/az mount.
Depending on where the target is located, you can absolutely go above 10s on an altaz mount!
glad i weent with the traditional setup Second hand i managed to get a 533mc Uncooled. And then cooled with with peltier. can sustain 5C (doesn't seem to go lower? even if its 23C(room temp) or -1c (outside winter))
got a full goto setup with a narrowband filter and guiding/dithering for £1000
Hi, You 're trying helping me to choose.... Ouch , i've got Vespera pro, funny, but the Origin...My dream ?! Bigger and bigger but still better and better ? I'think you prepared something. Thank you for your work , ever clear. Leo from France.
I'm going to review the Vespera II soon :) Seems the biggest right now at a "decent" price is indeed the Origin!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Ho yes you 're right ! I ve got Equinox, Dwarf, S50...Now Vespera Pro... It's a race to ....? Seestar S100, S150 on EQ ...! At least , must learn photo traitement ....Of course Swo proposes good prices. Thank you Sir!
i just wonder if you can use both ( 30 and 50) at the same time with only 1 cellphone.. and i wonder if it need to be levelled and calibrated before starting.
Will need to test!
Well, I sent a request to Seestar a couple of weeks ago, but did not get any response so far.
The main question and one of the reasons I would buy a S30 is: Can I use the wide angle lens as a kind of Allsky-camera for Milkyway shots, meteor shower observations, star trails, or polar light observations.
Another question is, whether it is possible to run S30 and S50 in parallel with one single controlling device. Or do I need a second one ?
And finally, what about levelling of the S30 with this tiny tripod. Or isn't it necessary any longer ?
If you can take a closer look on it, that would be great. Thx