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Cuiv, I ordered my S50 (currently back ordered) and can’t wait. I’ve recently retired and have spent an embarrassingly large amount of time watching pretty much every video that you and Nico have put out. I’ve decided to go with the S50 to begin this journey down the rabbit hole. As a lifelong amateur photographer, I always knew that astronomy was in my future. I can’t wait for my unit and perhaps maybe one day I will produce a photo that you or Nico may approve of. Cheers from Canada!
I receive my S50 on Wednesday. @@Pierre048 The First Test i make from my Window in Sleeping Room... I was really impressed ! I photographe the Dumbell Nebula, the M15 Globular Cluster and Cirrus in Swan in 15 Minutes ! in relativ good quality ! I cant wait to test under good Conditions !
Outstanding video as always mate!! What a crazy good result with the Seestar, that's practically like full-on dedicated astro-rig level results!! 👍👍 Also, huge thanks for the shoutout again!! :-D thats so awesome of you ❤️ Clear skies my friend!
Great video Cuiv. I have a Seestar and a normal astro rig. The really great thing about the Seestar is that you can use it in the 30 minute gaps between the almost never ending clouds here in the UK. Since I got mine, I've managed to use it about ten times more often than my main rig. Stacking in Siril and a bit of processing in Siril and Startools gives remarkably good results. Great toy.
You know that with the popularity of the S50 everyone is going to want a beginner tutorial on post processing the SeeStar files (either the final fits file and/or stacking the individual subs) using free software like Siril. Beginners are not going to have PixInsight or Photoshop to start with. Hoping that’s on your ToDo list 😁 Cheers!
Ah Cuiv!... Even professional astronomers once played with "toys", right? Thank you for bridging the gap between the pros and we rank amateurs who are now accessing more wonders of the universe with platforms like SeeStar, Dwarf II, etc. You're the best!
Newbie getting my feet wet. My S50 arrived last night. I bought this one based on your and others assessment. Not everyone has the ability to present and teach. You my friend, have figured it out. I've spent many hours watching and learning from you. So, thank you. As usual it seems, with every new telescope related purchase, the clouds are roll in. Maybe next week. Mother Nature always has the last word.
I don’t think I will ever get to the point you are with your edits lol! I want to tell you I love the way you work with your fellow TH-cam Astro influencers to promote each other and spread the joy that comes from astronomy and astrophotography! Cuiv, Antone & Dalia, Luke, Nico, Trevor…. You are all amazing!
It is so nice of you Cuiv to educate those that look upon the Seestar as a "useless toy" for Astrophotography. I think it is little revolution for those that want to get into this hobby instead of arguing about equipment and "pixel peeping". The ease and reward of getting very nice pictures of both DSO and the sun (or moon) for "anyone" for a relatively cheap investing is absolutely great. I got my Seestar this week, but the weather here has been awful for three weeks, and will be like that for the foreseeable (weather forecast) future. I have already several "rigs", but I am pretty sure that the Seestar will give the best result over time (ease of use and extremely portable and user friendly). Probably not the "best" and sharpest results, but good enough for me.
The ability to process individual files from the S50 moves it from the "toy" category I think - it would have been interesting tho to compare your processed result with the final image the S50 produced. As for me - I'll start off using its own images as final images then move onto doing my own porocessing later
Excellent Cuiv! I think you've clearly shown how these smart telescopes can grow with you as processing skills improve, and as we inevitably collect upgrades like better filters (if under Bortle 8/9) and better software, Have a great weekend and keep up the great content!
I ordered the Seestar right after your first video about it went up, and it arrived a few days ago. I haven't had much clear weather to test it out, but I've already been incredibly satisfied with the results. The super quick setup time cannot be overstated. One night I put it out in the backyard, turned it on, and quickly went inside to get away from mosquitos. I kicked off an imaging session from my phone from inside, and let it go. It's been a game changer for me, and I look forward to doing even a fraction of what you did in this video.
Thanks so much for the video when I was young I was into visual astronomy now with technology especially at this price point I'm going to get one and give it a try it's an absolutely beautiful picture great job!
I'm seeing the benefits of this toy! Pack it in the car along with a big Dob and big binos with their parallelogram and then head for the hills! Set up the toy to do the work and relax with the others looking at all the other cool stuff while still accomplishing taking something home. Guaranteed take home... Memories, images or both! 👍
This is what I was waiting for! Amazing work. Maxing out what seemingly looks like a "toy" bring me so much joy. I am not in a position to experience it in person but because of you, I get to experience it through your videos! :D
Outstanding as always, Cuiv. I hope to take delivery of my SeeStar by year's end. You know "toy" telescopes have poor optics, crude drives, unstable support, and limited abilities. SO not the case with this little rig, as you've so aptly demonstrated. Meanwhile... Perhaps people forget that you're a French (Engineer?), who speaks fluent English, and likely some Japanese, with a side hustle of very high-end astro photography. Not so lazy to me, just working smart. Please keep some SeeStar content coming for us truly lazy astro enthusiasts. Thanks again, Michael 😊
Thanks so much Michael! And yes, originally French engineer with fluent English and almost fluent Japanese:) TH-cam and astro are a very labor intensive side hustle but so rewarding as well (well, not financially rewarding, but in other ways :) )
Great videos! I just got my SeeStar today and am currently imaging the Crescent Nebula under Bortle 6 conditions. Keep these coming brother; they are very worthwhile and very entertaining.
Awesome video Cuiv. Now for those of us who haven't taken out a second mortgage to purchase Pixinsight, can you show us a Siril work flow? I am still amazed at the images this scope produces.
It's amazing where our hobby is due to technology. You can now get into deep space astrophotography for $499. My first cooled astronomy camera was $3000 18 years ago, and it was only 2.2 Mpixels.
Cuiv great videos as always, thanks for putting in the time. I myself ordered one through All Star in Canada. And have the bahtinov and filter holder from Luko coming. Great to see what is possible pushing this little rig. I'm in bortel 4 and have a bortel 1 site just 1.5hrs from my house. I think this will be a great "toy" to learn with. Can't drop 10k atm for what I would consider a next step from one of these. Scope, mount, mini computer, filters/wheel, focuser, camera, guider and cables/power. Then you'll still need the drive and post processing to get something out of it. I think after watching all the videos for the last 10years watching this hobby evolve this is a great starting point. The solar alone rivals my WO 66 apo and a solar filter with my sl2 attached.
Seriously thinking about getting one of these. With my very limited time and a move of house to a far more tricky place to set-up a full scope rig I think this may be a nice way to grab much more shooting time with far less hassle. Given how bad this year has been for shooting opportunities due to unreliable weather, it'd be nice to be able to run out and throw this thing together and get some rather decent results. Thanks Cuiv, another inspirational video, love your work.
That was a great video! Thank you. I just bought one yesterday for the eclipse but I can't wait for a clear dark sky here in Toronto to try that out like you. I have an Optalomh 8nm extreme that I use in my Edge which should help as I bought the filter holder as well
That's a great image and is better than some I have seen taken with superior equipment. This will never replace a dedicated high end astro rig, but it isn't trying to. I think it represents good value for money imho and is a great entry point into the hobby.
Just got my S50 but not had any clear sky since it arrived. I am very impressed with what you are doing with the S50. It won't replace my big rig, but maybe in a few years once these smart telescopes have been developed a bit more I may sell my big rig.....
Many thanks! I’m really new to this. I have a seestar on order as a Christmas present to me and my little boy. Very excited and can’t wait. I’d love to find an idiots step by step guide to processing the images that we get from the seestar using free software!!
excellent review and PI work at the end Cuiv! I really enjoy videos where you run through the processing in PI as that is a beast of an app. Adam Block does a lot of very good tutorials but they're very dry and a bit drawn out. Maybe a series of Cuiv PI how-to's would be great for the community for those who prefer a more jovial geek to the very serious Mr. Block (no offense Adam!)
Just a quick point of interest. When you connect to the Seestar for the first time it broadcasts in 5g. If you have an older or cheaper tablet that only uses 2.4g you cannot see the network to join it. You need a dualband device to connect for the first time and switch the Seestar to 2.4g then your older/cheaper tablet can see the network and join it. ZWO are aware of this and are hoping to address it in a future update.
Excellent Cuiv, I have been imaging with the S50 and very pleased with the results so far. Question: did you have any problems focussing with the NB filter in front of the objective lens?
I focused before putting the filter in front. In theory (and from what I can tell, in practice), placing a filter in front of the main optics doesn't change the focus point, since the light rays are parallel when they hit the filter, they're still parallel after the filter and when they hit the objective lens!
Chiming in again ~ I think that's pretty incredible for a "toy" ~ I'd take this point and click package over any complicated telescope any day of the week.
Other people dismissing the Seestar as just a toy reminds me of the old adage “the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys“. Thanks for the master-class on playing with toys.😉
I have one of these due to arrive today and being in Scotland it is a great extra tool to get out and take shots in the one hour gaps in the weather :). I also have a 'serious' rig but can't keep it outside all the time and some nights, by the time I drag everything out and setup the clouds come in and kaput! Or the rian starts!! We are Brtle 4 so looking forward to what it can do - Clear Skies!
Amazing Cuiv! I’m absolutely LOVING my SeeStar. Would you be able to do a more detailed walk through of the processing with PI. I’ve learned so much from your tutorial videos, they have honestly been amazing to follow along with and allowed me to understand and get used to the PI tools. Keep up the amazing work - George in Scotland
I wonder if you could maybe consider doing a new upload of how to set up SIRIL for use with the SS50,I have struggled with it and have many error messages showing up as I maybe have the wrong scripts enabled/downloaded. At 68 I find many of the SIRIL tutorials are too fast for newbies and older folk.Many thanks in anticipation and keep up the amazing uploads.
Cuiv ( the honarary " Astro Junky"" ), another great video, We the Astro Junkies have just came back from a week in a bortle one . Between the 5 of us we had 4 yes 4 Seestars up in the far north of Scotland. We adopted the "lazy geek" approach (enspired by yourself). Got some great data . Hope you can do more videos Love you lots and thanks for the inspiration.Please keep up the good work xxx
I wonder if people making 'toy' comments are just peed off that with $1000s equipment they cant produce what you just did from the centre of Tokyo for $500? For me this kind of technology is perfect for getting people into the hobby, the barriers to entry of cost, setup, technical ability are all removed leaving the hobbyist to just get on and enjoy.
Really wish they added a field rotator, but hopeful they may add an EQ mode and some app driven polar alignment steps like DARV or similar. Also have been having good success in imaging with the S50 and stacking/processing externally. Awesome video!
I think the main problem isn't the tripod, but the main motor rotating the Seestar. It may track well in horizontal orientation, but I don't think it is build well enough to track well in let's say 45 degree orientation, where upper half would be pulled and lower half would be pushed in due to the momentum from the weight of the setup. The rotator would be nice though.
@@luboinchina3013 looking at the current subs there’s already plenty of tracking imperfections. They haven’t been a huge problem post stack, and without dedicated guiding and alt-az I suppose it would be expecting too much. But that’s to say I think they could pull off eq for a few hours of capture and be relatively okay. I do wonder a bit how the ra axis bearing in that case would hold up. But that Stellina with its mechanical field rotator sure looks cool if it didn’t cost $4K. For $400 and how easy the S50 is to setup on a night, we’ve got a win, and any thing extra they pull off in software is gravy!
Great video, thank you. Not sure if it was addressed but you said you captured throughout the night. Was the Seestar mounted on a wedge as you describe in a separate video? If not, I didn't see any artifacts using the stock Alt-Az of the Seestar.
Dude, you hook me up on this hobby bad! Great explanations and tutorials 👌 Astrophotography for me, was an extremely far dream. ...if i ever become rich. Due to the high cost of equipment, for ppl midlle class ppl like me, Astrophotography is the only hobby that its equipment costs starting from 2000$ to the Infiniti. Even tho my budget is very low, now with seestars s50 my dream is able! I can capture the celestials myself!!
If you think you’re gonna stick with the hobby you should get a little as you go! I work a shit job but I got my DSLR a couple months ago, now looking for a go to mount, and a 400mm lense. Just get things a little at a time you don’t have to get it all at once!
Cuiv, another wonderful Seestar video that both entertains and informs. I’m still hoping I receive my Seestar in December. As for further processing, I’ve read that Pixinsight has a steep learning curve. It might be too much for an “old” backyard thumper like myself. Should I consider Siril instead? Thanks again for showing that toys can be tools and tools are always toys, just more expensive. Clear skies🔭
I'm so used to PixInsight that I can't be objective! I think Siril also has a steep learning curve... My recommendation is always PixInsight, but I'm biased...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Siril is easy-peasy to use. Very easy. From a "geek" point of view, PI will with some (steep) learning curve probably give better results for those that give it a try or ten. Then again, there are those that do most if not all "post processing" in PS. Those are on another level...
If you have a stationary telescope with a camera and guide scope also with a camera; can software plate solve and identify what your telescope is pointed at?
Hi Cuiv, I love my toy 😊 Great processing job. I made a great session on Orion yesterday from Strasbourg in France, Mixing with and without the lp filter. My trial of pixinsight has expired, so I use Siril, and I'm very proud of the result. The best telescope is the one you use 😉
Hi Cuiv, thanks for all the inspiring videos. Took also the pacman nebula in a less light pulluted region in southern bavaria (my first comment was rejected because I added a astrobin link). I like this kind of toys.
Awesome. Crazy what you can do with such a modestly priced (but very clever) bit of kit! Can we get Nico to do the same shot from his dark sky site (like your previous faceoff) without the fancy filter petty please?
Thank you for posting this! I've been waiting to see some different techniques for acquiring and processing. I do have a couple of questions - as far as your workflow, are you pointing and focusing then putting the filter on? Also, I have the SVBony CLS filter, not as dramatic of a band cut as your dual band, do you think that would isolate the HA and OIII enough for nebula work? Thanks again, great video!
I point and focus before putting the filter on! And the CLS filter might make a difference on reflection nebulae type objects if used with the Seestar LP filter OFF. Would be far more subtle though
Outstanding! I ordered my SeeStar through your link after seeing this! I'm loving my scope so far. I've been able to much more signal using this little guy compared to when I used my mirrorless and my tracker (time is limited with kids now)! Quick question: I want to up my game with editing...should I learn and use Siril or just straight to PixInsight? I love the overall options that PI can give in the final product, but I understand that the learning curve is very, very steep.
I am always amazed how, presumably after doing a bit of market research, companies are able to invest a non-insignificant amount of R&D producing something that is good enough for majority of the target users but are then extremely reluctant to spend a tiny amount extra and a few probably minor firmware changes to allow for EQ mounting and thus significantly larger useful field of view for the more "advanced" users.
To be fair, I'm not sure mechanically the Seestar would be able to work well in EQ mode, especially with its one arm structure... Still it would be really nice!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek that is a decent point. You would indeed introduce lateral forces on the bearings that are currently not present in the AZ mode. Maybe the bearings or the motors would not be able to handle this added (though still quite small) strain. Even if that was the case, I still find it a weird design decision as it would be by far the cheapest way (slightly more powerful motors and better bearings) to get a 3 times effective increase in the maximal useful resolution compared to installing larger/better optics.
I would love an upcoming video comparison of light pollution filters mentioned here. From high-end moderate to Svbony and how they perform on the Seestar s50!
Nice work Cuiv. Excellent result. I wonder why you link to other narrowband filters that you use. The one you use is out of my league, but since I am a Svbony Fanboy. I would very much like to see if there is any comparison videos, or videos were you use the Svbony filter.
I just placed an order for the Seestar S50 on behalf of a club I belong to. We're expecting that it will be an excellent device for introducing newcomers to the hobby, as well as for star parties. I do wonder how quickly the small aperture will become a limiting factor, since it limits the resolution that can be achieved. I guess all of us hit that limit, though, until we finally get that 24" Dall-Kirkham scope. ;-)
Beautifully processed, very nice. Should definitely keep the nay sayers quiet around it being a toy and there being no advantage in using alternate filters. Great job!
I have a question about filters to add on top of this S50: 1. Would a Antlia Quadband Anti-Light Polution Filter 2 inch be a good fit to go on top? or any other narrow band filter? I see a lot about issues about halo's of other filters but this one is on top. Not close to the camera so halo's should not be an issue I presume? 2. Filters are normally protected inside the tube, would adding a filet outside hurt the filter? 3. If you would select a narrow band filter, then I assume that you do not want a pre-shifted filter since it is on top?
Cuiv....Always great stuff! I'm taking my SeeStar out to the edge of town tonight to capture some images. As I understand, expensive light pollution filters are ONLY needed in high light pollution areas and are unnecessary in darker skies. I just purchased a 2" Svbony moon filter....do you think this will make much difference with SeeStar moon imaging? Also, I have Photoshop SC6 for my pro level general photography, but would Siril be better to work astro stuff? I see there are third-party additions for Siril as well as PS astro plug-ins. Your thoughts, please. Thanks, Michael
First of all excellent results and processing! Well calling the Seestar a toy depends on how you use it. Auto mode = toy, RAW mode = professional 🙂 Especially with the great accessories that @lukomatico makes for this, now you can use serious filters then process with serious software! The way this telescope captures images with max 10 second exposures is both optimized for reducing field rotation and combatting light pollution. I actually think this telescope would work best under heavy light pollution because per Robin Glover, this worse the light pollution, the shorter the exposures you need. So I am not sure how this telescope would work in less light polluted skies so Cuiv time for a field trip 🙂 Let me know your thoughts on that. Thanks Cuiv!
Thanks Dave! Yes I will need to test under better skies :) But the only difference would be that the dominant source of noise may change from shot noise to read noise at a given Bortle zone, meaning there would be a limit after which darker skies don't help, depending on how much skyglow we record in 10s - still I'm sure that limit would be low!
Not sure if Robin Glover reads this to address the comment, but it is more nuanced taking in account light pollution and equipment. You would not shoot 1 second subs in polluted skies neither there is any benefit in shooting 20 minute subs in dark skies
Hi Cuiv, Can't see how an instrument capable of producing an image of that quality can be classed as a toy ( or the guy who put the work into processing it can be called lazy! ). I think ZWO or one of the other manufacturers will shortly add a filter draw to enable the use of off the shelf narrow band filters and when they do, I think these instruments will become even more popular than they already are.
Thank you for your video's - you are so enthusiastic which makes such a difference. I have had my Seestar for 2 weeks and am very impressed with the results. I have enjoyed learning to post process the stacked fit file with Siril and I think I can improve a bit on Seestar's final version. Would collecting the unstacked files and doing the whole processing in Siril lead to a significant improvement in the final result. Or is the Seestar's stacking good enough? Martin
If I am buying a £500 filter, pixinsiht and the plugins I am not buying a seestar. But interesting none the less and a useful tool for super hobbyists.
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Hello, I have UHC Astronomik filter, is this filter going to work with the seestar?
@@ivanmikov4143 Is it 2in?
Cuiv, I ordered my S50 (currently back ordered) and can’t wait. I’ve recently retired and have spent an embarrassingly large amount of time watching pretty much every video that you and Nico have put out. I’ve decided to go with the S50 to begin this journey down the rabbit hole. As a lifelong amateur photographer, I always knew that astronomy was in my future. I can’t wait for my unit and perhaps maybe one day I will produce a photo that you or Nico may approve of. Cheers from Canada!
Hi clipper99, I just ordered my S50 too, let see you or me will receive first!
I receive my S50 on Wednesday. @@Pierre048 The First Test i make from my Window in Sleeping Room... I was really impressed ! I photographe the Dumbell Nebula, the M15 Globular Cluster and Cirrus in Swan in 15 Minutes ! in relativ good quality ! I cant wait to test under good Conditions !
Oh I'm sure you will have a lot of fun!!
Ordered mine today !
Ordered mine today as well! I’ve been waiting a long time for this kind of tech to become available at a reasonable price!
Outstanding video as always mate!! What a crazy good result with the Seestar, that's practically like full-on dedicated astro-rig level results!! 👍👍
Also, huge thanks for the shoutout again!! :-D thats so awesome of you ❤️
Clear skies my friend!
Thanks so much Luke! Have fun spending your whole weekend 3D printing 😂
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Hahah!! Will do! :-D Thank you!
Great video Cuiv. I have a Seestar and a normal astro rig. The really great thing about the Seestar is that you can use it in the 30 minute gaps between the almost never ending clouds here in the UK. Since I got mine, I've managed to use it about ten times more often than my main rig. Stacking in Siril and a bit of processing in Siril and Startools gives remarkably good results. Great toy.
Can you recommend any idiot guides to using Siril with the Seestar?
You know that with the popularity of the S50 everyone is going to want a beginner tutorial on post processing the SeeStar files (either the final fits file and/or stacking the individual subs) using free software like Siril. Beginners are not going to have PixInsight or Photoshop to start with. Hoping that’s on your ToDo list 😁 Cheers!
I know..... So much stuff to do!
Yes please!!!
Ah Cuiv!... Even professional astronomers once played with "toys", right? Thank you for bridging the gap between the pros and we rank amateurs who are now accessing more wonders of the universe with platforms like SeeStar, Dwarf II, etc. You're the best!
Thanks!!
Newbie getting my feet wet. My S50 arrived last night. I bought this one based on your and others assessment. Not everyone has the ability to present and teach. You my friend, have figured it out. I've spent many hours watching and learning from you. So, thank you. As usual it seems, with every new telescope related purchase, the clouds are roll in. Maybe next week. Mother Nature always has the last word.
Enjoy the S50!
I don’t think I will ever get to the point you are with your edits lol! I want to tell you I love the way you work with your fellow TH-cam Astro influencers to promote each other and spread the joy that comes from astronomy and astrophotography! Cuiv, Antone & Dalia, Luke, Nico, Trevor…. You are all amazing!
Thanks so much Joey! Your profile pic does tell me your processing skills are on point though ;)
It is so nice of you Cuiv to educate those that look upon the Seestar as a "useless toy" for Astrophotography.
I think it is little revolution for those that want to get into this hobby instead of arguing about equipment and "pixel peeping".
The ease and reward of getting very nice pictures of both DSO and the sun (or moon) for "anyone" for a relatively cheap investing is absolutely great.
I got my Seestar this week, but the weather here has been awful for three weeks, and will be like that for the foreseeable (weather forecast) future.
I have already several "rigs", but I am pretty sure that the Seestar will give the best result over time (ease of use and extremely portable and user friendly).
Probably not the "best" and sharpest results, but good enough for me.
The ability to process individual files from the S50 moves it from the "toy" category I think - it would have been interesting tho to compare your processed result with the final image the S50 produced. As for me - I'll start off using its own images as final images then move onto doing my own porocessing later
Excellent video - and also great humor and enthusiasm you're sending! Wonderfull, thank you!
Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent Cuiv! I think you've clearly shown how these smart telescopes can grow with you as processing skills improve, and as we inevitably collect upgrades like better filters (if under Bortle 8/9) and better software, Have a great weekend and keep up the great content!
Woohoo, thanks for coming by man!! Have a great weekend!
I ordered the Seestar right after your first video about it went up, and it arrived a few days ago. I haven't had much clear weather to test it out, but I've already been incredibly satisfied with the results. The super quick setup time cannot be overstated. One night I put it out in the backyard, turned it on, and quickly went inside to get away from mosquitos. I kicked off an imaging session from my phone from inside, and let it go. It's been a game changer for me, and I look forward to doing even a fraction of what you did in this video.
Thanks for the video. I really would have liked to see a comparison with the image stacked in the telescope, without external processing.
Thanks so much for the video when I was young I was into visual astronomy now with technology especially at this price point I'm going to get one and give it a try it's an absolutely beautiful picture great job!
Have fun!
I'm seeing the benefits of this toy! Pack it in the car along with a big Dob and big binos with their parallelogram and then head for the hills! Set up the toy to do the work and relax with the others looking at all the other cool stuff while still accomplishing taking something home. Guaranteed take home... Memories, images or both! 👍
Such a great use case, recipe for a great time and awesome memories!
You have amazing enthusiasm explaining things! Thanks for this 😊
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Cuiv, That Picture is too lovely to come from a toy. But, if it is a toy, it's worth every penny. Great video my friend. You are the best!
Thanks so much! And yes, agreed :)
This is what I was waiting for! Amazing work. Maxing out what seemingly looks like a "toy" bring me so much joy. I am not in a position to experience it in person but because of you, I get to experience it through your videos! :D
Outstanding as always, Cuiv. I hope to take delivery of my SeeStar by year's end. You know "toy" telescopes have poor optics, crude drives, unstable support, and limited abilities. SO not the case with this little rig, as you've so aptly demonstrated.
Meanwhile... Perhaps people forget that you're a French (Engineer?), who speaks fluent English, and likely some Japanese, with a side hustle of very high-end astro photography. Not so lazy to me, just working smart. Please keep some SeeStar content coming for us truly lazy astro enthusiasts. Thanks again, Michael 😊
Thanks so much Michael! And yes, originally French engineer with fluent English and almost fluent Japanese:) TH-cam and astro are a very labor intensive side hustle but so rewarding as well (well, not financially rewarding, but in other ways :) )
I can't wait until my Seestar arrives!!!! I like your reviews and such!
Hope you enjoy it! And thank you!
Very well done, Cuiv. Keep on the great work.
Much appreciated!
Great videos! I just got my SeeStar today and am currently imaging the Crescent Nebula under Bortle 6 conditions. Keep these coming brother; they are very worthwhile and very entertaining.
Awesome!! I hope you get a great result :-)
Awesome video Cuiv. Now for those of us who haven't taken out a second mortgage to purchase Pixinsight, can you show us a Siril work flow? I am still amazed at the images this scope produces.
Nebula Photos, has the tutorials you need
Yeah, Nico has great tutorials on that, I need to get back to Siril soon!
It's amazing where our hobby is due to technology. You can now get into deep space astrophotography for $499. My first cooled astronomy camera was $3000 18 years ago, and it was only 2.2 Mpixels.
Cuiv great videos as always, thanks for putting in the time. I myself ordered one through All Star in Canada. And have the bahtinov and filter holder from Luko coming. Great to see what is possible pushing this little rig. I'm in bortel 4 and have a bortel 1 site just 1.5hrs from my house. I think this will be a great "toy" to learn with. Can't drop 10k atm for what I would consider a next step from one of these. Scope, mount, mini computer, filters/wheel, focuser, camera, guider and cables/power. Then you'll still need the drive and post processing to get something out of it. I think after watching all the videos for the last 10years watching this hobby evolve this is a great starting point. The solar alone rivals my WO 66 apo and a solar filter with my sl2 attached.
That's awesome! I know the waiting time is long but it's worth it (I'm assuming consistent unit quality of course)
@CuivTheLazyGeek made sure you were linked in my purchase for your hard work. I won't be waiting long as mine already shipped.
Seriously thinking about getting one of these. With my very limited time and a move of house to a far more tricky place to set-up a full scope rig I think this may be a nice way to grab much more shooting time with far less hassle. Given how bad this year has been for shooting opportunities due to unreliable weather, it'd be nice to be able to run out and throw this thing together and get some rather decent results. Thanks Cuiv, another inspirational video, love your work.
My Z50 will arrive in about 5 days and I am exzcited to get working
Awesome! Enjoy it!
Your excitement is very contagious! I want to get out even more now :)
I just ordered a seestar and plan on messing with it as soon as I get a clear night sky. You are rather engaging and fun to watch.
That was a great video! Thank you. I just bought one yesterday for the eclipse but I can't wait for a clear dark sky here in Toronto to try that out like you. I have an Optalomh 8nm extreme that I use in my Edge which should help as I bought the filter holder as well
Always like your videos, I have a SeeStar and will be trying your methods, thanks mate
Good luck and have fun!
The seestar is an excellent starter point for anyone wanting to start out with DSO - nice work Cuiv
Agree!
That's a great image and is better than some I have seen taken with superior equipment. This will never replace a dedicated high end astro rig, but it isn't trying to. I think it represents good value for money imho and is a great entry point into the hobby.
Yep, completely agree!
It is better but question is it possible to do that.
Just got my S50 but not had any clear sky since it arrived. I am very impressed with what you are doing with the S50. It won't replace my big rig, but maybe in a few years once these smart telescopes have been developed a bit more I may sell my big rig.....
Many thanks! I’m really new to this. I have a seestar on order as a Christmas present to me and my little boy. Very excited and can’t wait. I’d love to find an idiots step by step guide to processing the images that we get from the seestar using free software!!
Hope you enjoy it! I'll need to try the processing with free software :)
Thank you for this very engaging and surprising presentation!!!
excellent review and PI work at the end Cuiv! I really enjoy videos where you run through the processing in PI as that is a beast of an app. Adam Block does a lot of very good tutorials but they're very dry and a bit drawn out. Maybe a series of Cuiv PI how-to's would be great for the community for those who prefer a more jovial geek to the very serious Mr. Block (no offense Adam!)
I do have quite a few tutorials, but not by topic that's true!
I have ordered this telescope based on your videos. I am very excited to get started with it.😀
Hope you get it soon!
Nice video, for 500.00 it seems quite capable. Great starter scope! Is that the Antlia ALP-T filter? Mine is 5nm. Are they making a 4nm?
That's the Altair 4nm Ha OIII!
Oh okay, which do you like best the 4nm or the 5nm, I will have to look at the Altair...
Just a quick point of interest. When you connect to the Seestar for the first time it broadcasts in 5g. If you have an older or cheaper tablet that only uses 2.4g you cannot see the network to join it. You need a dualband device to connect for the first time and switch the Seestar to 2.4g then your older/cheaper tablet can see the network and join it. ZWO are aware of this and are hoping to address it in a future update.
Excellent Cuiv, I have been imaging with the S50 and very pleased with the results so far. Question: did you have any problems focussing with the NB filter in front of the objective lens?
I focused before putting the filter in front. In theory (and from what I can tell, in practice), placing a filter in front of the main optics doesn't change the focus point, since the light rays are parallel when they hit the filter, they're still parallel after the filter and when they hit the objective lens!
Chiming in again ~ I think that's pretty incredible for a "toy" ~ I'd take this point and click package over any complicated telescope any day of the week.
Other people dismissing the Seestar as just a toy reminds me of the old adage “the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys“. Thanks for the master-class on playing with toys.😉
Hahaha yes ,that's the good meaning of "toy" :-)
I have one of these due to arrive today and being in Scotland it is a great extra tool to get out and take shots in the one hour gaps in the weather :). I also have a 'serious' rig but can't keep it outside all the time and some nights, by the time I drag everything out and setup the clouds come in and kaput! Or the rian starts!!
We are Brtle 4 so looking forward to what it can do - Clear Skies!
Bortle 4 should be amazing!! Hope you enjoy it!
Well done, sir!
That's an amazing image from a 'toy'! I think I'll need to raid piggyback and buy one 😊. Great video as always. Keep them coming 👍
Thanks!
Definitely something a little more than just a toy. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing Cuiv! I’m absolutely LOVING my SeeStar. Would you be able to do a more detailed walk through of the processing with PI. I’ve learned so much from your tutorial videos, they have honestly been amazing to follow along with and allowed me to understand and get used to the PI tools. Keep up the amazing work - George in Scotland
Great Result, I will try with my Optolong LExtreme filter...
Good luck!
I wonder if you could maybe consider doing a new upload of how to set up SIRIL for use with the SS50,I have struggled with it and have many error messages showing up as I maybe have the wrong scripts enabled/downloaded. At 68 I find many of the SIRIL tutorials are too fast for newbies and older folk.Many thanks in anticipation and keep up the amazing uploads.
Cuiv ( the honarary " Astro Junky"" ), another great video, We the Astro Junkies have just came back from a week in a bortle one . Between the 5 of us we had 4 yes 4 Seestars up in the far north of Scotland. We adopted the "lazy geek" approach (enspired by yourself). Got some great data . Hope you can do more videos Love you lots and thanks for the inspiration.Please keep up the good work xxx
Thanks for the video, can't wait to get mine!
Hope you get it soon!
I wonder if people making 'toy' comments are just peed off that with $1000s equipment they cant produce what you just did from the centre of Tokyo for $500?
For me this kind of technology is perfect for getting people into the hobby, the barriers to entry of cost, setup, technical ability are all removed leaving the hobbyist to just get on and enjoy.
Thank you. Still waiting for my Seestar
Hope you get it soon!
Just brilliant Cuiv. I am going to have a go with a spare Ha and Oiii filter tonight and see what happens!!😂
Thanks Stephen and thanks for the support!! Hope the imaging goes well (make sure to double stack with the internal NB filter)
Great video as always.Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us🙏
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Really wish they added a field rotator, but hopeful they may add an EQ mode and some app driven polar alignment steps like DARV or similar. Also have been having good success in imaging with the S50 and stacking/processing externally. Awesome video!
An EQ mode would be great, but that would require a beefy tripod head or a dedicated wedge I think!
I think the main problem isn't the tripod, but the main motor rotating the Seestar. It may track well in horizontal orientation, but I don't think it is build well enough to track well in let's say 45 degree orientation, where upper half would be pulled and lower half would be pushed in due to the momentum from the weight of the setup. The rotator would be nice though.
@@luboinchina3013 looking at the current subs there’s already plenty of tracking imperfections. They haven’t been a huge problem post stack, and without dedicated guiding and alt-az I suppose it would be expecting too much. But that’s to say I think they could pull off eq for a few hours of capture and be relatively okay. I do wonder a bit how the ra axis bearing in that case would hold up. But that Stellina with its mechanical field rotator sure looks cool if it didn’t cost $4K. For $400 and how easy the S50 is to setup on a night, we’ve got a win, and any thing extra they pull off in software is gravy!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek at $400-500 in comparison to Stellina or a full rig build out, accessorize away as far as I’m concerned 😁
@@luboinchina3013 good point there too. And the one arm design wouldn't help either
Great video, thank you. Not sure if it was addressed but you said you captured throughout the night. Was the Seestar mounted on a wedge as you describe in a separate video? If not, I didn't see any artifacts using the stock Alt-Az of the Seestar.
It was in alt az mode and definitely lots of field rotation artifacts, I had to crop extensively
Thanks!
Oh wow, thank you for your support!!
Wish i had a toy like this when i was a kid😊
Very nice image Cuiv!
Thanks Bill, and thanks for the amazing tools!
Dude, you hook me up on this hobby bad!
Great explanations and tutorials 👌
Astrophotography for me, was an extremely far dream.
...if i ever become rich.
Due to the high cost of equipment, for ppl midlle class ppl like me,
Astrophotography is the only hobby that its equipment costs starting from 2000$ to the Infiniti.
Even tho my budget is very low, now with seestars s50 my dream is able!
I can capture the celestials myself!!
This is such a great comment, I love how you get in the hobby because you love it, regardless of wealth/budget!
If you think you’re gonna stick with the hobby you should get a little as you go! I work a shit job but I got my DSLR a couple months ago, now looking for a go to mount, and a 400mm lense. Just get things a little at a time you don’t have to get it all at once!
Love to get a step by step breakdown of your process to bring out the blues.
Cuiv, another wonderful Seestar video that both entertains and informs. I’m still hoping I receive my Seestar in December. As for further processing, I’ve read that Pixinsight has a steep learning curve. It might be too much for an “old” backyard thumper like myself. Should I consider Siril instead?
Thanks again for showing that toys can be tools and tools are always toys, just more expensive.
Clear skies🔭
I'm so used to PixInsight that I can't be objective! I think Siril also has a steep learning curve... My recommendation is always PixInsight, but I'm biased...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Siril is easy-peasy to use. Very easy. From a "geek" point of view, PI will with some (steep) learning curve probably give better results for those that give it a try or ten. Then again, there are those that do most if not all "post processing" in PS. Those are on another level...
If you have a stationary telescope with a camera and guide scope also with a camera; can software plate solve and identify what your telescope is pointed at?
If you download the image to a PC, ASTAP or PlateSolve 3.8 should work to platesolve, can also use NINA together for better interface
Hi Cuiv,
I love my toy 😊
Great processing job.
I made a great session on Orion yesterday from Strasbourg in France,
Mixing with and without the lp filter.
My trial of pixinsight has expired, so I use Siril, and I'm very proud of the result.
The best telescope is the one you use 😉
Thanks so much!! And oh man I love Strasbourg, one of my best friends lives there with her family. Strasbourg is an amazing place :)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek oh yeah, great region, and the food ^^
@@jparth167 The food is amazing too indeed! I really should go back to France more often..
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I guess you are French ?
Hi Cuiv, thanks for all the inspiring videos. Took also the pacman nebula in a less light pulluted region in southern bavaria (my first comment was rejected because I added a astrobin link). I like this kind of toys.
Love it !! Spit my coffee out on the Central Park comment 🤣🤣
Thanks David!!
No toying around 😂❤
Yes!
Awesome. Crazy what you can do with such a modestly priced (but very clever) bit of kit! Can we get Nico to do the same shot from his dark sky site (like your previous faceoff) without the fancy filter petty please?
"Nice toy" is English passive-aggression at it's worst. Another great vid, thanks Quiv.
Thank you!
Thank you for posting this! I've been waiting to see some different techniques for acquiring and processing. I do have a couple of questions - as far as your workflow, are you pointing and focusing then putting the filter on? Also, I have the SVBony CLS filter, not as dramatic of a band cut as your dual band, do you think that would isolate the HA and OIII enough for nebula work?
Thanks again, great video!
I point and focus before putting the filter on! And the CLS filter might make a difference on reflection nebulae type objects if used with the Seestar LP filter OFF. Would be far more subtle though
Outstanding! I ordered my SeeStar through your link after seeing this! I'm loving my scope so far. I've been able to much more signal using this little guy compared to when I used my mirrorless and my tracker (time is limited with kids now)! Quick question: I want to up my game with editing...should I learn and use Siril or just straight to PixInsight? I love the overall options that PI can give in the final product, but I understand that the learning curve is very, very steep.
Used your link to order the Seestar from HighPoint Scientific (backordered until May but eventually, you should get credit?). Cheers from CT USA
Thanks so much! And wow I had no idea the delays these days were that long...!
Amazing picture for the middle of Tokyo.
Thank you!
Amazing pic. Cant wait till i get mine. I ordered it on September 4th so i think i have a long way to go.
Cuiv, excellent content as always. If you could only have one, seestar or dwarf2, which would you pick? Have a great day!
Right now, since I'm not planning to go hiking with a smart telescope, I'd pick the Seestar, but it's a tough choice!
Great image!
Thank you!
Thanks Cuiv!
Amazing! Well done!
Thanks a lot!
I am always amazed how, presumably after doing a bit of market research, companies are able to invest a non-insignificant amount of R&D producing something that is good enough for majority of the target users but are then extremely reluctant to spend a tiny amount extra and a few probably minor firmware changes to allow for EQ mounting and thus significantly larger useful field of view for the more "advanced" users.
To be fair, I'm not sure mechanically the Seestar would be able to work well in EQ mode, especially with its one arm structure... Still it would be really nice!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek that is a decent point. You would indeed introduce lateral forces on the bearings that are currently not present in the AZ mode. Maybe the bearings or the motors would not be able to handle this added (though still quite small) strain.
Even if that was the case, I still find it a weird design decision as it would be by far the cheapest way (slightly more powerful motors and better bearings) to get a 3 times effective increase in the maximal useful resolution compared to installing larger/better optics.
I would love an upcoming video comparison of light pollution filters mentioned here. From high-end moderate to Svbony and how they perform on the Seestar s50!
Really hoping for this @Cuiv !
Nice work Cuiv. Excellent result. I wonder why you link to other narrowband filters that you use. The one you use is out of my league, but since I am a Svbony Fanboy. I would very much like to see if there is any comparison videos, or videos were you use the Svbony filter.
I just placed an order for the Seestar S50 on behalf of a club I belong to. We're expecting that it will be an excellent device for introducing newcomers to the hobby, as well as for star parties.
I do wonder how quickly the small aperture will become a limiting factor, since it limits the resolution that can be achieved. I guess all of us hit that limit, though, until we finally get that 24" Dall-Kirkham scope. ;-)
Haha I can confidently say I'll never end up with such a huge scope (famous last words? LoL)
Great video! For PixInsight, which plugins did you use to tease out that end image? Thank you in advance!
like a WOW ! Thanks ! what are the differences between the listed filters? :)
Nice picture. Would be nice if the sensor could register the proper colors. Even the atmosphere trashes things about regretfully.
ty for the amazing video
How about using some cheaper software like siril?
I need to go back to Siril at some point - the PI plugins are just so powerful...
Beautifully processed, very nice. Should definitely keep the nay sayers quiet around it being a toy and there being no advantage in using alternate filters. Great job!
I was thinking about a small refractor as an additional to my main rig.. Before that video!
Small dedicated refractors with cooled astrocameras are good too :)
I have a question about filters to add on top of this S50:
1. Would a Antlia Quadband Anti-Light Polution Filter 2 inch be a good fit to go on top?
or any other narrow band filter? I see a lot about issues about halo's of other filters but this one is on top. Not close to the camera so halo's should not be an issue I presume?
2. Filters are normally protected inside the tube, would adding a filet outside hurt the filter?
3. If you would select a narrow band filter, then I assume that you do not want a pre-shifted filter since it is on top?
This is a really nice ‘toy’ that’s easy to setup and show the heavens to friends and family 🥰
Thanks!
Cuiv....Always great stuff! I'm taking my SeeStar out to the edge of town tonight to capture some images. As I understand, expensive light pollution filters are ONLY needed in high light pollution areas and are unnecessary in darker skies. I just purchased a 2" Svbony moon filter....do you think this will make much difference with SeeStar moon imaging? Also, I have Photoshop SC6 for my pro level general photography, but would Siril be better to work astro stuff? I see there are third-party additions for Siril as well as PS astro plug-ins. Your thoughts, please. Thanks, Michael
First of all excellent results and processing! Well calling the Seestar a toy depends on how you use it. Auto mode = toy, RAW mode = professional 🙂 Especially with the great accessories that @lukomatico makes for this, now you can use serious filters then process with serious software! The way this telescope captures images with max 10 second exposures is both optimized for reducing field rotation and combatting light pollution. I actually think this telescope would work best under heavy light pollution because per Robin Glover, this worse the light pollution, the shorter the exposures you need. So I am not sure how this telescope would work in less light polluted skies so Cuiv time for a field trip 🙂 Let me know your thoughts on that. Thanks Cuiv!
Thanks Dave! Yes I will need to test under better skies :) But the only difference would be that the dominant source of noise may change from shot noise to read noise at a given Bortle zone, meaning there would be a limit after which darker skies don't help, depending on how much skyglow we record in 10s - still I'm sure that limit would be low!
Not sure if Robin Glover reads this to address the comment, but it is more nuanced taking in account light pollution and equipment. You would not shoot 1 second subs in polluted skies neither there is any benefit in shooting 20 minute subs in dark skies
Hi Cuiv, Can't see how an instrument capable of producing an image of that quality can be classed as a toy ( or the guy who put the work into processing it can be called lazy! ). I think ZWO or one of the other manufacturers will shortly add a filter draw to enable the use of off the shelf narrow band filters and when they do, I think these instruments will become even more popular than they already are.
Would be really nice with a proper filter drawer, or a more advanced version someday!
Thank you for your video's - you are so enthusiastic which makes such a difference. I have had my Seestar for 2 weeks and am very impressed with the results. I have enjoyed learning to post process the stacked fit file with Siril and I think I can improve a bit on Seestar's final version. Would collecting the unstacked files and doing the whole processing in Siril lead to a significant improvement in the final result. Or is the Seestar's stacking good enough? Martin
Cuivy can you give a step by step how you stacked the subs in pixinsight. Love your work
If I am buying a £500 filter, pixinsiht and the plugins I am not buying a seestar. But interesting none the less and a useful tool for super hobbyists.
Hahaha yes! Costs accumulate quickly :)