Seestar S30 vs Seestar S50

I’m always on the lookout for innovations that make stargazing and capturing the cosmos more accessible to everyone. I currently own the Seestar S50 and have been thoroughly impressed by its "easy button" performance. While it doesn't see as much use as my higher-end gear, it’s a perfect example of how technology can simplify astrophotography.

Now, with the release of the ZWO Seestar S30, the smart telescope revolution is marching forward. Let’s take a closer look at what this new addition brings to the table and how it compares to its predecessor with a nifty review from Damon Scottings of Astronomical.

Damon Scottings recently tested the Seestar S30 against its predecessor, the Seestar S50, providing a detailed comparison of the two popular smart telescopes. Both telescopes have made waves in the astrophotography community, with the S50 previously praised for its excellent image quality. Now, with the release of the more affordable S30, Scottings provides insights into how the two models compare, highlighting their strengths and limitations.

Seestar S30 and S50 features, price, results compared

The Seestar S30, priced at $349, is a smaller and more budget-friendly version of the Seestar S50, which remains a top contender in the market at $499. While both models share the same app and feature set, the main differences between them are the aperture size and the tripod. The S30 features a smaller aperture, which results in a slightly wider field of view compared to the S50. This difference allows the S30 to capture more details in deep-sky objects that the S50 may miss, particularly when utilizing the new Mosaic Imaging feature, which captures overlapping frames to cover a larger portion of the sky. The S30's ability to gather a broader view of deep-sky objects is especially useful for imaging expansive nebulae like the Orion and Flame Nebulae, where the S30 performs better due to its wider field of view.

Both telescopes use live stacking to process images in real-time, with each taking 10-second exposures and updating the image live. While Scottings found that both telescopes produced impressive images of the deep-sky objects he tested, he noted that both the S30 and S50 could benefit from further image processing to clean up some of the raw stacked images. In particular, the tracking limitations of the alt-azimuth mounts on both models cause noticeable patterns in the corners of images, an issue that Scottings hopes will be addressed in future software updates from ZWO.

Planetary imaging differences between the models

In terms of planetary imaging, Scottings highlighted a significant difference between the models. The S30, with its smaller aperture, struggles to capture detailed images of planets, only managing to capture faint points of light, such as Jupiter's moons. The S50, on the other hand, excels at planetary imaging, capturing clear details like Saturn's rings and Jupiter's atmospheric bands. This makes the S50 a more capable choice for those looking to image planets with a smart telescope.

Despite these differences, Scottings praised the S30 for its affordability and ease of use, making it an excellent entry-level option for newcomers to astrophotography. The Seestar S30 competes directly with the now-discontinued Dwarf 2 telescope, which was previously a more affordable alternative to the S50. By offering a more powerful and budget-friendly option, ZWO has effectively captured the entry-level market for smart telescopes, leaving the Dwarf 2 behind in terms of both price and performance.

Build quality differences

One notable difference between the two models is the build quality. The S30 features smaller aluminum tripod legs, a cost-saving measure compared to the S50's carbon fiber legs. However, other than this change, the S30 remains largely the same scope as the S50, just in a more compact form. Scottings emphasized that while the S30 may not match the S50 in terms of planetary detail and some other high-end features, it still delivers excellent astrophotography results, especially considering its price point.

Both the Seestar S30 and S50 are capable, but the S30 stands out when it comes to Seestar S30 vs Seestar S50

Both the Seestar S30 and S50 are capable instruments for amateur astrophotographers, but the S30 stands out for its affordability and its ability to offer a more accessible entry into the world of astrophotography. For those on a budget or new to the hobby, the S30 is a great option. Meanwhile, those looking for more advanced features, particularly in planetary imaging, may find the S50 to be a better choice. With the Seestar S30, ZWO has proven that smart telescopes can be both powerful and affordable, making it easier than ever for newcomers to capture the wonders of the night sky.