ZWO Seestar S30 first impressions

Cuiv the Lazy Geek recently reviewed the ZWO Seestar S30, a compact and affordable addition to the smart telescope lineup. His hands-on experience with the device highlighted its features, usability, and performance, while also comparing it to similar products on the market, including its sibling, the Seestar S50, and the competing Dwarf 3.

ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope hands-on first impressions

The Seestar S30 is essentially a smaller and more economical version of the Seestar S50. It shares the same software and functionalities, providing a familiar experience for users of the S50. However, the S30’s appeal lies in its compact size, lightweight design, and significantly lower price point—$350, compared to the S50 and Dwarf 3's $500 price tags. Cuiv noted that the S30 lacks a carrying case, unlike the S50, but appreciated the inclusion of a small solar filter, USB cable, and a compact tripod.

The Seestar S30 is noticeably smaller than the S50 but tracking seems to be on par with the S50

Physically, the Seestar S30 is noticeably smaller than the S50, with a 30mm aperture compared to the S50’s 50mm. This reduced size makes it more portable, a major plus for those seeking a travel-friendly telescope. Cuiv emphasized that the S30’s reduced dimensions come at the cost of optical power, as it offers a shorter focal length of 150mm, compared to the S50's 250mm. This results in a lower resolution and fewer details captured, making the S50 a better choice for those seeking detailed astrophotography.

Cuiv drew several comparisons between the Seestar S30 and the Dwarf 3. Although similar in footprint, the Dwarf 3 features a slightly larger aperture at 35mm. Both devices have dual lenses: the S30 has a primary lens for close-up astrophotography and a secondary lens for wide-field imaging, much like the Dwarf 3. However, Cuiv pointed out that, in his experience, wide-field astrophotography with such compact telescopes is less effective in light-polluted urban environments, like Tokyo.

The app and software for the S30

The software for the S30, identical to the S50’s, impressed Cuiv with its range of features. The app allows users to control the device seamlessly, search for celestial objects, and initiate observing sessions without requiring an internet connection—ideal for remote stargazing. The S30’s app also supports a mosaic mode for capturing larger areas of the sky, though Cuiv noticed that this mode affects tracking accuracy. During his tests, he found that the S30’s tracking performance was reliable for standard imaging, rejecting only about 10% of frames. However, in mosaic mode, the dropped frame rate increased to 30-40%, a shortcoming he attributed to possible optimization issues in the app’s algorithm.

One of Cuiv’s notable criticisms was the S30's lack of an equatorial mode, a feature present in the Dwarf 3 that significantly improves tracking accuracy for long exposures. He suggested that an equatorial mode would be a valuable addition to the S30, especially given its lightweight and compact design, which would make it an ideal candidate for such functionality. He urged ZWO to consider implementing this feature in future updates.

The Seestar S30 uses a different sensor from the S50

On the technical side, Cuiv observed that the Seestar S30 uses a different sensor from the S50—the IMX 662 compared to the S50’s IMX 462. While the new sensor is still full HD, its larger pixel size results in a coarser resolution of four arcseconds per pixel, compared to the S50’s 2.4 arcseconds per pixel. This reduced resolution makes the S30 less suited for capturing fine details, particularly for planetary imaging and solar observation, where the S50 performs better.

Cuiv’s review also covered the Seestar S30's ability to observe the Sun using the included magnetic solar filter. He appreciated the simple and secure attachment mechanism of the filter and the app’s guidance during solar alignment. The S30’s wide-field secondary lens can act as a finder during solar observation, which he found useful for accurate positioning.

Overall, Cuiv praised the Seestar S30 for its affordability and ease of use, highlighting its strengths as a compact and accessible option for beginner astronomers or those seeking a portable telescope. However, he emphasized that its reduced optical power and tracking limitations make it a less suitable choice for advanced astrophotography enthusiasts. His suggestions for improvement focused on software optimization and the potential inclusion of an equatorial tracking mode, which could enhance the S30's capabilities significantly. Despite its limitations, Cuiv saw the SEESTAR S30 as a promising entry-level device with room for future enhancements, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing portability and affordability.

Watch Cuiv The Lazy Geek's full video review below!