432 replies to this topic

[Jeff L]

Here you can preorder the S30

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[eyeoftexas]

Here you can preorder the S30

What a bargain.  Maybe the “30” meant meters not millimeters.

[LDW47]

Hello LDW47,

I certainly hope so. All and all, my experience with the Seestsr S50, I would certainly purchase a Seestar pro version with a larger aperture and upgraded sensor that hopefully has an EQ Mode. I'm not feeling the Seestar S30. I would hope that ZWO understands the game.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Theres no doubt in my mind, they aren't greenhorns in the astro game, lol.

[Digital Don]

Here you can preorder the S30

I think I'll order it here instead...

 

Don

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[Gvs]

I notice you didn't mention the difference in costs, lol. Eh !  PS:  Cost always seem to be a hidden factor when talking to prospective astro beginers, right.

A serious astrophotographer, will not look at the cost difference, they will invest in their hobby.

 

Yes, for a quick show and tell, the S50 is great. You add equatorial capability and spend time with SeeStar_Alp & some python, you can do some serious work with this little scope, like some transit using Spectro photography or even mosaics of the sky.  Though if you really want high quality images, a 2000 dollar rig will get you more than 4 S50's or 6 S30's.  This is where an S80 or an S104 would make a huge difference if they had equatorial capability.

 

The S30 wont make it any better, it will have less resolution!,  try looking at Saturn, splitting stars, Jupiter with this.  And you are very limited.   A 3" with a 3x or 5x or 10x barlow or similar device will give you views, the S50 and the S30 can't.

 

Just ask your self, how much you invested in astro-gear since you started, even if it is an S50, you've invested more than 500 (FYI, and I have bought miine at 400!).

 

The Dwarf can be had for under 400! at Sams!

 

So if ZWO want's to compete with that, great!

 

If they will offer the S30 at 250, I might look at it, mainly because of the value added by SeeStar_Alp and efforts done by Kai  Anything over that.  Not really interested.  

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Edited by Gvs, 21 October 2024 - 12:49 AM.

[LDW47]

A serious astrophotographer, will not look at the cost difference, they will invest in their hobby.

 

Yes, for a quick show and tell, the S50 is great. You add equatorial capability and spend time with SeeStar_Alp & some python, you can do some serious work with this little scope, like some transit using Spectro photography or even mosaics of the sky.  Though if you really want high quality images, a 2000 dollar rig will get you more than 4 S50's or 6 S30's.  This is where an S80 or an S104 would make a huge difference if they had equatorial capability.

 

The S30 wont make it any better, it will have less resolution!,  try looking at Saturn, splitting stars, Jupiter with this.  And you are very limited.   A 3" with a 3x or 5x or 10x barlow or similar device will give you views, the S50 and the S30 can't.

 

Just ask your self, how much you invested in astro-gear since you started, even if it is an S50, you've invested more than 500 (FYI, and I have bought miine at 400!).

 

The Dwarf can be had for under 400! at Sams!

 

So if ZWO want's to compete with that, great!

 

If they will offer the S30 at 250, I might look at it.  Anything over that.  Not really interested.  

I think you are on the right track, I think, IMHO.

[GSBass]

Somewhere around 299 is what I think most are expecting… it just does not make much sense any higher…. They should be able to sell a gazillion if they can keep it under 300…. It’s an impulse buy at that point and something probably Walmart, target etc would carry… those buyers will be completely unaware other robots even exist…. Christmas tree stuff, 

A serious astrophotographer, will not look at the cost difference, they will invest in their hobby.

 

Yes, for a quick show and tell, the S50 is great. You add equatorial capability and spend time with SeeStar_Alp & some python, you can do some serious work with this little scope, like some transit using Spectro photography or even mosaics of the sky.  Though if you really want high quality images, a 2000 dollar rig will get you more than 4 S50's or 6 S30's.  This is where an S80 or an S104 would make a huge difference if they had equatorial capability.

 

The S30 wont make it any better, it will have less resolution!,  try looking at Saturn, splitting stars, Jupiter with this.  And you are very limited.   A 3" with a 3x or 5x or 10x barlow or similar device will give you views, the S50 and the S30 can't.

 

Just ask your self, how much you invested in astro-gear since you started, even if it is an S50, you've invested more than 500 (FYI, and I have bought miine at 400!).

 

The Dwarf can be had for under 400! at Sams!

 

So if ZWO want's to compete with that, great!

 

If they will offer the S30 at 250, I might look at it, mainly because of the value added by SeeStar_Alp and efforts done by Kai  Anything over that.  Not really interested.  

 

Edited by GSBass, 21 October 2024 - 08:13 AM.

[josjavpol]

Hello, there is a new photo, Orion nebula compared between Seestar S50 and S30:

 

 

( https://astronet.zwo...d=1729597963478 )

 

The apparent field of the S30 is 3 times larger than that of the S50. But actually (and logically) the S50 has more detail.

 

Best regards and good skies!

Edited by josjavpol, 22 October 2024 - 08:13 AM.

[carolinaskies]

The S30 is apparently more focussed on the entry level 'box-store' buyer.  If they can put it sub $300 I can see it selling as a gift item for Christmas.  

Lets think about the difference the S30 will give versus all those 60-90mm box store telescopes priced upwards of 300.  The S30 will be very easy for the modern toe-dipper already familiar with pairing devices to their phone.  They will understand the S30 as essentially a 'camera to see the stars'.   Lots of us older folks might balk 'they're not getting much in the S30'  but compared to trying to image the sky by hand with their phones, they are getting quite a bit.  And with cellphones costing well north of $1000 these days, a device like the S30 if price is 300 or less, will definitely appeal to them.  The Dwarf devices I think are also close to that same position, maybe a bit better terrestrial market viability if Dwarf Labs puts up a good campaign.

I had my S50 out last night and it's plainly so easy to use compared to my other equipment that I can spend 90 minutes  'viewing' and be packed up back at home without fuss.   That is really where these devices shine for modern busy buyers.  No fuss, no muss, just doing it easily.  If they get bit by the bug, then paying more for better equipment becomes a plus for the community.  

I would agree with concerns about why the S30 and not an S80 or larger.  And honestly I'd love to see a visionary move to come out and present a range of aperture/performance products from an S30 to S150 where the bigger you go the only thing that has to change is the price or perhaps adapatability of the OTA.  

[gtrin]

Resolution of image catched by S30 seems lower.

[LDW47]

Resolution of image catched by S30 seems lower.

If you look at the larger view the resolution looks pretty dam good to me.

[bradhaak]

I saw somewhere that the resolution is still 1080x1920, but the S30 has a wider field than the S50. That would mean slightly less detail as a trade-off. The pictures ZWO have posted seem to bear this out.

 

But we won't know for sure until the official announcement.

[ensign]

A serious astrophotographer, will not look at the cost difference, they will invest in their hobby.

 

Yes, for a quick show and tell, the S50 is great. You add equatorial capability and spend time with SeeStar_Alp & some python, you can do some serious work with this little scope, like some transit using Spectro photography or even mosaics of the sky.  Though if you really want high quality images, a 2000 dollar rig will get you more than 4 S50's or 6 S30's.  This is where an S80 or an S104 would make a huge difference if they had equatorial capability.

 

The S30 wont make it any better, it will have less resolution!,  try looking at Saturn, splitting stars, Jupiter with this.  And you are very limited.   A 3" with a 3x or 5x or 10x barlow or similar device will give you views, the S50 and the S30 can't.

 

Just ask your self, how much you invested in astro-gear since you started, even if it is an S50, you've invested more than 500 (FYI, and I have bought miine at 400!).

 

The Dwarf can be had for under 400! at Sams!

 

So if ZWO want's to compete with that, great!

 

If they will offer the S30 at 250, I might look at it, mainly because of the value added by SeeStar_Alp and efforts done by Kai  Anything over that.  Not really interested.  

With all due respect to the lovely artwork produced by dedicated astrophotographers, a whole lot depends on your goals.  I, for one, am not a “serious astrophotographer.”  For 15 years I enjoyed the night sky through the eyepiece and was out virtually every night when conditions permitted.  I am sure I saw hundreds of objects over that time period and I enjoyed myself immensely.  

 

It’s a good thing that I got out there whenever I could because now issues with eyesight and with wrangling heavy gear have taken their toll.  I was in the process of leaving the hobby altogether when I discovered smart scopes and in particular the Seestar.

 

I can now observe old favourites from my deck and with a little post-processing (and sometimes without) I can see details (to say nothing of color) that I never could with purely optical systems.  I have also been enjoying capturing photos of objects that were impossible with moderately sized (10 inch) scopes.

 

So thanks to this new and relatively inexpensive tech I am able to continue my enjoyment of the night sky.

 

While I am quite satisfied with the S50 and its capabilities, I am also aware of its limitations.  I would like to have a look see at objects that occupy a wider field.  Mosaic mode may satisfy this but I am also cognizant of the limitations of the S50 processor and the likelihood that mosaics will take an inordinate amount of time. So any offering with a native field that will accomplish this (Dwarf 3?  S30?) will pique my interest.

Edited by ensign, 23 October 2024 - 01:05 PM.

[GSBass]

My main hope is it operates well and is satisfying to those who buy it so that no one gets turned off of robotics, People are like that, most won’t try again if it’s not good, but if they do have a good experience I think they will be hooked forever 

A whole lot depends on your goals.  I, for one, am not a “serious astrophotographer.”  For 15 years I enjoyed the night sky through the eyepiece and was out virtually every night when conditions permitted.  I am sure I saw hundreds of objects over that time period and I enjoyed myself immensely.  

 

It’s a good thing that I got out there whenever I could because now issues with eyesight and with wrangling heavy gear have taken their toll.  I was in the process of leaving the hobby altogether when I discovered smart scopes and in particular the Seestar.

 

I can now observe old favourites from my deck and with a little post-processing (and sometimes without) I can see details (to say nothing of color) that I never could with purely optical systems.  I have also been enjoying capturing photos of objects that were impossible with moderately sized (10 inch) scopes.

 

So thanks to this new and relatively inexpensive tech I am able to continue my enjoyment of the night sky.

[josjavpol]

The small lens is used in day mode to aim the longer lens:

 

 

Regards and good skyes

[LDW47]

My main hope is it operates well and is satisfying to those who buy it so that no one gets turned off of robotics, People are like that, most won’t try again if it’s not good, but if they do have a good experience I think they will be hooked forever 

You are still talk, talk, talkin from the outer reaches of the universe, eh.  Why would it be your hope, you aren't even a SS man, right. It would be interesting to know, especially since the new SS Framing Mode popped up ! And the soon to be available S30.  Clear Skies to you !

[eyeoftexas]

 

The small lens is used in day mode to aim the longer lens:

 

So they’ve copied Dwarf 2.

[LDW47]

So they’ve copied Dwarf 2.

You are likely correct only the SS is / will be much better. As is usual, eh.

Edited by LDW47, 30 October 2024 - 06:28 PM.

[GSBass]

You still don’t get that people can want all the manufactures to be successful to further the hobby, I own vespera and dwarf but grateful for orgin and s50… they have made a lot of people happy…. I was only saying I hope the s30 makes people happy too, the more people they bring in the better for all of us.

You are still talk, talk, talkin from the outer reaches of the universe, eh.  Why would it be your hope, you aren't even a SS man, right. It would be interesting to know, especially since the new SS Framing Mode popped up ! And the soon to be available S30.  Clear Skies to you !

[LDW47]

You still don’t get that people can want all the manufactures to be successful to further the hobby, I own vespera and dwarf but grateful for orgin and s50… they have made a lot of people happy…. I was only saying I hope the s30 makes people happy too, the more people they bring in the better for all of us.

You answered my querie ! I got it for sure.

[Dave Skywatcher]

I am really looking forward to the Seestar S30. I had been considering the S50, but with the release of the Dwarf 3 I began leaning toward it, mainly because of the wide-angle lens, until news broke about the release of the S30. I'm eagerly anticipating the specs on it.  I don't doubt that i could spend thousands of dollars for a much better astrophotography rig, and I greatly respect those who produce amazing images. But I'm looking for something much simpler, that I can take images of the wonders of the night sky and share them with family and friends on social media and at outreach events for our astronomy club. These small smart telescopes fit the bill, both figuratively and literally. They have their limitations, surely, and I'm not about to give up my 8" and 6" SCTs for visual use and planetary photography. And while i would LOVE to buy the Origin, I know my wife would have a fit. Maybe later, once she sees what I can produce through the Seestar? Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting into this aspect of intro astrophotography. Clear skies everyone!

Edited by Dave Skywatcher, 30 October 2024 - 08:38 PM.

[DonBoy]

some more S30 images

 

https://www.reddit.c...ges_of_the_s30/

[GabeRossi]

I am really looking forward to the Seestar S30. I had been considering the S50, but with the release of the Dwarf 3 I began leaning toward it, mainly because of the wide-angle lens, until news broke about the release of the S30. I'm eagerly anticipating the specs on it.  I don't doubt that i could spend thousands of dollars for a much better astrophotography rig, and I greatly respect those who produce amazing images. But I'm looking for something much simpler, that I can take images of the wonders of the night sky and share them with family and friends on social media and at outreach events for our astronomy club. These small smart telescopes fit the bill, both figuratively and literally. They have their limitations, surely, and I'm not about to give up my 8" and 6" SCTs for visual use and planetary photography. And while i would LOVE to buy the Origin, I know my wife would have a fit. Maybe later, once she sees what I can produce through the Seestar? Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting into this aspect of intro astrophotography. Clear skies everyone!

The S50 now has the mosaic feature for wider field captures. I don’t think the s30 or dwarf 3 will produce better images than the s50

[LDW47]

I want and am getting an S30 to compare, to compete against my S50's, it all depends on ones enjoyment, their style, their willingness to spend to get it. Nothing wrong, either way, eh. We listen to talk about one vs the other instead I say get one and find out while enjoying what clear dark skize that are left. I can always donate it to some up coming astronomer, I have done that a few times. I'm enjoying life not listening to speculation of what things might be !  IMHO ,

[Regulus 1.36]

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the SeeStar Pro. In the meantime, I am on track to deliver an S50 to my local university observatory for community outreach. I also plan to purchase an S30 to test it out. If the device meets or exceeds my expectations, I will donate several of them to local libraries in my county.

 

My goal is to promote astronomy through Project Regulus, which I have initiated in honor of my father and uncle. Additionally, when the SeeStar Pro becomes available, I plan to donate my current S50 as well.

 

P.S. Although I haven't used the mosaic feature yet, I have seen it demonstrated, and I think it's a valuable addition. ✌️🔭🪐

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