Unveiled amidst high anticipation,
the Seestar S50 sets itself apart from existing options with its emphasis on
portability and ease of use. Priced at £539, it represents remarkable value for
the hardware it offers, making astrophotography more accessible to a broader
audience. With its comprehensive package including essentials like the
telescope itself, tripod, charging cable, and solar filter, ZWO ensures users
have everything they need to embark on their astrophotography journey right out
of the box.
From its initial impressions to
hands-on experience and performance in urban settings, the Seestar S50 promises
an immersive and rewarding astrophotography experience. Whether capturing
deep-sky objects, exploring narrowband imaging, or observing solar system
targets, users can expect impressive results backed by ZWO's commitment to
innovation and customer satisfaction.
|
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
✔Portability: Lightweight, compact. |
❌Field rotation:
Image distortion. |
Overview of Seestar S50 Review
The Seestar S50 has garnered
significant attention as an all-in-one portable astrophotography setup aimed at
beginners. This review will delve into various aspects of the Seestar S50,
including initial impressions, hands-on experience, setup process, user interface,
performance in urban settings, limitations, narrowband imaging capabilities,
solar system targets, conclusions, and additional considerations.
Introduction to the Seestar S50
ZWO's Seestar S50 has entered the
market as a promising option for novice astrophotographers. With its reputation
as a leading player in the astrophotography world, ZWO aims to simplify the
imaging process with this smart telescope. Despite existing options from other
manufacturers, the Seestar S50 stands out with its user-friendly design and
affordability.
Initial Impressions and Unboxing
Priced at £539, the Seestar S50
offers remarkable value for its hardware. The package includes essentials like
the telescope itself, a tripod, charging cable, instruction manual, and solar
filter. The telescope's lightweight and sturdy construction, along with
thoughtful inclusions like a built-in dew heater, showcase ZWO's attention to
detail. However, the use of hard plastic may lead to scuffing over time, though
it effectively protects the lens.
Hands-on Experience with the Seestar S50
Setting up the Seestar S50 is
relatively straightforward, with the telescope easily attaching to the tripod.
The inclusion of an internal battery, WiFi connectivity, and compatibility with
smart devices enhances its portability and ease of use. However, some initial
challenges, such as leveling the tripod and understanding the user interface,
may arise for beginners.
Setting Up the Seestar S50
The setup process involves powering
on the Seestar S50 and connecting it to a smart device via WiFi. While
straightforward, minor issues like Bluetooth connectivity and leveling
adjustments may require troubleshooting. Once connected, users can explore the
intuitive user interface to control the telescope and capture images.
User Interface and Functionality
The Seestar S50's user interface
offers a range of features for astrophotography, though it may require some
familiarization for beginners. Options like dew heater control and sky mapping
enhance the overall experience, but finding specific settings may prove
challenging initially. Additionally, the inclusion of stock images in the app's
interface may mislead users about realistic imaging results.
First Light: Testing the Seestar S50
The Seestar S50 impresses with its
ability to capture images without the need for complex alignment processes.
Utilizing plate-solving technology, the telescope accurately points to
celestial objects, even in city settings with light pollution. While initial
results are promising, longer integration times are necessary to combat light
pollution effectively.
Performance in Urban Settings
Despite the challenges of urban
astrophotography, the Seestar S50 delivers satisfactory results. Through
real-time stacking and image processing, users can enhance their captures and
observe improvements over time. However, field rotation poses a significant
limitation for multi-night projects, impacting image quality and framing
options.
Limitations and Challenges
Field rotation emerges as a primary
challenge for the Seestar S50, affecting the quality of long exposure images.
While suitable for basic imaging, achieving high-quality results in urban
environments may require additional effort and patience. Nevertheless, the
telescope's affordability and ease of use make it an attractive option for
beginners.
Narrowband Imaging
The Seestar S50's dual-band filter
proves beneficial for imaging narrowband targets, effectively blocking light
pollution and enhancing image quality. Despite its wide bandpasses, the filter
provides satisfactory results for city astrophotographers, though some
artifacts may arise due to field rotation.
Solar System Targets
While primarily designed for
deep-sky imaging, the Seestar S50 offers limited capabilities for planetary
observation. With its modest focal length and aperture, users can capture basic
details of solar system objects like Jupiter and Saturn. Additionally, the
telescope's solar filter enables safe observation of the Sun, albeit with some
initial calibration challenges.
Conclusions and Recommendations
For beginners seeking an entry into
astrophotography, the Seestar S50 presents a compelling option. Its
affordability, portability, and user-friendly interface make it an ideal
starting point for exploring the cosmos. However, users with deeper pockets and
ambitious goals may find the telescope's limitations restrictive, preferring
more conventional imaging setups for greater control and quality.
Final Thoughts and Additional Considerations
Despite its limitations, the Seestar
S50 offers an accessible pathway to astrophotography, with potential for future
updates and enhancements. ZWO's commitment to firmware and app improvements
reflects a dedication to customer satisfaction and product evolution. While
challenges like field rotation persist, innovative solutions may emerge to
address them, further enhancing the Seestar S50's appeal in the
astrophotography community.
Compare with similar items
|
Item |
Celestron
- 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope |
SVBONY
SV503 Telescope, 80ED F7 Telescope OTA |
Celestron
NexStar Evolution 8, Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope |
|
Price |
$399.99 |
$449.99 |
$2,499.00 |
|
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|
|
|
Customer Ratings |
4.1 out of 5 |
4.7 out of 5 |
3.2 out of 5 |
|
Easy To Use |
2.9 |
- |
- |
|
For Beginners |
2.8 |
4.2 |
- |
|
Focal Length |
9 millimeters |
560 millimeters |
2032mm (80") |
|
Focus Type |
Manual Focus |
Manual Focus |
Manual Focus |
|
Eye Piece Lens |
Plossl |
ED |
Plossl |
|
Objective Lens Diameter |
80 millimeters |
80 millimeters |
Not specified |
|
Telescope Mount |
Altazimuth Mount |
Fixed Mount |
Not specified |
|
Lens Coating |
Not specified |
Fully Multi-Coated |
StarBright XLT |
|
Weight |
14.11 pounds |
3.5 kilograms |
69.01 pounds |
|
Power Source |
Not specified |
TELESCOPE |
Battery Powered |
|
Finderscope |
Reflex |
Reflex |
Reflex |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is the focal length of the
Seestar S50?
The focal length of the Seestar S50
is not specified in the provided comparison.
Q. What format are Seestar S50 photos?
The format of Seestar S50 photos is
not specified in the provided information.
Q. What is the exposure time for the
Seestar S50?
The Seestar S50 takes 10-second
exposures for its astrophotography.
Q. Is Seestar S50 good?
The Seestar S50 offers portability,
user-friendliness, affordability, built-in features, and real-time processing,
making it an excellent option for astrophotography enthusiasts, especially
beginners.
