Seestar S50: This May Be the Best Beginner Scope for Electronically Assisted Astronomy

With 15 years of Electronically Assisted Astronomy experience I strongly recommend EAA beginners check out the ZWO Seestar S50 first. We'll review Seestar's features which make it a great EAA beginner telescope and see examples of what it can do with Live Stacking of Deep Sky Objects, as well as, single frame images of the Sun.

Below are links to the equipment I discussed in this video for my two favorite astronomy retailers, High Point Scientific and Agena Astro, along with a link to Amazon. Links are affiliate links which help to support my channel with no cost to you. Please consider using them for your purchases, now and in the future.

If you would like to build your own 50mm setup like I did in the video, here are links to all of the components shown in the video. Unfortunately, I did not realize at the time of the video that the Player One Mars-C camera will not work with ZWO's ASIAIR product. So there are 2 options: 1) Use a Mini-PC instead of the ASIAIR for a much better CPU & Memory for about the same price; 2) Use a slightly better ASI camera with the ASIAIR. I list the links for both options below.

HighPoint Scientific
Player One Mars-C Camera HighPoint doesn't carry it

Agena Astro

[BobSouthDakota]

This is probably the best in-depth review of the SeeStar you!

[richita]

Thank-you, I've just purchased the Seestar S50. One of the most informative videos i have seen in a long time, i have subscribed and eagerly awaiting more videos and catching up on your existing.
Rick from Downunder

[johnleach]

Excellent summary and your virtual system is a good indicator comparison. Thanks for sharing

[gwtomsic]

Excellent, balanced, honest summary. If one is not interested in making Hubble level images, this kind of device seems pretty neat for EAA. Like you, perhaps, I have spent decades assembling many rigs and have explored many astro imaging setups and approaches. What we all learn as astronomy amateurs, I think, is that small and/or straightforward setups can be most enjoyable and are often the most used. Thanks for keeping it real and being price sensitive.

[frederickroberts]

I thought it was a good look into the SeeStar.

I've always thought of a SeeStar as a visual telescope replacement and an entrance into EAA because not only is it affordable and capable, but it is easy to transport.

Most people coming to your channel already know what EAA is; however, since you're targeting newbies.

The next video should discuss a little bit of what EAA is and how it's different and similar to visual astronomy.

Clear skies.
Frederick.

[davidgalemusic]

Thank you. A very clear and informative video. I know your virtual system is included for price comparison and its very effective in that, but I believe the Player One camera wont work with the ASIAir mini. It has to be a ZWO camera.

[bamsemh]

I really want it! But sadly it will cost 1000$ to get home here 😥😬

[MikeLikesChannel]

I kept my C8 but sold off my used HyperStar, camera, filter and ASI Air... $1500 made and all that stuff is superseded by the S50. I still keep my C8 for visual on the moon and Jupiter/Saturn, but beyond that? It's mostly out of business.

[kamilrutkowski]

Excellent summary. What about the new DWARF 3 vs SEESTAR S50? can you tell, which of those two might be better ?

[Nico-pblq]

There is an option to save individual frames

[rdiazmartin]

although this is a great telescope mine has some hot pixels which appear after some time shooting and since it doesn't have an option to retake darks it is quite frustrating.

[williamkacensky]

Hi, I have an unusual question since you are knowledgeable in astro photography equipment.
I observe extraterrestrial vehicles and have been doing so since 1959, and no, this is not a joke or bs. While I have been recording these vehicles with various equipment with good results it does not allow me to be hands free.
I would like an assembly to video in monochrome since they only appear in white light. This needs to be set on a tripod. Vertical distance between 4000' to 10, 000'. This will attach to a laptop for retaining the videos. I know approximately the time they will appear in the evening. Since they are silent and appear suddenly I need a great low light recorder. I have thought about ZWO. Any thoughts?

[AmatureAstronomer]

"This May Be the Best Beginner Scope for Electronically Assisted Astronomy" And, it may not be. Purchasing a picture book of celestial objects is cheaper and easier.