Unlocking EQ Mode on the Seestar S50/S30: A Complete Guide to Long-Exposure Astrophotography
Introduction
In recent years, astrophotography has undergone a significant revolution, transitioning from complex, expensive equipment to smart telescopes that are practical and accessible for everyone. Among these, ZWO’s Seestar series has gained acclaim for its user-friendly design, performance, and portability. Recently, with the introduction of the EQ Mode, the Seestar S30 and its larger sibling, the S50, have made a remarkable leap forward, evolving from quick observation instruments to advanced astrophotography platforms.
This post will thoroughly explore the new equatorial mode, guiding you step-by-step through the necessary upgrade, and sharing concrete results achieved in the field. Ready to push your Seestar to its limits?
1. What exactly is EQ Mode?
The EQ Mode, introduced with firmware v3.88 (spring 2025), allows the Seestar to replicate the behavior of an equatorial mount while maintaining its original altazimuth configuration. This is achieved through a simple physical inclination (wedge) combined with advanced software calibration. Immediate benefits include:
- Long exposures without field rotation
- Better tracking for deep-sky objects
- Sharper images with greater detail
2. What’s needed to activate EQ Mode?
Activating EQ Mode requires few but essential items:
- An EQ wedge, such as the Sky-Watcher model compatible with the Star Adventurer, renowned for its stability.
- A robust and stable tripod, oriented towards the celestial north.
- Accurate software calibration through the official Seestar app, ideally conducted under optimal atmospheric conditions.
Many users have started creating personalized solutions, leveraging 3D printing to further improve precision and stability.
3. From theory to practice: 60-second exposures
Astronomers worldwide have started extensively testing EQ Mode, particularly with the Seestar S50, sharing impressive results:
- Up to 60-second exposures with pinpoint stars.
- Significant noise reduction and enhanced image detail.
- Fewer frames needed in post-processing, delivering superior results quickly.
A notable test conducted by Smart Telescopes Review vividly demonstrated EQ Mode’s superiority over the standard configuration, showcasing stunning imagery of the Cepheus constellation.
4. Potential issues and practical advice
As with any technical upgrade, EQ Mode requires attention to avoid common problems:
- Instability or low-quality wedge construction
- Polar alignment errors
- Uneven mounting surfaces
Recommendations to address these issues:
- Carefully verify the wedge’s leveling, preferably with a bubble level.
- Avoid tracking objects near the zenith to minimize oscillations.
5. Essential and recommended accessories
To maximize EQ Mode’s benefits, consider the following accessories:
- EQ wedge Sky-Watcher or equivalent quality wedges
- M8 screws with ergonomic knobs for secure and quick fastening
- Counterweights or sturdier bases for absolute stability
- CNC metal components or specific adapters, available from Astrofaber
6. A look into the future: S30 Pro and beyond
During NEAF 2025, ZWO previewed the new Seestar S30 Pro, featuring advanced components like the Sony IMX585 sensor, quadruple apochromatic optics, and expanded storage capacity. It is reasonable to expect further improvements to EQ Mode, both software and hardware-wise, enhancing Seestar’s performance even further.
Conclusion
EQ Mode marks a significant milestone for smart telescopes: your Seestar will no longer just be a "point-and-observe" tool, but a powerful instrument capable of capturing high-quality astrophotographic images with ease.
Here at Astrofaber, we are already developing dedicated accessories and solutions for EQ Mode. Stay tuned for updates and discover new ideas to enrich your astrophotography sessions!