Seestar S50: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Introduction

The Seestar S50 has long earned a solid reputation among astrophotography and deep sky enthusiasts thanks to its performance and image quality. However, with the arrival of new offerings—such as the Seestar S30 from ZWO—and increased competition in the smart telescope market, the question arises: Is the Seestar S50 still worth buying?

In this post, we analyze the technical specifications and performance of the Seestar S50, comparing it not only to its sibling, the S30, but also to other competitors. We also explore the opportunities offered by the used market, the continuously updated software support, and the wide range of compatible accessories.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Seestar S50 stands out due to several key features:

• 50 mm Aperture and 250 mm Focal Length: These parameters ensure excellent light gathering ability, which is fundamental for deep sky imaging and for capturing sharp images of faint objects.
• Apochromatic ED Optics: This guarantees superb chromatic correction and minimizes optical aberrations, resulting in high-quality images.
• Sony IMX462 Sensor: Although not the highest resolution sensor available, it has been optimized for excellent performance under low-light conditions.
• Integrated CLS Filter: This is a significant advantage for users in light-polluted areas, as it improves contrast and reduces unwanted light disturbances.

These attributes make the Seestar S50 especially appealing to astrophotographers looking for a device capable of delivering detailed, luminous images even under less-than-ideal sky conditions.

Comparing the Seestar S50 with the Seestar S30 and Other Competitors

Seestar S50 vs. Seestar S30

Although both models come from ZWO, the Seestar S50 and S30 address slightly different needs:

• Light Collection: With its larger aperture, the S50 delivers brighter and more detailed images, making it ideal for deep sky imaging.
• Size and Portability: The S30 is more compact, making it attractive for those who need a telescope that is easy to transport and use in the field.
• Sensor Resolution: While the S30 may feature a higher resolution sensor, the S50’s superior light gathering ability makes it a more effective option for long exposures and imaging faint objects.

Comparison with Other Smart Telescopes

Model	Aperture	Focal Length	Price Range
Seestar S50	50 mm	250 mm	$600 – $700
Seestar S30	30 mm	150 mm	$349 – $450
DWARF 3	35 mm	150 mm	$499
Unistellar eVscope 2	114 mm	450 mm	High-end
Vaonis Vespera	50 mm	200 mm	Mid-range
Vaonis Stellina	80 mm	400 mm	High-end

The Seestar S50 represents an excellent compromise between quality and price. It is especially suited for those who want to dive into advanced astrophotography without a huge investment. While models like the eVscope 2 or Stellina offer cutting-edge features and larger apertures, their higher price points limit their appeal to niche, professional, or very demanding amateur users.

Active Software Support and Updates

One of the less obvious but equally crucial aspects of the Seestar S50 is the active software support provided by ZWO. Its firmware and control software receive regular updates that improve stability, enhance the user interface, and better integrate with astrophotography applications. For instance, recent updates have included:

• Optimized Tracking Algorithms: Improvements that have reduced guiding errors, making long exposures more reliable.
• Enhanced User Interface: A more intuitive software design that simplifies access to advanced features and streamlines automatic calibration.
• Better Integration with Third-Party Platforms: Increased compatibility with various astrophotography applications, allowing for a smoother and more customizable workflow.

The community is eagerly anticipating further developments—especially features that will allow for more sophisticated remote control and full automation of acquisition sessions. Such improvements are expected to further enhance the value of the Seestar S50 over time.

Opportunities in the Used Market

An important aspect not to be overlooked is the established presence of the Seestar S50 in the used market. Having been available for quite some time, this model presents several opportunities for those looking for a smart telescope at a reduced cost without sacrificing performance or quality:

• Proven Reliability: Years of use have demonstrated the S50’s robustness and its ability to deliver consistent results.
• Competitive Pricing: Purchasing a used S50 allows enthusiasts to access a high-performing instrument at a lower price than a new one.
• Wide Availability of Accessories: The used market is rich in original and compatible accessories, which can further enhance the telescope's performance.

For many, buying a used Seestar S50 is an excellent way to invest in a proven product while keeping costs down.

Accessories to Enhance the Seestar S50's Performance

In addition to its inherent strengths, the Seestar S50’s performance can be further enhanced with a range of dedicated accessories:

• Stable Mounting Stick: Helps secure the telescope during observations, reducing vibrations and allowing for more precise focusing.
• Dew Shield (Light Cone): Essential for preventing condensation on the optics, it also improves contrast by reducing stray light and reflections.
• Port-Filter Accessories: For example, the ProKit 4 S50 includes several filters—such as the CLS Filter (to mitigate light pollution), the Solar Filter (for safe solar observation), and the IR-Cut Filter (to boost contrast in planetary imaging). These accessories allow you to adapt the telescope to various observing conditions and maximize its potential.

The extensive range of available accessories makes the Seestar S50 a versatile platform, capable of meeting the needs of both beginners and experienced astrophotographers looking to fine-tune their observational techniques.

Community Opinions

Discussions on forums and within astrophotography groups offer concrete insights into real-world experiences with the Seestar S50. For example, on Cloudy Nights, several users have shared that the telescope has exceeded their expectations—especially praising its image quality and stable tracking, which have only improved thanks to continuous software updates. One long-time user noted:

"I've been using the Seestar S50 for years, and even with the introduction of newer models, it still delivers excellent results—even in light-polluted areas. The recent firmware updates have significantly improved the tracking, making long exposures much easier."

Similar positive feedback can be found on Reddit and in Facebook groups dedicated to astrophotography. Many members appreciate ZWO's ongoing software support and the option to integrate various accessories, which together make the S50 a well-rounded choice for balancing quality and cost. Furthermore, users often point out that the used market still offers great opportunities to pick up a reliable Seestar S50 at a more affordable price.

These community insights underscore that, despite the arrival of new models, the Seestar S50 continues to enjoy strong support and remains a competitive option for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Is the Seestar S50 Still Worth Buying?

The Seestar S50 remains a robust option for astrophotography and deep sky observation enthusiasts. Its technical features—from superior light collection to high-quality Apochromatic ED optics and the integrated CLS filter—make it particularly well-suited for capturing detailed, high-quality images even in challenging light conditions.

Despite competitive alternatives like the Seestar S30 and other smart telescope models, the S50 stands out as a balanced choice in terms of performance and price, whether purchased new or used. Moreover, its continuously updated software support and the availability of dedicated accessories further enhance its appeal. If your goal is to achieve excellent deep sky imaging results and you are comfortable with a slightly higher investment, the Seestar S50 remains a winning choice.