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My experience deciding on a Seestar as my fist entry into this

ZWO Seestar S30 Pro DSLR Equipment Processing Beginner Deep Sky
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JohnnyAstro avatar
JohnnyAstro avatar

Some months back I started out with my DSLR and tripod and was not disappointed. But that was all I had and I wanted a scope and to go a step more. I weighed my options and ended up going with the Seestar S30 Pro. I may also use my DSLR again when I get a proper mount (later). As of now I am just manually moving that thing to keep up with rotation and lining it back up manually after every 40 or so shots at 2.3 seconds :)

So far, S30 pro has surpassed my (meager) expectations. I have learned so many more objects in the night sky, learning processing more and more, and it has really served as a gateway into this hobby. I really don’t have any reservations or regrets with it. Financially and where my life is right now, it made the most sense and it has done nothing but make me realize how much I do in fact enjoy this. Most importantly, it has showed me that I do in fact want more.

One of the things I really need to understand better is processing. I am finding I am using the exact same flow for most nebulae, and I know that isn’t the way. There is much to learn.

But alas, I can see the S30 Pro’s limits like so many of you said I would eventually see and feel. What you have is what you have. It is set in stone what it can and can’t do. And for a beginner like myself, that is good right now. But I can see that I will eventually want more, AKA a proper rig.

I don’t know when that will be financially feasible and all, but I know it will happen one day.

I can realistically see myself a year or so from now getting another smart scope if there is a newly released model that seems worth it and is really a different animal (S50 Pro is not that). That would probably be my last smart scope, then onto a rig. However, it may also go that I keep on using this for another year or two and then I am like I am ready, and go onto a rig set up. Maybe a Redcat 51 or UltraCat 56 with a ZWO camera.

Anyway, it has been a great experience. I think it served its purpose for me personally. It allowed me to step into the pond easily. Now I know I would like to eventually step into some deeper waters when the time is right. but for now, I am blown away at what I can achieve with this and most importantly it has made me so happy to see my results.

Also, thank you to everyone on here for the support and for the inspiration!

  • John

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John Nedelcu avatar
John Nedelcu avatar

Glad to hear you’re enjoying your S30 Pro. I’m actually thinking of picking one up too for a wide-field travel setup (and I agree with you on the S50 Pro; totally not worth it).

What I found is that each (optical) tool is good for its own intended purpose. The S30 Pro is a wide-field, portable telescope and should be treated like that. It works well for that niche, but it will always disappoint if you ask it to take a good picture of M16.

Understanding the limitations of the equipment is key to not being disappointed with your purchase and looking at it from a more practical point of view. I see it as a toolbox which contains 10 screwdrivers. Every one will drive a screw eventually, but you will struggle if you pick up the wrong one.

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JohnnyAstro avatar
JohnnyAstro avatar

John Nedelcu · Aug 29, 2026, 01:04 AM

Glad to hear you’re enjoying your S30 Pro. I’m actually thinking of picking one up too for a wide-field travel setup (and I agree with you on the S50 Pro; totally not worth it).

What I found is that each (optical) tool is good for its own intended purpose. The S30 Pro is a wide-field, portable telescope and should be treated like that. It works well for that niche, but it will always disappoint if you ask it to take a good picture of M16.

Understanding the limitations of the equipment is key to not being disappointed with your purchase and looking at it from a more practical point of view. I see it as a toolbox which contains 10 screwdrivers. Every one will drive a screw eventually, but you will struggle if you pick up the wrong one.

Absolutely! It does what it is intended to do very well, and nothing more. For that, I am content currently. But I can see its limitations and will for sure want to further my exploration with a rig!

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T Bond avatar
T Bond avatar

The S30 Pro is amazing, small; portable and great fun, I sold my edge HD set up to help fund university but am super happy with the Seestar. I took my first images with it last night and was blown away even in Alt Az at my local beach. When I get a new rig I think I will always have the S30 pro with me as an addition. Or similar, been considering the Draco and have a pre order on one.

Dream set up is an Ultracat 76 with A3N but funds are tight, eventually lol but I have to say the S30 Pro is an amazing instrument, so handy to take with on holidays and travel.

Wishing you the very best and hugs from Goring by Sea :)

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