Looking for a Seestar S50 alternative? Then you’ve probably already gemerkt that the most popular smart telescope of recent years is no longer available for regular order. The ZWO Seestar S50 is no longer part of our regular lineup. In this article, you’ll learn what’s going on, what this means if you already own an S50, and which smart telescope is now the logical choice. The short answer: the Seestar S30 Pro and the DWARF 3 take the baton and both do more than the S50 on important points.
Why is the Seestar S50 no longer available?
The Seestar S50, released in 2023, set the standard for affordable smart telescopes. Since then, the market has developed rapidly. ZWO itself released the S30 and S30 Pro, featuring newer sensors and smarter software. Regular supply of the S50 has stopped. An official successor with a 50mm aperture has not yet been announced; as soon as there is news about it, you will read it here.
Every now and then we still have a single copy, for example second-hand in good condition. Look there on the Seestar S50 Product Page, If there's nothing to order, then there's nothing at that moment.
Do you already have an S50? Good news
First, reassurance for existing owners: your telescope will not suddenly become worthless. The Seestar app will continue to work, and ZWO will support the device with updates. Accessories such as filters, bags, and tripods will remain available. So there is absolutely no reason to get rid of your S50; it takes the same beautiful photos today as when you bought it.
The two best alternatives in a row
The S50 had two strengths: the largest aperture in its price range (50mm) and a complete out-of-the-box package. The alternatives each take a different route. One wins on image quality and ease of use, the other on freedom and battery life.
| Seestar S30 Pro | DWARF 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | Quadruplet APO, 30mm, f/5.3 (160mm) | 35mm telephoto lens + separate wide-angle lens |
| Main sensor | Sony IMX585, 4K (8.3 MP) | Sony IMX678, 8.3 MP |
| Field of view | 4.6° (telephoto) + 63° wide-angle | Wide field of view, ideal for large objects |
| Weight | 1.65 kg, tripod included | Light and compact, tripod sold separately |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Strong in | Allround: Deep sky, Sun, Milky Way mode | Large objects, long sessions, lots of control |
| Price | € 749 | Better priced than the S30 Pro |
Alternative 1: Seestar S30 Pro, the logical successor within ZWO
If you come from the S50 mentality of "sit down and enjoy", then the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro the most logical choice. You stay in the same ecosystem: the same app, the same workflow, the same complete package with tripod, solar filter, and carrying case. The aperture is smaller than the S50's (30 mm versus 50 mm), but it's well worth it: a modern 4K sensor that captures much more detail than the S50's 2 MP sensor, a quadruplet APO lens, a second 4K wide-angle camera for Milky Way shots, and an internal filter changer. In practice, you can get images from it that the S50 simply couldn't capture on most objects.
Please note the delivery time: the S30 Pro is new and popular, so it is frequently on backorder. Order on time if you want to be sure of receiving one from the next shipment.
Alternative 2: DWARF 3, more freedom and a large battery
The DWARF 3 Choose a different philosophy. Where Seestar focuses on immediate results, the DWARF 3 gives you more control over settings and a wide field of view in which large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy fit completely. The large 10,000 mAh battery allows for long nights without a power bank. A tripod is not included, but any photo tripod with a standard connection will fit. If you want to read the full comparison, we've already done that in our comparison. DWARF 3 vs Seestar S50. The conclusions from that now apply as a purchase recommendation for the DWARF 3.
Tight budget? Don't forget the regular S30
If you want to get started without spending a lot, the regular Seestar S30 is worth considering: the same ease of use as the Pro, with a simpler sensor, for a lower price. You can read how the S30 compares to the S50 in our comparison. Seestar S30 vs S50. All current models and prices can be found at the smart telescopes.
Our advice per situation
- You wanted an S50 for convenience: choose the Seestar S30 Pro. Same experience, more modern in every way.
- You wanted an S50 to seriously learn astrophotography: choose the DWARF 3. More settings, more freedom, longer sessions.
- You are hesitating: Call or email us. We have used both devices ourselves and will honestly advise you, even if it means recommending the cheaper model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy the Seestar S50 new anywhere?
The regular supply has stopped. Occasionally, a final item still appears, sometimes second-hand in good condition. Check the product page for the current status.
Will there be a successor to the Seestar S50?
ZWO has not announced a successor with a 50mm aperture at this time. The Seestar S30 Pro is now the top model in the compact line.
Will my Seestar S50 continue to work and be supported?
Yes. The Seestar app will continue to support the S50 and accessories will remain available. There's no reason to replace your device as long as you are satisfied with it.
Is the S30 Pro better than the S50?
On most points, yes: a 4K sensor instead of 2 MP, better optics, an additional wide-angle camera, and more storage. Only the aperture is smaller (30 mm versus 50 mm). For virtually all users, the more modern technology weighs more heavily.
Conclusion
The end of the Seestar S50 is not a loss, but a generational change. The Seestar S30 Pro is the best all-rounder at the moment, the DWARF 3 the choice for those who want more control. Check out the full current selection at the smart telescopes And do you still have an S50: have fun with it, it can last for years.
