Looking for a Seestar S50 alternativeThen you probably alreadymerk know that the most popular smart telescope of recent years is no longer simply available for order. The ZWO Seestar S50 is out of production. In this article you will read about what is going on, what this means if you already have a S50, and which smart telescope is now the logical choice. The short answer: ZWO has succeeded the S50 with the Seestar S50 Pro. If you're looking for something smaller or just a bit cheaper, then the Seestar S30 Pro and the DWARF Mini the alternatives.
Why is the Seestar S50 no longer available?
The Seestar S50 was released in 2023 and set the standard for affordable smart telescopes. Since then, the market has evolved rapidly. ZWO itself released the S30 and the S30 Pro, featuring newer sensors and smarter software, and by now also the Seestar S50 Pro as a direct successor with the same 50 mm aperture. The regular supply of the original S50 has stopped.
Occasionally we still have one copy left, for example second-hand in good condition. For more information, please see 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 current owners: your telescope won't 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. Therefore, there is no reason at all to get rid of your S50; it takes the same beautiful photos today as when you bought it.
The three best alternatives in a row
The S50 had two strong points: the largest opening in its price range (50 mm) and a complete package out of the box. The S50 Pro keeps both and modernizes the rest. The S30 Pro and the DWARF Mini take a different route: smaller and lighter, the Mini even in a pouch format.
| Seestar S50 Pro | Seestar S30 Pro | DWARF Mini | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optics | Quadruplet APO, 50 mm, f/5.2 (260 mm) | Quadruplet APO, 30mm, f/5.3 (160mm) | Telephoto lens (1016 mm equivalent) + wide-angle lens (45 mm equivalent) |
| Main sensor | OmniVision OS08B10, 4K (8.3 MP) | Sony IMX585, 4K (8.3 MP) | Sony STARVIS 2 IMX662 |
| Field of view | 2.8° (tele) + 63° wide-angle | 4.6° (telephoto) + 63° wide-angle | Tele for nebulas and galaxies, wide-angle for the Milky Way |
| Battery | 10,000 mAh, up to 9 hours | 6,000 mAh, up to 6 hours | Built-in |
| Tripod | Carbon tripod included | Included, total 1.65 kg | Available separately; device weighs less than 1 kg |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | 64 GB |
| Strong in | More detail on small nebulae, galaxies and the moon | Allround: Deep sky, Sun, Milky Way mode | Go anywhere with it: waist bag size, sun and Milky Way |
| Price | € 999 | € 699 | € 429 |
Option 1: Seestar S50 Pro, the direct successor
If you wanted the S50 because of the 50 mm opening and the detail, then the ZWO Seestar S50 Pro the choice. You stay in the same ecosystem: the same app, the same workflow and again a complete package with a tripod, solar filter And a case. In addition, you get a four-lens APO instead of three lenses, a 4K sensor instead of 2 MP, a second 4K wide-angle camera for the Milky Way, three built-in filters, and a 10,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 9 hours. With a 260 mm focal brandpoint, you can capture more detail in small nebulas, galaxies, and the moon than with the S30 Pro.
Please note the delivery time: demand for the S50 Pro has been high since its introduction at the end of August and deliveries are lagging behind. If you order now, you will secure your place in the queue. If you are unsure between the two Seestars, please read Seestar S50 Pro vs S30 Pro.
Alternative 2: Seestar S30 Pro, smaller and lighter
If you primarily want the convenience of the S50 in a smaller and lighter device, then the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro The choice. Here again, the same app, the same workflow, and a complete package including a tripod, sun filter, and carrying case. The opening is smaller than with the S50 (30 mm versus 50 mm), but that is offset by many other features: a 4K sensor with the same resolution as the S50 Pro, a quadruplet APO lens, a second 4K wide-angle camera for Milky Way photos, and an internal filter changer. The shorter focal point makes large nebulas easier to capture.
Please note the delivery time: the S30 Pro is also popular and regularly has backorders. Order in time to be sure of receiving a copy from the next delivery.
Alternative 3: DWARF Mini, the lightest and cheapest
The DWARF Mini chooses a different route: as small and light as possible. A smart telescope weighing no more than a kilo, approximately 18 by 10 by 6 cm, with a tele lens for nebulas and galaxies and a wide-angle lens for the Milky Way. The astro and Duo-Band filters are built in and you click on them to add the solar filter, so you can also photograph sunspots during the day. A tripod is not included in the box, but any standard-fit tripod will do. How the Mini compares to the larger DWARF 3, which is no longer available, you can read in DWARF 3 vs DWARF Mini. If you are unsure between alternatives 2 and 3, please read Dwarf Mini vs. Seestar S30.
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 a S50 because of the 50 mm and the detail: choose the Seestar S50 Pro. Same convenience, more detail and a much longer battery life.
- You wanted the convenience of a light device above all: choose the Seestar S30 Pro.
- You want to get on as light and affordable as possible: choose the DWARF Mini. Fits in your pocket and takes your first deep-sky photo in three minutes.
- You are hesitating: Call, email, or app us. We advise honestly, even if that means choosing the cheaper model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy the Seestar S50 new anywhere?
The regular supply has stopped. Occasionally, a final example still appears, sometimes second-hand in good condition. Check the product page for the current status. If you want a new one and 50 mm, the Seestar S50 Pro is the successor.
Will there be a successor to the Seestar S50?
Yes, there is one: the ZWO Seestar S50 Pro, Available to order from the end of August 2026. It has the same 50 mm opening, with a wide-angle lens, two 4K sensors and a battery that lasts up to 9 hours. If you’re unsure between the S50 Pro and the S30 Pro: 30 mm for a light device and wide view, 50 mm for more detail on small objects.
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?
In most respects: a 4K sensor instead of 2 MP, better optics, an extra wide-angle camera and more storage. Only the aperture is smaller (30 mm versus 50 mm). If you want to keep that 50 mm, choose the S50 Pro.
Conclusion
The end of the Seestar S50 is not a loss, but a generational change. The Seestar S50 Pro is the direct successor and the choice if you want 50 mm, the Seestar S30 Pro The lighter allrounder and the DWARF Mini the lightest and cheapest entry-level model. View the complete current range at smart telescopes And do you still have an S50: have fun with it, it can last for years.
