The Seestar S50 is no longer available
ZWO has discontinued the Seestar S50. We can no longer supply this model and do not expect new stock. The logical successor in our range is the Seestar S30 Pro, with sharper 4K optics and the same controls. In our guide Seestar S50 no longer available: these are the best alternatives Let's lay out all the options, including for those who want a wider field of view or more focal length.
What the S50 was
The Seestar S50 combined telescope, electronic focuser, astro camera, and ASIAIR control into a single 3kg housing, featuring 50mm triplet APO optics and a 250mm focal length. The model made smart astrophotography accessible to a wide audience and grew to become one of the best-selling smart telescopes ever. This page will remain available as a reference for existing owners.
Do you already have an S50? It remains supported
The Seestar app and firmware updates will continue to function, and accessories such as the dual-band filter and solar filter will remain available while supplies last. Check out our Seestar S50 tips for getting the most out of your device, or consider the second-hand market if you're still looking for one.
The alternatives in brief
- Seestar S30 Pro: the direct successor with dual 4K sensors and quadruplet APO optics.
- DWARF 3Compact, with a wide-angle lens for Milky Way shots.
- Vaonis Vespera II: the step up in image quality and finish. All considerations are in the Alternative guide.
Additional visuals
Unsure which smart telescope is right for you? Our telescope selection aid helps you step by step. Also check out all smart telescopes in our assortment.
Rene van Heemskerk -
I have been using the Seestar S50 for over three weeks now and I must say: this thing has really surprised me. I previously had a traditional telescope, but was always spending hours searching and focusing - that has completely disappeared with this one.
Installation actually went surprisingly smoothly. Everything is neatly packaged and feels solid. Within 15 minutes it was outside ready to use. The accompanying app works intuitively: you pair with the telescope via wifi, and then you get a live image directly on your screen. No more fiddling with eyepieces.
What I especially like is the automatic alignment. You just put the telescope down, press ‘start alignment,’ and within a minute it knows exactly where it is and where to go. Then you can just tap on an object in the app (M42 or Saturn, for example), and the telescope turns toward it. And it's actually on top of it - almost always perfectly centered in the image.
The image quality is impressive, especially for such a compact system. I have now captured several deep-sky objects, including the Andromeda Nebula and the Ring Nebula. With the stacking feature, you can really bring out a lot of detail, even from my fairly light-polluted backyard. You won't see Hubble quality, of course, but for a telescope of this size, it's really impressive.
A small note: you do need to have some patience. It takes a while for stacking to really deliver results, and if you want to quickly take some photos without long exposures, for example, the results are a bit less sharp. But if you take your time and let the telescope do its work, you'll get fantastic images in return.
The app also has a ‘live stacking’ feature, where your image slowly builds up as you watch. This really gives a wow factor, especially if you're watching with friends or children - you can literally see the nebulae and stars come to life on your screen.
I now use it mostly on a tripod from the garden, but also took it with me on a weekend trip to the Veluwe. Small and light enough to throw in the car.
All in all: I am immensely satisfied. If you're looking for a smart telescope that allows you to explore the sky right away without hassle, the Seestar S50 is the best choice in this price range as far as I'm concerned, will buy the DWARF 3 as well
StargazerBassie! -
Bought the seestar S50 online from telescoop.co.uk. clear indications when the package would be delivered and a fair price within the market.
Peter (verified owner) -
Nice quality and easy to operate. Will be going on vacation with me soon. With the included bag easy to carry.
John (verified owner) -
great and wonderful to see it like this via SeeStar S50
Wim Ruys (verified owner) -
Top quality and very useful for beginner but however also for the more advanced
Steve Biesmans (verified owner) -
Super telescope s50 very easy to use.
Livraison en Belgique comme promis sur le site très content merci
Christ Netten (verified owner) -
Don't know yet .
HansvB (verified owner) -
Easy to use. Due to its compact shape Easy to carry.
Jan Broekhuisen (verified owner) -
Fantastic!
Patrick (verified owner) -
Solid and qualitative