SMART TELESCOPE BATTLE - WHICH is right for YOU? SAME Night - SAME Targets

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  • Опубліковано 7 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 375

  • @CuivTheLazyGeek
    @CuivTheLazyGeek  21 день тому +13

    So which is better? Seestar or Dwarf III? Let's go into the details!
    Also note that since filming, mosaic mode has been made available to the Dwarf III, although I haven't tested it yet!
    And ZWO is now officially working on equatorial mode for the S30/S50!
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    S50 vs S30 video: ua-cam.com/video/FgLBgWchWVY/v-deo.html
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    • @luboinchina3013
      @luboinchina3013 20 днів тому +6

      A friendly tip for SeestarS50: If you want to avoid ugly corners, do live stack in mosaic mode 1.1x instead of standard 1x mode

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 17 днів тому

      @@luboinchina3013 and you will take a very high rejection rate and Will late a lot in completing the mosaic due to the terrible spiral way It performs mosaics

    • @jparth167
      @jparth167 15 днів тому +1

      Hi Cuiv,
      Very two good news, the mosaic mode on dwarf 3, and official eq mode for seestar

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 11 днів тому

      @@luboinchina3013 and you will double time to get the same exposure time. Not recommended at all

    • @TakiFishMan
      @TakiFishMan 10 днів тому +1

      Do you mean they are working on eq mode with seestar_alp or an actual eq mode for the official app?

  • @emilford
    @emilford 7 днів тому +1

    Thanks! Your information is always clear and honest and to the point!

  • @chrisd0407
    @chrisd0407 17 днів тому +2

    Thanks Cuiv. I bow to your vast knowledge & always find your videos highly informative & entertaining. I don't think there is a smart telescope review of yours I haven't seen, some more than once.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  16 днів тому

      Thank you so much for your support!! Glad my videos are helpful!

  • @dagilliland
    @dagilliland 20 днів тому +4

    Thanks for the D3 videos. You seem very experienced and you like the D3. I can't wait for my D3 (On the backlog list for end of February?)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      Thank you for your support!! Enjoy the D3 once you get it!

  • @dfijter
    @dfijter 20 днів тому +7

    Thank you, just the video I was looking for with everything I needed to finally decide. I just ordered the Dwarf with your link :)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      Thanks for your support! There's a long waiting list but I hope it works out well;

  • @adamgoodall3111
    @adamgoodall3111 20 днів тому +13

    Thanks for the detailed comparison Cuiv! My Dwarf 3 was delivered yesterday, and it looks like there is a 5 hour window of clear skies over northern England tonight, ready for a 1st light test!

    • @johnkulczycki3021
      @johnkulczycki3021 20 днів тому

      You should buy a lotto ticket ASAP with that kind of luck! LOL

    • @romanieo
      @romanieo 20 днів тому +1

      Congrats!!! A kid in the candy-store that is the Universe.

    • @Unholymoondog
      @Unholymoondog 20 днів тому

      I'm in the SW, really looking forward to the window this evening, I'm all ready to go.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      That's a lot of luck! Hope the first light went well!!

    • @davebillybish
      @davebillybish 19 днів тому

      Cuiv, there’s much hard work gone into making a really super video here showing all the many variations between the two makes of Smart telescope. Thanks!
      Last night was first light for my Dwarf 3 and the dwarf app and D3 performance was even better than I expected it to be and produced a very good picture of the Pleiades cluster with lots of nebulosity round the main stars after 2.5 hrs of exposure. It was a very enjoyable experience and I was so pleased at how well the app and telescope look after the user throughout the capture. It was worth the long wait of 6 long months to get it! Incidentally I updated the app recently but haven’t seen the mosaic mode yet that you mentioned above.

  • @sianikolaou5440
    @sianikolaou5440 19 днів тому +4

    Thanks Cuiv, this was the comparison I needed! Now I need to wait and see how things inprove with the Seestar S50 in EQ mode.

  • @PhilW222
    @PhilW222 18 днів тому +3

    I have had the S50 for 10 months and couldn’t be happier with this amazing scope - amd I hadn’t heard before that ZWO are actively developing EQ mode which is great news. I am sure that users of the D3 will be equally happy with their choice. It is so exciting to see this field developing so rapidly, it will be incredible what will be available in say 5 years time.

  • @codyc.4830
    @codyc.4830 16 днів тому +2

    another amazing video. I purchased the s50 a couple weeks ago and I'm very pleased . I look forward to your videos. Thanks

  • @spehrson
    @spehrson 18 днів тому +3

    20 years ago I clocked a lot of telescope time at the WIYN 0.9 m at Kitt Peak in grad school. All of my telescopes since then have been very low tech. These little machines seem like a chance to revisit my past. At least they don’t require LN2 cooling. Thanks for the information. I think I’d opt for the Seestar, I did a lot of mosaic imaging back then.

  • @GRILL332
    @GRILL332 19 днів тому +3

    Great job as usual! Our club now has 5 members with Seestar. It’s great for public outreach. I worried that people would just think you looked up a picture on the internet. But actually people, esp kids, are so eager to look at a cell phone and you know they can actually see it, unlike an eyepiece. So as it builds you can point out the features it stacks. So eyeballs are for planets, smart telescopes are for the faint fuzzys.

  • @macrobinson5457
    @macrobinson5457 18 днів тому +5

    I am very much looking forward to the Seestar S100.

  • @wyattclemente3547
    @wyattclemente3547 19 днів тому +4

    you know, I ordered mine in September, I also have a seestar. I love my seestar and I just really wanted more but without spending so much money. in specs the dwarf 3 is better but not in the fine detail they don't add. optics mainly, I canceled my order and bought a asi533mc pro, I am starting to get my astro rig together redcat51, asi533mc pro, asiairplus, and a lttle more. I think a seestar is a amazing gateway to the hobby for people who dont want to spend a grand for a astro rig. and Cuiv, I thank you so much for all your amazing videos, from smart telescopes to NINA to pixinsight you have been a amazing help and I always recommend you to people who want to learn.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому +1

      Thanks for this feedback mate, clear skies and happy holidays!

    • @markdelamere9194
      @markdelamere9194 12 днів тому +1

      Virtually same setup as me 533 and Redcat51

  • @officialuseonly1978
    @officialuseonly1978 20 днів тому +3

    Great video and insight on both devices. Each one scratches an itch. Just have to support one (or both) and understand the limitations and be encouraged they are constantly improving features.

  • @mgscheue
    @mgscheue 20 днів тому +5

    My S50 arrives today, UPS willing. I had an S30 on pre-order but the combination of wanting a telescope to use during my winter break, the current 10% discount on the S50, and your comparision video of the S30 and S50 pushed me into cancelling the pre-order and ordering the S50. I'm sure I'd like any of them but thanks for helping me make my decision. (I can kind of imagine getting a Dwarf III at some point, too.)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +2

      Enjoy the S50, it's a really good little smart scope!

  • @perry3928
    @perry3928 19 днів тому +3

    Hi Cuiv, and thanks for the comparison. I love my S50.

  • @jacoblee679
    @jacoblee679 19 днів тому +2

    The video we've all been waiting for!

  • @jeffryhartman1023
    @jeffryhartman1023 20 днів тому +4

    Just the video I have been waiting on.

  • @browerab
    @browerab 20 днів тому +9

    I just got a Seestar S50 yesterday and I am already considering buying a Dwarf III as a companion to it. Thank you for the in-depth comparisons!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +2

      They're both excellent, and one being the companion of the other makes a lot of sense!

  • @alessandrofioretti2526
    @alessandrofioretti2526 2 дні тому

    Amazing video as always!!!

  • @AndreaHaku
    @AndreaHaku 19 днів тому +2

    I had the Dwarf 3 since 10 days now and I absolutely love it. I had the Dwarf 2 and it was a not brainer immediate upgrade when it was out in pre-sale. Now it also has mosaic mode and it works very well. For the size, the quality and the features the Dwarf 3 has absolutely no competitors at the moment. I can easily put it in my backpack along with a small tripod and take images from wherever I want. Just so cool

  • @gwzapo
    @gwzapo 16 днів тому +1

    I'm actually using the Dwarf 3 these days as I received It late Nov. I've owned the Seestar S50 for just over a year. I think you highlighted the difference, strengths and weaknesses and agree with your presentation. I do wish the Seestar would add the schedule to its software. I love the schedule feature with the D3. Thank you again for this video!!!

  • @5teveL1
    @5teveL1 19 днів тому +3

    Having done the big full eq set up, with different size scopes from the sharpstar 61, up to the 140, with filter wheels etc. I can see the attraction of the Dwarf labs. Now I have limited time & room to have a full set up, after watching a lot of reviews, I've made my mind up to buy the DL3. Thanks for all of your reviews.

  • @PieroJones
    @PieroJones 17 днів тому

    Awesome as always! Lazy Geek has been my guiding light in the journey from zero to astrophotography, even though I’m still a beginner. Using tools like the Dwarf2 and now the Dwarf3 - as shown in the video compared to more 'point-and-shoot' setups - is truly educational! You can definitely move on to more complex setups, whether refractors or reflectors, but mastering the fundamentals (alignment, calibration, focus, sensor management, and especially PROCESSING with specific software like Siril and PixInsight) is pure gold in terms of learning! So, hats off to the Dwarf for making all of this possible, and I’m sure even the more traditional systems will increasingly adopt automation, electronics, and AI agents as support tools!

  • @spacecadet6575
    @spacecadet6575 День тому

    I pre-ordered the Dwarf 3 for the EQ mode and all of the flexibility in programming the settings. Now, I just have to wait for it to arrive!

  • @chrisd0407
    @chrisd0407 17 днів тому +1

    I have a DWARF III on pre-order, my first smart telescope. The capture detail of the S50 is a little superior it appears, but the two killer features I went for in the DWARF are it's compactness & out of the box landscape mode which I much prefer to the S50s portrait mode. To add to that, equatorial mode which probably nailed my decision.

  • @mercury7
    @mercury7 19 днів тому +4

    Probably the most valuable info provided to me was the differences in s/n in mosaic mode, although I don’t have the s50, I use mosaic exclusively with my vespera and I don’t think I appreciated the impact on surrounding nebulosity…. But did note the difference when taking photos of same target with the dwarf 3 in eq mode. Dwarf 3 was clearly showing more of the outer bands of Triangulum faster and I did not really understand why… now I know

    • @realgoose
      @realgoose 19 днів тому

      @@mercury7 could someone use mosaic several times to increase the “sweet spot” of the S50? Simply reorient the center of the image each mosaic and then stitch them together in post? It would increase the field of view as well?

    • @mercury7
      @mercury7 19 днів тому +1

      @@realgoose I’m not positive how the Seestar works but on vespera it does count the number of passes, so at the end of the first pass the image is complete but you can continue for as many passes as you want… so eventually the outer third will enjoy the same snr as the inner third…. Just takes a while

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      Yep mosaic mode simply has to spend time building a larger and larger picture, it simply can't spend as much time on a single area!

  • @zalanv9490
    @zalanv9490 13 днів тому +1

    Thank you for the video! Finally a clear and concise comparison. I had a hard time deciding, but I ordered the Seestar a few weeks ago. Although I like the Dwarf's large field of view, I would rather photograph smaller objects than large ones. For me, details was more important, and they are much better with Seestar!
    Portability is not an issue for me but EQ and schedulability would be nice though.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  11 днів тому +1

      I'm sure they'll add the scheduling soon! Enjoy the Seestar!

  • @seanswales1813
    @seanswales1813 16 днів тому +2

    Hi Cuiv, I have the older Dwarf 2, which I love, and I can't justify upgrading to the 3, just yet. But it is so easy to use...
    I have a Meade, and Celestron, a 6 inch and a 4.5 inch goto's. They give much better views, once they were set up (especially planets of course). But... I can have the Dwarf 2 viewing in minutes, with multiple targets set up in the schedule, while I'm still getting my other scopes set up.
    Also, with the very patchy weather we have in England, with a cloudy sky with clear sky occasionally, I can chance it, and put the Dwarf out. Which I won't bother to do with my other telescopes, unless I Know, that I'll get at least a couple of hours of clear skies. I'm just to lazy.

  • @back40observatory29
    @back40observatory29 11 днів тому +1

    Cuiv, I have been vacillating about this for some time. Your videos on the Dwarf 3 put me over the edge. I have some traveling coming up and the fact that this is EQ and so small, I couldn't resist and ordered through your link. They are on back order that along with the "New Kit and Rainy, Cloudy Night Phenomenon", I hope to have some photos by Spring. :)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  11 днів тому

      Hope you get clear skies once it actually arrives!

  • @andyrichmond1858
    @andyrichmond1858 4 дні тому +1

    Excellent review. I’m a newbie to astrophotography and about to buy one of these amazing machines. Thank you.

  • @HaraldKrause
    @HaraldKrause 20 днів тому +11

    I couldn't decide in favour of one. I bought both. Thank for your nice video.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      Hahaha, when in doubt, just get both, I like it!

  • @davehasenauer9935
    @davehasenauer9935 20 днів тому +2

    Thanks!

  • @Doesnotcare12
    @Doesnotcare12 19 днів тому +9

    I ordered my Dwarf 3 early September. The more and more I watched good people like yourself, I cancelled my order.
    I got my money back from Dwarflab within 20 minutes.
    The Dwarf 3 is amazing, but two reasons made me change my mind.
    One I actually like the smaller f.o.v and with the mosaic mode you can get a larger f.o.v . The Dwarf 3 will never be able to have a smaller f.o.v.
    Two I don't think my order and this is my fault, not Dwarflabs would be delivered until at least February and all of you guys producing great youtube videos and images made me want a scope in my hand now.
    Unfortunately, the weather hasn't played ball since delivery, but I have some good images with minimal time and data.
    I am happy with my Seestar S50 and I believe people who own a Dwarf 3 will be equally happy.

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 18 днів тому +1

      Framing mode on Seestar sucks. Its rejection rate is too high and takes almost 2 hours in complete one which makes It pretty unusable

    • @Doesnotcare12
      @Doesnotcare12 18 днів тому

      @anarkicio it seems everyone has different opinions. I got a good two,10 minute RAW videos of Jupiter last night before it clouded over.

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 17 днів тому +2

      @@Doesnotcare12 framing mode is not related to planetary at all, and smart telescopes are pretty bad at it

    • @Doesnotcare12
      @Doesnotcare12 17 днів тому

      @anarkicio ummmm I have stated what where?.
      I'll have my Seestar for nearly 3 months before I would receive my Dwarf3. Life is short and the reason I caved and changed to a Seestar S50 is that.

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 15 днів тому +1

      @Doesnotcare12 You said you have a good júpiter raw video... You have not, It can not be made with a 50mm f5 apo... And nobody cares what you like.

  • @barbaraharris6102
    @barbaraharris6102 19 днів тому +2

    I have had the S50 for about 4 months and love it. I love a lot of the qualities of the Dwarf 3, mainly EQ mode. For me the price is reasonable so I decided to own both. I placed an order for the Dwarf 3 about 6 weeks ago

    • @BrianKushner
      @BrianKushner 19 днів тому +1

      Hopefully you get the Dwarf by summer. 16 week lead time is insane. Some people are waiting 7 months already..

    • @barbaraharris6102
      @barbaraharris6102 19 днів тому +1

      @ At least I have other toys to play with while waiting!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому +1

      They're very complimentary, but yeah the wait time will be long... Enjoy the S50 and the D3 in the future!!

  • @neilmartin9493
    @neilmartin9493 20 днів тому +2

    Brilliant comparison across the board - it’s easy to see how difficult it is to choose only one! 😂
    I’ve got experimentation to do with both devices - planning mode with DWARF 3 and mosaic mode with S50! ❤️🔭

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  20 днів тому +3

      And mosaic with D3 as well! It's available now, things move too fast 😂

  • @kleedhamhobby
    @kleedhamhobby 20 днів тому +2

    Another extremely informative and well presented video. As you mention, just now it's a bit of a question as to what you can get. My first smart scope was a Celestron Origin (much more expensive, of course, and less portable), which I bought basically because one was in stock at a local scope shop. I have now finally obtained an S50, but I haven't had the chance to try it yet (no clear skies). As you note, the Dwarf 3 is on backorder everywhere. I can't observe from home (totally overhung with trees), so I have to go out into the country to work (mostly in frigid temperatures - Canada). This means that a planning mode is basically useless to me, as I'm always going to be out in the middle of nowhere with the scope, and I can't leave it. This will also make using the mosaic mode difficult, as it generates much more overhead in the capture time, which is rather grueling for me (but not as much as manually guiding, which I used to do). I'm really looking forward to trying the S50, and the info that you have provided will really help me. Meanwhile I'm processing what data I've managed to capture with the Origin, and waiting for some clear skies. I would like to try the Dwarf 3 as well, when it becomes available again. The S30 I wouldn't get myself... but I would recommend it, for example, to friends and family, especially those with children, as perhaps the best cheap introduction to astronomy (though I'm also a big fan of working binoculars).

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      How do you like the Origin??

    • @kleedhamhobby
      @kleedhamhobby 19 днів тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek Hard to answer shortly. I'm definitely happy that I bought it. The F2.2 6" RASA tube can capture decent details quite quickly in a fairly dark sky. I do have to take it out to a remote site to work, and it's a bit heavy and awkward to manage for me at my age (72), especially in frigid Canadian Winter weather. I had some difficulty getting the Wifi to work properly; Celestron support did help me with that, and I ended up switching from Android to Apple, and adding a third party Wifi aerial to the scope (an option mentioned in an Appendix of the manual). So, I'd give it a thumbs up overall, but it's less something for beginners than the S50 (but at that price, I guess it's not meant to be). Would be great for demonstrations though.

  • @Pm1366-w7q
    @Pm1366-w7q 17 днів тому

    Great comparison nice job. Now I really understand the difference between these three smart telescopes

  • @MbSchrum
    @MbSchrum 20 днів тому +1

    Thanks!

  • @bradhaakenson7226
    @bradhaakenson7226 19 днів тому +3

    I had a Dwarf 3 and sold it (yeah, already). I've had an S50 for slightly over a year and still use it regularly. I made my choice.

  • @dcmedia66
    @dcmedia66 19 днів тому +2

    I would go for..... BOTH. I have the S50 at the moment and will get a D3 when available, as I believe they will compliment each other well.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      They compliment each other very well, I agree!

  • @billvinson7859
    @billvinson7859 9 днів тому +1

    I think I will go for the Dwarf 3. Thanks for this insight. ❤

  • @javierafeltra2840
    @javierafeltra2840 19 днів тому +1

    Great Job, nice video!! I'm on the waiting list for DIII. I'll receive it at some point.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому +1

      I hope it works well for you and that it doesn't come with too many clouds!

  • @jimbutcher9277
    @jimbutcher9277 20 днів тому +3

    I appreciate the video. Still waiting on my Dwarf 3. I went with the D3 for the option of terrestrial imaging as well as astrophotography.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +2

      Hope you get it soon!

    • @jimbutcher9277
      @jimbutcher9277 19 днів тому +2

      ​@@CuivTheLazyGeekI hope. Reached out to Dwarflabs. Originally was supposed to be early this month. Now it maybe here in January. Chomping at the bit to give it a try. Right now living vicariously through all the review videos 😂

  • @rickmurray9289
    @rickmurray9289 19 днів тому +2

    Cuiv, I have the S50, the D3 and the D2. I often take out the Seestar S50 and the Dwarf 3 at the same time to capture different objects, and sometimes, the same objects. BTW, after the DwarfLabs update, the Dwarf 3 now has mosaic mode, and it works quite differently from the Seestar's approach.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому +1

      I need to test their mosaic mode! My guess is it works differently due to the official Eq mode, where it can be more efficient

    • @jromc
      @jromc День тому

      Which one would you say provide more satisfying results?

  • @jamielong5877
    @jamielong5877 19 днів тому +1

    I was initially (when looking at all these kinds of reviews) going for S50, but I'm liking the fact that you have more choice with Dwarf3..and if you want more detail..just do more nights to stack the results!

  • @andywolstenholme2822
    @andywolstenholme2822 19 днів тому +2

    I own both, I rarely (if ever), use the Seestar. If I want better optics, I use my ,main astro rig. The Equatorial mode, portability and yes the software make the Dwarf3 a more enjoyable tool, and being able to use one of my good Camera Tripods and heads with it make it a no brainer for me to carry with my camera bag,

  • @jongreen2362
    @jongreen2362 20 днів тому +2

    Hey Cuiv, I see that you have the Astrophotography Manual! Hoping to get this for Christmas so hopefully it's a good book. Great video as always and hope you're keeping well.

    • @mgscheue
      @mgscheue 20 днів тому

      Got mine yesterday and it looks very good.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      It's a great book :) 😁

  • @michaelatherton6055
    @michaelatherton6055 7 днів тому

    I have the Dwarf 2 and noticed a recent firmware update adds equatorial mode. So based on this, I would likely get the S50 for the narrower field of view adding a little flexibility to my hardware options. On any night I can see shooting with both against different targets.

  • @anthonysuarez7416
    @anthonysuarez7416 18 днів тому +1

    Great video! Thanks for the info. I have an S50 & I was thinking about buying a Dwarf3 to test out. I also wanted to use the Dwarf3's tracking feature to record video (from a high vantage point) in places where I can't fly a drone like US & Canadian National Parks

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому

      True! I don't really have the experience to test such video features, I think most people in National Parks use long poles/monopods with 360 cameras for a "drone-ish" look

    • @anthonysuarez7416
      @anthonysuarez7416 18 днів тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek I have an Insta360 that I have used in that way, but I am trying to cut down on carrying too many devices to the parks (especially when I'm on an ebike). An astro telescope/terrestrial tracking camera combo seems like a good idea to me (too bad the Dwarf3 doesn't have a mic port)

  • @Mike__B
    @Mike__B 13 днів тому

    definitely makes me wonder how much can be "software updated" to make each better down the road. Where at the heart of both there's the hardware which puts a firm limit on what each telescope can actually do.

  • @marvinwhisman3333
    @marvinwhisman3333 2 дні тому

    ZWO just posted a picture of a S30 mounted in equatorial mode sitting on an AM5 on the ZWO FB account. It appears Simon is doing some testing for ZWO and I would have to guess if it works on the S30 it will work on the S50. Looking forward to that change if/when it happens. Hopefully it was a stock S30 in the photo and not one with some sort of physical changes to support equatorial mode.

  • @ilko_Fl.
    @ilko_Fl. 20 днів тому +3

    After the Dwarf 2, it was clear to me that I had to buy the successor, the Dwarf 3. It arrived roughly six months later. Since then, there has only been one clear night.
    So, I’m hoping for better weather to make use of all the amazing features.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      Fingers crossed for more clear nights!

    • @jacoblee679
      @jacoblee679 19 днів тому

      Same! Had one clear night the day it arrived. Desperate to imaging

  • @rambo_flight__ken9791
    @rambo_flight__ken9791 17 днів тому

    Ont the D3 list myself (Jan25? Delivery). Have been using the delay to gain familiarity with the processing software using files provided online. I believe another short coming of the S50/S30 alt-azimuth mount is it may have more difficulty shooting near the Zenith which would add another factor to observation scheduling.

  • @Alex000113
    @Alex000113 13 днів тому

    Thx for another excellent review. Im waiting for my Dwarf3 to be delivered. I remember being amazed by my ETX's first grainy black&white image from the back yard. Im not sure people get that when looking at their phone screen. Smart telescopes are amazing value for money but I do wonder if these algorithms are making 'pretty pictures' rather than representing what is in the sky.

  • @Chorge1972
    @Chorge1972 20 днів тому +1

    Not the first - but you know, I was exactly waiting for that video!!! 🤗

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  20 днів тому +1

      Hope you enjoyed it!

    • @Chorge1972
      @Chorge1972 20 днів тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek 100% - but still miss the feature to rotate the cam for better framing…

  • @DaveTidrick2
    @DaveTidrick2 20 днів тому +3

    I have a dwarf 3 being delivered tomorrow and I have a question based on my experience as a photographer. Do you think you could get more details to show from the dwarf 3 if you shot several sessions and made adjustments to the gain? Coming from a photography background I'm thinking along the lines of HDR photography where you can pick up details in highlights and shadows just by stacking several shots taken at different shutter speeds or changes to ISO. BTW loved all your videos covering these smart scopes

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +2

      Not so much - the D3 is already pushing the optical resolution limits of its aperture (Dawes limit)

  • @klaus-udokloppstedt6257
    @klaus-udokloppstedt6257 18 днів тому +1

    I would go for the better optics of the S50 and would hope, that it's mechanics can hande an equatorial operation and that such mode comes with a future firmware update.

  • @coneman89
    @coneman89 День тому

    I think I'd be happy with either of the Dwarf/S50, both seem to have updates planned to have comparable features (EQ + mosaic). in the UK the Dwarf 3 is available at £414 vs the S50 which is an import available from various third party retailers at £540. Would you say its worth the extra price for the S50 ?

  • @BenCo-l3u
    @BenCo-l3u 2 дні тому

    Planning mode is coming soon to the s50 and s30

  • @justinbarkby3580
    @justinbarkby3580 18 днів тому

    Got a D2 and ordered a D3 back in Oct, cannot wait for the upgraded model

  • @sylviedc889
    @sylviedc889 19 днів тому +1

    I am waiting Christmass to pointing my S50. I am waiting for my D3 maybe in January. Thanks you for pointing at the interesting features in images. You mentionned something about the color calibration that I have not really understood. Could you explain how the colors are obtained in this kind of telescope, I mean how works the filter(s).

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      It's about color balance: you have processes that can analyze the stars, compare them to their known spectra, and can adjust the color balance of the whole image so that the colors are as close to reality as possible. But you'll still get good color images without that process

  • @blazedbuddy
    @blazedbuddy 20 днів тому +4

    I recently bought the S50 I am very happy with my choice but I am very tempted by Dwarf III as a second smart scope lol

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      They're very complementary to one another to be honest :)

    • @blazedbuddy
      @blazedbuddy 19 днів тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek I think I will get one in April as birthday present to myself haha, I am currently taken mosaic of horsehead and flame nebula before the clouds roll in been terrible last month in north England thick clouds all night with odd hour gap at stupid o'clock

  • @wilduc7302
    @wilduc7302 20 днів тому +2

    Great review and the choice isn’t easy…..zwo and dwarf lovers

  • @spookysandwich1355
    @spookysandwich1355 20 днів тому +5

    WOW thanks so much Cuiv ive been so waiting for this video , funny enough yesterday i finally took the plunge and ordered the D3 then today you posted this video and at first i was worried about watching it after committing to buying the D3 , but i click play whilst hiding behind my pillow with one eye looking at the screen 🙈😂
    As the video was playing both eyes started watching and i super pleased to say i am SOOOOOO glad i chose the D3 , your images are amazing Cuiv 10000000% it really blows the mind what these scopes can do / give it a couple years and i can see Dwarf will have autoguiding built in , and who knows one day it could even give current conventional scopes a run for their money REALLY exciting times , thanks again bud 🙏🙏🙏

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      Congrats, hope you get it sooner rather than later! I'm waiting for a camera cooling option on those scopes 😂

  • @mercury7
    @mercury7 20 днів тому +1

    Excellent, I think you covered everything well

  • @fr373969
    @fr373969 20 днів тому +1

    Thanks and great comparison, I opt for S30 for its price $350 vs S50 $450 for 2024 holiday price vs $500+ for dwarf 3, I’m completely new to this hobby so I want to get it cheap, beside software and image quality, S30 is smaller than S50 but it also has two lenses for landscaping mode for tracking animal, cars etc during hiking near city, drawf 3 also has it plus it has a panorama photo mode which Seestar doesn’t offer at all, but the higher price, availability and ease of use pushes me to Seestar S30

  • @KylesAstrophotography
    @KylesAstrophotography 20 днів тому +1

    Should mention that huge halo around the star at the bottom of m42 in the seestar s50 image. Looks like the dwarf 3 didn't have that issue as well.

  • @frankwakefield8815
    @frankwakefield8815 20 днів тому +4

    With more imaging time, can the Dwarf3's image get close enough in detail so there is basically no difference between them? Love your reviews!

    • @spookysandwich1355
      @spookysandwich1355 19 днів тому +1

      i would imagine it would , the more data the better the image

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      It might make some small progress, but it will never reach the level of details of the S50, simply due to Dawes limit and pixel scale. With some manual drizzle stacking it could get close though

    • @frankwakefield8815
      @frankwakefield8815 18 днів тому +1

      This might be a good topic for a video unless you have already done so in the past. Thanks for the answers.

  • @ClicksByLincoln
    @ClicksByLincoln 20 днів тому +3

    Awesome video, Cuiv, as always. 👏
    I ordered Drwaf 3 a while ago precisely because of its portability. It’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. By the way, if you don’t mind sharing, what’s the book (Astrophotography Manual) you have by the table?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      Hope it works out well for you! The book is good, although getting a bit dated on the PixInsight sections!

    • @ClicksByLincoln
      @ClicksByLincoln 19 днів тому

      @ thank you

  • @Chorge1972
    @Chorge1972 20 днів тому +2

    Unfortunately all these scopes lack on the posibility to turn the sensor inside, for a better framing of the object. That’s something I‘d really miss!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      Yep that's a limitation! At least with the D3, you have the larger native FOV, so rotation is less needed, but still!

  • @irishbogman
    @irishbogman 19 днів тому +1

    Enjoyed that review Cuiv, most will go for the Dwarf 3 because of its portability but as a large Dobsonian light bucket owner I have no issues with the S50, especially as my main interest will be deep sky objects, I think that for the fuzzies out there the Seestar is possibly better, you might give your opinion, I have a Dwarf 3 on order but might just wait and see what Seestar comes up with next, I'm so envious of the software processing that you people have mastered.. Charles

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому

      My three hours PixInsight course on UA-cam would put you on the same processing level ;)
      Overall for small faint fuzzies (planetary nebulae, galaxies) the S50 is better, for larger faint fuzzies the D3 is considerably better!

  • @AstroMaggus
    @AstroMaggus 19 днів тому +4

    Despite the pros and cons in regards to optics, software etc. for me (as also being an owner of the Dwarf 2 and a "real" Celestron SCT with an Astro Cam ;-) ) the advantage of the Dwarf 3 is the portability: It's very small and light compared to the S50, it fits easily into your hand luggage during a flight, so you can take it everywhere easily - and it still produces pictures at least comparable to much bigger, more expensive, not-so-easy to handle "serious" telescope systems 😃🔭🌠

  • @johndaley9188
    @johndaley9188 20 днів тому +1

    To quote someone I know, I'm kinda lazy. For me, it all comes down to time. How much time do I spend to get the acceptable level of quality image for each capture. The extreme is saving a multi hour/day single image and processing it in picsinsight using all available options. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Environment(the sky's), hardware, software(HW firmware, post processing) and time. I'm an old guy that accepts my physical limitations. My one and only S50 works for me. Great compare. Thank you.

  • @KevinRudd-w8s
    @KevinRudd-w8s 20 днів тому +1

    Hi Cuiv. I think if I buy one of these, I will go for the Dwarf Lab III for the same reasons that you give and also I already have an EQ Red Cat 51 grab and go set up that will do everything that the S50 can do ( though of course it did cost me considerably more money ). I really liked those images from the Dwarf III, especially the Christmas Tree cluster with the Cone Nebula, like you say for the money you can't argue with the result. Clear Skies.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      I agree! The D3 is such a cool, tiny imaging platform :) And I was very happy with that Cone nebula image with just a few hours of integration time!

  • @JohnRitson78
    @JohnRitson78 20 днів тому +1

    Once one of them brings out at least a 90mm, I may be very tempted to sell up on my current set up, being an EQ6-Pro coupled with a Skywatcher Explorer 190MN DS Pro Maksutov as well as other ancillaries needed! I mentioned beforehand on your posts that these units are becoming so good and so portable with a lot less physical and mental hassle than setting up the above. I cannot believe what modern technology has brought to the forefront as this would never have even been considered when I started astronomy, in fact that was the days of film camera if you wanted to dare try astrophotography.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      It's really amazing what those scopes can do now, and it will be even more amazing to see what they evolve into!

  • @victorgraca9267
    @victorgraca9267 20 днів тому +8

    Mosaic Mode already on Dwarf 3.

  • @RogerTannen
    @RogerTannen 12 днів тому +1

    Man Cuiv... You make it difficult to make a decision! I am leaning towards the Seestar 50. I am quite the newbie amateur, but I do understand how the EQ mode would improve imaging. I need to watch your "Mosaic Video" next to see how that works and improves those images. Any idea how long it will take ZWO to come up with the EQ feature? And the same with "scheduling"? I believe those two features would make decision making between the two very simple! Unless the "Dwarf 4" that will show up in the future has a much larger aperture.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  11 днів тому

      Hahaha sorry about that! I assume EQ mode will be early 2025 for ZWO, but no idea! I get the feeling you are liking the Seestar details better - so wait until January and see whether EQ mode is supported!

  • @GazzaJollyRoger8152
    @GazzaJollyRoger8152 4 дні тому

    After watching your other video on the Dwarf 3 and and S50 and how the S50 broke when you said you just tapped it against the wall and it broke, that kinda sold me on the Dwarf 3, I pulled the trigger on the Dwarf 3 due to that. As a photographer myself I am very excited for it to get here and to start using it. What is your recommendation for software programs to use for editing the images? Can you use photoshop / lightroom ect? Not sure if you have a video on the different type of programs for editing images but if you do can you point me in the direction. Thank you, Happy New Year!

  • @cathyadams1797
    @cathyadams1797 20 днів тому +5

    I sold my S50, as I prefer the dwarf 3. Field of view, eq mode, and I have the zwo asi678 camera for my planetary imaging on my other scopes and really like it. And the dwarf is fun to use! 😊

    • @dobromirdragomirov5257
      @dobromirdragomirov5257 20 днів тому

      sad, S50 is much better. :(

    • @mgscheue
      @mgscheue 20 днів тому +5

      @@dobromirdragomirov5257 Not according to this video. In some ways, yes, but I don't think that's very supportable as a blanket statement.

    • @spookysandwich1355
      @spookysandwich1355 19 днів тому +2

      @@mgscheue i agree , i also think the D3 has far more to offer and hits the mark , i cant wait to get mine but i only ordered it yesterday , i might get it by xmas in a years time haha

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +3

      I think they're great complements to one another, and I hope we get some sort of S50 Pro with a larger sensor at some point!

    • @anarkicio
      @anarkicio 18 днів тому

      S50 far much better

  • @peterlert3809
    @peterlert3809 19 днів тому +1

    Salut Cuiv! So far, I've been thrilled with my S50, both from light polluted SF Bay Area; and our summer cabin in Colorado at 2940m, Bortle 2 (sometimes even 1). I was tempted to add a Dwarf 3, but now I'll just wait to see how the ongoing "battle of the software updates" is going--it's an affordable way for both ZWO and DwarfLabs to continue competing. (I also have a C11 with astro modified Canon DSLR, but until I can pour a concrete pier my deck is too unstable for photography--at higher power I can see my heartbeat in the scope.)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому

      I feel you on the heartbeat, when doing visual I had learned to have as slow of a heartbeat as possible, and to breathe deeply and slowly! s50 from B2 sounds amazing!

  • @BenDeRover80
    @BenDeRover80 3 дні тому

    I’m living in Norway and I hike and camp often in areas with very little light pollution. I’m now considering a smart telescope - most likely the Dwarf 3.
    Since it often gets quite cold at night (last trip in the -10 celsius, maybe colder), how well do these devices tackle these kind of temperatures?
    I’m struggling a bit with finding decent information about this

  • @garyallen3938
    @garyallen3938 10 днів тому +1

    Nice comparisons. I am brand new at astrophotography and have only taken photos on a tripod with a dslr camera with no tracker. Which one of the three would be good for a newbie like me? Ty

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  9 днів тому

      For ease of use paired with good performance, I would say Seestar S50!

  • @AlexeyPasechnik
    @AlexeyPasechnik 17 днів тому

    I really miss having links to the image files shown in the video, so I can download and examine them closely myself.

  • @guyjordan8201
    @guyjordan8201 20 днів тому +1

    Obviously, I need to buy both… Ha ha😅! I f the three I think the dwarf three would be my choice because of portability and field rotation. I do still wonder if they have a mega dwarf in planning… but the dwarf three would balance against a planetary rig very well. Merry Christmas Cuiv.

  • @NirZonshine
    @NirZonshine 20 днів тому +3

    Doesn't the dwarf have the option of multi night exposures? That is, you can return to the same target night after night and icrease its quality?

  • @tomt8692
    @tomt8692 20 днів тому +3

    I have been thinking about a smart scope from before the Dwarf 2 was launched. I think I'm gonna take the leap and get a Dwarf 3. I have a nice woodland area out my back where I can also use it for non astro stuff 👍👍

    • @spookysandwich1355
      @spookysandwich1355 20 днів тому +2

      yeh thats awesome to be able to capture birds and deer ect and track them , i sold my HEQ5pro mount to fund the dwarf and although i havent got it yet i already know i made the right choice

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      Nice, bird watching with the D3 seems to be a popular activity!

  • @waheex
    @waheex 17 днів тому

    Both look amazing and the review gives a great insight into the pros and cons of both devices. I have a Atik428ex and a canon 300mm lens on an astrotrack currently. It's great but takes time to setup up and this is something I have so little of. I have a rural bortle 4 site but the weather is awful so, I have just ordered the S50 and it is the easiest to operate. I may go for the vesprera at some point but the D3 also looks amazing for the price and the FOV is large If seestar can get an easy EQ mode, then they will nail it too.

  • @Tink-GB
    @Tink-GB 20 днів тому +1

    Half way through..what about tripods...presumably having the small legs that is included in SeeStar's granted..means you need a table? Where as the Dwarf needs a seperate tripod but makes it easier to site anywhere, even in a field? Does the SeeStar attach to a tripod?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      You can bring your own 1/4" tripod for any of these scopes!

  • @amriddle01
    @amriddle01 19 днів тому +2

    I just can't get on with the ZWO FOV/sensor shape and size, D3 won for me. it's outside right now capturing M33, EQ mode of course...

    • @spookysandwich1355
      @spookysandwich1355 19 днів тому

      you have the D3 ?? im not envious...... much 😭😭😭 i ordered my D3 yesterday i might get it in 8 months time 😄

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      Enjoy!

  • @Mark-et8vh
    @Mark-et8vh 19 днів тому +1

    Boy, I still have some time to decide, but I keep going back to the Dwarf 3 and the Vespera…

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому +1

      Both? 😇

    • @Mark-et8vh
      @Mark-et8vh 18 днів тому

      @ - hahaha. That’s possible but unlikely. I think the Dwarf would be great for camping.

  • @realgoose
    @realgoose 20 днів тому +2

    Dwarflabs should create a lens mount to increase the magnification. With that sensor and a stronger magnification the details would be amazing.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      I don't think it's possible, they would need to make it so the lens has a larger aperture, otherwise it will be meaningless, as it's already hitting the physical resolution limits of the optics...

    • @realgoose
      @realgoose 19 днів тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek In photography it's possible to add a x2 or x3 magnifier to pretty much any lens. I did this with the most recent solar eclipse with great results. It is possible to add a magnifier to an iPhone's camera. It should be possible to do the same thing to the Dwarf III.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      @@realgoose of course, but what I'm saying is that it wouldn't add more details, because you are already hitting the Dawes limit of the optics for the 35mm aperture size - so no matter how much your increase the focal length, you won't get much more details due to light diffraction!

  • @AZGeek520
    @AZGeek520 19 днів тому

    Very cool that you have the shadow of the Horsehead Nebula cast on the S50 for the first 9 minutes or so of this video. 😂 Nice job on the comparison.

  • @pdk60
    @pdk60 20 днів тому +1

    I've had my S50 for just over a year and I'm very happy with it: despite the British weather giving me relatively few opportunities to use it. And if as mentioned below, they are working on an EQ mode, then I won't be considering buying anything else?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому

      EQ mode officially supported will be awesome!

  • @daveylocker8
    @daveylocker8 20 днів тому +4

    Still waiting for my S30 to arrive after 2 weeks of waiting. Can hardly stand it. Had a 6” Meade reflector with a clock drive Eq. I even poured a little concrete pad for in college, when I took an Astronomy class. Getting back into it again many years later.
    I see it being like when I was a young sailor in the late 80’s, on the Sea of Cortez in my 20’ swing keel with only a compass, paper chart, and fish finder for depth, compared to my big catamaran in the Caribbean with gps, and all the charts in a plotter, auto pilot, cell phones, radios that send out your gps coordinate in an emergency, and lots of other things. My brother and I lived through two different hurricanes we didn’t know were coming on that little boat, in waves taller than the mast, and nobody knew where we were. What a different world now.
    So many things are accomplished at the touch of a button now that used to take monumental effort or were just impossible back then. But I had read the entire Dutton Maritime Sailing manual back then, where now I see new sailors who basically know nearly nothing, and can’t even tie a proper cleat able to get along pretty well.
    When I saw Space Panda click on and track an airplane with the S30 until it was 10 seconds out of sight, I thought wow, this was tech only available on a fighter jet till now…. For $350. Holy cow!

  • @syl629
    @syl629 16 днів тому

    Grand merci pour cette comparaison, mon cœur balance plus du cotée DWarflab 3 que j'ai d'ailleurs en possession mais pas encore eu l'occasion de le testé vue la météo que nous avons actuellement. 😉

  • @gregorygandy
    @gregorygandy 19 днів тому +1

    The S50 is $50 less right now, available now, and comes with a tripod (the one sold by Dwarf Lab is $79.00). The only feature that I really want that the Seestar doesn't have is scheduling and I hope that ZWO eventually adds it to the app. I don't think that there would be a hardware limitation.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  18 днів тому

      I'm sure they'll get to it! Definitely shouldn't be a hardware limitation!

  • @artyombeilis9075
    @artyombeilis9075 20 днів тому +1

    Hi Cuiv I like your smart scope reviews but you look on them for purely AP point of view.
    I and many others don't do AP but rather EAA - as 2nd best to visual in light polluted areas. One of the critical parameters of any EAA tool is the time needed to extract details. For me ideally is point and start observing within seconds or tens of seconds. I rarely stay on one object more than few minutes - since I prefer to observe more objects. The most time I spend on one object was 10min on Veil.
    Can you please to comparison from this point of view? Lets say what image I can get after 30s, 1min, 5min or 10min. And I assume there will be a significant difference.
    Thanks a lot!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  19 днів тому +1

      I'll see what I can do! In effect the AP POV actually gives you a serious hint about the EAA POV - any differences seen with AP will be starker in EAA. For EAA I would say the D3 is the winner

  • @FabioPegli
    @FabioPegli 19 днів тому +1

    I love my Dwarf2 and I hope thed Dwarf3 will be even better (when it arrives, at least!).
    But I like the better resolution of Seestar: I'm waiting for an updated one to have even more differences with Dwarf (a slightly larger aperture and focal lenght to capture all those smaller objects the D3 struggles with)

  • @adriannolan6711
    @adriannolan6711 20 днів тому +4

    Sold the D2. Bought the S50. I’m blown away how good that thing is.