Pre-Order Links for the ZWO SEESTAR S50! tinyurl.com/3n62hpzx (Direct from Maker/ZWO) bit.ly/3Mf9pAU (Agena Astro) tinyurl.com/53suzkw5 (All Star Telescope) bit.ly/45k7J1b (High Point Scientific) Support me on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek If you're planning on buying equipment (or anything from Amazon), it will help me if you first click the affiliate links in the description! To anyone complaining about foul language in this video: I'm not aware of any in the video and have had others review it as well to be sure. There is one time at the end of the video where I say "No faffing around" which is a British idiom and is not vulgar. It is NOT the F word.
I'm going to buy one just because it is cool, portable, and inexpensive, however I am highly suspicious that the reason it can process deep sky images so fast and clear is because it is using an existing image database to layer its results (like my Samsung S20 Ultra's camera does with my zoom pics of the Moon)
Thank you for the review and I have one on order as of May 7th. I also have a stellina telescope. Since the price of the seestar telescope is low would there be an advantage to have more maybe UP24 to gather more light from the same object at the same time?
My first time viewing your channel. You do an excellent job speaking with connected thoughts and easy to follow dialogue. You are a polished Geek, well done. Cheers!
So glad you got this for two reasons. 1. I have been considering getting one and look forward to your unbiased opinion. 2. I love watching you "geek out" with a new toy. Also appreciate the split screen showing the scope and the app at the same time. That is extremely helpful.
I want to share this with my sister for her grandkids for Christmas. They are interested in a telescope, but I don't think the word dummy and the f-word are appropriate.
@@js7un165 To be clear, the word dummy is taken directly from the series of books " for dummies" such as "astronomy for dummies". I don't think it's an inappropriate word if it's used on book titles that anyone can see when browsing at book stores? But then I'm not a native English speaker, so what do I know? Also, the F-word was NOT used in this video (or any of my videos as far as I can remember). I say "faffing around" which is a British idiom as far as I understand, and is NOT vulgar.
Love your videos and glad you're re-energized with new gear. I ordered a SeeStar in late July during ZWO's presale $399 price. So, I'm very happy that you approve. I've heard that fit files will be available for additional processing. Thanks, Michael
Awesome video as always Cuiv, I also pre-ordered this for travel and outreach and have been quite excited for it, I would like to know also your take on the dual narrowband filter that it has. Also I am sure along with any flaws you may see, you usually have alot of solutions and workarounds on it. Your input has always been vital for us new to the hobby. Thank you.
As someone who has has never owned a telescope, knows nothing about astronomy, and randomly stumbled upon this video by accident. I must say I was very impressed with what it can do. I would seriously consider getting something like this if the technology and manufacturing processes can push the price under $500 CAD. This product really does deliver on the features that I would expect a smart telescope to do. I'm going to have to keep my eye on this. I fully support bringing astronomy to the masses. Thanks for the video!
So glad you stumbled on the video! It's really a great scope, and it will be amazing when they manage to get it even cheaper - thanks for watching & for the feedback and happy you enjoyed!
There is so much demand for it, that the price will probably go up. Not down. It's already an incredible bargain. Just order one now, and get on the 5 months waiting list if you want one.Its worth far more.
You're definitely the best reviewer on the entire internet !!! I just watch your videos to learn your amazing style. Will tell others to be enlightened how to describe their things from tech to deep science with such ultimate clarity.
Wow! Super impressive! I had high hopes for the product, but your first impressions honestly shattered my expectations. Great job ZWO and great job on the video Cuiv!
I cannot tell if I'm more excited by my pre-order because of the review or because your excitement at opening and using new astro gear is contagious. Thank you!
Hi Cuiv, thank you so much for this video! I have ordered the Seestar in April an can't wait to get it in my hands. ;) I could not resist to order. :) So, your video tells me to get right with this and shorten the waiting time. I am looking forward to your next videos about the Seestar. Kind regards and clear skies!
I'm on bortle 7 and was about to buy an 6" or 8" dobsobian to improve my experience from my current 70mm binoculars... but your review convinced me that under my daily conditions, realistically, this will be much more enjoyable to explore the sky from the city, so I just preordered one instead of the dobsonian. Thank you for your passion and clarity!
Apparently if you rotate the solar filter so the hole in the handle is vertical and on top of the device, if it is aligned towards the sun, the sun makes a line across the top of the scope to show that you are aligned with the sun.
It is amazing how much technology is in these small telescopes. This is the third time I've watched this video, and I'm still in awe. However, its not for someone like myself.... this opens the door for so many more people. 😊
Great video and great review. While I was always more fond of optics where you see things "for real" instead on on a screen, I completely agree with you. Inventions like this make astronomy accessible to so many people, so easily and I think that is nothing but a good thing. The more people that take an interest in astronomy, the more attention it will (hopefully) get.
Ordered mine in July to go with D2 and Equinox 2, feels like each has a role, so much for lightweight astrophotography I will land up running all three.
Very impressive! ZWO really knows how to have a great user experience! This will be competing with the more expensive smart telescopes in a big way, opening a huge door to everyone to get into astronomy and astrophotography 🙂 Your reactions were priceless 😀 I look forward to your adventures with your new toy! Clear Skies!
Thank you so so much. I've been away from astronomy for a while & didn't know how far the kit had come! Super interesting & engaging review. Going to check this out! First time to this channel, and you have a +1 sub !
Moved out into the country about 2 years ago and I am in a pretty dark spot with little light pollution. I have been day dreaming of astrophotography for years but the price for equipment has been out of reach for me. Until now.... *THANK YOU* for this amazing review. Looks like I'm getting a new toy for Christmas.
I wasn't considering this, due to having about 5 telescopes and 3 cameras, but now I do. I have a location at my house that I do not want to put up my mount and scope, but I would consider placing this little thing there to photograph things that are otherwise blocked by buildings. Good job Cuiv! Awesome preview!
This looks amazing! I'm glad the algorithm gave me this video, I definitely want to buy one. I'll bookmark your pre-order links, I won't buy until it's out of "pre-order". Thanks for all you do!
Looks like love at first light to me 😂 and why not? Other than a guide camera and a few other accessories I haven’t really bought into the ZWO universe myself. This product however is as you say game-changing. Massively undercutting the similarly specced alternatives and providing a totally non-intimidating interface for absolute beginners. Who knows if they’re making anything at $500 but the Seestar looks like being a revolutionary product in the hobby and one that should bring a whole new group of people to the hobby. Also they definitely picked the right person to send it to 👍🏼 #ClearSkies
The best part about the Vespera is the mosaic mode to automatically do larger panoramas. It does them by moving small increments to gradually expand the total image field, so it effectively does dithering that way as well. I've done some manual mosaics with my eVscope2 using post-processing software, but that is clunky because with an alt-az mount it is hard to keep track of how your frames are lining up with each other and you sometimes end up with not enough overlap in some images or miss imaging a section. If ZWO adds a mosaic mode to the software for this telescope it would be absolutely brilliant. At any rate, I was waiting to see a review of this telescope before putting in a preorder, but this one looks brilliant and I love the included case. My main use case would be for travel and it looks like this will be super easy to travel with on a plane and so forth.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek hi, when you do a follow up, could you comment on the effectiveness of the dithering to remove the pattern noise, I think maybe my expectations were too high because you could still clearly see it in Scott’s review yesterday on UA-cam when he was processing n.America nebula. I thought dithering would get rid of that. It gets rid of it completely in the Vaonis mosaic mode algorythm but that uses a different procedure than regular dithering I think…. Anyway your thought would be appreciated to better understand
I had ordered mine back in June this year.. and after watching your video.. I am SOOoOooO excited!!! I've wanted to do astrophotography ever since I was little, [I'm 70 now!].. and this is a huge deal! I just traded away my 10" Dob to get this! Thank you for your video/review! I got excited along with you!
I enjoyed my Dob.. but I'm older now and I have a bad shoulder and could no longer lift it well. I do still have a 4.25" RFT - a classic: an Edmund Scientific Astroscan 2000.. So I can use it, and the Seestar..
I have a friend in my club who is significantly handicapped, and cannot really look through a telescope... his dad ordered one for him under my guidance and Im so happy to see this works well... he's going to love it
ZWO did discontinue the 462MC and replaced it with the 662MC. Looks like that older IMX462 is the key to being able to sell this scope for 500USD. the FOV is quite interesting with this very tiny sensor and the 250mm its still very deep - the eastern veil just fits into the FOV for instance. Its even ok for galaxies - M101 is big in this thing! now ZWO should make a wedge for it...
Thanks for the video - I preordered in May and can't wait to get it! I saw a lot of naysayers then talking about how you can get much better photos with other equipment, but I don't care about that. This looks easy and fun. When M13 was processing and getting clearer and clearer it made me a little emotional! Haha.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. If that thing works so well in a sea level megacity like Tokyo, I can only imagine how it would work at my place in the remote Wyoming mountains at 6,500 ft. Also, it would allow me to use this thing off my porch during our long winters, when the temperatures often reach -30 F, while viewing from my computer inside. Provided that this thing works at such low temperatures.
I really hope they add an eq mode for this, I think it could really add a lot to it, and extend the use cases a lot. I can imagine it enabling ~30s exposures which could really be a nice boost
@@CuivTheLazyGeek yeah I've seen in forums that it isn't very likely.... hopefully they change their minds eventually. I believe that they are going to make sub frames available though, so a bit of astrophotography will be possible. Very exciting nonetheless
This telescope is a real game changer. Smart telescopes had a lot of promise but were either too expensive or, in the case of the Dwarf, had too small an aperture to see a lot of interesting DSO's. Most hardcore astrophotographers won't really be interested but it's going to make astrophotography accessible and affordable for a lot of people. If they were to add more advanced capture capabilities or release a more high-end version with a larger sensor and maybe a custom narrowband filter then even the more serious astrophotographers will start lining up. Even at double the price it'll still significantly undercut the competitors.
Well, it certainly is bigger than the D2. Definitely cant take that on my overnight hikes very easy. I slip the D2 easily into my overnight backpack along with all my gear fairly easily. I've even done some light rock climbing with it. If you're just at home or traveling by car, this larger scope would be worth the extra size. For overnight hiking, or when we head out on day trips on our bikes or scooters we definitely all take our D2. They have very different use cases in my mind. I still use them both, but wouldn't say one is better than the other. I use the D2 way more. But now that Winter is coming, and I'll be traveling and hiking less, I'm sure I'll be using the S50 more. My daughter, who is almost 7, prefers the D2....but that could be because she's used to it though.
This should perform better than a Dwarf II, based on the objective lens size of 50 mm versus the Dwarfs tiny 12mm objective lens. That’s an increase in light gathering power of 4.34x. Also it will have better resolution but that will also depend on the image sensor.
@@Murray710 I just compare the two areas and calculate the ratio. Area of a 50mm lens is (25^2) x 3.14159 = 1,963.5 mm2 Area of a 12mm lens is (6^2) x 3.14159 = 113.1 mm2 Difference ratio is 1973.5/113.1 = 17.45 You are correct!!!
I have the Dwarf 2 and the bottom separated from the unit. I have to glue it back. However I have used it once or twice and am also very happy with it. It is less expensive than this unit and still can use plate solving, then image stacking to clear up and make DSO images. It is very easy to use and incredibly portable. I want to take it to the mountains, far away from city lights and really take a shot at the dark night sky with it. I do think this unit also looks great, with a beautiful interface. It likely takes better images than the Dwarf, which is why I will go for something much more expensive later on. Maybe the best that consumer smart astrophotography offers, like a $5k unit. I really don’t know what the market offers in terms of mid to high end units, but it is very exciting to have a growing ability to take amazing pictures of the moon, the planets, and deep sky objects!
Quite impressive! Even for diy nerds like me 😀 And I agree that devices like this one can bring great experience to a bigger base of people and to kids in schools f example br / cs
Wow! Amazing little system. Thanks for sharing. I placed an order, and I know it will take a little while until I receive mine. I wasn't sure if this would be something I'd used. I think I will. Thanks!
That is a very nice system. While I don't do much star gazing or even sky watching, I can definitely see where this could be used to just recording long distance shots. Very nice. I may have to look into this for use on my UA-cam channel. Thanks for the awesome review. Very thorough.
Looks fantastic I am waiting for mine to come at the moment. I look forward to your next in depth review of the Seestar. What make is the power bank you are using this would make a great addition to the setup.
Wow those are really good results! I never even knew of a smart telescope. It seems to work very well with filtering through light pollution. Nice video
Hi Cuiv and thanks for the review. What a great starter scope for those pondering to get into the hobby, before investing thousands and giving up. Great for kids. I see alot of Christmas trees with these under them!
What an excellent video, I ordered one of these and I am a newbe who knows very little about astronomy but I think I will be alright and I am eagerly awaiting more videos from you. May I say thank you very much.
Your passion and enthusiasm for all tech really shines through! As a casual astronomer who is time poor, this looks like a device that can really enhance my enjoyment of the night sky. I live in bortle 3 area, so not Tokyo 😂, I imagine the quality would be even more impressive. Thanks for the excellent first impressions!
I have never viewed one of these videos before but I am impressed. I need a simple device to use because I can't use my legs and my hands have little sensation and less dexterity. But I can press a button and am trained in astronomy but haven't been able to use the Nexstar Celestron Catadioptric computer guided scopes I have bought and the traditional, newer 6 inch apochromatic refractor is much too large to use with only my wife to provide physical assistance. Silly me, I actually wanted something larger than 6 inches but realize that a permanent site would be required. So I am seeking practical solutions that emphasize usability rather than capability though capability must be at adequate for basic planetary astrophotography. Now I will continue to watch and hopefully learn.
Wow Cuiv, that looks like a great little device, especially for someone new to the hobby and just starting out! But then we then we already knew the ASIAIR is good, so, you know!! 😀 Clear skies!
Great Review! ZWO will be very very happy with your review! Because I am not a astrophotographer.. just a wildlife photographer and your review has got me wanting to get one! Great Job Cuiv!!
I’m so excited for this! When can we expect a video about the photos it takes and possibly some darker sky photos? I don’t know what your upload schedule is but know this just came out recently!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek totally understand that! Love your passion in it and keep up the work! Looking at picking one of these up as I’m new to the Astro photography world (pun intended) and was wondering what I could expect to produce with it. Would love a direct comparison to the DWARF II so maybe take them both for the same night?
Cuiv, thanks again for a great review! This unit is more impressive than I thought I would be, it seems like a good unit to take when visiting friends and family for a fun and easy evening beneath the stars. I wish I would have taken advantage of the Intro-price, but I'm hoping they might run it once again. Thanks again!
@@Matrix9969 Yes, I agree, but now on ZWO's site, they are saying the $499 is an Intro-price. To me that's a indication of it increasing soon. But it's an amazing device.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek ZWO has a good rep when adding updates etc we will have to wait. I can see it being used more than my other setup just from ease of use and portability
I really like the carrying case. Its a good way to store and carry the scope without having to worry (as much) about damaging it. When they say it has "WiFi" capability, is it adhoc or just peer to peer? I usually likely to set my scope & mount up outside and then control them from inside the house where it is warmer. A basic web interface might be nice and could give better range than adhoc. I always consider a device needing a firmware update when you get a good thing. It means they are still actively developing and supporting the product. Another nice review!
Looks a great product Cuiv I look forward to watching more, If I were to buy one I'd probably fit some sort of solar finder as I used to go by the shadow method but found it to be a bit of a faff. Other than that it's looking good so far.
I had one of the original Meade electronic tracking optical telescopes back in the day, as well as a traditional Celestron optical telescope, this looks really neat!! The Meade telescope was a lot of work to get to track properly and the Celestron telescope was way beyond my skill level to set up and use properly. I may have to ck this out, thanks!!
Cuiv, you are right, it should allow control on integration time and number of exposures. 10 seconds is really short and, considering the 500 rule, it's on the safe side for star trailing, as you did mention. Hopefully they will consider those options, so it can be used as field scope, as a nearly one push button system.
Probably because of alt/z mode it is limited to 10s. Adding possibility to attach it to EQ wedge with in app polar aligment process would make it much more interesting for even advanced users.
Pre-Order Links for the ZWO SEESTAR S50!
tinyurl.com/3n62hpzx (Direct from Maker/ZWO)
bit.ly/3Mf9pAU (Agena Astro)
tinyurl.com/53suzkw5 (All Star Telescope)
bit.ly/45k7J1b (High Point Scientific)
Support me on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek
If you're planning on buying equipment (or anything from Amazon), it will help me if you first click the affiliate links in the description!
To anyone complaining about foul language in this video: I'm not aware of any in the video and have had others review it as well to be sure. There is one time at the end of the video where I say "No faffing around" which is a British idiom and is not vulgar. It is NOT the F word.
Yep, already pre ordered months ago
I'm going to buy one just because it is cool, portable, and inexpensive, however I am highly suspicious that the reason it can process deep sky images so fast and clear is because it is using an existing image database to layer its results (like my Samsung S20 Ultra's camera does with my zoom pics of the Moon)
@@anthonysuarez7416 Is this true? Does the software add images from catalogs?
Thank you for the review and I have one on order as of May 7th. I also have a stellina telescope. Since the price of the seestar telescope is low would there be an advantage to have more maybe UP24 to gather more light from the same object at the same time?
Being in a wheelchair I struggle using my star adventurer. This could be perfect for my situation. Great video.
That's a tough situation to be, glad such solutions can help!
Same situation here, about to sell my SA and other gear and get this.
Same here
My first time viewing your channel. You do an excellent job speaking with connected thoughts and easy to follow dialogue. You are a polished Geek, well done. Cheers!
Wow John, thanks so much for your feedback, it really means a lot :) Glad you enjoyed and I am a polished (but still lazy!) geek!
I love how much tech geeks you out. I can feel the excitement through the camera. Great stuff
Stellar review Cuiv! Really appreciate you taking the time to take some images as well. I knew you wouldn’t disappoint!
Glad you like them!
I’m so excited for this little scope. I’ve had it on pre order since day one! Great video and I love your excitement
Hope you receive yours soon!
So glad you got this for two reasons. 1. I have been considering getting one and look forward to your unbiased opinion. 2. I love watching you "geek out" with a new toy. Also appreciate the split screen showing the scope and the app at the same time. That is extremely helpful.
My pleasure Marvin, and thanks for your support as always! It's hard to not geek out on such a cool toy :D
I agree.
I want to share this with my sister for her grandkids for Christmas. They are interested in a telescope, but I don't think the word dummy and the f-word are appropriate.
@@js7un165 To be clear, the word dummy is taken directly from the series of books " for dummies" such as "astronomy for dummies". I don't think it's an inappropriate word if it's used on book titles that anyone can see when browsing at book stores? But then I'm not a native English speaker, so what do I know?
Also, the F-word was NOT used in this video (or any of my videos as far as I can remember). I say "faffing around" which is a British idiom as far as I understand, and is NOT vulgar.
well and truly loved this video. also loved that you were not ashamed to show your enthusiasm about this device. Well done.
Love your videos and glad you're re-energized with new gear. I ordered a SeeStar in late July during ZWO's presale $399 price. So, I'm very happy that you approve. I've heard that fit files will be available for additional processing. Thanks, Michael
The stacked fit files are available! I hope the intermediary ones will as well :)
Awesome video as always Cuiv, I also pre-ordered this for travel and outreach and have been quite excited for it, I would like to know also your take on the dual narrowband filter that it has. Also I am sure along with any flaws you may see, you usually have alot of solutions and workarounds on it. Your input has always been vital for us new to the hobby. Thank you.
Will delve deeper when I can!
As someone who has has never owned a telescope, knows nothing about astronomy, and randomly stumbled upon this video by accident. I must say I was very impressed with what it can do. I would seriously consider getting something like this if the technology and manufacturing processes can push the price under $500 CAD. This product really does deliver on the features that I would expect a smart telescope to do. I'm going to have to keep my eye on this. I fully support bringing astronomy to the masses. Thanks for the video!
So glad you stumbled on the video! It's really a great scope, and it will be amazing when they manage to get it even cheaper - thanks for watching & for the feedback and happy you enjoyed!
if you're looking for 1 under 500 check out the Dwarf 2 450 does the same thing as this one maybe a little better even
There is so much demand for it, that the price will probably go up. Not down. It's already an incredible bargain. Just order one now, and get on the 5 months waiting list if you want one.Its worth far more.
@@screedy1050That's not how prices work. Demand doesn't assume low stock.
You're definitely the best reviewer on the entire internet !!! I just watch your videos to learn your amazing style. Will tell others to be enlightened how to describe their things from tech to deep science with such ultimate clarity.
Just received my Seestar S50 and this tutorial was awesome! Thank you!
Wow! Super impressive! I had high hopes for the product, but your first impressions honestly shattered my expectations. Great job ZWO and great job on the video Cuiv!
Yep, I was surprised it was this good especially since ZWO was trying to tamper my expectations
i sugest you remove the video beacuse you posted your cordinates@@CuivTheLazyGeek
I cannot tell if I'm more excited by my pre-order because of the review or because your excitement at opening and using new astro gear is contagious. Thank you!
Hahaha I do get a bit over excited!
Did u get it by the end of November 23?
Thanks so much. It's awesome to see working. Waiting for mine to arrive. Please keep posting your impressions of this gear. Cheers.
Thanks, will do!
Hi Cuiv, thank you so much for this video! I have ordered the Seestar in April an can't wait to get it in my hands. ;) I could not resist to order. :) So, your video tells me to get right with this and shorten the waiting time. I am looking forward to your next videos about the Seestar. Kind regards and clear skies!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm on bortle 7 and was about to buy an 6" or 8" dobsobian to improve my experience from my current 70mm binoculars... but your review convinced me that under my daily conditions, realistically, this will be much more enjoyable to explore the sky from the city, so I just preordered one instead of the dobsonian. Thank you for your passion and clarity!
Apparently if you rotate the solar filter so the hole in the handle is vertical and on top of the device, if it is aligned towards the sun, the sun makes a line across the top of the scope to show that you are aligned with the sun.
Brilliant tip! Thank you!
When I first saw the filter I thought the hole was probably a pinhole solar finder! Clever idea.
And it will also allow the scope to close itself without knocking the filter out.
Awesome!! I'll test it out! Thanks for the tip!
I'm so confused. I've had so much fun with the Dwarf II because I'm not spending hours trying to align my redcat without a gt mount.
It is amazing how much technology is in these small telescopes. This is the third time I've watched this video, and I'm still in awe. However, its not for someone like myself.... this opens the door for so many more people. 😊
One minute into this new to me channel and I’m smiling so much my head is spinning.
Nice review, I’ve had vespera for a while and glad to see a more affordable option for people to experience robotics, they really are a pleasure
Absolutely!
Great video and great review. While I was always more fond of optics where you see things "for real" instead on on a screen, I completely agree with you. Inventions like this make astronomy accessible to so many people, so easily and I think that is nothing but a good thing. The more people that take an interest in astronomy, the more attention it will (hopefully) get.
Well said! :)
Amazing review Cuiv. Can't wait for your follow up reviews!
Thanks Mike!
I have one ordered from launch, hope they start shipping soon... love to see your first impressions cuiv - cant wait
Hope you get yours soon!
Superb video Cuiv, watched every second and thoroughly enjoyed it!! :-D I can't wait to get my hands on one of these!!
Thanks Luke!!! It's really a super cool instrument!
Mine came a few days ago. Love it. Use it on my balcony a few miles from Philadelphia and getting great results.
Awesome!
Ordered mine in July to go with D2 and Equinox 2, feels like each has a role, so much for lightweight astrophotography I will land up running all three.
Why choose when you can get them all?? Haha 😆
Very impressive! ZWO really knows how to have a great user experience! This will be competing with the more expensive smart telescopes in a big way, opening a huge door to everyone to get into astronomy and astrophotography 🙂 Your reactions were priceless 😀 I look forward to your adventures with your new toy! Clear Skies!
Totally agree Dave, and thanks for your feedback and support as always!
Thank you so so much. I've been away from astronomy for a while & didn't know how far the kit had come! Super interesting & engaging review. Going to check this out! First time to this channel, and you have a +1 sub !
Welcome to the channel and thank you :D
been waiting for mine since mid-April your review makes me all the more wanting.
Moved out into the country about 2 years ago and I am in a pretty dark spot with little light pollution. I have been day dreaming of astrophotography for years but the price for equipment has been out of reach for me. Until now.... *THANK YOU* for this amazing review. Looks like I'm getting a new toy for Christmas.
Oh wow, yes this should perform amazing in a dark spot!
I wasn't considering this, due to having about 5 telescopes and 3 cameras, but now I do. I have a location at my house that I do not want to put up my mount and scope, but I would consider placing this little thing there to photograph things that are otherwise blocked by buildings. Good job Cuiv! Awesome preview!
That's a super cool use case!
Yes... exactly!
This looks amazing! I'm glad the algorithm gave me this video, I definitely want to buy one. I'll bookmark your pre-order links, I won't buy until it's out of "pre-order". Thanks for all you do!
Glad you enjoyed! It's a cracking little scope :)
Excellent review, thank you and clear skies. Waiting for ours to arrive
Hope you enjoy it!
Looks like love at first light to me 😂 and why not? Other than a guide camera and a few other accessories I haven’t really bought into the ZWO universe myself. This product however is as you say game-changing. Massively undercutting the similarly specced alternatives and providing a totally non-intimidating interface for absolute beginners. Who knows if they’re making anything at $500 but the Seestar looks like being a revolutionary product in the hobby and one that should bring a whole new group of people to the hobby. Also they definitely picked the right person to send it to 👍🏼 #ClearSkies
The best part about the Vespera is the mosaic mode to automatically do larger panoramas. It does them by moving small increments to gradually expand the total image field, so it effectively does dithering that way as well. I've done some manual mosaics with my eVscope2 using post-processing software, but that is clunky because with an alt-az mount it is hard to keep track of how your frames are lining up with each other and you sometimes end up with not enough overlap in some images or miss imaging a section. If ZWO adds a mosaic mode to the software for this telescope it would be absolutely brilliant. At any rate, I was waiting to see a review of this telescope before putting in a preorder, but this one looks brilliant and I love the included case. My main use case would be for travel and it looks like this will be super easy to travel with on a plane and so forth.
I hope ZWO add a mosaic mode! It apparently already does dithering in the background!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek hi, when you do a follow up, could you comment on the effectiveness of the dithering to remove the pattern noise, I think maybe my expectations were too high because you could still clearly see it in Scott’s review yesterday on UA-cam when he was processing n.America nebula. I thought dithering would get rid of that. It gets rid of it completely in the Vaonis mosaic mode algorythm but that uses a different procedure than regular dithering I think…. Anyway your thought would be appreciated to better understand
I had ordered mine back in June this year.. and after watching your video.. I am SOOoOooO excited!!! I've wanted to do astrophotography ever since I was little, [I'm 70 now!].. and this is a huge deal! I just traded away my 10" Dob to get this! Thank you for your video/review! I got excited along with you!
Oh wow you said goodbye to your Dob?! But it's a really good machine for EAA for sure :)
I enjoyed my Dob.. but I'm older now and I have a bad shoulder and could no longer lift it well. I do still have a 4.25" RFT - a classic: an Edmund Scientific Astroscan 2000.. So I can use it, and the Seestar..
I have a friend in my club who is significantly handicapped, and cannot really look through a telescope... his dad ordered one for him under my guidance and Im so happy to see this works well... he's going to love it
ZWO did discontinue the 462MC and replaced it with the 662MC. Looks like that older IMX462 is the key to being able to sell this scope for 500USD. the FOV is quite interesting with this very tiny sensor and the 250mm its still very deep - the eastern veil just fits into the FOV for instance. Its even ok for galaxies - M101 is big in this thing! now ZWO should make a wedge for it...
OMG the results while live stacking are amazing.
They're impressive indeed
Thanks for the video - I preordered in May and can't wait to get it! I saw a lot of naysayers then talking about how you can get much better photos with other equipment, but I don't care about that. This looks easy and fun. When M13 was processing and getting clearer and clearer it made me a little emotional! Haha.
My pleasure! Hope you get yous soon!
New subscriber. Love this video and this product! Look forward to more content!
Your enthusiasm is contagious.
If that thing works so well in a sea level megacity like Tokyo, I can only imagine how it would work at my place in the remote Wyoming mountains at 6,500 ft.
Also, it would allow me to use this thing off my porch during our long winters, when the temperatures often reach -30 F, while viewing from my computer inside.
Provided that this thing works at such low temperatures.
You looks like a child eagerly unwrapping a Christmas present☺️
Eunjung! Nice to see you here! Hahaha yes I am a child eagerly unwrapping a Christmas present hehe
I love the excitement in this guys voice!! God bless!!
Thanks!
You always bring a smile to my face. Thanks
Always a pleasure :) And thank you for your support!
I really hope they add an eq mode for this, I think it could really add a lot to it, and extend the use cases a lot. I can imagine it enabling ~30s exposures which could really be a nice boost
I don't think it's in the cards...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek yeah I've seen in forums that it isn't very likely.... hopefully they change their minds eventually. I believe that they are going to make sub frames available though, so a bit of astrophotography will be possible. Very exciting nonetheless
With in app polar aligment process it would be then really easy to align it properly even for beginers.
What a GREAT review and a great channel. Hi from Sydney 🙂 Can't wait to get my S50 soon
This telescope is a real game changer. Smart telescopes had a lot of promise but were either too expensive or, in the case of the Dwarf, had too small an aperture to see a lot of interesting DSO's. Most hardcore astrophotographers won't really be interested but it's going to make astrophotography accessible and affordable for a lot of people.
If they were to add more advanced capture capabilities or release a more high-end version with a larger sensor and maybe a custom narrowband filter then even the more serious astrophotographers will start lining up. Even at double the price it'll still significantly undercut the competitors.
Yep, I agree - this really makes the hobby accessible
Well, it certainly is bigger than the D2.
Definitely cant take that on my overnight hikes very easy. I slip the D2 easily into my overnight backpack along with all my gear fairly easily. I've even done some light rock climbing with it.
If you're just at home or traveling by car, this larger scope would be worth the extra size.
For overnight hiking, or when we head out on day trips on our bikes or scooters we definitely all take our D2.
They have very different use cases in my mind. I still use them both, but wouldn't say one is better than the other. I use the D2 way more.
But now that Winter is coming, and I'll be traveling and hiking less, I'm sure I'll be using the S50 more.
My daughter, who is almost 7, prefers the D2....but that could be because she's used to it though.
This is brilliant, I want one! Thank you for the excellent review! I hope they let you keep the unit.
Fingers crossed!
For travelling this is perfect. I am looking especially forward to videos, when you have had it for a time, and really can max it out. 👍👍👍
Absolutely!
This should perform better than a Dwarf II, based on the objective lens size of 50 mm versus the Dwarfs tiny 12mm objective lens. That’s an increase in light gathering power of 4.34x. Also it will have better resolution but that will also depend on the image sensor.
I'm not familiar with either product, but Isn't it more like 17.3x the light-gathering power? If it's 50^2/12^2.
@@Murray710 I just compare the two areas and calculate the ratio.
Area of a 50mm lens is (25^2) x 3.14159 = 1,963.5 mm2
Area of a 12mm lens is (6^2) x 3.14159 = 113.1 mm2
Difference ratio is 1973.5/113.1 = 17.45
You are correct!!!
I've got the dwarf 2 and I am extremely happy at the pictures that this little telescope has take.
I have the Dwarf 2 and the bottom separated from the unit. I have to glue it back. However I have used it once or twice and am also very happy with it. It is less expensive than this unit and still can use plate solving, then image stacking to clear up and make DSO images. It is very easy to use and incredibly portable. I want to take it to the mountains, far away from city lights and really take a shot at the dark night sky with it.
I do think this unit also looks great, with a beautiful interface. It likely takes better images than the Dwarf, which is why I will go for something much more expensive later on. Maybe the best that consumer smart astrophotography offers, like a $5k unit. I really don’t know what the market offers in terms of mid to high end units, but it is very exciting to have a growing ability to take amazing pictures of the moon, the planets, and deep sky objects!
Ditch D2
Cuiv, thanks for the great video. Looking forward to receiving mine soon.
Hope you enjoy it!
The Owen Wilson reference got me! Thanks Cuiv for this video ❤️
Wow! ;)
Quite impressive!
Even for diy nerds like me 😀
And I agree that devices like this one can bring great experience to a bigger base of people and to kids in schools f example
br / cs
Absolutely!
Hi Cuiv, do these telescopes systems have dithering capability?, otherwise...a lot of noise, best regards !
Yep, dithering is now built into the app. Big improvement between first beta test models released and the production models now out.
Wow! Amazing little system. Thanks for sharing. I placed an order, and I know it will take a little while until I receive mine. I wasn't sure if this would be something I'd used. I think I will. Thanks!
Your videos and passion are awesome. Keep going!
I appreciate that!
Celestron need to take notes and update their outdated telescopes.
That is a very nice system. While I don't do much star gazing or even sky watching, I can definitely see where this could be used to just recording long distance shots. Very nice. I may have to look into this for use on my UA-cam channel. Thanks for the awesome review. Very thorough.
Have ordered mine, many thanks for the review...
Loved your video. Great work! 😀
Ok. I’m liking this Telescope. I’m really thinking about getting this one. Thank you for sharing this video. 👍
I want this. I'm buying it. Love the channel. I'm new to the channel but what a cracking video to start with. Subscribed ❤
I'm not really into astronomy but after watching this, I really want this Seestar S50. Your enthusiasm is infectious 😄
Hahaha you should get it and get into astronomy ;)
I ordered mine a while ago...hopefully it gets here before the April 8th eclipse here in the states. Great review and now I'm even more excited.
It should be in time!
Excellent initial review! WOW!
Glad you liked it!
Looks fantastic I am waiting for mine to come at the moment. I look forward to your next in depth review of the Seestar. What make is the power bank you are using this would make a great addition to the setup.
Thanks, I should be getting mine in a few months. I have the eVscope and Vespera already, great scopes.
Wow those are really good results! I never even knew of a smart telescope. It seems to work very well with filtering through light pollution. Nice video
Hi Cuiv and thanks for the review. What a great starter scope for those pondering to get into the hobby, before investing thousands and giving up. Great for kids. I see alot of Christmas trees with these under them!
Yes it's a great timing for ZWO to ship this, will make Christmas for budding astronomers :)
Really great video, I want one! Thanks for sharing.
Had no idea I wanted this but now I do. Thanks
What an excellent video, I ordered one of these and I am a newbe who knows very little about astronomy but I think I will be alright and I am eagerly awaiting more videos from you. May I say thank you very much.
Welcome aboard!
I have one on pre-order since they were first announced. Can't wait for it to be shipped. Woooohooooo!
Fingers crossed you get it soon!
It is great to see your excitement
Your passion and enthusiasm for all tech really shines through! As a casual astronomer who is time poor, this looks like a device that can really enhance my enjoyment of the night sky. I live in bortle 3 area, so not Tokyo 😂, I imagine the quality would be even more impressive. Thanks for the excellent first impressions!
Bortle 3 is paradise...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek comparatively yes!!! I admire your persistence in horrible light pollution.
Thanks for the super detailed review! ✨👍
My pleasure, more to come :)
I have never viewed one of these videos before but I am impressed. I need a simple device to use because I can't use my legs and my hands have little sensation and less dexterity. But I can press a button and am trained in astronomy but haven't been able to use the Nexstar Celestron Catadioptric computer guided scopes I have bought and the traditional, newer 6 inch apochromatic refractor is much too large to use with only my wife to provide physical assistance. Silly me, I actually wanted something larger than 6 inches but realize that a permanent site would be required. So I am seeking practical solutions that emphasize usability rather than capability though capability must be at adequate for basic planetary astrophotography. Now I will continue to watch and hopefully learn.
Thanks for the video. Well done as always.
Thank you!
I am blown away by its performance and versatility! I must own one...
Hahaha my feeling exactly!
Thank you Cuiv ! I would love one. Arizona/Tucson
Wow Cuiv, that looks like a great little device, especially for someone new to the hobby and just starting out! But then we then we already knew the ASIAIR is good, so, you know!! 😀
Clear skies!
Definitely an impressive beginner scope!
Great Review! ZWO will be very very happy with your review! Because I am not a astrophotographer.. just a wildlife photographer and your review has got me wanting to get one! Great Job Cuiv!!
Make sure you know the resolution of the sensor before you buy it. For wildlife it may not be as good as for astronomy.
@@luboinchina3013 Thanks but I wasn't intending to use it for wildlife.. lol.
I’m so excited for this! When can we expect a video about the photos it takes and possibly some darker sky photos? I don’t know what your upload schedule is but know this just came out recently!
Whenever I can! I do have bad weather and a full time job to contend with!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek totally understand that! Love your passion in it and keep up the work! Looking at picking one of these up as I’m new to the Astro photography world (pun intended) and was wondering what I could expect to produce with it. Would love a direct comparison to the DWARF II so maybe take them both for the same night?
I am super excited for mine, sure I have expensive gear but I love mini tech like this!
Cuiv, thanks again for a great review!
This unit is more impressive than I thought I would be, it seems like a good unit to take when visiting friends and family for a fun and easy evening beneath the stars.
I wish I would have taken advantage of the Intro-price, but I'm hoping they might run it once again.
Thanks again!
What was the intro price?? 500USD is already super impressive
It was 400usd. 100 Discount... Really good Entry Price. Even at 500usd it still a bargain.
@@Matrix9969 Yes, I agree, but now on ZWO's site, they are saying the $499 is an Intro-price. To me that's a indication of it increasing soon.
But it's an amazing device.
Wow, $400? I think the Dwarf II cost me $350. I really like it, but this unit looks to be superior to it-just not nearly as portable.
〝我不明白妳說什麼…！🤣
Always enjoy your videos, informative and funny!
Thanks so much! :D
Like many waiting on my pre-order ,what a great grab and go setup, apparently a pro app is being looked at. As always a great honest review
I wonder what the pro app would include!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek ZWO has a good rep when adding updates etc we will have to wait. I can see it being used more than my other setup just from ease of use and portability
I really like the carrying case. Its a good way to store and carry the scope without having to worry (as much) about damaging it.
When they say it has "WiFi" capability, is it adhoc or just peer to peer? I usually likely to set my scope & mount up outside and then control them from inside the house where it is warmer. A basic web interface might be nice and could give better range than adhoc.
I always consider a device needing a firmware update when you get a good thing. It means they are still actively developing and supporting the product.
Another nice review!
Great details Cuiv
Thank you! Cheers!
Looks a great product Cuiv I look forward to watching more, If I were to buy one I'd probably fit some sort of solar finder as I used to go by the shadow method but found it to be a bit of a faff.
Other than that it's looking good so far.
Just placed an order for one! Just the perfect grab and go fun camping rig! Wow!
Yes indeed!
I had one of the original Meade electronic tracking optical telescopes back in the day, as well as a traditional Celestron optical telescope, this looks really neat!! The Meade telescope was a lot of work to get to track properly and the Celestron telescope was way beyond my skill level to set up and use properly. I may have to ck this out, thanks!!
Yes, I had the ETX125 as my first "serious" scope and I know the feeling - this feels like an advanced version of it :)
Great review! I am very impressed with this scope. I'm sure it will only get better as the firmware and APP are updated.
Agreed!
Cuiv, you are right, it should allow control on integration time and number of exposures. 10 seconds is really short and, considering the 500 rule, it's on the safe side for star trailing, as you did mention. Hopefully they will consider those options, so it can be used as field scope, as a nearly one push button system.
Probably because of alt/z mode it is limited to 10s. Adding possibility to attach it to EQ wedge with in app polar aligment process would make it much more interesting for even advanced users.
I can hardly wait for mine to arrive enjoyed the vid now do some galaxies please
Honestly need one of these to do outreach events with since i deal with younger children. This is a game changer!
For outreach it's amazing