MUST-HAVE Accessory for the Seestar S50! CHEAP but effective tripod leveler
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- It's a simple tripod leveler - let's have a look at how to use it :)
Tripod leveler (cheap version): amzn.to/3v9EAZF
Tripod leveler (slightly less cheap version but looks identical): amzn.to/3NBbxUW
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Just as Cuiv makes his video, ZWO comes out with their three point Automatic Stars level calibration feature. It doesn't work great yet, but I know ZWO will make it work great, the way they've done w/ all the other features. Still, I also recommend the LP-64 leveler, and always level initially when I set up Seestar.
this is true
Yep, and I had no idea!! I kind of hope they make that feature perfect, or give the ability to turn it off, as it seems it's causing issues to some users!
it definitely needs the ability to turn off...love your channel@@CuivTheLazyGeek
I bought the Neewer leveler from Amazon that is cam locked with a single lever. It works well also and fits in the storage box under the tripod. By the way, when I use the bubble level before attaching the S50, the leveling routine never even appears so the S50 must sense that the level is acceptable even though I only used the bubble. Finally, the style of leveler with the three screws is similar to manual levelers on some surveying transits. The screws are meant to be turned in pairs in the same rotation direction. If they are turned in opposite directions, they will begin to put the top plate in a bind.
Leveling with the legs has been a little awkward. Glad to learn about this. Thanks!
leveling the seestar is the only complaint I have. Its a pain in the butt... I bought this leveler and cant wait to see if it helps...
Just ordered this leveller, because it’s easier to get the mount as level as possible before mounting the scope. I’ll correct it using the software, just to keep the machine happy, but this way I know I’m in the ballpark. 🇨🇦😎
I used to use one of those leveling things, for landscape photography. I now use a bowl head tripod and a gear head, so I sold mine to a fellow member of my astronomy society who bought a seestar. good quality and smooth to use.
Hi Cuiv, after coming across your video, I purchased a tripod leveller from a UK supplier, which came almost the next day (£29 + postage). For anyone that has got the Seestar s50, this accessory is a must. I had the scope levelled to within 0.1 in less than 30 seconds.
One thing I would add is that before attaching to the tripod, turn all the adjusting knobs so that they sit somewhere in the middle, this allows movement both up and down. Next thing, is a taller tripod :)
leveling the seestar is the only complaint I have. Its a pain in the butt... I bought this leveler and cant wait to see if it helps...
I watched this video as my S50 was being shipped, so I ordered the tripod leveler based on your input. Excelent recommendation. Much more difficult leveling by adjusting just the legs. A few minutes gets me to 0.0 - 0.1 level. I also had to address the shortness of the tripod. I'm old and not very flexible, needed the S50 higher. Tried a Amazon special and discovered it to be too wiggly. Returned. Bit the bullet and bought the ZWO TC40. Perfect, really solid. I'll be ready for the AM5 if/when I transition up.
Here in the uk, they are £30 from shops. i went to Aliexpress and got 1 for £10. very well made and works great
Yeah I got one of these for my SeeStar and makes it so much easier to level than adjusting the legs.
This is a surprising coincidence. I have several leveling heads (I bought them for MSM tracker). I was fideling with the tripod legs, and as you said, awkward. I used one. Now you release this video a few hours later.
I wasn't spying on you ;)
I've already got the Neewer version: so much easier to level than messing with the tripod legs. Unfortunately, I've not had a clear night were I am in the UK since I got it.
Hope you get clear skies soon!
Brilliant idea. I already own one of those levellers and never thought to use it. Thank you!
i actually LOL when you said enjoy the awkward silence. Thanks for the great videos. Actually thinking about getting a seestar
I fully agree: Get off the ground as far as possible (e.g. a balcony works wonders concerning image distortion due to thermally-induced turbulences).
Hello Cuiv, I have the Neewer leveler, and I really like it, it makes it so easy to get the SeestarS50 perfectly level quickly.
Ahhh, a very nice accessory to have for the Seestar S50. My plan is to get the Seestar after the first of the year and it is great that you have the other useful accessories included as well. I can see the Seestar being used for when I do outreach for EAA. It also will be fun to take along when I take my main imaging rig out to a dark site. Easy to setup and use to pass the time while astro-imaging..
Very good tip Cuiv. I had a Siriu leveler lying around that I use on the SeeStar. Must have!
I think a external filter add-on that uses magnets would be great.
Even better if SeeStar S50 next gen would have magnets built into it to hold things.
Yep, kind of a "Pro" version!
Those are called tribrachs and are used in surveying to get your theodolite/level 'close' to level and then you use the bubble levels on the instrument to fine level it. They can run you anywhere from $200-$600 and having accuracies of 1 to 5 seconds of arc of being level. The description of the Desmond tribrach doesn't list its accuracy but I imagine it's more than you need for the scope.
Thanks for the info!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek No problem! I happen to be a licensed land surveyor in my spare time! :p
I think in general, one of these is worth it for a grab and go setup: I use a leofoto LB-75 on my az-gti & 127 mak/102 refractor, and its such less a pain in the bum levelling it. Honestly never thought about using it on the seestar.
Man that's so much easier than leveling with the legs lol!! :-D Great item and great vid demonstrating it!
Also a good magnetic cable is great. It's a matter of just leaving the magnetic usb plugged in the seestar, make it easy to charge in tgd field without plugging and unplugged a USB cable. Also if it snags just pops off
Thanks! The less expensive unit isn't available on the Amazon US site and it says they don't know if it will be again. So I ordered the Neewer version.
Hope it works out well for you!
I have the LP-64 and I must say it works ok if you use the included tripod on a very level surface like a table, but is almost impossible to use on the ground or any uneven surface because it requires so much force to adjust that it moves the tripod around.
Your enthusiasm with Seestar is noteworthy. Could you also at some point produce a pixinsight workflow tutorial of Seestar images. Thank you.
It's in the plans - so many things are in the plans....!
Seems also nice for when you use the S50 on a table without legs
True!
Hi Cuiv and thanks. Im still holding out on the seestar, seeing improvements already happening. I know if i get one now 6 months they'll come out with one with a rotater. Already have gear sitting on shelf obsolete ,and only a year old.😢
I was looking into this but now received the firmware update with Horizontal levelling. This was hit and miss last night which I think is due to horizon being blocked in some directions. Guess that when the Horizontal levelling check fails it falls back to using sensor level as before so a good initial levelling would still be beneficial.
Yeah. Save your money. This video came out a day late. lol 😂
what are the two knurled nuts about. I thought the smaller one would lock the larger one, but doesn't seem to.
I miss my old balcony,.. I could do ”some” stargazing from there,.. now I have to out in the cold and with heavy equipment. Not fun when you live in an apartment and have to go a bit to see darker areas.
I went with the Newer just
One locking lever dead easy only not native 3/8 on top so have to use the 1/4 to 3/8 adapter supplied
Its a nice idea, but the SeeStars only needs to be levelled to a factor or 2.0. Also given the exposure times of up to 30 secs you're not going to need much more than that. Granted, the device could have its uses if on an unstable platform, otherwise, a bit overkill
would you mind giving a tutorial on using the SeeStar for the solar eclipse coming up on 4/8 in the US, regards
Is this still necessary if you intend to use the Seestar in polar alignment?
Hello! Great information. I am thinking getting the SeeStar S50, but wonder how go is it with the Milky Way?
With a three point level you always twist 2 knobs simultaneously and in opposite directions, that is why it took you so long. Levelling this tripod will take 10-20 seconds.
Thanks for your review on this accessory. I have a Vaonis Vespera. Do you know if this will work with this smart telescope?
A bahtinov mask? Does this scope require 😮 collimation?
Thanks i bought this, its perfect!
Got mine ordered, but question..............I do not see a charger in the kit, what kind do I need for this unit................know it is usb-c, but what about charger output volts/amps?
Excellent idea Cuiv! I used a similar leveler on my tripod for my SkyGuider Pro. It even though that was a EQ mount, it's not guided os leveling is more critical! Are those locking rings on the leveling knobs? If so that's a lot better than mine 🙂 Clear skies mate!
hey there... you seem friendly enough to ask this question. From your suggestion I bought the addon items like the filter holder that fits the seestars. Can you help me figure out what size filters this that. I assume it makes it where you can use camera filters in it but I want to buy a filter and cannot figure out what will work size wise. Any info about this? Thank you...
In astrophoto they're referred to as 2 inch filters, very common size!
Love the vids dude. You think ZWO will ever add EQUATORIAL mode to this little scope? I know Skywatcher did for the GTI. Would be an easy update imo and make this scope even better!
Maybe, maybe not? I think it would be difficult to balance properly with its one arm structure
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I hope so. If not I'm sure someone out there would mod it someday considering how popular the device is.
New feature "Automatic Horizon Calibration" shall make precise leveling non more needed. ZWO told us that in their official Facebook Group... can you make a video about this? Many people have problems with this especially if you have a lot of obstruction around.
Dang, I had no idea, ZWO moves too fast! I wonder to what extent this will work!
cannot test here, rain, rain, rain,...@@CuivTheLazyGeek
Does the rubber friction ring on the accessory interfere with the base of the Seestar? - it looks awfully close with the rubber friction ring around the centre hole of the seestar and the outside area of the accessory - This would potentially cause uneccessary friction on the motors if they are touching??
quick question if we ask zwo to update the firmware and put the seestar on a wedge it could turn into a equatorial scope, like skywatcher did with the gti grab and go mount
Really neat! Why couldn't I use it for my Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount? Could it support the mount plus an eight pound optical tube and camera?
I know next to nothing about photography of the sun and its prominences, but would it be possible to get an Ha prominence filter and use it with the Seestar s50 to get photos of a prominence?
Update: I have learned just enough to know the answer is no.
Can you put it on antsy tripod? I was out last night for the first time with Seestar. And I noticed that if I placed Seestar on my taller tripod for another scope, Seestar wasn’t rotating. Any idea why?
Can Seestar S50 track the launch of a SpaceX falcoln 9 or the Starship?
It's already sold out and unavailable. But it looks like Neewer is better with thumb screws that lock the leveling.
I have the Neewer leveler and like it so far.
I have the Neewer, too. Nice. I do a bubble leveling first, then screw on the seestar and finish up leveling using the green circles.
Can NOT find this on Amazon. WHAT is it called? Among other issues learning to use my Seestar, leveling is a pain! Would LOVE this piece of kit!
The dual band filter in the S50 is probably similar/exactly to ZWO retail filter about $79. What's your thoughts on using C1 or D1? Would I see improvement? Thanks
Would this fit on a Vespera? Thank you in advance.
hello sir, how can livestream in the phone with seestar ?
Hey man, I see that a bunch of people are using eq mode with this... any update?🙂
That's indeed good stuff.
Yep, although I now learn that ZWO just added Horizon automatic leveling, which may make this thing obsolete lol
Do you think any of these all in one solutions will eventually support an equatorial wedge as an optional upgrade? Seems like the next logical step.
The dwarf2 already does.
@@bartholomule oh cool!
Mine doesnt have three? im confused here
I just also got this leveller two weeks ago, but it seems the new firmware update had fixed the levelling issues, now is auto levelling?
I wasn't aware of that! Even in the new firmware it says values less than 2 degrees are fine for the level, so maybe the tolerance is higher?
Work great for me
Doubt you need this w the new software update
I just purchased the Seestar. Although it can locate the planets and Nebulae, not the sun? I called Hightpointscientific support department. They were of little help. Any suggestions?
Watched a video. Hold your hand in back of the seestar, pan horizontally until the sun shines through the space between the body and lens section. Pan vertical until the sun is centered on your screen. It works.
One thing i noticed the bubble in tripod is not responsive
How stable is the level once you achieve it? I'm concerned that with the leveling knobs not locked, it will drift over time.
You can "lock" them by turning two of the screws in the opposite direction. It will however, place the top plate in a bind and affect the level.
Thanks!
the seestar leveling app needs to be updated for a better interface.
BTW.... Buy the SeeStar, Its Amazing, never took so many AstroPic in last 5 yrs
Honestly, Why are folk purchasing this??? You don't need it at ll.
As long as you have a flat level surface, do both calibrations on the app especially after each app update, get the tripod set up outside, either the one that comes with it or preferable a larger , sturdy tripod, check with small spirit level, plonk on the Seestar. I find having the power button side facing East or West, doesn't matter which, power on and your good to go! Never had issues tracking the Sun, Moon or DSO's.
Help! Anyone that bought a Neewer (or similar) lp64 tripod leveler.
How is it supposed to work? I just got one. I was playing around with it out of the box and the bottom screw, washer, and spring fell out! How tight are they supposed to be? Is the spring supposed to act as a lock washer or screws don't come out?
The instructions that came with my model (Neewer) are very poor.
It looks like the top wheels are to be tightened down once you have the level set?
I'm an engineer but this is not intuitive.
leveler is not in stock for now
I REALLY want this but, can NOT find anything REMOTELY resembling this product on Amazon so, guess I am painstakingly adjusting tripod extensions for 10 minutes each time😒
With the latest firmware update that introduced Automatic Horizon Calibration there’s no need for accurate levelling, so less need for this type of device.
Yep, just learned that from the comments, although for now people are having trouble with that feature it seems
The SeeStar S50 has turned out to be my Gateway Drug to astrophotography... I see a new refractor, mount, tripod, camera, etc. in my future along with a sizeable dent in my wallet...
ZWO is the "pusher" - it's all their fault!
Hahaha well, take good care of your wallet ;)
I just posted a comment on your original Seestsr unboxing video "the budget smart telescope we've been waiting for". Please read it. I have an auto focusing issue with DSO'S. It does autofocus on terrestrial and the moon. Any ideas?
No idea, sorry...
I'm up against a wall. Highpoint is giving me the cold shoulder. I DON'T want to deal with ZWO directly. Actually Highpoint told me to watch your videos. High praise, which you deserve.
@@mikehardy8247Have you tried manually focussing and then setting the default focus value in the settings. This may help with subsequent auto focus.
did you try to get at least one really bright star in the middle and check if it works then?
remove the springs or it does flex.
Not available. You must have sold them out... 🙂
"Painful" to adjust the tripod in the field? Yea maybe, if you have crippling rheumatoid arthritis. Do you?
No but I do have a crushed vertebra. Who are you to judge?
Even with the new software I will always do a balance check, also handy if you bump it in the dark thanks for your time , keep up the good work .PS I also started a facebook Seestar group called Zwo Seestar S50 over a month ago and now have 1,700+ users from all over the World , would it be ok to feature your youtube videos with a link ? Also, feel free to add any tips , tricks and pictures that you have. Or just pop on and say hello as you can probably introduce your channel and get more exposure. Just because your Lazy but great lol