I attended the January club meeting and enjoyed the presentation about smart telescopes! I was ready to preorder the Seestar S30 Pro, but I am starting to wonder if the Dwarf 3 might be slightly more future-proof given its better resolution per pixel and more ability to modify the exposure settings (although perhaps ZWO has made updates in the app to allow this). I am upgrading from a Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera on a star tracker, so either of these will give me better views of nebulas and galaxies. I intend to use my Nikon for astro landscapes and Milky Way, and the smart telescope for nebulas and galaxies. Does anyone consider a Dwarf 3 to be more future proof?
I should clarify what I mean by “future proof”. I understand that the S30 Pro has a newer sensor and a better telescope (4-element, although only 30 mm), but as my skill in the hobby increases will I find its limited resolution to be a drawback compared to the better resolution per pixel offered by the Dwarf 3?
I just ordered up the SeeStar S30 Pro. I already have the S50 and wanted the wider fields of view. I can also run them both from one device and app. I missed the meeting so not sure if there was a Dwarf 3 demonstration. I looked at the comparison chart on Mitche’s post and the S30 Pro was recommended for more objects except for one which my S50 covers that one. I had that same decision just before the Dwarf 3 was available and ended up going for the S50. I’m sure there are some Dwarf 3 owners in the club that can give you more information about how they like that device.
https://youtu.be/X4_S8Z67EJ0?si=2OznATAtN6tuKcCe
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I decided to preorder the Seestar S30 Pro after watching many reviews on YouTube. It will serve me well until I can afford a traditional astrophotography rig. Thanks for the reply!
I love the Seestar lineup. I have the S50 Imaging M45 mosaic on Station mode right now as I am warm and comfy inside. EQ mode, 10-second subs, Stacked 461, Ignored 2.
S30 pro on the way as well.
Popular in the club as well so we can help each other out if needed.
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Thanks Casey. I am looking forward to using station mode from the warm house, just as you described it. The ability to stack images from my back yard using the light pollution filters is very appealing, and I am sure I will learn the DSOs much more quickly this way compared to occasionally driving outside the city and fumbling around my star tracker on a dirt road. I would like to get a better tripod and a 3-way geared head (thinking it will serve for EQ mode and also for daytime photography). What do you use for your tripod and head? I’m considering a beefy Artcise CT80C tripod (legs only) and a K&F Concepts or Benro 3-way geared head. I know that tripod is overkill for this small Seestar but it might be good in the future for a traditional harmonic drive mount.
I just ordered up a different wedge to try on my S30 Pro when it comes in. Check out this YouTube video it sounds pretty good. I’ll let you know how it works when it comes in.
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I use the tripod from my AZ-GTI, usually without the legs extended. Also a fluid head for EQ mode and the leveler plate can be useful.
I will probably pick up the Skywatcher wedge soon.
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I’m using the Sky Watcher wedge on my S50. The one in the YouTube video sounded like it might work out better. Will find out once it gets here. Will see how it compares trying it on my S50. Going to see if the S50 tripod would be usable on the S30 Pro in EQ mode.
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I had the same thought about the S50 tripod for the S30 Pro. I’m holding off on ordering another tripod until my S30 pro gets here and can be tested.
I do find myself thinking about a TC40 tripod though. Overkill I know.
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Thanks Dave and Casey for the great advice. I’ll be curious to hear how the MSM wedge works for you!
The MSM wedge came in and should work out well in Oklahoma. The only downside is it goes from 0 - 60 degrees. That means with the way the SeeStar is setup for EQ mode you would not be able to use it below 30 degrees.
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Nice, Dave. Hope to see it at an event sometime.
I just got my Sky-Watcher wedge yesterday and am hoping for some clear skies to test the tracking. Maybe tomorrow.