The ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope is designed to make astrophotography accessible and simple for those new to astronomy or those who want to maximize their time under the stars. Combining advanced optics, intelligent features, and user-friendly controls, it offers a seamless experience for capturing and sharing celestial images from a company well known for its astroimaging products.
You can scroll down to the end of this article to view a video review of the ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope by the team at High Point Scientific.
The ZWO Seestar S30 is a compact and affordable alternative to the ZWO Seestar S50, offering accessible astrophotography with a shorter focal length for a wider field of view. Designed with a dual-lens system, the S30 provides enhanced versatility for both astronomical and terrestrial photography, allowing users to switch effortlessly between capturing intricate celestial details and expansive sky views.
Equipped with both telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the Seestar S30 enables seamless transitions between detailed close-ups and sweeping panoramic shots. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for imaging a variety of astronomical objects, from sharp planetary details to broad nebulae and galaxies. Its 30mm f/5 apochromatic triplet lens, which includes an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element, ensures sharp, high-quality images with minimal chromatic aberration. The 150mm focal length is particularly well-suited for capturing large celestial targets such as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
At the heart of the ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope is a Sony IMX662 sensor with Starvis 2 technology, capable of full HD 1080p color imaging. This advanced sensor offers high sensitivity and low noise, making it ideal for deep-sky astrophotography, even in long-exposure settings. The telescope is fully controlled through a dedicated smartphone app, which provides automatic star-finding, tracking, and imaging functions. Users can select from specialized modes tailored for imaging solar system objects, deep-sky targets, and even scenic landscapes with ease.
To enhance imaging quality, the Seestar S30 includes multiple filters designed for astrophotography, such as a dark field filter to reduce noise during long exposures and a light pollution filter to improve clarity in urban environments. Weighing just 1.65 kg (3.64 lbs.) and measuring 8.3” x 5.5” x 3.1”, this telescope is highly portable and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for both casual stargazers and dedicated astrophotographers.
The Seestar S30 is powered by an internal battery that provides up to 6 hours of continuous operation (or 4 hours in video mode). For extended imaging sessions, it features a USB-C port, allowing it to be powered by an external source. Combining portability, smart automation, and high-performance imaging, the ZWO Seestar S30 is a powerful yet accessible tool for exploring the night sky.
The ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope specifications include:
– Main Lens: 30 mm aperture, f/5 apochromatic triplet with Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass
– Focal Length: 150 mm
– Secondary Lens: Wide-angle lens with a 23.2° field of view Imaging Sensors:
– Main Camera Sensor: Sony IMX662, 1/2.8″ sensor, 1920 x 1080 resolution (2.1 MP), 2.9 µm pixel size, 12-bit ADC, 0.8 e- read noise, 38.2 ke- full-well capacity, 91% quantum efficiency
– Secondary Camera Sensor: Color sensor with 1920 x 1080 resolution
– Integrated Filters: Dual-narrowband filter, UV/IR cut filter, dark field filter
– Solar Observation: Includes a snap-on magnetic solar filter
– Wireless: Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Bluetooth
– Wired: USB Type-C port
– Battery Capacity: 6000 mAh
– Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of continuous use; up to 4 hours in video mode
– Charging: USB Type-C port; charging temperature range: 0°C to 40°C
– Dimensions: 210 mm x 140 mm x 80 mm (8.3″ x 5.5″ x 3.1″)
– Weight: 1.65 kg (3.64 lbs.)
– Storage: 64 GB internal eMMC
– Mount Type: Alt-azimuth with a fixed-leg ultra-compact tripod
– Slew Rate: 1x to 1440x
– Operating Temperature: Recommended range: 10°C to 40°C
You can learn more about the ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope here.
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