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Every scope we cover

Every make and model we cover, side by side: official imagery, the specs that matter, and where to buy. Prices and availability move fast in this category; treat them as a snapshot and click through for today's numbers.

These are not affiliate links. We earn no commission, revenue, or sponsorship from any equipment recommended here. These are simply our top choices, prepared to help you learn the night sky and capture the best photos of the cosmos in the most convenient way possible.

SeestarThe ZWO Seestar family

ZWO Seestar S30

ZWO

Seestar S30

The friendliest on-ramp in the hobby

$399
Aperture
30 mm f/5
Sensor
Sony IMX662 STARVIS 2
Resolution
Full HD (1080p)
Weight
1.65 kg (3.6 lb)
Field of view
Wide, flatters big targets
Extras
Built-in filters, GoTo, live stacking

Best for: First-scope buyers on a budget; big showpieces like Andromeda and the Pleiades.

ZWO Seestar S30 Pro

ZWO

Seestar S30 Pro

The most flexible Seestar today

~$599-699
Aperture
30 mm, 160 mm focal length
Sensor
Sony IMX585, 8 MP (1/1.2-inch)
Resolution
4K
Field of view
2.26° × 3.98° (widest Seestar)
Second lens
Wide-angle for Milky Way and daytime
Extras
Quadruplet optics, dual-band filter, EQ mode

Best for: Wide-field lovers who want modern 4K files and a do-everything second lens.

ZWO Seestar S50

ZWO

Seestar S50

The scope that started it all

$499 (discontinued) Discontinued
Aperture
50 mm f/5 triplet APO
Focal length
250 mm
Sensor
Sony IMX462 (2 MP)
Field of view
0.7° × 1.3° (tightest framing)
Battery
6000 mAh, about 6 hours
Extras
Mosaic mode, EQ mode, dew shield, LP filter

Best for: Small-target deep-sky: galaxies, globulars, planetary nebulae. Over 50,000 sold.

Discontinued early 2026; a Seestar S50 Pro successor is widely reported for mid-to-late 2026. Remaining stock and used units are strong value.

ZWO Seestar S50 Pro

ZWO

Seestar S50 Pro

The rumored successor

Reported $599-999 Rumored
Status
Unannounced; specs are industry reporting, not confirmed

Best for: Anyone craving the 50 mm class who can wait a season.

Not yet announced by ZWO. Industry reporting points to a mid-to-late 2026 release with an upgraded sensor and optics, in white to match the S30 family. We will update this entry the day it is official.

DwarfThe DWARFLAB Dwarf family

DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini

DWARFLAB

Dwarf Mini

The scope that lives in your daypack

$399
Lenses
Dual: ~1016 mm and 45 mm equivalent
Sensor
Sony IMX662 (2 MP RAW)
Weight
840 g (1.9 lb), smallest smart scope
EQ mode
Up to 90-second exposures
Filter wheel
Astro, duo-band Ha/OIII, dark filter
Battery
About 4 hours, 64 GB storage

Best for: Travelers and hikers; the longest EQ exposures in the beginner class.

DWARFLAB Dwarf 3

DWARFLAB

Dwarf 3

The tinkerer's all-rounder

Mid-range of the class
Telephoto
35 mm APO, 150 mm (737 mm equiv.)
Second lens
Wide-angle (45 mm equiv.)
Sensor
Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2, 8.3 MP 4K
EQ mode
Up to 60-second exposures
Filter modes
VIS / Astro / Dual-Band
Extras
Deep manual control, birding-friendly

Best for: Curious owners who want 4K files, dual lenses, and more manual control.