Seestar vs Standard Telescopes: Which Is Best for You?

Meta Description: We compare the Seestar S50 to traditional telescope setups to help you make the right choice for your skywatching needs.

When you're choosing your first telescope—or even thinking about upgrading—there’s a key question that always comes up:

Do I go for a traditional telescope, or is a smart telescope like the Seestar a better choice?

It’s a fair debate, and one we hear at Vega Vision almost daily. What makes it tricky is that the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you want to get out of your astronomy experience.

So let’s break it down in plain terms—no fluff, just the facts.

What Is a Smart Telescope, Anyway?

A smart telescope is an all-in-one observing system. It combines the optical tube, sensor, mount, tracking, and imaging software into a single compact unit. Everything is controlled through an app on your phone or tablet.

Take the Seestar S50, for example. It has a built-in camera, automatic alignment, and live stacking. You can go from powering it on to imaging the Orion Nebula in just a few minutes.

Compare that to a standard telescope, where you need to:

• Align the mount (sometimes polar align)
• Manually track or motorise it
• Attach a camera (if imaging)
• Use software for stacking or post-processing

A Fairer Comparison: Including Mounts and Tripods

One mistake beginners often make is comparing just the OTA (optical tube assembly) of a traditional telescope to a smart scope like the Seestar. But the OTA isn’t the full story.

To make a traditional telescope usable, you’ll need:

• A mount (alt-az or equatorial)
• A tripod
• Possibly a finder scope, counterweights, power supply, and more

Comparison: Seestar vs Traditional Telescope Setups

A Real Example: Imaging Andromeda

Let’s say you want to capture M31 – the Andromeda Galaxy.

With a traditional setup, you’d need to:

• Set up the mount and align it
• Manually slew to Andromeda (or use GoTo if you have it)
• Attach your camera and focus carefully
• Track the object and stack your exposures

It’s rewarding, no doubt—but time-consuming.

With the Seestar:

• Place it on a tripod
• Open the app and tap “Andromeda”
• Watch it slew, focus, track, and begin stacking automatically

But Is It Still a “Real” Telescope?

Yes, absolutely.

The Seestar S50 uses a 50mm f/5 lens and a Sony CMOS sensor. It collects light, magnifies objects, and lets you see or capture celestial features—just like any other telescope. The main difference is automation.

Traditionalists sometimes argue that smart telescopes take away the joy of learning. But many users find it opens the door to astronomy in a way that wasn’t possible before—especially for younger observers, busy parents, or people with limited mobility.

Who Should Consider a Smart Telescope?

You might want to consider a smart telescope like the Seestar if:

• You’re new to astronomy and want quick results
• You live in a flat or small house and need a portable setup
• You travel frequently and want something lightweight
• You’re already an astrophotographer and want a wide-field backup scope
• You want to share live views with friends or students without complex gear

Where Smart Telescopes Have Limitations

No single telescope does it all, and smart scopes have their limits too:

• Low magnification – planets like Jupiter and Saturn appear small
• No option for swapping lenses or sensors
• Narrowband imaging isn’t fully supported (yet)
• Less customisability for advanced users

Continuous Upgrades: Why the Seestar Keeps Getting Better

One of the big reasons the Seestar stands out is ZWO’s commitment to constant improvement—even after launch.

The app and firmware are regularly updated, not just for stability but to introduce genuinely new capabilities. In recent updates, we’ve seen:

• Mosaic Mode – Automatically create wide-field panels for extended nebulae
• EQ Mode – Use with an equatorial wedge for longer exposures
• Planning Mode – Schedule automated imaging sessions
• 60-Second Exposures – Capture fainter deep-sky targets
• Manual Flats Capture – Improve image calibration with flat frames

These aren’t minor tweaks—they’re powerful additions. And given ZWO’s pace, we’re likely to see even more soon.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift in How We Do Astronomy

Smart telescopes aren’t a passing trend—they’re reshaping how people explore the sky.

At Vega Vision, we’ve watched customers who started with a Seestar come back asking about APO refractors, filters, and mounts. The Seestar wasn’t the end—it was the beginning.

And with more smart telescope models expected in the near future, this category is only growing.

Final Thoughts

If you love hands-on control, detailed manual tuning, and building a custom rig, then go traditional. But if you value ease, portability, and the ability to capture galaxies like Andromeda without years of setup know-how, the Seestar is a fantastic starting point.

You don’t have to pick just one. Many stargazers use both—depending on the night, the object, or their energy levels.

Explore the Seestar Range at Vega Vision

We’re here to help you choose the right telescope—whether it’s a traditional setup or a smart companion like the Seestar.

Browse the ZWO Seestar Collection at Vega Vision and discover how simple and exciting astronomy can be.