Seestar Should I keep it? ZWO Seestar S50 · Clayton Ostler · 1/9/2025 · 5 · 264 · 0

So I would love opinions, (strong and opinionated)

I have a a SeeStar S50, I have no real complaints about the device, however I also have a small rig I have built around an Askar FMA180, with an ASI585MC and SkyHunter mount, and OAG wit ASIAIR mini. I see lots of redundancy here and could use the extra cash to buy different gear, (Saving up for a mid to large refractor )

The ASKAR setup gives me a bigger FOV, and with the higher pixel resolution I can actually crop and still have the same SeeStar FOV with a bit higher resolution. 

With the 2 setups being so close am I holding on to gear I dont need?

The FMA setup lets me do 60 second exposures pretty easily, because its EQ and guided, but it is 40mm instead of 50mm.  However with the camera having a bit larger pixels, does this offset the smaller aperture? IDK

The SeeStar is so incredibly easy, if I just keep using it in alt-az mode, but also limits my images to 1080p vs twice that resolution with the 585.  And this basically limits my exposures to 10-15 seconds. 

The SeeStar is a bit more portable, but not a lot, however the Askar setup does let me slap a DSLR on the mount for milkyway and wider field. (Which then begs the question, should I also sell my star tracker) but thats for another day. 

Me thinking out loud
Aperture = SeeStar
Camera = Askar setup
Mount = ???? Not sure
Portability = SeeStar
Ease of use = SeeStar
Filed of View = Askar setup
Max Exposure = Askar setup
Filters = Askar setup
Auto focus = Draw


I guess I am hoping someone can talk me into feeling like I am not missing out if I sell my Seestar, but I also hope someone can tell me why I might regret it. 

Or the otherway around, someone convince me that the Askar setup is not really needed (I could likely get much more money for the Askar setup if I sold it)

Thoughts?

The Seestar is easy but a very limited system. I would sell it and use the money to continue to improve the rig you do have. You won't regret it.

it's a nice toy for traveling or sharing around a fireplace with people new to astronomy.  Not a very useful setup for quality home astrophotography, imo.   Cheers