ZWO's new sub-$500 smart telescope brings beginner astronomy down to earth

ZWO has launched the Seestar S30 Plus, an upgraded entry-level smart telescope priced under $500. It keeps the compact, 30mm aperture design of its predecessor but improves with four-element apochromatic optics using extra-low dispersion glass, dual 3.7-megapixel cameras, and a wider 43.5-degree field-of-view camera. The device weighs just 3.65 pounds, fits in a camera bag, and includes built-in filters, a mosaic mode, and equatorial tracking for deep-sky photography.

For beginners and hobbyists, this telescope offers a significant step-up in capability without the complexity or high cost of professional gear. It can capture galaxies like Andromeda, nebulas like the North America Nebula, and even the sun safely with a magnetic solar filter. The accompanying app handles post-processing, though raw FITS files can be exported for tinkerers. With rivals offering $1,300+ models or years-long wait times, ZWO's timely, affordable upgrade makes serious astrophotography remarkably accessible.