SUMMARY
Nico Carver compared the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro smart telescope ($700) against a traditional $4,000 rig featuring a Canon EOS Ra and Sigma 28mm lens. Both setups were pointed at the same sky area, and stacking exposures reduced the quality difference between the two, despite the substantial price disparity. The Seestar excels at capturing red nebulae but produces softer stars, while the traditional rig offers sharper results. The choice between them depends on user workflow, with the smart telescope suited for those prioritizing deep-sky objects and the traditional rig for users who already own compatible camera gear.
TAKEAWAYS
A $700 smart telescope was compared to a $4,000 traditional astrophotography rig.
Stacking exposures significantly reduced the image quality gap between the two setups.
The smart telescope captures red nebulae well but has softer stars compared to the traditional rig.
The choice depends on user preference: smart telescope for ease, traditional rig for existing gear owners.