ZWO, a pioneer in ameuter astrophotography, has officially confirmed the development of its next-generation smart telescope: the Seestar S70. Building on the success of the Seestar S50, this new model is expected to deliver a significant leap in performance, usability, and imaging capabilities—potentially reshaping the landscape of smart telescopes for both hobbyists and serious astrophotographers.
A Confirmed Successor to the S50
The Seestar S70 was first teased in a YouTube interview with ZWO’s CEO, later discussed in detail on the Cloudy Nights astronomy forum. While the company has not yet released a full spec sheet or launch date, the confirmation alone has sparked widespread excitement. The S70 is expected to retain the core philosophy of the Seestar line—simplicity, portability, and app-based control—while introducing substantial hardware and software upgrades.
Optical and Imaging Enhancements
Larger Aperture, Greater Reach
The most notable upgrade is the jump from a 50mm to a 70mm aperture, which effectively doubles the light-gathering power. This enhancement will allow users to capture fainter deep-sky objects with shorter exposure times, improving both imaging efficiency and detail. For astrophotographers, this means sharper nebulae, more defined galaxies, and better contrast in star clusters.
New Sensor Technology
ZWO has also confirmed that the S70 will feature a new imaging sensor, with similar upgrades planned for refreshed versions of the S50 and S30. While the exact sensor model remains undisclosed, expectations are high for improved low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise control—key factors in astrophotography performance.
Advanced Tracking and Mounting Options
Equatorial Wedge Support
One of the most exciting developments is the planned release of a dedicated equatorial wedge. This accessory would allow the S70 to track celestial objects in right ascension, eliminating field rotation during long exposures. This is a major step forward for smart telescopes, which typically rely on alt-azimuth mounts that limit exposure duration and require extensive stacking.
Potential for Auto-Guiding
There is also speculation that the S70 may include a built-in guiding camera or support for external guiding, enabling precise corrections during long exposures. This would open the door to capturing high-resolution images of faint galaxies and nebulae—something previously reserved for more complex astrophotography setups.
Expanding Use Cases: From Deep Sky to Daylight
Wide-Angle and Multi-Purpose Imaging
Inspired by competitors like Dwarf Labs, the Seestar S70 may also feature wide-field imaging capabilities, possibly through a secondary camera or interchangeable optics. This would allow users to capture sweeping views of the Milky Way, perform solar and lunar imaging, and even engage in terrestrial photography or wildlife observation.
With its user-friendly interface and app-based control, the S70 is also poised to become a powerful tool for education and public outreach. Schools, science centers, and amateur astronomy clubs could use it to introduce students and the public to the wonders of the night sky—without the steep learning curve of traditional telescopes.
Community Wishlist and Market Expectations
The astronomy community has been vocal about its hopes for the S70. Common requests include:
- Interchangeable optics for different focal lengths
- Built-in solar filters and support for narrowband imaging
- RAW or FITS file output for advanced post-processing
- Planetary imaging capabilities, including support for high frame rates
Pricing remains a hot topic. Some users speculate a base price around $800-1000 USD, with potential increases depending on tariffs and optional accessories. While this would place the S70 in a higher price bracket than the S50, it would still undercut premium smart scopes like the Unistellar eVscope 2 and Vaonis Vespera Pro.
Strategic Positioning in a Growing Market
ZWO’s move to expand the Seestar line comes at a time when smart telescopes are gaining mainstream traction. With more people seeking accessible ways to explore the night sky, the demand for compact, intelligent, and powerful telescopes is growing rapidly.
The Seestar S70 appears to be ZWO’s answer to this demand: a telescope that combines professional-grade imaging with consumer-level simplicity. If it delivers on its promises, it could become the go-to option for a wide range of users—from beginners to seasoned astrophotographers looking for a portable companion.
Final Thoughts
The Seestar S70 represents more than just an upgrade—it signals ZWO’s ambition to lead the next wave of smart telescope innovation. With a larger aperture, new sensor technology, equatorial tracking support, and potential for wide-field and multi-purpose imaging, the S70 could redefine what’s possible in a compact, app-controlled telescope.
As the astronomy community eagerly awaits official specifications and a release date, one thing is clear: the Seestar S70 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting telescope releases of 2025.
