Head-to-head · updated November 9, 2026
ZWO Seestar S30 vs ZWO Seestar S30 Pro
Short answer: the S30 Pro ($699) is the one to buy. Same 30 mm aperture and 1.65 kg as the S30 ($399), but a 4K Sony IMX585 sensor with four times the sensitive area, a 4-element ED lens, a 4.6° field, a 4K wide camera, 128 GB and anti-dew control. The S30 only makes sense at $399 if you find one: it was sold out on ZWO's US store.
ZWO Seestar S30
8.3Good · out of 10- 30 mm apochromatic triplet and 150 mm focal length in a 1.65 kg body, according to ZWO
- Second wide-angle camera with a 23.2° field
- Duo-band light pollution filter built in
Better on 1 of 16 lines · $399 on November 9, 2026
ZWO Seestar S30 Pro
8.5Very good · out of 10- 4K telephoto with a 1/1.2-inch Sony IMX585 sensor, plus a 4K wide-angle camera with a 63° field
- 4-element apochromatic lens with ED glass and active anti-dew control
- 128 GB of storage and a 1.65 kg body
Better on 6 of 16 lines · $699 on November 9, 2026
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Spec by spec
| Criterion | Seestar S30 | Seestar S30 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Calculated score | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Checked price | $399 | $699 |
| Aperture | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Focal length | 150 mm (f/5) | 160 mm (f/5.3) |
| Main sensor | Sony IMX662 | Sony IMX585 (1/1.2") |
| Native resolution | 2.1 MP | 8.3 MP |
| Image scale | 4.02″ per pixel | 3.76″ per pixel |
| Field of view | 2.46° (telephoto) | 4.6° (telephoto) |
| Wide-angle camera | Yes | Yes |
| Light pollution filter | Built in | Built in |
| Equatorial mode | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.65 kg (3.6 lb) | 1.65 kg (3.6 lb) |
| Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Eyepiece | No | No |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
★ marks the better figure on that line (7 lines can be compared). Specs as published by the makers; prices checked on November 9, 2026.
What the numbers mean
ZWO describes the S30 Pro's telephoto sensor as four times larger than the S30's, and the numbers agree: 8.3 MP against 2.1 MP, on a field that grows from 2.46° to 4.6°. The image scale per pixel stays close (about 3.8″ against 4.0″), so you get more pixels over a wider area rather than more magnification.
Everything else moves in the Pro's favor: double the storage, anti-dew control, a 4-element instead of 3-element apochromatic lens, and a 4K wide-angle camera where the S30 has a 1920 × 1080 one.
Our pick for each kind of buyer
ZWO Seestar S30
Seestar S30 costs $300 less than the Seestar S30 Pro, at prices checked on November 9, 2026.
Read the review →ZWO Seestar S30 Pro
Seestar S30 Pro scores 8.5/10 against 8.3/10 with our published formula.
Read the review →Questions
Which is better, the Seestar S30 or the Seestar S30 Pro?
With our published overall formula, the Seestar S30 Pro scores higher (8.5 vs 8.3/10). The best pick still depends on what you observe: see the picks by profile on this page.
What is the price difference between the Seestar S30 and the Seestar S30 Pro?
On November 9, 2026, the Seestar S30 was $399 at the Seestar US store and the Seestar S30 Pro $699 at the Seestar US store. The Seestar S30 was shown as sold out there.
Which has more aperture?
Both have 30 mm of aperture.
Which one is lighter?
Both weigh 1.65 kg according to their maker.