Decided on an S30 Pro as my next tool

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JohnnyAstro avatar

About a month or so ago I had posted a a question regarding if I should start the path of upgrading a dedicated rig, or get a smart scope. Currently, I have a DSLR and an old tripod. Well, after many kind answers, pointing out the pros and cons of both, I decided to go with the S30 Pro for now. I think that it best fits my current situation, both financially and time-wise. It will get me closer to the night sky and open up even more wonder for me, without the worry and cost of the next steps to build up a rig.

That being said, from the advice you guys gave, I realize I will eventually hit a ceiling with this tool. And when that time comes, it will pressure me more to want to build a rig, and I think I eventually will. It just isn’t the right time right now. I will also continue to use my DSLR alongside it, and I think that I will slowly over time get a good tripod, get a decent wedge (That I can use both for EQ with the SeeStar and also on my dedicated rig), and just sort of slowly start down that path, as money and time allows.

Just going to enjoy the journey and learning, because I have so much to learn.

Thank you to all who took the time to sway me one way or another, and give me the pros and cons of each. Sorry to disappoint those who are against these scopes…. it just works best for me right now and makes the most sense to allow me to push further into this. But the allure and draw of the satisfaction of manually using and setting up a rig is there, just going to have to take my time on that path.

Also, being new to this hobby and new to this website has been a welcoming and very informative experience. So thank you all for that. It can be a bit intimidating.

I can’t believe the amount of knowledge and data contained on AstroBin. Enjoying the site very much.

Anyway, Clear Skies, cheers, and I’ll be sure to upload images when I get my new scope.

Thanks - John

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Tony Gondola avatar

Have fun with the exploration John. See ya around….

JohnnyAstro avatar

Tony Gondola · Feb 24, 2026, 02:21 AM

Have fun with the exploration John. See ya around….

Thank you Tony, I am pretty excited. Although, somehow I already feel like a traitor to the community by getting a smart scope as my first scope!

But I guess we will see where it leads me, hopefully deeper and to more discovery.

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John Tucker avatar

Everyone has their own path. It’s good to get input but you ultimately have to make decisions based on your own situation and preferences. There are some beautiful pics posted here taken with S30s. I think its a great place to start.

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SonnyE avatar

I think you will enjoy it as a natural step in progression into this black hole of Astrophotography.

If smart scopes were available when I was starting I’m sure I would have tried them. But it took years of bad equipment to finally get to where I am.

Patience on your journey.

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