Your First Step into the Cosmos: Dwarf 3 vs. Used S50 vs. The S50 Pro

So, you've got a physics background and a passion for photography, and now the night sky is calling your name. You're looking for an accessible entry point into astrophotography, something that handles the technical heavy lifting so you can focus on capturing those celestial wonders. The question on many beginners' minds is: what's the best first scope? Specifically, how do the Dwarf 3, a used S50, and the anticipated "S50 Pro" stack up?

Understanding the Contenders

• Dwarf 3: Known for its integrated design and potentially more involved setup, the Dwarf 3 offers a different approach. While its focal length might not be ideal for deep-sky targets, it aims for a user-friendly experience.
• eBay Used S50: Buying a used S50 can be a cost-effective way to get started. However, you'll need to be aware of its limitations, particularly its older sensor and field of view, which might not be optimal for capturing detailed planetary views or faint nebulae.
• The "S50 Pro" (or S70): This represents the potential for an updated, more capable version of the S50. While its exact specifications and release date are often subject to speculation, the promise of improved features is an attractive prospect for those willing to wait.

What to Expect from These Rigs

It's important to manage expectations, especially with these all-in-one, beginner-friendly systems. While they can provide a fantastic introduction, they have their limits:

• Planetary Imaging: Achieving detailed planetary images, like the faint bands of Jupiter or Saturn's "ears," typically requires a much longer focal length and significant processing skill. These scopes might offer a glimpse, but don't expect Hubble-level detail out of the box.
• Aircraft Tracking: Capturing high-altitude aircraft could be achievable, especially if they are bright and relatively slow in the sky. The ease of pointing and shooting might be a significant advantage here.

Beyond the Hardware: The Importance of Processing

One crucial piece of advice for anyone diving into astrophotography, especially when dealing with planets, is to learn processing. The ability to process raw data, stack images, and use techniques like wavelets is what truly brings out the detail in celestial objects. As one experienced imagers points out, "knowing how to process video into an image with high rejection % and wavelets is critical."

Consider Your Learning Path

Instead of solely relying on a specific piece of hardware, consider an alternative learning approach. Platforms offering remote observatories allow you to rent time on sophisticated telescopes. This means you can practice capturing data and, more importantly, practice processing that data without the initial investment in your own equipment. Sites like iTelescope.net are excellent resources for this.

Making Your Decision

If the allure of an all-in-one, set-it-and-forget-it system is strong, and you're willing to accept the limitations for a gentle introduction, then the Dwarf 3 or a carefully chosen used S50 could be your starting point. However, if you're serious about planetary imaging or fainter deep-sky objects and have the patience, waiting for a more capable "S50 Pro" or S70 might be worthwhile. Alternatively, the path of learning processing with public data or through remote observatories offers a solid foundation before committing to your own rig.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, budget, and willingness to invest time in learning both capture and post-processing techniques. Welcome to the journey!