DwarfLab's latest smart telescope, the Dwarf 3, features a larger aperture, longer focal length and greater storage capabilities, in addition to new shooting modes, internal filters and functions.
We were keen to see what it could do.
Unboxing and setting up
The Dwarf 3 comes well packaged in a box with a carrying bag that snugly houses the unit and accessories.
However, unlike its predecessor, the Dwarf II, this time it doesn’t include a tripod as standard but attaches to any photography tripod with a standard ¼-inch screw.
Pairing the unit with the DwarfLab app is easily achieved: just open the app to connect via the device’s Wi-Fi network.
Sun and the Moon
Much like the Dwarf II, the Dwarf 3 comes with solar filters, so we popped these on and first turned to the Sun.
We tilted the telescope to roughly align it with our target, before starting the Sun Track mode.
We were able to adjust our capture settings, including the shutter speed, gain and live stacking within the app, seeing lovely sunspot details even via the autofocus.
Over a clear night, we headed out for dark-sky testing, starting with a well-illuminated Moon.
Again, we found the process of centring the Moon in-frame using the app’s joystick function beautifully simple, before selecting Moon Track.
Establishing the best settings was easy thanks to the excellent live view in the app; the autofocus worked well, as did the default settings (although these can all be tweaked in Astro mode).
Setting the Dwarf 3 to live stack, we enabled the AI noise-reduction tool.
While the Moon appeared small in the frame, we were able to crop quite close in post-processing without losing details.
Dwarf 3 for astrophotography
You cannot adjust the focus on the Dwarf 3 wide-angle lens, and while we thought the focus was excellent for daytime use, we did feel the starscapes were slightly out of focus.
Because we were outside Milky Way season, this did ensure our attention was firmly on the telephoto lens to take advantage of some winter deep-sky objects.
We liked the fact that the app prompts you to capture dark frames before imaging – an essential ingredient for reducing image noise.
We noted a marked improvement in images that had dark frames added versus those that didn’t.
For deep-sky imaging, we opted for the Andromeda Galaxy and the Rosette Nebula, noting that the Dwarf 3 tracked consistently well throughout our sessions.
We did note the slightest hint of star coma when we zoomed in later.
Andromeda was imaged using the new EQ mode for longer exposures, but for short exposures we were able to put the Dwarf 3 down, select a target and let the device plate-solve before performing accurate Go-To.
Dwarf 3 battery
During extremely cold nights, we were impressed by the internal battery performance in comparison
to other smart telescopes.
In near-zero temperatures, a full charge lasted us over four hours, and it didn’t take long to recharge.
We were amazed that, despite damp nights, we saw next to no dew on the lenses.
While the Dwarf 3 does not have internal heaters, its battery appears to keep the unit warm enough to ward moisture off (though perhaps at the expense of a little image noise).
We were left impressed by this little budget smart telescope.
A lot of thought has gone into the standard accessories, from the galaxy-friendly ‘astro filter’ to the dual-band filter for emission nebulae.
The Sun and Moon details are pleasing for a small aperture, providing lovely sunspot and crater details.
Overall, we felt the image quality was a step up from the Dwarf II, while the extra focal length was welcomed for all popular targets.
With a little post-processing and patience, the Dwarf 3 will reward any astronomer, regardless of experience.
The range of imaging modes and filters ensures this handy smart telescope is both fun and a worthy device for all astrophotographers.
Dwarf 3 EQ mode
Throughout our time with the Dwarf 3, the Go-To function performed consistently well, centring our deep-sky target of choice each time.
Object tracking was also easily enabled via the Telephoto live view mode.
However, a key difference between the Dwarf 3 and its predecessor is the introduction of an equatorial (EQ) mode, an essential component for deep-sky photography because it reduces the field rotation seen via altaz mounts and boosts the maximum exposure time.
We get some EQ mount capabilities for exposures up to 60 seconds, without the expense of a new mount.
It’s a slightly strange process to set up, as you must face the back of the Dwarf 3 device northwards and tilt it at the angle of your latitude – a much simpler version of the traditional polar alignment seen with full
EQ mounts.
While it takes some getting used to, the app provides excellent clear instructions.
The stars in our image of Andromeda stayed round and field rotation was greatly reduced compared to images taken with the Dwarf II.
Dwarf 3 best features
DwarfLab app
This app controls the Dwarf 3 and works on both iOS and Android tablets and smartphones. Use the Atlas function to tour the night sky, locate and slew to objects, or pick from the built-in catalogue. The app tutorials are thorough, with guides on how to use the various photography modes.
Telephoto and wide-angle lenses
The Dwarf 3 features a dual-lens system. The wide-angle lens has a 45° field of view and can be used for daytime imaging and videos, timelapses and nightscapes. Combined with the telephoto lens, the Dwarf 3 captures a range of photos, from daytime nature snaps to Milky Way vistas and in-depth nebulae images.
Internal filters
The Dwarf 3 arrives with built-in filters, so through the telephoto lens you can switch between visual, astro and dual-band options. The visual filter is great for daytime photography and lunar and solar imaging, while the astro filter is used for night-sky objects. The dual-band filter is an excellent new addition for nebulae.
Carry case
The Dwarf 3 arrives with a plush carry case and shoulder strap, meaning you can easily take it anywhere with you. The attention to detail is excellent. We loved the tripod straps on the bottom, meaning you could fix a tripod onto the bag, plus one side has backpack straps.
Clip-on filters
The Dwarf 3 comes with magnetic solar filters in a handy ‘sunglasses’ bracket that allows easy attachment to the lenses. These instantly turn it into a solar-imaging device, so you can safely image solar activity such as sunspots. We also caught a glimpse of surface detail in our images.
Key specs
- Price: £519 (£492 via DwarfLab)
- Optics: Wide-angle and telephoto lenses
- Aperture: 35mm
- Focal length: 150mm
- Equivalent focal length: 737mm (tele), 45mm (wide)
- Sensor: Sony IMX678 Starvis 2
- Power: Built-in 10,000mAH battery
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Ports: USB-C
- App control: DwarfLab app
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, near field (NFC) one-touch
- Weight: 1.3kg
- Extras: 2x magnetic solar filters, USB-C cable, wipe cloth, carry bag
- Supplier: DwarfLab
- Email: support@dwarflab.com
- www.dwarflab.com
This review appeared in the April 2025 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
