DWARFLAB · Current model · launched 2024
DWARF 3 review: specs, price and verdict
A 1.3 kg periscope-style scope with a 4K STARVIS 2 sensor, three built-in filters and EQ mode.
- 35 mmaperture
- 2.93° × 1.65°field of view
- 2.75″per pixel
- 1.3 kgweight
- 5.5 hbattery
Our verdict
The most flexible budget scope; add a tripod to the price before comparing it with a Seestar.
Best for: Travellers who want 4K images, filters and EQ mode for under $600.
Pros
- 8.3 MP IMX678 sensor with the finest pixels in its class (2.0 µm)
- Three internal filters including dual narrowband
- 1.3 kg and IP54 sealed
- EQ mode from any sturdy tripod or wedge
- Doubles as a wildlife and panorama camera
Cons
- No tripod included (budget ~$90 more)
- 35 mm aperture
- 5.5 h rated battery
- No dew heater
What fits in the field of view
The DWARF 3 telephoto camera frames 2.93° × 1.65° of sky. Below, its frame (gold) is drawn to scale over three popular targets.
| Object | With the DWARF 3 |
|---|---|
| Full Moon | Fits (18% of the frame width) |
| Andromeda Galaxy (M31) | Needs a mosaic (about 2 frames) |
| Orion Nebula (M42) | Fits (38% of the frame width) |
| Pleiades (M45) | Needs a mosaic (about 2 frames) |
| North America Nebula | Needs a mosaic (about 2 frames) |
| Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) | Fits, but small: about 236 px across |
| Ring Nebula (M57) | Fits, but small: about 30 px across |
| Jupiter | Fits, but small: about 16 px across |
Object sizes are approximate apparent sizes. Pixel counts use an image scale of 2.75″ per pixel. Try any combination in the field of view comparator.
Full specifications
| Aperture | 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 150 mm (f/4.3) |
| Optics | Multi-element apochromatic lens (periscope design) |
| Sensor | Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 · 8.3 MP |
| Field of view (telephoto) | 2.93° × 1.65° |
| Image scale | 2.75″ per pixel |
| Wide-angle camera | Wide-angle camera, 45 mm equivalent (2 MP) |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Battery | 5.5 h · 10,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| EQ mode | Yes (in-app polar alignment; up to 60 s telephoto subs) |
| Filters | Built-in VIS, astro and dual-narrowband filters; magnetic solar filters included |
| Dew control | No dew heater (IP54 sealed) |
| Tripod included | No |
| Eyepiece | No |
| Collimation needed | No |
Official: "3° field of view" (diagonal); wide-angle 45 mm equivalent.
How it compares
Exposure length in alt-az mode
Alt-az tracking rotates the field slowly. With this field and image scale, the frame corner smears by one pixel after about 6 seconds (target due south at 45° altitude, observer at 40° latitude). That is why smart telescopes stack many short exposures; EQ mode removes the limit: Yes (in-app polar alignment; up to 60 s telephoto subs). See EQ mode and wedges explained.
Comparisons
Other DWARFLAB models
Frequently asked questions
How much does the DWARF 3 cost?
$599 on dwarflab.com (lead time 6–10 weeks when checked); several US dealers sell it at $549. No tripod in the box.
Can the DWARF 3 photograph the Andromeda Galaxy in one frame?
Needs a mosaic (about 2 frames). Its telephoto field is 2.93° × 1.65° and Andromeda spans about 3.2° × 1°.
Does the DWARF 3 have EQ mode?
Yes (in-app polar alignment; up to 60 s telephoto subs).
Does the full Moon fit in the DWARF 3's field of view?
Yes. The Moon is about 0.52° across and the field is 2.93° × 1.65°.
Sources
- dwarflab.com/products/dwarf-3-smart-telescope
- dwarflab.com/us/pages/astronomy-with-dwarf-3-smart-telescope
- help.dwarflab.com/docs/DWARF-3-Unboxing-and-Quick-Setup
Specs and prices checked on 11 Nov 2026.