The rise of smart telescopes has made astrophotography, nature tracking, and panoramic imaging more accessible than ever. Among the most popular models are the DWARF 2 and its successor, the DWARF 3 Smart Telescope. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading, this guide breaks down the real-world differences, expert reviews, and key performance improvements.
Key Upgrades in the DWARF 3
The DWARF 3 is not just an incremental update—it’s a genuine leap forward. With a larger aperture, superior optics, improved sensor technology, and smarter features, it delivers higher-quality images and a smoother user experience.
Optical & Sensor Enhancements
- Aperture: Jump from 24 mm (DWARF 2) to 35 mm (DWARF 3), boosting light-gathering power by 116%.
- Focal Length: Increased from 100 mm to 150 mm, allowing for better magnification of celestial and terrestrial targets.
- Lens Quality: The DWARF 3 uses an apochromatic ED lens, which reduces chromatic aberration and produces sharper images.
- Sensor: Upgraded to the Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 with 2 µm pixels (compared to 1.45 µm in DWARF 2), offering improved sensitivity and lower noise for astrophotography.
Usability, Battery & Storage
- Battery: From a 5,600 mAh replaceable battery to a 10,000 mAh built-in unit for longer sessions.
- Storage: Expanded from 64 GB microSD to 128 GB eMMC (expandable up to 512 GB).
- Modes: DWARF 3 supports all shooting modes (photo, video, astro, panorama, burst, time-lapse) on both wide and tele lenses. The DWARF 2 limited this flexibility.
- Connectivity: NFC pairing, background imaging, and IP54 dust/splash resistance make the DWARF 3 more robust and user-friendly.
Mounting & Tracking
The DWARF 2 only offered alt-az tracking, requiring workarounds for equatorial setups. The DWARF 3 adds a dedicated EQ mode, enabling true polar alignment for longer, more accurate deep-sky exposures.
Comparative Table: DWARF 2 vs DWARF 3
| Category | DWARF 2 | DWARF 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | 24 mm | 35 mm (116% more light) |
| Focal Length | 100 mm | 150 mm (higher magnification) |
| Sensor & Pixels | IMX415, 1.45 µm | IMX678 STARVIS 2, 2 µm (better sensitivity) |
| Optical Quality | Basic lenses | Apochromatic ED lens (less color fringing) |
| Lens Features | Modes limited to telephoto | All modes available on both lenses |
| Tracking | Alt-az with workarounds | Supports true EQ mode for long exposure |
| Battery | ~5,600 mAh, replaceable | 10,000 mAh built-in (longer sessions) |
| Storage | 64 GB micro‑SD | 128 GB eMMC, expandable up to 512 GB |
| Connectivity & App | Basic Wi-Fi | NFC pairing, background imaging, IP54 rating |
| Real-World Feedback | Fun but limited astrophotography | Clearer deep-sky shots, better handling, versatile use |
Expert Opinions & Reviews
Astronomy.com
In a detailed review, Astronomy.com highlighted how the DWARF 3’s larger aperture and improved sensor push “image quality to new heights,” making it a much more capable tool for amateur astronomers.
PhototipsGuy
PhototipsGuy praised the DWARF 3’s ability to deliver cleaner deep-sky images with AI noise reduction and improved image formats (JPG, PNG, TIFF, FITS). The review also noted that the addition of built-in filters (VIS, Astro, Dual-Band) makes astrophotography more accessible to beginners.
Skies & Scopes
According to Skies & Scopes, the DWARF 3 balances portability with performance: “It retains its compact origins but adds significant optical and sensor upgrades that bring it closer to professional gear.”
Tom’s Guide
In testing, Tom’s Guide found that the DWARF 3 not only excelled at astrophotography but also worked brilliantly as a wildlife camera. It captured galaxies and nebulae with ease, while also doubling as a long-range nature observer—all at a price point under $550.
Bonus Insight: Beyond Astronomy
The DWARF 3 is more than a telescope. Its ability to capture wildlife videos, panoramic landscapes, and time-lapse sequences makes it a versatile imaging device. Reviewers agree that this dual-purpose nature broadens its appeal to photographers, birdwatchers, and travelers.
Final Verdict
If you own a DWARF 2, you’ve already experienced the fun of compact smart telescopes. But the DWARF 3 is a substantial upgrade in nearly every category—optics, sensor, tracking, storage, and ease of use. For anyone serious about astrophotography or seeking a versatile portable imaging system, the DWARF 3 is well worth the upgrade.
In short:
- For casual stargazers → DWARF 2 still delivers fun.
- For serious hobbyists and photographers → DWARF 3 offers a leap forward in quality and usability.
We tried the new Dwarf 3
And here’s the unboxing video, together with some of the basic functionalities you get once connected to your smartphone:
