
Photo by Marco Milanesi on Pexels
DwarfLab Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope
Compact, versatile, and beginner-friendly, the DwarfLab Dwarf 3 excels at automated astrophotography and daytime observation, though the missing tripod is a notable omission.
Pros
- + Dual-lens design supports both daytime nature and nighttime astrophotography
- + Integrated real-time stacking and EQ tracking mode for up to 90-second exposures
- + Included snap-on solar filter allows direct daytime solar imaging
- + Generous 128GB internal storage and substantial 10,000mAh battery
- + Compact, lightweight build at just 1.3 kg
Cons
- − No tripod included in the box
- − Modest 35mm aperture limits optical light gathering
- − Dependent entirely on a smartphone or tablet app for all operations
The DwarfLab Dwarf 3 is an impressively versatile smart telescope aimed at casual stargazers, nature enthusiasts, and mobile astrophotographers. By pairing an apochromatic refractor optical design with a dual-lens setup—combining wide-angle and telephoto perspectives—it neatly bridges the gap between deep-space observation and daytime wildlife photography and video.
Weighing only 1.3 kg and running entirely off a companion mobile application, it presents an accessible entry point for users seeking automated tracking and imaging without the bulk or alignment headaches of traditional telescope rigs.
In practice, the Dwarf 3 stands out for its well-rounded feature set. The combination of an 8.3 MP Sony Starvis 2 sensor, real-time deep-sky stacking, and an equatorial tracking mode supporting sub-exposures up to 90 seconds makes capturing faint astronomical targets remarkably straightforward. The inclusion of a dedicated snap-on solar filter and a generous 128GB of internal storage adds immediate practical value right out of the box.
However, the compact form factor comes with inherent trade-offs. Its 35mm aperture naturally gathers limited light compared to larger optics, and operating entirely through a mobile app may frustrate users who prefer physical controls. Most critically, the telescope does not include a tripod in the box, requiring an immediate secondary purchase before you can start shooting stable long exposures.
Specifications
- Aperture
- 35mm
- Focal Length
- 150mm
- f/ratio
- f/4.3
- Optical Design
- Apochromatic refractor
- Sensor Type
- Sony IMX 678 Starvis 2
- Sensor Resolution
- 8.3 MP
- Battery Type
- 10000mAh, lithium
- Internal Memory
- 128GB eMMC
- Weight
- 1.3 kg / 2.87lbs
- Ports
- USB-C