Evaluation: DWARF 3 Intelligent Telescope by DwarfLab
The realm of astronomy is witnessing rapid advancement, with equipment for exploring and recording the universe progressing at an equally swift pace. Smart telescopes exemplify this evolution, integrating telescope, digital camera, and automated tracking systems into one compact unit. This enables newcomers to captivating deep-sky imagery with minimal learning curve, thanks to technology that has evolved in just a few short years.
The DWARF 3 smart telescope from DwarfLab encapsulates this progress, improving upon its predecessor, the DWARF II. Having reviewed the DWARF II in Astronomy's August 2024 issue, the appeal and promise of the DWARF 3 were irresistible. The DWARF 3 leverages the finest aspects of its predecessor, pushing the boundaries of what miniature telescopes can accomplish.
Premier Optics Compacted
At its heart, the DWARF 3 boasts a 35mm f/4.3 apochromatic objective lens, composed of multiple extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements. Its optical design employs advanced coatings to optimize light transmission and minimize chromatic aberration, resulting in sharp and vibrant images.
This smart telescope utilizes Sony's highly sensitive IMX678 CMOS sensor, renowned for exceptional low-light performance. With a high dynamic range and low noise levels, the sensor reveals even the faintest objects with surprising brevity. It also boasts high resolution, supporting high-quality images and video, making it adaptable for a wide range of astrophotographic demands.
The telescope's 150mm focal length complements the IMX678 sensor's field of view, with a cropped sensor yielding an effective focal length of 737mm. The cropping eliminates edge distortion while making the DWARF 3 well-suited for capturing larger deep-sky objects, as well as the Sun and Moon. While the focal length satisfies general deep-sky imaging, it may fall short for capturing detailed planetary images.
The DWARF 3 incorporates a second lens for wide-field imaging, providing a welcome enhancement. Unlike its predecessor, this second lens is tailored for astrophotography. Its 3.4mm diameter and 6.7mm true focal length scale down to an effective focal length of 45mm thanks to sensor cropping. It can be employed in all imaging modes, including time-lapse video to generate stunning starscapes.
One notable feature added to the DWARF 3 is an innovative filtering mechanism with three built-in filters. Users can select between the "Astro" filter for star clusters and galaxies, the "Dual-Band" filter for enhancing contrast in emission and planetary nebulae, or the "VIS" filter for daytime terrestrial photography such as landscapes and wildlife.
Ready for Adventure
The DWARF 3 arrived in a double box within its carrying case, also housing accompanying accessories such as magnetic solar filters, a filter pouch, a USB-C cable, and a lens-cleaning cloth. The entire package weighs a manageable 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) and measures 91⁄2 by 61⁄2 by 51⁄4 inches (24.1 by 16.5 by 13.3 centimeters).
Setting up the DWARF 3 is a straightforward process. After charging the internal battery, attach the telescope to your own tripod, position the dual lenses towards the clear sky, and press the side-mounted power button.
The updated DWARFLAB app, compatible with Android and iOS devices, offers a more intuitive design and streamlined navigation. Connecting to the DWARF 3's Wi-Fi network is facilitated by enabling STA Mode, expanding accessibility to both indoor and outdoor settings.
Users can select from various image capture modes, including Astro, Time Lapse, Video, Pano, and Burst. After picking the Astro mode, focus the optics either by employing the autofocus feature or by choosing "∞" (infinity). Calibration of the telescope ensures precise tracking and location of objects.
Objects can be chosen directly from the app's extensive database of celestial bodies or by manually inputting coordinates for undiscovered targets, such as new comets. The updated app displays real-time sky conditions, offering users comprehensive data to optimize their experience.
Before capturing an image, adjust various settings, such as exposure time and gain, directly within the app. Additional settings include subframe count, live stacking, binning, and AI enhancement, which does not add synthetic data but instead improves image quality by reducing noise, sharpening details, and enhancing contrast.
Comparing the DWARF 3 to its predecessor, the DWARF II, reveals significant advancements. These improvements include optional equatorial mode, which enables precise single-axis tracking, an enhanced apochromatic objective lens, a larger sensor for improved low-light imaging, the addition of built-in filters, multiframe stacking support, and a scheduling feature for automating imaging sessions.
The DWARF 3 smart telescope testifies to the burgeoning sophistication of compact astroimaging technology, appealing to both beginner and seasoned astrophotographers. In an age dominated by substantial telescopes, the DWARF 3 stands tall.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
DWARF 3 Smart Telescope
- Aperture: 1.4 inches (objective); 0.13 inch (wide)
- Focal length: 150mm (objective); 6.7mm (wide)
- Storage: 128 GB
- Lenses: Telephoto and wide-angle
- Dimensions: 8.7 by 5.6 by 2.6 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg)
- Price: $599.00
- Contact: [email protected]
- The DWARF 3 smart telescope leverages an apochromatic objective lens, composed of multiple extra-low dispersion lens elements, and advanced coatings for optimized light transmission and minimized chromatic aberration.
- The telescope utilizes Sony's IMX678 CMOS sensor, renowned for its exceptional low-light performance, resulting in sharp, vibrant, and high-resolution images.
- With the DWARF 3, users can choose from three built-in filters: "Astro" for star clusters and galaxies, "Dual-Band" for enhancing contrast in emission and planetary nebulae, or "VIS" for daytime terrestrial photography.
- The DWARF 3, measuring 91⁄2 by 61⁄2 by 51⁄4 inches and weighing 4 pounds, is compact and convenient for travel, offering versatile astrophotographic capabilities.
- Incorporating the updated DWARFLAB app, the DWARF 3 offers streamlined navigation and expanded accessibility, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Astronomy enthusiasts will find the DWARF 3 an appealing and sophisticated solution for compact astroimaging, combining suitable performance for both beginners and seasoned astrophotographers.
