The Dwarflab Dwarf 3 is a self-contained smart telescope — camera, mount, and optics in a single portable unit. This guide covers everything from first power-on to your first deep sky image.
The Dwarf 3 combines a telescope, astronomy camera, motorised mount, internal filters, and onboard computer in a single portable unit weighing 1.35 kg. There is no separate mount, no separate camera, and no laptop required in the field.
Everything is operated via the free DWARFLAB app on iOS or Android. The app handles GoTo targeting, filter selection, exposure control, live stacking, and image management. The Dwarf 3 connects via WiFi — either directly to your phone or through your home network in STA mode.
Unlike traditional astrophotography setups that require polar alignment, focusing, guiding, and dedicated processing software, the Dwarf 3 handles all of this automatically. Auto Parameters mode selects settings, autofocus handles focus, and live stacking builds the image in real time.
Deep sky objects (nebulae, galaxies, star clusters), the Moon, Sun (with solar filter), planets, the Milky Way, and daytime subjects. The dual-lens design — telephoto for detail, wide-angle for wide field — handles all of these without changing optics.
| Parameter | Telephoto lens | Wide-angle lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 150mm | 6.7mm |
| Aperture | f/1.6 (94mm effective) | f/2.8 |
| Sensor | Sony IMX678 BSI CMOS — 8.3MP, 2µm pixel pitch | |
| Field of view | ~1.42° × 0.80° | ~34° × 24° |
| Pixel scale | ~2.75 arcsec/pixel | Wide field |
| Built-in filters | VIS · Astro (broadband + NIR) · Duo-Band (Hα 656nm + OIII 501nm) | |
| Mount type | Motorised Alt-Az with software EQ compensation (EQ Mode) | |
| Pan / tilt range | 340° horizontal · 240° vertical | |
| Battery life | ~5.5h astro · 5h 38m tracking · 6h 42m preview mode | |
| Charging | USB-C PD2.0/PD3.0, 18W fast charge (12V/1.5A). Can be used while charging. Compatible with power banks. | |
| Internal storage | 128 GB | |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5GHz direct · STA mode (home WiFi) · NFC quick connect · Bluetooth 4.0 | |
| Tripod thread | Standard 1/4"-20 UNC — compatible with any camera tripod | |
| Operating temp | −10°C to 60°C operation · 0°C to 45°C charging recommended | |
| Weight | ~1.35 kg | |
| Dimensions | ~220 × 107 × 144mm | |
| Warranty | 2 years (requires app activation on first use) | |
The Dwarf 3 is physically an Alt-Az mount — it moves on altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right) axes. The problem with Alt-Az tracking is field rotation: the star field slowly rotates relative to the sensor during long exposures, causing stars near the edge of the frame to trail in a curved arc. At exposures under 15 seconds this is usually acceptable, but it becomes significant at 30 seconds and above.
EQ Mode compensates for this in software. After calibration (which requires the unit to be accurately levelled), the Dwarf 3 adds a counter-rotation to cancel field rotation, effectively behaving like an equatorial mount. This allows clean, round stars across the entire frame at 30–60 second exposures.
Put the Dwarf 3 outside 20–30 minutes before imaging. Thermal equilibrium between unit and air reduces internal thermal noise and prevents lens fogging.
Good levelling is the foundation of accurate EQ Mode calibration. Use the phone's built-in level app or a bubble level before starting your session.
For your first session, use Auto Parameters — it handles exposure and gain automatically and caps at 15s, which works without EQ Mode. Learn the app before tweaking settings.
Start with the Moon, the Pleiades (M45), or Orion Nebula (M42). These give fast, satisfying results and let you learn the workflow before attempting faint galaxies.
In humid climates, dew can settle on the lens within an hour of a session starting. Check the lens periodically — a fogged lens produces soft, hazy images. A dew shield or heater helps.
Battery life is ~5.5h in astro mode. For long sessions, connect a USB-C PD power bank to run continuously. The Dwarf 3 can be used while charging.
Aim to image targets above 30° altitude. Lower targets pass through more atmosphere, increasing blur, colour distortion, and light pollution impact.
100 frames at 30s beats 30 frames at 60s for most DSO targets. The stacking algorithm improves SNR with √N frames — keep sessions running and build frame count.
Dwarflab's built-in Infinity Lab tools (Mega Stack, Stellar Studio) let you enhance images without external software. Stack multiple nights of data together using Mega Stack for significantly improved results.