DWARF 3 vs DWARF 2 Smart Telescope: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading, this guide breaks down the real-world differences, expert reviews, and key performance improvements.

Author

SpaceInfo Club
September 13, 2025

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.

Dwarf3 vs Dwarf2 Smart Telescope Review and Comparison

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

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:

Don’t forget to follow the SpaceInfo Club on our social channels, we’re more than 150,000 people and we want to reach 200,000 🚀🚀

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Share this newsletter with your friends,

  2. Visit our website at www.spaceinfo.club

  3. Share our social channels, Instagram and YouTube 🚨

See you in the next episode!