Dwarf II is a versatile, compact smart telescope that simplifies astrophotography.
Dwarf II is a compact and portable smart telescope at an excellent price point.
Its also super flexible, featuring both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
The Dwarf II Smart Telescope.Photo: George Dvorsky
It operates without needing a traditional eyepiece (for better or worse).
The telescope connects via both WiFi and Bluetooth.
Cost, accessories
The telescope comes in one of two packages.
The Deluxe version comes with a black carry bag, a rechargeable battery, a 64GB microSD card, a mini tripod, an extra battery, a UCH filter for light pollution, a pair of solar filters (to match the two lenses), and the filter adapter.Photo: George Dvorsky
The Deluxe version is currently available at a 15% discount, bringing the price down to $505.7.
The unit itself is nimble, sleek, and with a distinctive look.
Its compact, periscope design results in a low center of gravity for improved stability.
The October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse, as viewed by the Dwarf II telescope—and through some exceptionally cloudy conditions.Photo: George Dvorsky
In case youre wondering, Tinyscope was a predecessor to Dwarf II, but it was eventually discontinued.
The app provides a searchable catalog of target objects.
Still, it would be nice to have the option of having targets sorted according to peak availability.
The Sun, featuring unusually large sunspots, as viewed with the Dwarf II telescope fitted with its solar filter (no external editing).Photo: George Dvorsky
A cautionary note about imaging planets.
I had an absolute hoot using Dwarf II to take photos and time-lapses of the Moon.
The images were crisp and breathtaking, capturing details not visible to the human eye.
M42 the Great Nebula in Orion, as imaged by Dwarf 2 and with no external editing.Image: George Dvorsky
It took some time and patience to get the configs just right, but it was worth it.
This robotic technology simplifies what is typically a demanding, complex, and often frustrating aspect of astrophotography.
As a result, I could watch my observations improve through long exposures for instant gratification.
The M50 star cluster features a deep, dark background and sharp stars, as imaged by Dwarf 2 and with no external editing.Image: George Dvorsky
As the images werent watermarked, I found it challenging to identify them days later properly.
The images are labeled in the app but only accessible when the equipment is powered and linked.
Dwarf II now features an enhanced connection system that simultaneously supports one primary connection and two secondary connections.
The Cigar galaxy, with Bode’s galaxy at the top, as imaged by Dwarf 2 with no external editing.Image: George Dvorsky
Two secondary nodes are nice, but even more would be better.
Im imagining a bunch of kids at a campsite, all wanting to see the action on their smartphones.
Final words
I liked the Dwarf II, but I didnt love it.
Dwarf II supports FITS and TIFF formats, allowing more advanced users to edit their long exposures in image editing software. The image above, showing the Flame Nebula, was cropped and edited in GIMP.Image: George Dvorsky
True to its word, it does make astrophotography more accessible.
The astronomical images were very good, but I wouldnt describe them as outstanding.
Given the size of the telescope and its reduced focal length, that shouldnt be a surprise.
Other options includeCelestrons NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescopeand theSky-Watcher 8 Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope.
Disclaimer: DWARFLAB let me keep the Dwarf II, but I retained full editorial control over this review.
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