How Many Subs

DWARF 3 vs DWARF mini: which is faster for deep-sky imaging?

DwarfLab DWARF 3 against DwarfLab DWARF mini, on the same targets from the same skies, using the same photon-budget model as the rest of the site. Times are for a solid image; the calculator gives quick-look and showpiece figures too.

Speed. Across the 30 most popular targets from a suburban Bortle 6 sky, the DWARF mini is 1.3× faster (geometric mean of the solid-image times, each scope on its recommended filter and default subs). From a rural Bortle 3 sky the DWARF mini is 1.2× faster.

Field of view. The DWARF 3 shows 2.93° × 1.65° against 2.13° × 1.20°, so big targets such as the Andromeda Galaxy, the North America Nebula and the Pleiades fit with room to spare where the DWARF mini needs a mosaic or a tight crop.

Detail. The DWARF 3 samples at 2.75″ per pixel against 3.99″, so it pulls finer structure from small targets: planetary nebulae, globular cores, galaxy arms.

Subs and dark skies. The DWARF mini goes up to 90 s subs in EQ mode, the DWARF 3 tops out at 60 s. That matters little from a city, where skyglow sets the floor, and a lot from a dark site, where read noise does.

Filters. Both carry a dual-band filter, which is what makes emission nebulae practical from a lit sky.

Specifications side by side

SpecDWARF 3DWARF mini
Aperture35 mm30 mm
Focal length150 mm (f/4.3)150 mm (f/5.0)
SensorSony IMX678, 8.3 MPSony IMX662, 2.1 MP
Pixel size2 µm2.9 µm
Pixel scale2.75″/px3.99″/px
Field of view2.93° × 1.65°2.13° × 1.20°
Sub exposures15 s, 30 s, 60 s15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s
Dual-band filterBuilt in (Dual-band)Built in (Dual-band)
“No filter” positionAstroAstro
Read noise used0.6 e⁻1.2 e⁻

Timed on the same targets

Suburban sky (Bortle 6)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 6 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetDWARF 3DWARF miniFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy2 h 07 min509 subs1 h 27 min349 subsDWARF mini 1.5×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula16 min66 subs12 min50 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
North America NebulaEmission nebula1 h 46 min424 subs1 h 24 min336 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy6 h 41 min1,604 subs4 h 35 min1,102 subsDWARF mini 1.5×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula10 min39 subs8 min30 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 55 min460 subs1 h 31 min366 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster11 min44 subs8 min30 subsDWARF mini 1.4×
PleiadesReflection nebula3 h 55 min939 subs2 h 41 min645 subsDWARF mini 1.5×

Rural sky (Bortle 3)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 3 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetDWARF 3DWARF miniFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy44 min178 subs34 min135 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula12 min48 subs9 min38 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
North America NebulaEmission nebula1 h 06 min264 subs58 min233 subsDWARF mini 1.1×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy2 h 08 min514 subs1 h 39 min396 subsDWARF mini 1.3×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula8 min33 subs8 min30 subsDWARF mini 1.1×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 11 min285 subs1 h 03 min253 subsDWARF mini 1.1×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs8 min30 subsSame
PleiadesReflection nebula1 h 18 min312 subs1 h239 subsDWARF mini 1.3×

Try the DWARF 3 in the calculator Try the DWARF mini

About the DwarfLab DWARF 3

Small pixels on a 35 mm f/4.3 lens give a sharper image than its aperture suggests, and EQ mode with 60 s subs makes it the read-noise winner in dark skies.

Where to buy the DWARF 3DwarfLab store UKDwarfLab store USAmazon UKAmazon USThe DwarfLab store link is a plain link; the others are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

About the DwarfLab DWARF mini

DwarfLab’s answer to the Seestar S30: same sensor and focal length, big pixels, dual-band filter built in, and 90 s subs in EQ mode. Sensitivity over megapixels.

Where to buy the DWARF miniDwarfLab store UKDwarfLab store USAmazon UKAmazon USThe DwarfLab store link is a plain link; the others are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Other comparisons

DWARF 3

DWARF mini

All comparisons · Buying guide · DWARF 3 page · DWARF mini page