How Many Subs

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

DwarfLab DWARF mini against DwarfLab DWARF II, 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 4× 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 4× faster.

Field of view. The DWARF II shows 3.19° × 1.79° 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 II samples at 2.99″ 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 II tops out at 15 s. That matters little from a city, where skyglow sets the floor, and a lot from a dark site, where read noise does.

Filters. The DWARF mini has a dual-band filter built in; the DWARF II does not, which costs it heavily on emission nebulae from any suburban sky.

Specifications side by side

SpecDWARF miniDWARF II
Aperture30 mm24 mm
Focal length150 mm (f/5.0)100 mm (f/4.2)
SensorSony IMX662, 2.1 MPSony IMX415, 8.3 MP
Pixel size2.9 µm1.45 µm
Pixel scale3.99″/px2.99″/px
Field of view2.13° × 1.20°3.19° × 1.79°
Sub exposures15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s15 s
Dual-band filterBuilt in (Dual-band)None
“No filter” positionAstroAstro
Read noise used1.2 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 miniDWARF IIFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy1 h 27 min349 subs4 h 59 min1,198 subsDWARF mini 3×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula12 min50 subs57 min228 subsDWARF mini 5×
North America NebulaEmission nebula1 h 24 min336 subs7 h 45 min1,860 subsDWARF mini 6×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy4 h 35 min1,102 subs16 h3,817 subsDWARF mini 3×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula8 min30 subs25 min101 subsDWARF mini 3×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 31 min366 subs8 h 29 min2,035 subsDWARF mini 6×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs24 min97 subsDWARF mini 3×
PleiadesReflection nebula2 h 41 min645 subs9 h 16 min2,225 subsDWARF mini 3×

Rural sky (Bortle 3)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 3 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetDWARF miniDWARF IIFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy34 min135 subs2 h 31 min603 subsDWARF mini 4×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula9 min38 subs31 min126 subsDWARF mini 3×
North America NebulaEmission nebula58 min233 subs3 h 50 min922 subsDWARF mini 4×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy1 h 39 min396 subs7 h 44 min1,856 subsDWARF mini 5×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula8 min30 subs16 min64 subsDWARF mini 2.1×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 03 min253 subs4 h 11 min1,006 subsDWARF mini 4×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs14 min57 subsDWARF mini 1.9×
PleiadesReflection nebula1 h239 subs4 h 34 min1,097 subsDWARF mini 5×

Try the DWARF mini in the calculator Try the DWARF II

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.

About the DwarfLab DWARF II

The original pocket scope. 24 mm aperture and tiny 1.45 µm pixels mean it is slow per pixel, so bin or downsample and be patient.

Where to buy the DWARF IIAmazon UKAmazon USAffiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Other comparisons

DWARF mini

DWARF II

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