How Many Subs

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

DwarfLab DWARF mini against Vaonis Vespera Pro, 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 2.8× 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 2.1× faster.

Field of view. Both frame 2.1° or so on the long side, so they suit the same targets.

Detail. The Vespera Pro samples at 1.65″ 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 Vespera Pro tops out at 30 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 Vespera Pro does not, which costs it heavily on emission nebulae from any suburban sky.

Specifications side by side

SpecDWARF miniVespera Pro
Aperture30 mm50 mm
Focal length150 mm (f/5.0)250 mm (f/5.0)
SensorSony IMX662, 2.1 MPSony IMX676, 12.5 MP
Pixel size2.9 µm2 µm
Pixel scale3.99″/px1.65″/px
Field of view2.13° × 1.20°1.62° × 1.62°
Sub exposures15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s10 s, 20 s, 30 s
Dual-band filterBuilt in (Dual-band)Clip-on option (Dual Band filter)
“No filter” positionAstroNo filter
Read noise used1.2 e⁻0.8 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 miniVespera ProFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy1 h 27 min349 subs3 h 16 min1,176 subsDWARF mini 2.2×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula12 min50 subs38 min227 subsDWARF mini 3×
North America NebulaEmission nebula1 h 24 min336 subs5 h 04 min1,822 subsDWARF mini 4×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy4 h 35 min1,102 subs10 h3,727 subsDWARF mini 2.3×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula8 min30 subs17 min103 subsDWARF mini 2.3×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 31 min366 subs5 h 32 min1,992 subsDWARF mini 4×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs16 min98 subsDWARF mini 2.2×
PleiadesReflection nebula2 h 41 min645 subs6 h 03 min2,177 subsDWARF mini 2.3×

Rural sky (Bortle 3)

Total integration for a solid image from a Bortle 3 sky, default subs, recommended filter for each scope.
TargetDWARF miniVespera ProFaster
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy34 min135 subs1 h 23 min500 subsDWARF mini 2.5×
Orion NebulaEmission nebula9 min38 subs18 min111 subsDWARF mini 1.9×
North America NebulaEmission nebula58 min233 subs2 h 06 min757 subsDWARF mini 2.2×
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy1 h 39 min396 subs4 h 10 min1,501 subsDWARF mini 2.5×
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula8 min30 subs10 min62 subsDWARF mini 1.4×
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant1 h 03 min253 subs2 h 17 min824 subsDWARF mini 2.2×
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs9 min53 subsDWARF mini 1.2×
PleiadesReflection nebula1 h239 subs2 h 29 min897 subsDWARF mini 2.5×

Try the DWARF mini in the calculator Try the Vespera Pro

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 Vaonis Vespera Pro

The square-sensor Vespera with 2 µm pixels. Higher resolution than the II, and correspondingly slower per pixel: expect around double the time for the same per-pixel SNR. Run-out in 2026 and replaced by the Vespera Pro 2.

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

Other comparisons

DWARF mini

Vespera Pro

All comparisons · Buying guide · DWARF mini page · Vespera Pro page