How Many Subs

DwarfLab DWARF II: how long to image deep-sky targets

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.

SpecValue
Aperture24 mm
Focal length100 mm (f/4.2)
SensorSony IMX415, 3840 × 2160, 1.45 µm pixels
Pixel scale2.99″ per pixel
Field of view3.19° × 1.79° (191′ × 108′)
Sub exposures15 s (default 15 s)
FiltersTwo built-in filters, VIS and Astro (IR-pass); no dual-band. The optional UHC filter is no longer sold. What the names mean.
In the calculator“Astro (no light-pollution filter)” is the Astro position; there is no dual-band option for the DWARF II.
Read noise used1.2 e⁻
Where to buy the DWARF IIAmazon UKAmazon USAffiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Weighing it against the others? The buying guide puts every scope on one table.

Popular targets

Total integration for a solid image, 15 s subs, recommended filter.
TargetBortle 4Bortle 6Bortle 8
Andromeda GalaxyGalaxy2 h 54 min695 subs4 h 59 min1,198 subs12 h2,937 subs
Orion NebulaEmission nebula35 min141 subs57 min228 subs2 h 12 min529 subs
PleiadesReflection nebula5 h 18 min1,271 subs9 h 16 min2,225 subs23 h5,521 subs
Whirlpool GalaxyGalaxy1 h 58 min472 subs3 h 19 min796 subs7 h 58 min1,914 subs
Bode's GalaxyGalaxy2 h 07 min509 subs3 h 37 min870 subs8 h 49 min2,117 subs
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy9 h2,159 subs16 h3,817 subs40 h9,545 subs
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster16 min63 subs24 min97 subs53 min213 subs
Dumbbell NebulaPlanetary nebula56 min226 subs1 h 30 min361 subs3 h 27 min830 subs
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula17 min70 subs25 min101 subs52 min208 subs
Lagoon NebulaEmission nebula57 min230 subs1 h 35 min382 subs3 h 46 min904 subs
Eagle NebulaEmission nebula3 h 08 min754 subs5 h 25 min1,302 subs13 h3,199 subs
Omega NebulaEmission nebula1 h 06 min266 subs1 h 49 min438 subs4 h 17 min1,030 subs
Trifid NebulaEmission nebula2 h 13 min534 subs3 h 48 min914 subs9 h 16 min2,226 subs
Triangulum GalaxyGalaxy5 h 18 min1,271 subs9 h 16 min2,225 subs23 h5,521 subs
North America NebulaEmission nebula4 h 27 min1,067 subs7 h 45 min1,860 subs19 h4,602 subs
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant4 h 51 min1,165 subs8 h 29 min2,035 subs21 h5,041 subs
Eastern Veil NebulaSupernova remnant4 h 04 min978 subs7 h 05 min1,701 subs18 h4,202 subs
Elephant's Trunk NebulaEmission nebula7 h 32 min1,809 subs13 h3,187 subs33 h7,952 subs
Iris NebulaReflection nebula3 h 44 min896 subs6 h 29 min1,556 subs16 h3,837 subs
Pacman NebulaEmission nebula5 h 18 min1,271 subs9 h 16 min2,225 subs23 h5,521 subs
Heart NebulaEmission nebula9 h2,159 subs16 h3,817 subs40 h9,545 subs
Rosette NebulaEmission nebula4 h 27 min1,067 subs7 h 45 min1,860 subs19 h4,602 subs
Horsehead NebulaEmission nebula6 h 19 min1,516 subs11 h2,663 subs28 h6,625 subs
Flame NebulaEmission nebula1 h 35 min380 subs2 h 41 min643 subs6 h 28 min1,551 subs
California NebulaEmission nebula6 h 19 min1,516 subs11 h2,663 subs28 h6,625 subs
Helix NebulaPlanetary nebula6 h 19 min1,516 subs11 h2,663 subs28 h6,625 subs
Double ClusterOpen cluster8 min30 subs8 min33 subs16 min66 subs
NGC 891Galaxy5 h 23 min1,292 subs9 h 24 min2,257 subs23 h5,592 subs
Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy1 h 36 min384 subs2 h 39 min636 subs6 h 16 min1,506 subs
Sunflower GalaxyGalaxy3 h 16 min785 subs5 h 38 min1,352 subs14 h3,310 subs

All 170 targets have a page for the DWARF II.

Every target for the DWARF II

Supernova remnants

Globular clusters

Open clusters

Emission nebulas

Star clouds

Planetary nebulas

Galaxies

Reflection nebulas

Getting the most from the DWARF II

15 s is the hard maximum in any mode; DwarfLab recommends EQ mode at 15 s. Two built-in filters, VIS and Astro (IR-pass); no dual-band. The optional UHC filter is no longer sold.

The DWARF II uses fixed 15 s subs, so the only levers you have are the sky you shoot from, the filter, and total time.

Stack across nights. Every smart scope app can continue a stack or you can combine the saved frames on a computer; the figures here are totals, not single-session limits.

Compare the DWARF II

Useful gear

What actually fits this scope, checked against the maker's own pages: power, EQ mode, dew and carry.

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All DWARF II accessories, and what to take on a cold night →