How Many Subs

DwarfLab DWARF 3: how long to image deep-sky targets

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.

SpecValue
Aperture35 mm
Focal length150 mm (f/4.3)
SensorSony IMX678, 3840 × 2160, 2 µm pixels
Pixel scale2.75″ per pixel
Field of view2.93° × 1.65° (176′ × 99′)
Sub exposures15 s, 30 s, 60 s (default 15 s)
FiltersThree built-in filters: VIS, Astro (430 to 690 nm) and dual-band Hα 656 nm / OIII 501 nm. What the names mean.
In the calculator“Astro (no light-pollution filter)” is the Astro position; “dual-band” is the built-in dual-band.
Read noise used0.6 e⁻
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.

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 GalaxyGalaxy57 min229 subs2 h 07 min509 subs6 h 09 min1,476 subs
Orion NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band13 min51 subs16 min66 subs29 min117 subs
PleiadesReflection nebula1 h 42 min409 subs3 h 55 min939 subs12 h2,772 subs
Whirlpool GalaxyGalaxy40 min161 subs1 h 25 min341 subs4 h 01 min963 subs
Bode's GalaxyGalaxy43 min171 subs1 h 33 min371 subs4 h 26 min1,064 subs
Pinwheel GalaxyGalaxy2 h 50 min682 subs6 h 41 min1,604 subs20 h4,789 subs
Hercules ClusterGlobular cluster8 min30 subs11 min44 subs27 min108 subs
Dumbbell NebulaPlanetary nebula, dual-band21 min84 subs27 min107 subs47 min187 subs
Ring NebulaPlanetary nebula, dual-band8 min34 subs10 min39 subs14 min57 subs
Lagoon NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band19 min77 subs25 min102 subs48 min191 subs
Eagle NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band53 min212 subs1 h 16 min305 subs2 h 37 min628 subs
Omega NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band23 min91 subs30 min120 subs55 min221 subs
Trifid NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band39 min157 subs55 min221 subs1 h 51 min445 subs
Triangulum GalaxyGalaxy1 h 42 min409 subs3 h 55 min939 subs12 h2,772 subs
North America NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 12 min289 subs1 h 46 min424 subs3 h 42 min890 subs
Western Veil NebulaSupernova remnant, dual-band1 h 18 min312 subs1 h 55 min460 subs4 h 03 min972 subs
Eastern Veil NebulaSupernova remnant, dual-band1 h 07 min267 subs1 h 37 min390 subs3 h 24 min816 subs
Elephant's Trunk NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 56 min465 subs2 h 55 min700 subs6 h 18 min1,511 subs
Iris NebulaReflection nebula1 h 13 min292 subs2 h 45 min659 subs8 h 02 min1,927 subs
Pacman NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 24 min338 subs2 h 05 min500 subs4 h 25 min1,061 subs
Heart NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band2 h 17 min547 subs3 h 27 min829 subs7 h 31 min1,805 subs
Rosette NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 12 min289 subs1 h 46 min424 subs3 h 42 min890 subs
Horsehead NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 39 min396 subs2 h 28 min591 subs5 h 16 min1,266 subs
Flame NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band29 min117 subs40 min162 subs1 h 19 min316 subs
California NebulaEmission nebula, dual-band1 h 39 min396 subs2 h 28 min591 subs5 h 16 min1,266 subs
Helix NebulaPlanetary nebula, dual-band1 h 39 min396 subs2 h 28 min591 subs5 h 16 min1,266 subs
Double ClusterOpen cluster8 min30 subs8 min30 subs8 min34 subs
NGC 891Galaxy1 h 44 min417 subs3 h 58 min954 subs12 h2,808 subs
Sombrero GalaxyGalaxy34 min135 subs1 h 09 min275 subs3 h 10 min759 subs
Sunflower GalaxyGalaxy1 h 05 min259 subs2 h 24 min575 subs6 h 56 min1,664 subs

All 170 targets have a page for the DWARF 3.

Every target for the DWARF 3

Supernova remnants

Globular clusters

Open clusters

Emission nebulas

Star clouds

Planetary nebulas

Galaxies

Reflection nebulas

Getting the most from the DWARF 3

Auto mode caps subs at 15 s; 30 s and longer need EQ mode, and 60 s is the ceiling on the tele camera. Three built-in filters: VIS, Astro (430 to 690 nm) and dual-band Hα 656 nm / OIII 501 nm.

Longer subs matter most under dark skies, where read noise rather than skyglow sets the floor. From a city the difference between 15 s and 60 s subs is small; from a rural site it can halve the total time, especially with a dual-band filter in place.

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 3

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 3 accessories, and what to take on a cold night →