Dwarf Mini: Miniature camera for astrophotography is now even smaller than the Dwarf 3

Dwarflab is expanding its smart optics range with the DWARF Mini, a device that is even more portable than its predecessor, the DWARF 3. The company claims that the Mini is currently the smallest fully automatic smart telescope on the market. Like its predecessors, Dwarflab's Mini is aimed at beginners in astrophotography and nature observers looking for lightweight equipment for on-the-go use.

DWARF Mini: An even more compact smart telescope for astrophotography and nature observation

Technically, the DWARF Mini is based on a dual-camera system that combines two different focal lengths in a single housing. The device features a 24mm telephoto lens with a periscope-like design for detailed shots and a wide-angle lens for celestial orientation. Despite its small size, the telephoto lens is said to offer effective magnification, although initial tests indicate that its light-gathering ability is lower than that of larger telescopes.

The DWARF Mini utilizes updated AI tracking to automatically detect objects in the sky such as stars, planets or birds and keep them in view. As with the DWARF 3, "live stacking" superimposes several short-exposure images in real time to reduce image noise and make details of foggy objects more visible. Like the DWARF 3, control is handled entirely via an updated smartphone app that connects to the telescope via Wi-Fi. You can read our review of the Dwarf 3 here.

The DWARF Mini's biggest unique selling point is its compactness, as the model fits in a jacket pocket and weighs only 840 grams. This makes it even more suitable for beginners in astrophotography than the DWARF 3 and similar telescopes. Of course, due to its compactness, you have to make a few compromises that professional lenses do not offer. But it should still be possible to take high-quality pictures of celestial objects at night. Strictly speaking, in view of its specifications, it is more of a supplement to the DWARF 3 than a replacement for it.

DWARF Mini specifications:

• 64 GB internal storage
• WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB port
• Telescopic arm rotatable by 225 degrees, lens swivels 360 degrees
• Weight: 840 grams
• Battery capacity: 7,000 mAh (approx. 4 hours of use)
• Sensors: Sony IMX662 telephoto lens (1/2.8"), OmniVision OS02K10 wide-angle lens (1/2.8")
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Shutter speed: Telephoto 1/10,000-90s, Wide-angle 1/10,000-30s
• Focal length: 150 mm