I was looking at Dwarf II as well as that ZWO Seestar and I ultimately ended up going for the Dwarf. Its a little rough around the edges on the software side of things, but overall I am extremely impressed with this little device. It sets up relatively easily in less than 5 minutes and you are off to take some amazing photos of space!!! Things I would like are a larger catalog of objects to look at, along with possibly things currently visible from my location, and I need the app improved so I don't have to keep entering the same settings each time I focus on a new target. Lastly, I believe the Dwarf should "park" itself before shutting down, like with the lenses down and lined up centered. It truly is a great little device overall!!!
I couldn’t agree more with the ideas, I had also put those ideas to Dwarf especially the parking of the lenses after a session or during the capture of dark frames. It wouldn’t be too difficult to have an internal shutter that closes off the sensor for dark frames. I too feel there is room for improvement on the software side of things. Still needs to be cleaned up a bit. Overall they are really good with suggestions if you choose to contact them I’m sure they will take note. Overall it’s a very easy and quick way to image on a budget. Congratulations on your purchase.
I took delivery of mine this afternoon. I've been hoping for years for some affordable kit like this to come along and it's all hooked up and ready to go. I am also at 58 degrees North in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, where it's raining and will be for some time - looks like I will have to wait a bit longer. On the plus side, the Dwarf is going to be ideal for maximising the usually infrequent and brief opportunities we do get for a bit of winter astronomy.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Thanks, - it did and I did. Some belting pictures of Jupiter and 5 moons, Andromeda, Seven Sisters and the Triangulum galaxy before the battery gave up and the frost started to settle on the telescope. I need to make a heater for it.
A couple of really rank newbie questions: 1. do you have to do 'darks' every time you go out for an imaging session? 2. Does the DL move slowly along & track the target? It so, does it have to do some kind of polar alignment reading to be able to do that? 3. I'm trying to figure out what the word "Gain" means. Is it the number of exposures?
From what I understand you only need to do the darks once as long as you don’t format the memory card and use the same length exposure time. The DL moves slowly keeping the target in the field of view, it doesn’t need any kind of polar alignment to achieve this. This kind of setup limits the exposure length you can achieve to seconds rather than minutes like a polar aligned EQ setup. Sorry, gain is like ISO in a dslr. The higher your gain the brighter the image can be at said exposure but that can introduce more noise into the image. Hence stacking to improve signal to noise ratio as well as subtracting darks to clean up the image.
I quite like these although it will never be a replacement for an imaging rig, I saw one of these at Kelling star party over the weekend & I do think for outreach it would be a great little device to have. If I ever get back to doing outreach this or the seestar would definitely be something I'd buy.
Yes. I see this as most useful for 1) outreach; 2) families/kids; 3) vacation/camping travel where you don't want to pack a larger rig; and 4) people with disabilities who can't manage a more sophisticated rig. Some are touting it as a starter rig, but I think that's a bad idea. There's no upgrade path. Better to start with a camera/lens/tripod, then at least you've got an all-round useful imaging device that is upgradeable.
@davewilton6021 I feel it’s good for those that want to dip their toes into astrophotography that don’t have a lot of money to splash. It’s still more affordable than a used apsc dslr, then you need a lens that performs well that doesn’t exhibit a lot of chromatic aberration. With a dslr body and a good lens of say 85mm or more your already in the $800 zone, then support a tripod which can handle the weight your up around $1000 and that setup doesn’t track. I feel if someone got one of these for astro the upgrade path would be the next step, cooled camera, eq mount and a good scope. But I mostly see this great for families, camping like you mentioned and outreach etc. it certainly has its place and from what I’m being told the next version and upgrades could be a great step. We shall see.
I imagine it's difficult foir your average advanced astro, who has invested $10,000 or $20,000 and countless hours setting up and breaking down their rig, can take this $500 all-in-one device seriously. But you gave it a fair shot. No, there's no upgrade path as someone said, but someone who gets hooked and wants more will then buy a C-6 Nexstar or a short-tube refractor or something like that. That's the upgrade path.@@StevenMorrisPhotography
My Dwarf will be delivered tomorrow, can't wait. Some reviews say that you should not use a tripod and just place it on a flat surface. I'm not sure if it is to reduce shaking or not. What is your opinion on that?
That’s a good question, it most certainly could be placed on a flat surface, however being on a flat surface it could pick up any vibrations on the ground or walking near it. I would however use a good tripod that can handle the weight. I also like using the Dwarf at a more comfortable height than it being on the ground. Either way can work, it’s what’s more comfortable for you.
Too bad we could not see a final DSO picture at the end (with or without supplementary processing) ... I think people should try imaging Jupiter and Saturn, because I strongly suspect they won't look like ordinary stars. I took a short (1.4 GB) video of Jupiter with Dwarf II (Saturn was a bit too low in the sky and too close to trees at the time), and the disk of Jupiter was visible, together with its Galilean satellites (one of them extremely close to the planet). Most likely my image of Jupiter was a bit overexposed, but I am fairly certain Jupiter would still look like a (small) disk had I corrected that (the telescope was in focus). Unfortunately, being new to astrophotography, I failed at processing the video frames, but I will try again in the future - for I'm curious to see what these images hold. In short, I liked your presentation and hope to see a lot more in the near future.
I'm a newbie; my Dwarf II was just delivered yesterday. It has the latest firmware version. I have a question for anyone who might have the answer. I've noticed that the two lenses might not be aligned correctly. When I finally get the object in the center of the telescopic screen, it shows the object right on the yellow box line on the bottom or just outside it on the wide-angle view. Is that normal? Thank You!
This "Telescope" has only an aperture of 24mm 1 inch yes you saw right 1 inch, and you will only get results with a Telescope that of a 1 inch of aperture.
Two things to make life a little easier with the Dwarf - a Bahtinov mask to make focusing a doddle and a power bank to extend the battery life.
There is going to be a new firmware update coming soon for this device...can't wait
WOW WHAT A GREAT LITTLE DEVICE, amazing for that lttle things can show big things in space, well done steve. Thanksfor sharing.
Your very welcome mate
I was looking at Dwarf II as well as that ZWO Seestar and I ultimately ended up going for the Dwarf. Its a little rough around the edges on the software side of things, but overall I am extremely impressed with this little device. It sets up relatively easily in less than 5 minutes and you are off to take some amazing photos of space!!! Things I would like are a larger catalog of objects to look at, along with possibly things currently visible from my location, and I need the app improved so I don't have to keep entering the same settings each time I focus on a new target. Lastly, I believe the Dwarf should "park" itself before shutting down, like with the lenses down and lined up centered. It truly is a great little device overall!!!
I couldn’t agree more with the ideas, I had also put those ideas to Dwarf especially the parking of the lenses after a session or during the capture of dark frames. It wouldn’t be too difficult to have an internal shutter that closes off the sensor for dark frames.
I too feel there is room for improvement on the software side of things. Still needs to be cleaned up a bit.
Overall they are really good with suggestions if you choose to contact them I’m sure they will take note.
Overall it’s a very easy and quick way to image on a budget.
Congratulations on your purchase.
I took delivery of mine this afternoon. I've been hoping for years for some affordable kit like this to come along and it's all hooked up and ready to go. I am also at 58 degrees North in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, where it's raining and will be for some time - looks like I will have to wait a bit longer. On the plus side, the Dwarf is going to be ideal for maximising the usually infrequent and brief opportunities we do get for a bit of winter astronomy.
I hope it clears for you soon so you can capture some images 😊
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Thanks, - it did and I did. Some belting pictures of Jupiter and 5 moons, Andromeda, Seven Sisters and the Triangulum galaxy before the battery gave up and the frost started to settle on the telescope. I need to make a heater for it.
@Ireallymissmymind that’s brilliant, congratulations.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography try turning on the CPU toggle button , creates more heat
Charge one battery, swap it out, charge the other one. Ta da! Two charged batteries.
Thank you for turning the light off! Phew!
A couple of really rank newbie questions:
1. do you have to do 'darks' every time you go out for an imaging session?
2. Does the DL move slowly along & track the target? It so, does it have to do some kind of polar alignment reading to be able to do that?
3. I'm trying to figure out what the word "Gain" means. Is it the number of exposures?
From what I understand you only need to do the darks once as long as you don’t format the memory card and use the same length exposure time.
The DL moves slowly keeping the target in the field of view, it doesn’t need any kind of polar alignment to achieve this. This kind of setup limits the exposure length you can achieve to seconds rather than minutes like a polar aligned EQ setup.
Sorry, gain is like ISO in a dslr. The higher your gain the brighter the image can be at said exposure but that can introduce more noise into the image. Hence stacking to improve signal to noise ratio as well as subtracting darks to clean up the image.
Great demo thanks
I quite like these although it will never be a replacement for an imaging rig, I saw one of these at Kelling star party over the weekend & I do think for outreach it would be a great little device to have. If I ever get back to doing outreach this or the seestar would definitely be something I'd buy.
I completely agree, I also see these as great devices for those with families and camping. Kids would love exploring the universe on an iPad.
Yes. I see this as most useful for 1) outreach; 2) families/kids; 3) vacation/camping travel where you don't want to pack a larger rig; and 4) people with disabilities who can't manage a more sophisticated rig. Some are touting it as a starter rig, but I think that's a bad idea. There's no upgrade path. Better to start with a camera/lens/tripod, then at least you've got an all-round useful imaging device that is upgradeable.
@davewilton6021 I feel it’s good for those that want to dip their toes into astrophotography that don’t have a lot of money to splash. It’s still more affordable than a used apsc dslr, then you need a lens that performs well that doesn’t exhibit a lot of chromatic aberration. With a dslr body and a good lens of say 85mm or more your already in the $800 zone, then support a tripod which can handle the weight your up around $1000 and that setup doesn’t track. I feel if someone got one of these for astro the upgrade path would be the next step, cooled camera, eq mount and a good scope.
But I mostly see this great for families, camping like you mentioned and outreach etc. it certainly has its place and from what I’m being told the next version and upgrades could be a great step. We shall see.
I imagine it's difficult foir your average advanced astro, who has invested $10,000 or $20,000 and countless hours setting up and breaking down their rig, can take this $500 all-in-one device seriously. But you gave it a fair shot. No, there's no upgrade path as someone said, but someone who gets hooked and wants more will then buy a C-6 Nexstar or a short-tube refractor or something like that. That's the upgrade path.@@StevenMorrisPhotography
@@StevenMorrisPhotography What is currently known regarding next version? When is it expected to be sold?
You can EQ MOUNT THE Dwarf 2 and works well. Does not need to level. I EQ mount mine and no field rotation
That’s brilliant, I will have to try that.
My Dwarf will be delivered tomorrow, can't wait. Some reviews say that you should not use a tripod and just place it on a flat surface. I'm not sure if it is to reduce shaking or not. What is your opinion on that?
That’s a good question, it most certainly could be placed on a flat surface, however being on a flat surface it could pick up any vibrations on the ground or walking near it.
I would however use a good tripod that can handle the weight. I also like using the Dwarf at a more comfortable height than it being on the ground. Either way can work, it’s what’s more comfortable for you.
Can you used to take photo long exposure to
Too bad we could not see a final DSO picture at the end (with or without supplementary processing) ...
I think people should try imaging Jupiter and Saturn, because I strongly suspect they won't look like ordinary stars. I took a short (1.4 GB) video of Jupiter with Dwarf II (Saturn was a bit too low in the sky and too close to trees at the time), and the disk of Jupiter was visible, together with its Galilean satellites (one of them extremely close to the planet). Most likely my image of Jupiter was a bit overexposed, but I am fairly certain Jupiter would still look like a (small) disk had I corrected that (the telescope was in focus). Unfortunately, being new to astrophotography, I failed at processing the video frames, but I will try again in the future - for I'm curious to see what these images hold.
In short, I liked your presentation and hope to see a lot more in the near future.
I'm a newbie; my Dwarf II was just delivered yesterday. It has the latest firmware version. I have a question for anyone who might have the answer.
I've noticed that the two lenses might not be aligned correctly. When I finally get the object in the center of the telescopic screen, it shows the object right on the yellow box line on the bottom or just outside it on the wide-angle view. Is that normal? Thank You!
You should be able to drag the yellow box on the wide angle to get it to align better with the telephoto lens.
Thank you I will give that a try.
✔️ *promo sm*
This "Telescope" has only an aperture of 24mm 1 inch yes you saw right 1
inch, and you will only get results with a Telescope that of a 1 inch
of aperture.