Dwarf 3 vs Seestar S30 vs S50 shootout!

Smart telescopes are compact devices with built-in cameras and app control that allow users to image the night sky without the need for manual tracking or complex setup. The Dwarf 3, Seestar S30, and Seestar S50 all follow this model, connecting to a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi and operated through their respective mobile apps. Each includes automated object location, tracking, and stacking capabilities, with interfaces that are designed for entry-level users.

In terms of pricing, the Seestar S30 is the most affordable model, typically sold around $399. The Dwarf 3 and Seestar S50 are priced higher, closer to $499. These prices do not include potential shipping costs, tariffs, or taxes. All three models are considered entry-level in the smart telescope category and are sold as all-in-one imaging packages with no need for additional astrophotography equipment.

Best budget smart telescope shootout: Dwarf 3 vs Seestar S30 vs S50 from ZWO shootout!

The Seestar S30 and S50 use triplet apochromatic refractor lenses with extra-low dispersion glass. The Dwarf 3 uses a dual-lens telephoto design with similar glass properties. The Seestar S50 has the largest aperture at 50 mm, followed by the Dwarf 3 at 35 mm, and the Seestar S30 at 30 mm. Aperture size directly affects light collection, with the larger size offering potential resolution and brightness improvements under the same exposure conditions.

Focal length differs across the models. The Seestar S30 and Dwarf 3 each have a 150 mm focal length, while the Seestar S50 has a longer 250 mm focal length. This results in narrower framing from the S50, with a field of view of 0.7 by 1.3 degrees. The S30 captures 1.2 by 2.13 degrees, while the Dwarf 3 offers the widest field at 2.9 by 1.7 degrees. All three now include a mosaic or framing mode to extend the field of view by stitching multiple panels together.

In terms of filters, each telescope includes multiple built-in options. All models feature an IR/UV cut filter and a dual-band filter for enhanced nebula contrast. The Dwarf 3 includes an astro filter for near-infrared imaging, while the Seestar models include a dark filter used for internal noise calibration. Solar filters are included with all three telescopes. The Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30 filters attach magnetically, while the Seestar S50’s filter is manually placed.

Storage and power specs vary. The Dwarf 3 comes with 128 GB of internal memory and runs for up to 8 hours on a single charge. The Seestar S30 and S50 each include 64 GB of storage and operate for about 6 hours. All three support charging during use via USB-C and allow file transfer to external devices. The Dwarf 3 is the lightest unit at 2.9 pounds, followed by the S30 at 3.7 pounds, and the S50 at 6.6 pounds. Both Seestar models include a tripod, while the Dwarf 3 requires a third-party tripod or a separately sold one.

Deep sky imaging comparison

Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope (DwarfLab)

• Optical Design: Dual-lens telephoto with apochromatic elements
• Aperture: 35 mm
• Focal Length: 150 mm
• Field of View: 2.9° x 1.7°
• Filter Types:
  • - Magnetic solar filter
  • - IR/UV cut filter
  • - Dual-band filter (Ha, OIII)
  • - Astro filter (near-infrared)
• Imaging Formats: JPEG, FITS, TIFF, MP4
• Stacking: In-app live stacking via Astro Mode
• EQ Mode: Yes, supports polar alignment for up to 2-minute exposures
• App Features:
  • - Virtual sky atlas
  • - Imaging scheduler
  • - Manual control
• Storage: 128 GB internal
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
• Weight: 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg)
• Tripod: Not included, standard photo tripod compatible
• Wi-Fi: Direct and home network, up to 2 guest viewers
   

Seestar S30 Smart Telescope (ZWO)

• Optical Design: Triplet apochromatic refractor
• Aperture: 30 mm
• Focal Length: 150 mm
• Field of View: 1.2° x 2.13°
• Filter Types:
  • - Magnetic solar filter
  • - IR/UV cut filter
  • - Dual-band filter (Ha, OIII)
  • - Dark filter (automatic noise reduction)
• Imaging Formats: JPEG, FITS, TIFF, MP4, AVI Raw
• Stacking: AVI raw stacking via external software (e.g., AutoStakkert)
• EQ Mode: Yes, added via firmware update
• App Features:
  • - Stargazing categories
  • - Virtual sky atlas
  • - Imaging planner
• Storage: 64 GB internal
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
• Weight: 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg)
• Tripod: Included
• Wi-Fi: Direct and home network, up to 8 guest viewers
   

Seestar S50 Smart Telescope (ZWO)

• Optical Design: Triplet apochromatic refractor
• Aperture: 50 mm
• Focal Length: 250 mm
• Field of View: 0.7° x 1.3°
• Filter Types:
  • - Slide-on solar filter
  • - IR/UV cut filter
  • - Dual-band filter (Ha, OIII)
  • - Dark filter (automatic noise reduction)
• Imaging Formats: JPEG, FITS, TIFF, MP4, AVI Raw
• Stacking: AVI raw stacking via external software
• EQ Mode: Newly introduced via firmware update
• App Features:
  • - Stargazing categories
  • - Virtual sky atlas
  • - Imaging planner
• Storage: 64 GB internal
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
• Weight: 6.6 pounds (3 kg)
• Tripod: Included
• Wi-Fi: Direct and home network, up to 8 guest viewers
   

Wido compares the Dwarf 3 from DwarfLab, and the Seestar S30 and Seestar S50 from ZWO

Wido Oerlemans, an astrophotographer based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, recently shared an in-depth and hands-on comparison of three of the most popular budget-friendly smart telescopes currently on the market: the Dwarf 3 from DwarfLab, and the Seestar S30 and Seestar S50 from ZWO. In this detailed review, he explored their design differences, app interfaces, image performance, and features while testing each telescope under the same observing conditions. His goal was to help beginner astrophotographers find the best affordable smart telescope that fits their needs.

Smart telescopes have dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for people interested in exploring the night sky. Unlike traditional telescopes that require time-consuming setup, alignment, and imaging expertise, these modern devices come with built-in cameras and use intuitive apps on your smartphone or tablet. They automatically slew to celestial targets, focus, track, and begin capturing images within minutes of powering on. This simplicity has made smart telescopes incredibly attractive to new users, especially those without the time or inclination to learn the technical intricacies of traditional astrophotography.

All three telescopes tested by Wido share the core benefit of ease-of-use, but they differ significantly in terms of optics, camera sensors, software features, and overall user experience. The Seestar S30 is the most affordable of the trio, usually priced around $399. The Seestar S50 and Dwarf 3 are slightly more expensive, typically retailing closer to $500. Prices may vary depending on tariffs and regional import costs, which is why Wido recommends checking reputable vendors for exact pricing and availability.

The Seestar S30 and S50 are built as triplet refractor telescopes, offering excellent color correction and sharpness thanks to their apochromatic extra-low dispersion glass optics. The Dwarf 3, on the other hand, uses a dual-lens telephoto design that also includes apochromatic elements. Each design is capable of capturing crisp, color-accurate images, but their differences in aperture, focal length, and field of view give each telescope its own strengths.

In terms of light-gathering ability, the Seestar S50 stands out with its larger 50mm aperture, which helps it capture more detail in celestial objects. The Dwarf 3 features a 35mm aperture, while the Seestar S30 has a 30mm aperture. The greater the aperture, the more photons the telescope collects, an essential factor for revealing fainter details in deep-sky imaging.

Focal length is another important distinction. The Seestar S50 features a 250mm focal length, which offers a more zoomed-in perspective on the Moon and Sun. The Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30 each have a 150mm focal length, providing a wider field of view. The Seestar S50’s narrower 0.7° by 1.3° field of view is just enough to fit the full Moon in one frame. The S30 expands that view to 1.2° by 2.13°, and the Dwarf 3 offers the widest view at 2.9° by 1.7°, enough to fit the Moon about six times over.

While the Seestar S50's tighter framing can be a limitation for wide-field astrophotography, all three telescopes now offer a mosaic or framing mode through software updates. This feature stitches together multiple exposures to expand the field of view by roughly two times. However, this approach requires longer capture times and can reduce exposure per frame if not planned carefully.

When it comes to real-world use, Wido emphasized the practicality of each device. Both Seestar telescopes come with a carrying case, tripod, solar filter, and USB-C charging cable. The Dwarf 3 includes a carrying bag, solar filter, and charging cable, but a tripod is optional. Fortunately, the Dwarf 3 can be mounted to any standard photo tripod, making it easy to integrate into an existing photography setup.

Both Seestar and DwarfLab offer dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. The Seestar app features three main modes: Stargazing (for deep-sky objects), Solar System (for the Sun, Moon, and planets), and Scenery (for daytime photography). The Dwarf 3 app is more simplified but still functional, with an emphasis on quick access to live views and direct controls. Wido noted that while the DwarfLab app had some bugs early in its development, it has improved significantly and is now on par with the Seestar app in terms of usability for beginners.

What is the best budget smart telescope?

Wido tested each telescope by imaging the Sun, Moon, and several deep-sky objects under the same conditions. For solar imaging, each telescope comes with a solar filter to safely view the Sun. The Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30 use magnetic filters, making attachment quick and secure. The Seestar S50 filter requires manual placement, which takes a bit more care to avoid scratching the optics.

In terms of solar imaging quality, the Seestar S50 again had a slight edge. Its larger aperture allowed it to resolve more detail in sunspots than the S30 or Dwarf 3. Interestingly, the Dwarf 3 recorded the Sun in a more natural white tone, while both Seestar models presented the Sun with an orange hue. Each device supports stacking images to improve clarity. The Seestar models can record up to 10-minute AVI raw videos for use in post-processing software like AutoStakkert, while the Dwarf 3 offers live in-app stacking in its built-in Astro Mode. While Wido appreciates the Dwarf’s live stacking convenience, he prefers the Seestar’s raw video option for its higher frame rate and flexibility in post-processing.

Moving on to lunar imaging, Wido observed the Moon with all three telescopes on the same night. The Seestar S50 again produced slightly more detailed images due to its longer focal length and larger aperture. After capturing raw video and stacking about 500 frames, he shared the processed results from each telescope. All performed well, but the S50 consistently revealed sharper details in lunar craters and surface features.

For deep-sky astrophotography, each telescope includes built-in filters designed to improve image quality. These include an IR/UV cut filter, a dual-band filter for enhancing hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III emissions from nebulae, and additional dark or near-infrared filters. The Dwarf 3 includes an Astro filter for near-infrared imaging, while the Seestar models feature a dark filter for automatic noise calibration. Unlike the Dwarf 3, which requires users to manually capture dark frames before each session, the Seestar models handle this automatically, simplifying the imaging process.

Both apps provide helpful tools for planning observations, including object libraries, virtual sky atlases, and target scheduling features. These tools make it easy to select celestial objects and automate the imaging process throughout the night. The Dwarf 3’s scheduler even lets you assign imaging windows for different objects, a particularly powerful feature for hands-off astrophotography.

One unique advantage of the Dwarf 3 is its ability to polar align using an EQ (equatorial) tracking mode. This mode improves tracking accuracy and allows for longer exposures, up to 2 minutes, which significantly enhances deep-sky imaging performance. The Seestar models, by contrast, are not polar aligned and are typically limited to 10-second exposures to avoid star trailing. However, ZWO recently rolled out a firmware update introducing an EQ mode for the Seestar telescopes. As the feature was newly released at the time of the review, Wido noted that a follow-up video would be needed to fully evaluate its effectiveness.

Wido then showcased real-world deep-sky images from each telescope, including popular targets like the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Pleiades. The Dwarf 3, with its EQ mode and longer exposure capability, excelled at capturing faint nebulosity and wide-field structures. The Seestar S50 stood out for its sharpness in smaller, concentrated targets but required mosaic mode to fully frame larger objects. The Seestar S30 delivered a balanced performance, offering good image quality and field coverage at a lower price point.

While all three telescopes are capable of deep-sky imaging, none are particularly well suited for planetary observation. Their focal lengths and apertures are simply not sufficient to resolve fine surface detail on planets like Jupiter or Saturn. Wido recommends a traditional telescope with a 2,000mm focal length and a larger aperture, such as a Dobsonian, Schmidt-Cassegrain, or Maksutov-Cassegrain, for anyone seriously interested in planetary astrophotography.

In terms of hardware, each telescope includes internal storage and long battery life. The Seestar models offer 64GB of storage and about 6 hours of operation per charge. The Dwarf 3 includes 128GB of storage and can run for around 8 hours. All can be recharged via USB-C and support image transfers to a laptop for post-processing. At just 2.9 pounds, the Dwarf 3 is also the lightest and most compact of the three, making it highly portable.

One of the most convenient features of these smart telescopes is their ability to connect to a home Wi-Fi network, allowing users to control them from indoors, perfect for cold or windy nights. Additionally, both the Dwarf 3 and Seestar models support guest viewing sessions, letting multiple users join via the app and observe together, which makes them great tools for educational outreach or family stargazing nights.

In his conclusion, Wido acknowledged that choosing the right telescope among these three isn’t easy. Each one offers unique strengths that may appeal to different users. The Dwarf 3 is the most versatile option, with EQ mode, wide field of view, and dual-lens configuration that allows it to function equally well for wildlife and daytime photography. It also includes creative shooting modes like burst capture, time-lapses, and manual controls.

The Seestar S30 is the best value for those focused primarily on astrophotography. Its recent addition of EQ mode levels the playing field for longer exposures, and it offers a good balance between field of view, detail, and cost.

For users who prioritize high-resolution views of the Moon and Sun, the Seestar S50 is a compelling option. Its 50mm aperture and 250mm focal length produce sharp, detailed images, especially in bright solar and lunar targets. However, its narrower field of view, portrait-style sensor, and slightly older camera hardware may limit its versatility compared to the Dwarf 3.

Ultimately, Wido leaves the final decision up to the viewer, encouraging everyone to consider what they value most in a smart telescope, whether it's resolution, field of view, price, or additional features. With so many options now available in the budget smart telescope market, even a modest investment can yield incredibly rewarding experiences under the night sky.

Dwarf 3 vs. Seestar S30 & S50 | Best Budget Smart Telescope?