Jumping on this, im currently in the same boat between the 2. Part of me loves the idea of using the dwarf 3 for further uses such as wildlife. But I keep going back to the whole S50 having better quality / resolution for nebulae and galaxies. Then again on the other hand I've seen that it can also be a bit too close, if thats even possible. Have you finally managed to use the Dwarf 3? If so, how did you get on with it? Anything you wish it has? Any feelings of 'Damn i should have gotten x' ? Im eager to hear your views as one minute im teetering on the side of the S50 and then the next I'm feeling that I'd prefer the D3. They're so similar yet also have (annoyingly) differences that I wish were amalgamated into one unit. Such as the S50 having ability for daytime with wildlife, but also being capable of high quality for Deep Space. And vice versa. Clear skies! Answer from Edster145 on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/askastrophotography › dwarf 3 vs seestar s50
r/AskAstrophotography on Reddit: Dwarf 3 vs Seestar s50
November 14, 2025 -

OK before anyone gets upset, I know this has been asked here before, but the most recent thread that comes up on Google was from before the Dwarf 3 added mosaic and equatorial modes, which seems to have leveled the playing field by a lot.

Basically my situation is that I've got a decent entry-level planetary photography setup, with a 8 inch Dob and a ZWO-224MC, but between the focal length and sensor size of that setup, it's virtually useless for most DSO's.

Additionally, I'm looking for something a bit easier to use because having just had my first kid, I don't have as much time to spend on astro as I used to, and I'd like something that we can use a bit more interactively together so I can show him all the cool stuff that's out there. Which led me towards smart telescopes.

So, in a nutshell, I want it mostly for larger DSO's of the sort that I wouldn't be able to get with my existing setup, I'm not overly worried about planets. Moon shots would be cool, but not totally important. Mostly I'm looking for something for galaxies, nebula, etc.

As I understand it - the S50 will produce higher resolution images, but the Dwarf 3 has the wider field of view and better light collection from it's sensors.

The wider field of view kind of feels like a moot point given that the s50 has a mosaic mode, so I'm really not sure where that leaves me.. Ultimately the most important thing is the final picture quality, followed by target flexibility (excluding planets), with convenience of use being a close third. Ideally, what I'd really like in terms of convenience is being able to set it up, then sit with my son on my ipad/laptop and watch in "real-time" (read - every 10-30min depending on the target and the necessary exposure times and whatnot) all the various DSOs that are in position to see then.

Also - I believe these are the top 2 within the <$1000 price range, but if I've somehow missed another contender that beats out either of these two, I'm open to that as well

Top answer
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I have both the S50 and the Dwarf 3. They complement each other. The S50 has a better app with an amazing star catalog. Its 50 mm aperture captures roughly twice as much light as the D3. The D3 has wider field of view which is better for larger nebula. But a lot of the objects you may want to image are smaller (galaxies and planetary nebulae) and the S50 is better for them. The D3 is more efficient at capturing data. Over a fixed time you should be able to get more stackable frames from the D3 than from the S50. The D3’s post processing is amazing. They upload your stacked image to their servers and perform several processing steps such as: background extraction, noise reduction and star reduction, often making beautiful images; and they then download the processed image to your phone and telescope. The S50 does AI noise reduction in the telescope, but not much else. Its processed images are improved and you can process an image multiple times during the capture process, helping you decide when to stop capturing. With the D3 you have to stop capturing before you can process your image. I think the difference in the optics between the S50 and D3 is more important than the sensor size. Also the mosaic mode on the S50 works very well, you just need proportionately more time. So IMO, the ability to image smaller objects with the S50 outweighs the D3’s larger field of view. To capture images, I have to take my scopes to a riverside park in New York City (no backyard). I can get both scopes set up in EQ mode in about 15 minutes and start imaging. Having both scopes allows me to make the best use of my time in the park. I’m very glad I have both. There are many YouTube videos about both scopes, how to image with them and how to process images they capture.
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Here's a comparison video that is worth your time: https://youtu.be/N6qaWP9ZiVk?si=8xrnsJBHEYgF00OM
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AstroForumSpace
astroforumspace.com › home › resources › telescopes › smart telescopes
Dwarf 3 vs Seestar S50 Smart Telescope Comparison Review – Wido's AstroForum
October 16, 2024 - The Seestar S50 Smart Telescope ... Let’s compare the optics. The Dwarf 3 features a 3.4mm widefield lens and a 35mm telephoto lens with extra-low dispersion glass to reduce diffraction spikes and chromatic aberration for sharp images....
Discussions

Seestar S50 vs Dwarf 3
More recent sensor and chip advancements amount to better images, (at least in DSLR photography), and the dwarf 3 has a newer chip, (IMX678), than the Seestar's older, (IMX462), sensor. Having taught photography at a local university for the last 25 years through the digital revolution, the Dwarf 3's newer sensor is a large plus in my view. I found the following comparative information online very quickly and the itemized information delineating the differences between the newer IMX678 sensor in the Dwarf 3, and the older IMX462 sensor in the Seestar. (Note that not all of the quoted information applies to astrophotography, i.e., megapixel valuations). The more current sensor alone pushes me heavily towards the Dwarf 3 camp but perhaps I put too much weight in my purchasing rubric on the most recent sensor technology and advancements. This valuation methodology and rubric has worked well for me as a teacher without fail in helping students decide on which DSLR camera is likely the current top dog, (for their respective budgets), and I am willing to bet that the more recent sensor technology is a large benefit as well in the realm of astrophotography. To compare the IMX678 and IMX462 image sensors, consider the following points: Resolution: IMX678 offers a higher resolution (up to 50 MP) compared to IMX462 (12 MP). Pixel Size: IMX678 features larger pixels for better low-light performance than IMX462. Dynamic Range: IMX678 has improved dynamic range capabilities, enhancing image quality in varied lighting. Video Capabilities: IMX678 supports higher frame rates and resolution for video recording than IMX462. Use Cases: IMX678 is ideal for high-end smartphones and cameras, while IMX462 suits mid-range devices. Technology: IMX678 utilizes advanced technologies like Quad Bayer for better color accuracy compared to IMX462. (November 20, 2025) More on reddit.com
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May 5, 2025
Seestar s50 vs Dwarf 3
Same difference. I've seen both in use (yes the dwarf III) More on reddit.com
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August 17, 2024
Dwarf 3 or Seestar S50?
Also asking the same question, but for astrophotography since I’m leaving the country up to northern hemisphere so prolly travelling without my rig. Doing a bit of research on dwarf 3 (done enough for seestar already), I’d say dwarf 3 undeniably has a better sensor, but other criteria on astrophotography such as tracking accuracy and exposure time length is still pretty much still unknown to us. So I’d say give a bit of time for dwarf 3 for ppl to test out. If you can’t wait, I’d get a seestar for deep sky astrophotography (which I’m into) and dwarf 3 for widefield such as milkway photography. Also for portable dwarf wins. More on reddit.com
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July 29, 2024
Seestar S50 vs Dwarf III - Page 2 - Smart Telescopes - Cloudy Nights
Personally I don’t see a reason to sell the Seestar and replace it with the Dwarf 3 simply because it appears that there are things that both do better than the other. The larger aperture of the S50 h More on cloudynights.com
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December 8, 2024
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Cloudy Nights
cloudynights.com › forums › astrophotography and sketching › smart telescopes
Seestar S50 vs Dwarf III - Smart Telescopes - Cloudy Nights
December 8, 2024 - Personally I don’t see a reason to sell the Seestar and replace it with the Dwarf 3 simply because it appears that there are things that both do better than the other. The larger aperture of the S50 h
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Stargazers Lounge
stargazerslounge.com › imaging › imaging - deep sky
Dwarf 3 - SeeStar S50 Comparison - Imaging - Deep Sky - Stargazers Lounge
July 24, 2025 - Please move if in wrong section. I recently took the opportunity to compare my Dwarf 3 with my SeeStar S50. Both were aimed at M16 at the same time and atmospheric conditions, from a light polluted estate. I have the Dwarf 3 577-15s sub basic stack (seen onscreen at end of session), and Dwarf 3 f...
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Telescoop
telescoop.nl › home › astronomy knowledge base › dwarf 3 vs seestar s50: which smart telescope suits you?
DWARF 3 vs Seestar S50: which smart telescope suits you?
November 28, 2025 - What immediately stands out: the DWARF 3 is better equipped for longer sessions due to its larger battery and 128 GB of storage, while the Seestar is attractive precisely because of its completeness out of the box.
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AstroForumSpace
astroforumspace.com › home › resources › telescopes › smart telescopes
Dwarf III vs Seestar S30 vs S50: Best Budget Smart Telescope in 2025? – Wido's AstroForum
In this blog, we’re diving into a comparison of three budget-friendly smart telescopes. As of now, the Seestar S30 is the most affordable at just $349, while the Seestar S50 and Dwarf 3 are priced between $499 and $599, depending on where you shop and any import duties.
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/askastrophotography › seestar s50 vs dwarf 3
r/AskAstrophotography on Reddit: Seestar S50 vs Dwarf 3
May 5, 2025 -

Let me start by saying I have spent hours reading every comparison out there and watching all good comparison videos on YouTube and I still cannot make my decision. I also have read the existing threads on here so I apologise if this seems repetitive but they didn’t seem to answer my specific questions, so here goes…

I know it’s a personal thing. Wider FOV and slightly less detail (Dwarf) vs smaller FOV and more detail(S50). Which is further complicated by the fact S50 now has mosaic mode and EQ mode - making them even more similar (although I don’t know how well the mosaic works with regards to noise on S50)

Stellar Studio which allows onboard post processing on the Dwarf is a pretty solid selling point for me- as I don’t foresee me spending an awful lot of time post processing on anything else (Siril, Pixinsight etc) I’ve googled and couldn’t find much on what onboard post processing the SeeStar offers if any? (Please advise if anyone knows?)

All of these ramblings boil down to one main question really. If you have had experience with both, which one would you choose if you could only afford one and your main goal was DSO photography? Any advice appreciated.

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I had the same dilemma recently and went with the S50. As you say, the mosaic and EQ modes for the S50 significantly diminish its drawbacks and it is readily available now. The clincher for me was that it's now galaxy season, and most targets are already pretty small on the S50. If I had the Dwarf 3 I know I'd be constantly comparing galaxies to the S50 and I'd regret my decision. One thing you haven't mentioned which is a huge positive for the Dwarf over the S50 is portability. I recently took my S50 on a flight and it either counts as your personal item / backpack or takes up half the space maybe more of your carry-on case (you can't put it into the hold due to the batteries). With a Dwarf 3 or S30 I could just chuck it in a bag whenever I want and not think twice about it. With the S50 I have to really want to take it and really plan it out. As for post processing, there is some. Very good AI de-noise, and standard contrast and saturation adjustments. It's nothing compared to stacking and processing yourself though. I'd love better in-app capabilities and I think it's going to be a major area of competition in the Smart Scope market, but I do enjoy learning the process on PC too. I don't know how this compares to Stellar Studio but I'd guess it's better than Seestar's app but still nowhere near what you can get through Siril, graxpert etc.
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S50 1000%. I have both don't use the dwarf, the dwarf 2,. Seestar is plug and play, the dwarf is set up and pray and then get frustrated
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AstroForumSpace
astroforumspace.com › home › resources › telescopes › smart telescopes
Best Budget Smart Telescope in 2026 – Seestar (S30, S30 Pro & S50) vs Dwarf 3 and Mini – Wido's AstroForum
February 10, 2026 - At the time of writing, the S30 costs about $349, while the DWARF Mini comes in at $399. Moving up, the Seestar S50 is priced at $499, and the most expensive models in this comparison are the Seestar S30 Pro and the DWARF 3, both priced at $549 at the time of this video.
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World of Telescopes
worldoftelescopes.co.uk › blogs › news › smart-telescope-comparison-uk-seestars50-vs-dwarf3
Smart Telescope Comparison UK: Seestar S50 vs DWARF 3 – World of Telescopes
May 28, 2025 - The Seestar S50 offers a solid all-round imaging experience, with excellent performance for nebulae, the Moon, and star clusters. It has a slightly larger aperture, meaning more light collection - ideal for fainter deep-sky objects.
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DWARFLAB
dwarflab.com › us › products › dwarf-3-smart-telescope
DWARF 3 Smart Telescope - DWARFLAB
DWARF 3 Smart TelescopeA lightweight, all-in-one smart telescope that supports solar, lunar, and deep-sky astrophotography.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/telescopes › seestar s50 vs dwarf 3
r/telescopes on Reddit: Seestar s50 vs Dwarf 3
August 17, 2024 -

basically what the title says. which one is better for taking pictures of deep sky objects (specifically galaxies) Im looking at getting a smart telescope before I jump into the more expensive side of astrophotography and get a full blown rig.

My only dislike between the two is the fact that the Seestar has the wierd FOV that reminds me of a phone screen. otherwise any suggestions would be amazing.

Edit: I know the dwarf 3 is also very new, so some comparisons could be made to the dwarf ii

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Seestar
store.seestar.com › blogs › seestar-guide › review-of-the-seestar-s50-smart-telescope-by-zwo
Review Of The Seestar S50 (Smart Telescope) by Al Milano
The Seestar S50 shares many features with other smart telescopes, such as: It's small and compact. It's controlled by your smartphone (or tablet) / Android or iPhone based. Object GOTO ability / and Automatic star tracking. Automatic stacking of your images from space. Ability to do daytime photography (and video). Comes with built in rechargeable battery. For comparison, The Dwarf II's (rechargeable) batteries are removable.
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TheSkySearchers
theskysearchers.com › viewtopic.php
Dwarf Mini
Last post Re: My Seestar S50 EAA Caldwe…
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/astrophotography › dwarf 3 or seestar s50?
r/astrophotography on Reddit: Dwarf 3 or Seestar S50?
July 29, 2024 -

I'm a novice to astrophotography and I've stumbled across the Dwarf and Seestar telescopes and I'm curious which one seems like a better buy? I own an Orion Starblast 4.5 dobsonian but there are a lot of limitations to this telescope, mainly that I live in a very light polluted area, it's not easy to transport, and has manual tracking. I have some physical limitations so having a portable scope to take pictures of deep sky objects with very little equipment is appealing to me. I've heard a lot of good things about the Seestar telescope, but the Dwarf 3 appears to have a tracking feature but is slightly more expensive. Any thoughts on this?

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Cloudy Nights
cloudynights.com › forums › astrophotography and sketching › smart telescopes
Seestar S50 vs Dwarf III - Page 2 - Smart Telescopes - Cloudy Nights
December 8, 2024 - Personally I don’t see a reason to sell the Seestar and replace it with the Dwarf 3 simply because it appears that there are things that both do better than the other. The larger aperture of the S50 h
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AstroBin
app.astrobin.com › forum › topic › 211204 › acquisition › what-is-the-best-smart-telescope-under-700
AstroBin
AstroBin es el hogar de la astrofotografía - Comparte imágenes a resolución completa, conserva los detalles de adquisición, descubre equipo, debate sobre técnicas y aprende de la comunidad.Descubre AstroBin · Animation of flare sequence at AR4477, AR4475 and AR4479 2026/6/30 by rigel123 ...
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YouTube
youtube.com › playlist
Smart Telescopes (Unistellar, Vaonis, ZWO Seestar, Dwarflab, Celestron) - YouTube
Find out all you need to know about smart telescopes, including individual model review, model vs model comparisons, how to guides, and case studies.
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TechRadar
techradar.com › cameras
I took the awesome Dwarf III smart telescope on vacation and captured some of my favorite space photos ever
I took the awesome Dwarf III smart telescope on vacation and captured some of my favorite space photos ever
My first astrophotography set-up ... a mere 1.3kg / 2.8lbs and is small enough to fit in airline carry-on luggage. In fact, that's exactly what I did with it a few months ago, taking it with me on vacation to Greece. I've also used it extensively in my garden in the UK and compared it thoroughly to another smart telescope, the ZWO Seestar S50. And as you can see from my verdict and score above, I love it. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let's start with the basics. ... The Dwarf III is one ... The Dwarf III may be small, but it takes seriously impressive images
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Telescopius Forum
forum.telescopius.com › general questions
In the telescope section, which do I select for a DWARF II (and soon to add ZWO SeeStar S50)? - General Questions - Telescopius Forum
August 28, 2023 - The telescope topic only includes limited classic telescopes, not smart telescopes. So which do I choose as the best match for the DwarfLabs Dwarf II smart telescope that I have now, and the ZWO SeeStar S50 that hasn’t …