Just Sharing Some Recent Images From The Dwarf II (for now)

Just Sharing Some Recent Images From my observatory Dwarf II!

There will be lots of images accompanying my upcoming review of The Dwarf 2 smart telescope...So, I thought I'd share a few now:

What can I say about The Dwarf II? This tiny device produces amazing results!

Affordable, smart telescopes, like The Dwarf 2 - Have changed the hobby of Astrophotography forever!

Galaxy M33 - Directly out of The Dwarf 2 - Zero Processing

The same image - With some processing in PixInsight

Please keep in mind: These images of DSO's, captured by The Dwarf 2, really don't require much post-processing. In other words, you certainly don't need to use expensive software like PixInsight. 

In my experience, some minor post-processing in free software Apps like: Paint.net, Gimp, and especially Siril - allow you to achieve excellent results! And, with less of a chance of "over-processing". Which it seems I may have been on the verge of doing, with the example above, of M33.

Also, the more time you dedicate to capturing images of each object, the better they'll look. The examples here, were very short duration sessions. None of them were much more that 100 images of 15 seconds each.

The following image of The North American Nebula, was accomplished with under 30 exposures:

The North American Nebula NGC 7000 - Straight out of The Dwarf 2 - Zero Processing.

Same image - With minor processing in PixInsight.

Some might be surprised to learn, that The Dwarf 2 was able to image a nebula as small as The Iris - Shown in previous post (below). But, this little unit continues to surprise me. 

The raw image of The Iris Nebula in particular, would benefit from some post-processing... It was taken with The ZWO Duo Band Filter attached. I bought my filter from High Point Scientific. I've ordered from them before, and they have great customer service. I bought my 10" Apertura Dobsonian from them, a couple of years back. And, this Duo Band Filter arrived very quickly.

Until next time,

Clear skies!

Some Images From The Dwarf II - Last Night!

Okay...of course, a full 2-part Review of The Dwarf 2 is coming... 

But, I couldn't resist showing some more comparison shots!

The Cocoon Nebula - 36 Min. total exposure time.

With The Dwarf II - 15" Exp. x 144, Gain:80, IR:Pass, 1.25" ZWO Duo Band filter.

Cropped, and only minor processing in Paint.net & Gimp.

Same for The Bubble Nebula

The Iris Nebula - About 30 to 50 minute exposure time.

The Dwarf II has changed the course of Astrophotography forever... I would never go back to a DSLR!

A GOTO scope with a CCD Camera...Maybe? I really like The Virtuoso GTi from SkyWatcher...

Until next time,

Clear skies!

Last Night, I Was Amazed By The Dwarf II Smart Telescope!

Astrophotography: Some of the things that come to my mind (things that I'm remembering) are the attempts which I (and I'm sure many other people) have tried in the past.

I used to use a DSLR, but before that - I experimented with film cameras, and a Meade Color CCD camera (the lowest cost unit they made). 

And here's an attempt at M31, many years ago, using a Meade color CCD camera attached to a Canon lens, on a cheap Orion tracking mount:

(under Bortle 8 skies)

M31 Beginner mistakes!

And here is an image from last night, under my Bortle 4 skies - about 150 15 second subs, stacked by The Dwarf II, with minor post processing in Paint.net:

I'm amazed by this little device! It used to take twice as much work, to get an image only half as nice!

The Dwarf II - An Awesome New Product!

I want to bring your attention to a smart telescope, which was released earlier this year (2023). It is The Dwarf II automated photography system, and as you’ll see: it's a miraculous device!

The Dwarf II on it’s included tripod (stock photo).

It allows you to:

• Create astrophotos of Deep Sky Objects - Pretty much automatically!
• Focus on, and take photos of terrestrial animals.
• Create sharp, panoramic photos of landscapes - With just a few clicks!

I’m very happy to inform you, that I will be posting a full, multi-part review of The Dwarf II soon…

So, while writing this first, "online look" at The Dwarf II: A random question/idea just occurred to me - Who, exactly would appreciate The Dwarf II the most? 

Well, that's easy: Folks who have previously dabbled in (low-cost) astrophotography.

We are the ones who will appreciate this unit the most.

Why?

Because we have already gone through many attempts at astrophotography, while staying under a modest budget.

The many objects you can photograph with 

The Dwarf II (stock image).

It’s definitely the perfect device for those wanting to learn about astrophotography. It allows the user to be involved in the process-which is very much like traditional astrophotography. This allows the user to enjoy learning about the subject, and the process - which gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Image of M31, The Andromeda Galaxy, taken with a Dwarf II (stock image).

In an upcoming post, I can use myself, as an excellent example - I will share the equipment I acquired, and the resulting astrophotos (of DSO's) I was able to manage. 

This will give a baseline idea, of what it’s like, trying to do astrophotography on a budget.

Among the equipment which I will be discussing, will be:

1. Cameras on tripods.

2. CCD camera attached to Canon Camera lens, on an Orion motorized mount.

3. Modified DSLR, with Light Pollution filter(s) on various tracking devices.

Much more to follow - Stay tuned!

Clear skies!

🌌