We've seen a rise in customers choosing between the Seestar S50 and DWARF 3, so I’ve put together this guide to help break down the differences.

The world of smart telescopes has exploded in the past year, with two standout options emerging for UK stargazers: the ZWO Seestar S50 and the DWARF 3. Both offer automated tracking, smart features, and app control — but they’re not quite the same.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which is best for your needs.

🔭 Key Specs at a Glance:

📷 Image Quality & Performance

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.

The DWARF 3, on the other hand, features dual lenses, including a wide-angle view, and is arguably better for lunar, solar, and terrestrial photography. It also supports 4K video, which can be a big win if you’re sharing content or streaming.

📱 App & User Experience

Seestar’s app is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with ZWO’s reputation for astrophotography tools backing it up.

DWARF 3’s app is more advanced in some ways, offering custom scripts, exposure control, and live tracking — but may come with a steeper learning curve.

Both work on iOS and Android and offer Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless control.

🚀 Portability

The DWARF 3 is more compact and lightweight than the Seestar S50, making it a better choice for travel or field use. It fits in a small bag or even a large pocket.

The Seestar is still very portable — especially compared to traditional telescopes — but it’s a bit bulkier and more tripod-dependent.

🌌 Ideal Use Cases

• Go for the Seestar S50 if...
  You’re interested in deep-sky objects
  You prefer a simpler app experience
  You want trusted support from ZWO and its community
• Go for the DWARF 3 if...
  You want 4K video and dual-lens versatility
  You value portability above all
  You enjoy tweaking settings or experimenting with your shots

💬 Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

💬 My Final Thoughts

Both telescopes offer a fantastic introduction to astrophotography, especially for beginners or casual observers who want to skip the traditional setup.

If you’re just getting started and want a telescope that’s simple to use with solid all-round performance, the Seestar S50 is probably your best bet.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, love portability, or want to shoot video and daytime subjects too, the DWARF 3 could be the better choice.

Simon, Founder of World of Telescopes

🛖 Shop Smart Telescopes

• Buy the ZWO Seestar S50 →
  
• Buy the DWARF 3 →