DwarfLab has launched the Draco smart telescope for amateur astrophotography enthusiasts. The device features a physically rotating CMOS sensor that compensates for the rotation of the Earth without requiring a polar alignment setup. The telescope is available now starting at $1299 for the standard configuration.
Capturing deep sky objects usually requires a bulky equatorial mount to stop stars from trailing across long exposures. DwarfLab solves this problem inside the camera body itself. The sensor physically twists during long exposures, allowing single exposures up to 300 seconds without specialized polar alignment gear. The tracking system also applies continuous star drift corrections in real time to keep images sharp.
The optical system relies on a 90 mm objective lens paired with a 340 mm focal length and an f/3.8 aperture. Imaging duties are handled by a 50 MP sensor sized at 1/1.3 inches, which supports 2x2 pixel binning to boost low light sensitivity. The complete unit weighs 5.5 kg, making it easy to carry into the field for night sky sessions.
Power comes from an internal 77 Wh battery that delivers roughly 5 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. The housing carries an IP56 rating for splash resistance, and the internal components operate across temperatures ranging from minus 20 to plus 45 degrees Celsius.
DwarfLab offers two purchasing tiers for the telescope. The base Standard Edition retails for $1299, while the upgraded SHO Edition includes extra narrowband filters for specialized nebula imaging and costs $1499.
