Dwarflab has introduced the Draco, a smart telescope that combines a 90mm aperture with automated tracking in a 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs) package.
The device is built to simplify deep-sky astrophotography by automating alignment and capture, while still providing the hardware needed for long exposures.
Key Specifications and Imaging Features
The Draco supports single-frame exposures of up to 300 seconds.
To prevent field rotation that blurs stars on standard alt-azimuth mounts, it physically rotates its CMOS sensor to follow the sky's movement.
A built-in guide scope monitors tracking and corrects errors in real time.
The metal base can be tilted to switch the telescope into equatorial mode, eliminating the need for a separate mounting system.
Optically, the telescope uses a folded f/3.8 design with a 340mm focal length.
Its primary telephoto camera has a 1/1.3-inch, 50-megapixel sensor.
For dim deep-sky targets like galaxies, the system applies 2x2 pixel binning to output 12-megapixel images, increasing the effective pixel size to 2.4µm for better light collection and reduced noise.
For brighter solar system objects, it uses the full 50-megapixel resolution to capture finer details.
A secondary wide-angle camera with a 23.3mm equivalent focal length is included for wider landscapes and Milky Way shots.
Editions, Pricing, and Availability
Dwarflab offers the Draco in two configurations.
The Standard Edition costs $1,399 and includes a built-in H+O dual-narrowband filter for emission nebulae, plus an internal ND filter for solar imaging.
The app automatically switches to the ND filter when observing the Sun.
The SHO Edition is priced at $1,599 and replaces the internal ND filter with an S+O filter.
It can automatically sequence the two internal filters to capture Sulfur, Hydrogen, and Oxygen data, which the app then combines into standard blue-and-gold SHO images.
Solar imaging on the SHO model requires manually attaching an included external ND filter.
The companion app handles autofocus, plate solving, and live stacking with automatic dark-frame calibration.
Pro Mode provides manual control over exposure and gain, while FITS and TIFF export support allows raw data processing in external editing software.
The hardware is powered by a 10,000 mAh battery that delivers up to five hours of runtime.
It also features active sensor cooling to reduce thermal noise during long sessions.
Pre-orders are currently open on Dwarflab's website, with shipping estimated in three months.
