DwarfLab Dwarf mini - Tripod

Introduction | Unboxing, Tripod, Dwarf mini on the Tripod | The Tripod in Different Settings | Adjusting the Angles of the Tripods Legs | Positioning of the Handle | EQ Mode: Orientation of the Telescope on the Tripod | First Conclusions | Links || Appendix: Comparisons

On this page, I describe the DwarfLab tripod for my electronic refractor telescope Dwarf mini 30 mm/150 mm (f/5). I ordered it together with the telescope at the end of November 2025 (pre-order) and received it on January 16, 2026, two days after the telescope.

See also (mostly in progress):

 

Introduction

         

Photo: My Dwarf mini and its tripod (Jan 2026)

I ordered the DwarfLab tripod together with the Dwarf mini because it allows me to set up the Dwarf mini in a more universal (and higher) position. What I did not realize was that

In hindsight, I found it very practical that I ordered the tripod at the same time... In AZ mode, however, the Dwarf mini can also be used without a tripod if you can place it on a table or on the floor.

 

Unboxing, Tripod, Dwarf mini on the Tripod

Here I present photos of the unboxing, the tripod and the tripod with mounted Dwarf mini.

         

The tripod for the Dwarf mini has arrived! The parcel is damaged

 

Inner box removed - it even has two damages

 

Tripod in its bag taken out (no damages)

   

Tripod taken out of its bag

 

Plastic cover removed

 

This would be the travel equipment (without charger and iPad)

 
 

The tripod, lever pointing upwards

 

Dwarf mini on the tripod, lever pointing upwards

 

Ditto, lever pointing downwards

 
 

Ditto, legs fully extended, steepest angle

 

Ditto, lever pointing downwards

 

DwarfLab recommends, to add a weight to the center column when the legs are fully extended (normal angle of the legs)

Note: The center column can carry a weight. DwarfLab recommends this for fully extended legs. The legs can be made flat (see below). This might increase stability in EQ mode (I still need to try this out).

 

The Tripod in Different Settings

The tripod legs can be extended in 5 stages (5 segments) and set up at three different angles (steep, oblique, flat). Here are a few demo examples:

 
 

Legs in normal angle, not extended

  

Tripod legs oblique

  

Tripod legs flat, center column pulled out
 
   

Telescope oblique as in EQ mode, tripod legs oblique, not extended

 

Telescope oblique as in EQ mode, tripod legs flat, not extended

   
 
 

One segment extended, legs flat, center column extended

 

Two segments extended, legs flat, center column extended

 

Ditto, legs oblique

         

Legs fully extended and oblique

 

Legs fully extended and flat

 

DwarfLab recommends, to add a weight to the center column when the legs are fully extended (normal angle of the legs)

 

Adjusting the Angles of the Tripods Legs

The legs of the DwarfLab tripod can be adjusted to different angles: steep, slanted, and flat. For this purpose, there is a silver slider (angle adjusting buckle) at the top of each tripod leg that locks into the corresponding positions. However, the slider is only needed if you want to make the tripod flatter. To do this, press the leg in question slightly inwards, pull the slider down and move the leg outwards; the slider can then be released. To make the tripod steeper, simply press the corresponding leg inwards until the slider locks into the desired position.

         

The locking slider for adjusting the angle of the tripod legs

 

Slider pulled down...

 

...and the tripod leg pulles outwards (you can leave the slider in place...) until the slider locks into the desired position

Please note: If you want to set up the tripod flat, you must pull out the center column.

 

Positioning of the Handle

The handle on the DwarfLab tripod is useful for moving the Dwarf mini into the desired position in EQ mode. How you mount it is ultimately a matter of personal preference...

     

Detachable handle in position as shown by DwarfLab for EQ mode - the handle is slightly bent downwards

 

Handle locking knob loosened - now the handle can be turned around freely...

 

Handle locking knob loosened - the handle hangs down

 

Handle turned to the other side - the handle is slightly bent upwards

 

EQ Mode: Orientation of the Telescope on the Tripod

The Dwarf mini is normally operated in AZ mode. However, it can also be operated in EQ mode to allow for longer exposure times (greater than 15 seconds and up to 90 seconds). In addition, EQ mode must be used when capturing mosaics. For EQ mode, the Dwarf mini must be mounted on a tripod such as the DwarfLab tripod. There are two ways to orient the Dwarf mini on the tripod, but I was usure which is the correct one. I asked DwarfLab, and they told me that it does not matter how you mount the Dwarf mini on the telescope, everyone can do it according to their own preferences...

     

Tripod set up according to the DwarfLab video for EQ mode

  

Tripod set up opposite to the DwarfLab video for EQ mode

Note: Further information on the EQ mode and the telecsope orientation on the tripod can be found on page EQ mode.

 

First Conclusions

The DwarfLab tripod offers many possibilities on the one hand, but on the other hand it also has some "weaknesses." And due to its light weight, construction, and 1/4" thread, it is more of a "toy." It is certainly well suited for the lightweight telescopes from DwarfLab, but not for other, heavier telescopes. And it is well suited for simply trying out certain things and "playing around" with its possibilities. In this respect, I consider my entire Dwarf mini experience, including the tripod, to be a "learning project."

In my opinion, one of its "weaknesses" is the AZ scale on the tripod head. If you orient the telescope so that you can read the scale in EQ mode, it stops at about 60° N, where the head hits the base disk locking knob that locks the horizontal rotation. If you orient it the other way around, the scale ends at 30° :( However, as I have learned, some users do not use the scale for orientation anyway...

More in due course (or never)...

 

Links

Appendix: Technical Data for the DwarfLab Tripod

Tripod

 

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31.01.2026