Smartphones, especially iPhones with advanced camera systems, have revolutionized astrophotography. With the right telescope and adapter, you can capture stunning images of the Moon, planets, and even deep-sky objects—right from your backyard. Here’s a look at the best telescopes compatible with iPhone astrophotography to help you start shooting the stars.
1. Celestron NexStar 6SE
Why It Stands Out:
This computerized telescope is perfect for beginners who want precision and ease of use. The 6-inch aperture offers excellent clarity, and it’s compatible with smartphone adapters for iPhone imaging.
- Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 150mm
- Mount: GoTo computerized
- iPhone Compatibility: Yes (with adapter)
- Ideal For: Planetary and lunar photography
2. Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector
Why It Stands Out:
A budget-friendly, beginner-friendly reflector telescope that delivers bright, wide-field views, ideal for capturing large sections of the night sky with your iPhone.
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 114mm
- Mount: Equatorial
- iPhone Compatibility: Yes (with adapter)
- Ideal For: Moon, star clusters, wide-field shots
3. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor
Why It Stands Out:
An excellent portable option with apochromatic optics for high-contrast, color-corrected imaging. Works beautifully with iPhones for both photography and visual observing.
- Type: Apochromatic Refractor
- Aperture: 72mm
- Mount: Requires separate mount
- iPhone Compatibility: Yes
- Ideal For: Deep-sky and wide-field astrophotography
4. Zhumell Z130 Portable Reflector
Why It Stands Out:
This tabletop scope offers excellent optical performance in a small, affordable package. Great for quick lunar shots and beginner astrophotographers.
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 130mm
- Mount: Alt-Azimuth
- iPhone Compatibility: Yes (with smartphone mount)
- Ideal For: Moon and planetary imaging
5. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ
Why It Stands Out:
This versatile and powerful reflector scope is a favorite for its sharp optics and compatibility with smartphone astrophotography accessories.
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 130mm
- Mount: Equatorial
- iPhone Compatibility: Yes
- Ideal For: Moon, planets, some bright deep-sky objects
iPhone Astrophotography Tips
- Use a quality smartphone adapter to securely mount your iPhone to the telescope eyepiece.
- Enable manual camera controls using apps like NightCap or ProCamera for better exposure and ISO settings.
- Start with the Moon and bright planets, as they’re easiest to capture.
- Use a remote shutter or timer to reduce vibration and blurring.
- Experiment with stacking apps like DeepSkyStacker to improve image quality for deep-sky shots.
Conclusion
Astrophotography with your iPhone and a telescope is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re capturing a close-up of the Moon or experimenting with deep-sky objects, the telescopes listed here provide a solid foundation to explore the cosmos through your smartphone lens.
