Capturing the cosmos requires more than just a standard telescope; it demands an instrument designed for the specific challenges of long-exposure photography. The right telescope for astrophotography must provide sharp, color-accurate images on a stable and precise mount to track celestial objects as they move across the night sky. This selection process can be daunting with so many options available.
To simplify your search, we have compiled a roundup of nine highly-regarded telescopes suitable for various astrophotography pursuits. From wide-field refractors ideal for nebulae to powerful compound telescopes for planetary imaging, this list covers a range of optical designs and feature sets to help you find the perfect match for your astronomical ambitions and skill level.
Our Top Telescope Picks for Astrophotography
- Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor
- Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
- Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope
- Sky Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Telescope
- Celestron – AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope
- Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
- Orion 9005 AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope
- Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
- Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor
The EvoStar 120 APO is a refractor designed with the astrophotographer in mind. Its optical tube assembly features a matched doublet objective that includes a synthetic fluorite element, which is instrumental in providing excellent color correction. This means stars appear as sharp points of light without distracting color fringes, a common issue known as chromatic aberration.
Proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) ensure that the maximum amount of light passes through the optics, resulting in bright, high-contrast images. This telescope is built to grow with you; its versatile design makes it a suitable primary optical tube for both novice imagers and seasoned astrophotographers looking for a compact and portable instrument.
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
For those seeking immense light-gathering power in a single package, the Celestron CPC 1100 is a formidable choice. Its 11-inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain optics are capable of revealing fine details on planets and deep-sky objects alike. The large aperture is particularly beneficial for astrophotography, as it allows for shorter exposure times to capture faint objects.
The telescope is mounted on a robust dual fork arm GoTo mount that contains a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. This system not only locates targets with precision but also tracks them smoothly, which is a fundamental requirement for long-exposure imaging. The integrated GPS simplifies the setup process, ensuring accurate alignment and tracking from the start.
Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope
The NexStar 5SE combines Celestron’s classic 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with a fully computerized and user-friendly GoTo system. This makes it an excellent bridge for beginners who are ready to move beyond manual telescopes and for advanced users who appreciate its portability. The 5-inch aperture provides a great balance between light grasp and a compact form factor.
With the NexStar+ hand control, you have access to a massive database of more than 40,000 objects. The automated mount handles the task of finding and tracking your target, allowing you to concentrate on composing and capturing your images. Its straightforward SkyAlign technology makes getting started a quick and simple process.
Sky Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Telescope
The Sky Watcher Classic 150 offers a substantial 6-inch aperture in a simple, easy-to-use Dobsonian base. This design prioritizes a large light-gathering area at an accessible price point, providing exceptionally bright and detailed views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. It is a fantastic tool for learning the night sky.
Its proprietary tension control handles allow for smooth and accurate manual movement, making it easy to track objects by hand. The optics feature 94% reflective, fully multi-coated borosilicate mirrors that deliver sharp and contrast-rich images. While manual, its simplicity and large aperture make it a great visual companion that can inform your astrophotography targets.
Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope
The AstroMaster 114EQ is a Newtonian reflector designed as a powerful yet accessible option for those new to astronomy. Its 114mm aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing you to observe a variety of celestial objects. The optical coatings enhance light transmission for a brighter view.
It is equipped with a manual equatorial mount, which is a valuable learning tool for understanding the motion of the sky. The slow-motion control knobs for right ascension and declination allow for fine adjustments to keep objects in the field of view. This hands-on experience is fundamental for grasping the concepts essential for advanced astrophotography.
Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
Gskyer’s 90mm refractor telescope provides a solid entry point into astronomy and basic astrophotography. With a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it offers a good combination of light gathering and wide-field views. The fully coated optics glass lens is designed to create clear images while protecting your eyes.
This package includes three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering a range of magnification options. The adjustable aluminum tripod provides stability and allows for comfortable viewing positions. The alt-azimuth mount is straightforward to operate, making it a user-friendly option for getting started with lunar and planetary imaging.
Orion 9005 AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope
The Orion AstroView 120ST is a short-tube 120mm refractor that excels as a wide-field instrument. Its fast f/5 focal ratio makes it particularly well-suited for capturing large deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters with crisp resolution. The shorter tube also contributes to a more portable and manageable setup.
It comes mounted on an equatorial mount, which is the preferred type for astrophotography as it can track the apparent motion of the stars by moving on a single axis. This is crucial for taking long-exposure photographs without star trailing. This telescope provides a capable optical system on a mount designed for the specific demands of astrophotography.
Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
The NexStar 130SLT brings the benefits of computerized GoTo technology to a Newtonian reflector design. Its 130mm aperture is the largest in the SLT family, providing substantial light-gathering ability to view Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and brighter deep-sky objects in detail. The compact form factor makes it surprisingly portable.
This telescope features a database of more than 4,000 celestial objects. Once aligned, the mount can locate and track any object in its database automatically. This hands-off approach to finding targets is a significant advantage for imagers who want to focus on the camera setup and image capture process.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a highly popular model that strikes an excellent balance between power, portability, and sophisticated technology. It features an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, which provides a significant aperture for detailed planetary and deep-sky observation and imaging, all within a relatively compact and lightweight design.
Its single fork arm mount is paired with Celestron’s renowned GoTo system, which includes SkyAlign for quick and easy setup. The system provides access to a vast database of celestial objects, automatically slewing to and tracking your chosen target. This combination of large aperture and intelligent mounting makes it a versatile and capable choice for a wide range of astrophotography projects.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Telescope for Astrophotography
Choosing the right telescope for astrophotography feels different from picking one just for visual observing. I’ve learned that my primary goal is to collect light efficiently and guide it precisely onto my camera sensor. The first major decision is the type of optical tube. Refractors use lenses and are often recommended for beginners because they are generally low-maintenance and deliver sharp, high-contrast images, though high-quality apochromatic (APO) models are essential to avoid color fringing. Reflectors, like Newtonians, use mirrors and offer a lot of aperture for the money, making them great for capturing faint nebulae and galaxies. However, they can be bulkier and may require more frequent collimation (alignment of the optics).
Next, you absolutely cannot ignore the mount. This is the single most important piece of gear for astrophotography. A flimsy mount will ruin your images no matter how expensive your telescope is. You need a sturdy, motorized equatorial mount that can track the stars’ motion across the sky by rotating on a single axis aligned with the Earth’s pole. This is called guiding, and it’s non-negotiable for those long-exposure shots. Look for a mount with a high weight capacity—I always aim for one rated for at least 1.5 times the total weight of my telescope, camera, and all accessories to ensure stable performance.
Finally, consider the telescope’s focal length and ratio, often written as f/. A shorter focal length and a lower f/ number (like f/4 or f/5) provide a wider field of view and are “faster.” This means they gather light more quickly, allowing for shorter exposure times. These are fantastic for capturing large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or vast nebulae. A longer focal length and higher f/ number (like f/10) are “slower” and provide more magnification, which is ideal for smaller targets like planets and galaxies. However, they require much longer exposure times and are less forgiving of tracking errors. Balancing these factors with your budget and the subjects you want to photograph is the key to finding your perfect match among the 9 best telescopes for astrophotography.
FAQ
Can I use any telescope for astrophotography?
Technically, you can try, but not all telescopes are well-suited for it. For basic lunar or planetary photography with a smartphone, many telescopes can work. However, for serious deep-sky astrophotography of galaxies and nebulae, you need specific equipment. The most critical component is a robust equatorial mount that can accurately track the stars for long periods. A telescope with quality optics that can handle a camera’s weight without flexing is also essential.
What is more important, the telescope or the mount?
In my experience, the mount is significantly more important for astrophotography. A mediocre telescope on an excellent, sturdy equatorial mount will produce far better images than an excellent telescope on a weak or inaccurate mount. All your long-exposure work depends on the mount’s ability to track the sky perfectly. Any vibration or tracking error will show up as blurred star trails in your final picture. Investing in a good mount is the best decision you can make.
What’s the difference between a reflector and a refractor for imaging?
Refractors use lenses and are typically “closed” tubes, which means they require little maintenance. High-end apochromatic refractors are prized for their sharp, high-contrast views with no central obstruction, making them excellent for wide-field imaging. Reflectors (Newtonians) use mirrors and offer more aperture for your money, allowing you to capture fainter objects. They often have faster focal ratios, but they have a central obstruction and can require regular collimation to keep their optics perfectly aligned, which is a crucial step for getting sharp photos.
Do I need a computer to control my telescope for astrophotography?
While not strictly necessary for very basic setups, a computer—whether a dedicated mini-PC or a laptop—is incredibly helpful. It allows you to run imaging sequence software that can automate the entire process: capturing hundreds of photos, controlling the camera settings, managing the mount, and even making tiny guiding corrections during the exposure. This automation lets you capture data for hours and is a standard part of most advanced setups.
Why is a guide scope and camera necessary?
Even the best motorized mounts have tiny tracking errors. A guide scope and camera work as a separate, high-precision tracking system. The guide camera locks onto a single star and sends constant correction signals to the mount to keep that star perfectly centered. This process, called autoguiding, compensates for mechanical imperfections and allows for much longer, un-blurred exposures, which is fundamental to capturing detailed images of faint deep-sky objects with any of the 9 best telescopes for astrophotography.