Introduction
Astrophotography allows you to capture the beauty of the cosmos, but it all starts with the right telescope. Selecting the best telescope for astrophotography can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced astrophotographer, this guide covers the top choices for 2025. We will help you choose the best astrograph telescope for you without having to brake the bank. We’ve analyzed features, user reviews, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. If you are interested mostly on observation, you can also check our other articles for the best beginner telescopes for 2025 and also the best budget friendly telescopes.
Let’s dive into the details of the best telescopes for astrophotography, outlining what makes each one stand out, along with real-world user feedback.
1. SVBONY SV503 Telescope
The SVBONY SV503 is a well-regarded refractor telescope designed with astrophotography in mind. Its 80mm aperture and fully multi-coated ED glass lens reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring clear and sharp images of celestial objects.
Why It’s Good for Astrophotography:
- Exceptional Optics: The ED glass minimizes distortions, making it ideal for capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
- Build Quality: Durable, lightweight aluminum housing allows for easy setup and portability.
- Compatibility: Easily integrates with DSLR cameras and astrophotography accessories.
Our review:
Pros:
Outstanding Optics: The 80ED F7 OTA, with a 560mm focal length and an 80mm aperture, delivers sharp, bright images. It’s well-suited for both planetary viewing and deep-sky observations.
- Sturdy Build: Durable materials and dual-hinged mounting rings provide stability. The Vixen-style dovetail makes it compatible with various EQ and Alt-Az mounts.
- Astrophotography Ready: Excellent for capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects, making it a versatile option for photography and general stargazing.
Cons:
- Limited Accessories: The package lacks essential items like additional eyepieces or a diagonal, which may need to be purchased separately for optimal use.
- Manual Focus Learning Curve: While precise, the manual focus mechanism may take time to master, especially for beginners. An electronic focuser would have been a valuable addition.
Other Users Reviews:
- Pros:
- “The clarity of the images is outstanding for the price. Perfect for photographing the Orion Nebula.”
- “Lightweight and portable, making it great for on-the-go astrophotography.”
- Cons:
- “The focus mechanism is a bit stiff initially but improves with use.”
- “Requires additional accessories, like a field flattener, for perfect edge-to-edge sharpness.”
2. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO is a high-quality refractor telescope featuring an apochromatic doublet lens. With its 72mm aperture and premium Schott glass, it delivers excellent contrast and clarity for astrophotography.
Why It’s Good for Astrophotography:
- Apochromatic Optics: Virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, ensuring true color representation in photos.
- Wide Field of View: Great for capturing extended objects like the Andromeda Galaxy.
- Versatility: Compatible with various mounts and cameras.
Our Review:
Pros:
- Crisp and Clear Imaging: Delivers sharp, high-quality images, making it a reliable choice for astrophotography.
- Portable Design: Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to transport for outdoor stargazing trips, even in smaller vehicles.
- Handles Light Pollution: Performs well in moderately light-polluted areas, providing flexibility for urban users.
Cons:
- Additional Costs: Requires separate purchases for essential accessories like an eyepiece. A tracker mount is strongly recommended, which could add several hundred dollars to the overall cost.
- Low Aperture Limitations: Its 72mm aperture takes longer to achieve clear images compared to larger models like an 80mm F/6 or a 102mm F/5 telescope.
Other Users Reviews:
- Pros:
- “The optical quality is phenomenal—perfect for wide-field astrophotography.”
- “Compact and lightweight, ideal for traveling to dark-sky locations.”
- Cons:
- “The tube rings feel slightly flimsy and might need replacement for better stability.”
- “Requires precise polar alignment for best results.”
3. Dianfan Telescope, 90mm Aperture 800mm
This refractor telescope offers a 90mm aperture and an 800mm focal length, providing decent magnification and light-gathering capability. While affordable, it may have limitations for serious astrophotographers.
Why It’s Good for Astrophotography:
- Affordable Option: Suitable for beginners looking to experiment with astrophotography.
- Decent Aperture: The 90mm lens provides adequate brightness for capturing the Moon and planets.
User Reviews:
- Pros:
- “Good starter telescope for photographing the Moon and Jupiter’s moons.”
- “Affordable and straightforward to set up.”
- Cons:
- “Chromatic aberration is noticeable on brighter objects like stars.”
- “The mount isn’t stable enough for long-exposure photography.”
Note: This telescope is better suited for basic astrophotography and visual observation. Advanced users might find it limiting.
4. Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
The Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, ideal for high-magnification astrophotography. With its 127mm aperture and long focal length, it excels in capturing detailed images of the Moon and planets.
Why It’s Good for Astrophotography:
- High Magnification: Perfect for photographing Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.
- Compact Design: Portable and easy to transport for outdoor sessions.
- Build Quality: Solid construction ensures stability during imaging sessions.
User Reviews:
- Pros:
- “Fantastic for planetary imaging—crisp and detailed views.”
- “Easy to use and maintain for beginners and experts alike.”
- Cons:
- “Limited for deep-sky objects due to the narrower field of view.”
- “Requires a sturdy mount for long-exposure shots.”
5. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ stands out with its smartphone-based StarSense technology, making it easy to locate celestial objects. Its 130mm aperture and Newtonian reflector design provide excellent light-gathering capabilities.
Why It’s Good for Astrophotography:
- Innovative Technology: The StarSense app simplifies object tracking, even for beginners.
- Large Aperture: The 130mm aperture captures impressive detail, especially for nebulae and galaxies.
- Affordable: A budget-friendly option with great features.
User Reviews:
- Pros:
- “The StarSense app is a game-changer for locating targets.”
- “Excellent image quality for the price range.”
- Cons:
- “Collimation is tricky for beginners.”
- “The manual mount isn’t ideal for long-exposure astrophotography.”
Comparison Table
| Telescope | Aperture | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SVBONY SV503 | 80mm | Wide-field deep-sky imaging | Lightweight, sharp optics | Requires additional accessories |
| Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO | 72mm | Wide-field imaging | Excellent optics, compact design | Slightly flimsy tube rings |
| Dianfan Telescope | 90mm | Basic astrophotography | Affordable, good for Moon/planets | Noticeable chromatic aberration, shaky mount |
| Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm | 127mm | Planetary photography | High magnification, stable construction | Narrow field of view |
| Celestron StarSense Explorer DX | 130mm | Beginner-friendly imaging | StarSense app, large aperture | Manual mount limits long-exposure photos |
FAQ
Can I use any telescope for astrophotography?
Not all telescopes are suitable for astrophotography. For long-exposure imaging, you need a stable mount and good optics to avoid distortions.
Do I need additional accessories?
Yes, accessories like a camera adapter, field flattener, or an equatorial mount might be necessary for capturing high-quality images.
What’s the difference between planetary and deep-sky astrophotography?
Planetary astrophotography focuses on high magnification for close-up shots of planets. Deep-sky astrophotography captures distant objects like galaxies and nebulae, requiring wider fields of view and long exposures.
Pingback: Telescope Buying Tips: What to Consider Before Your First Purchase | quantumdeepspace.com