Best Telescopes for Astrophotography

Those interested in astrophotography will know that the telescope can make or break a good image. Unfortunately, finding a telescope that meets your image standards, expertise level, and budget can be daunting. With hundreds of options available, this article will review some of the best telescopes for astrophotography to help with your choice.

Keep reading for the best telescopes for astrophotography for any level and budget.

Best Computerized Telescopes for Astrophotography

Computerized telescopes for astrophotography provide a considerable advantage to beginners and experts alike. The primary feature of this type of telescope is the automatic celestial body locator. These automatic locators reduce the time astrophotographers spend locating objects to photograph.

Here are some of the best-computerized telescopes for astrophotography.

Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope

This computerized telescope is a great budget-friendly option. With a lower price point, the Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope offers automatic celestial locating software that can be found on the company’s more expensive, advanced telescopes.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 114mm
• Focal Length: 1000mm
• Focal Ratio: f/8.77

Expertise Level

Perfect for beginners, the Celestron 114LCM can take you on an automatic tour of the sky. Press the Sky Tour button, and the included software will locate thousands of celestial objects. You can use the accompanying app with your iOS or Android device. The app also provides guided audio explanations for any heavenly bodies you track.

However, some may find the setup of this telescope challenging to manage. It’s also not a good telescope for kids to set up and operate independently.

Portability

The Celestron 114LCM is a very portable telescope for astrophotography. The assembled weight of this telescope is 13.2 pounds. It’s designed to be moved from your backyard to your campsite.

Price

The Celestron 114LCM typically hovers around $364, but you can find different deals online. The telescope also has a generous two-year warranty.

Visuals

The camera will be able to capture a fair amount of the moon’s detail. You will also see details on celestial bodies, such as Saturn’s rings, located further away. For deep space objects, you should be able to see and capture the celestial body but perhaps not any granular details.

Pros

• Sky Tour tracking program
• Accompanying app available for iOS and Android
• Guided audio explanations
• Two-year warranty

Cons

• Challenging initial setup
• Not kid-friendly

Final Thought

The Sky Tour tracking program on the Celestron 114LCM will be a massive asset to beginners in astrophotography. However, the challenging initial setup may cause frustration for some. The telescope is also not kid-friendly despite its draw to novice astrophotographers.

Unistellar eVscope eQuinox

The Unistellar eVscope eQuinox is a unique telescope for astrophotography because it comes without an eyepiece. The telescope is modeled primarily on ground-based telescopes that professional astronomers use. You can adjust and fine-tune the eQuinox using the accompanying app on your smartphone or tablet.

The eQuinox is a smart telescope that provides users with quality deep-space pictures.

Specifications

• Sensor Technology: Sony Exmor with NIR technology
• Focal Length: 450 mm

Expertise Level

This is an excellent telescope for beginners. Its straightforward setup and the accompanying app make it a breeze to locate and photograph deep space objects. The app’s designated “Go To” function can automatically find 5,000 objects. The telescope also comes with Citizen Science access, which allows you to connect with other astrophotographers worldwide.

Portability

The eQuinox weighs 19.8 pounds, including the tripod. While not the lightest telescope, the entire setup is relatively lightweight. This makes it an excellent option for people who need to carry the telescope to a remote viewing spot. You can also purchase a backpack designed specifically to transport the telescope.

Price

The price of the Unistellar eVscope eQuinox can reach up to $2,999, but you will spend around $3,428 to get the telescope and backpack bundle. The good news is that several outlets that sell the telescope offer payment plans, including Amazon.

Visuals

The eQuinox is designed for viewing galaxies, nebula, constellations, and other deep-sky objects. The telescope is also capable of filtering high light pollution through the app. In addition, you can automatically adjust the scope’s settings based on your suburb, city, or rural location.

However, this is a telescope you should not use to try and observe the moon or planets. Since the telescope is designed for deep space, the instruments will struggle with closer objects. You may have luck with the distant planets in our solar system, but the moon will be too close for proper viewing.

The camera takes high-quality photos with many details appearing in sharp focus. Keep in mind, though, that the images are not 4K because the scope does not have a high enough resolution.

Pros

• Automatic setting adjustments
• Quick and straightforward setup
• Dedicated app for iOS and Android
• The app helps locate over 5,000 objects and can save images
• Citizen Science access to connect with other astrophotographers

Cons

• High-cost initial investment
• Images not in 4k

Final Thought

The “Go To” function on the eQuinox app will be a plus for anyone who wishes to find as many deep space objects as possible. However, the price is a little high for beginners to purchase the eQuinox as their first telescope.

Stellina Observation Station

The Stellina Observation Station is a stunningly sleek telescope designed to bring the universe to your smartphone. The telescope acts as the bridge between the stars and your screen. You can connect up to ten devices, host a star party, and share your images via social media.

Specifications

• Aperture: 80mm
• Focal Length: 400mm
• Focal Ratio: f/5

Expertise Level

This is an all-in-one astrophotography telescope that anyone can use. The setup is straightforward, with users only needing to attach the main telescope apparatus to the tripod. Most of your setup will involve downloading and optimizing the companion app.

With over 200 objects in the database, you pick the one you want, and the Stellina does the rest. It’s not the same number of objects that other computerized telescopes offer. However, the Stellina is regularly updated with more focal points, settings, and other features.

Portability

The Stellina Observation Station is a portable telescope weighing around 24 pounds. The quick setup and take-down process is also a plus for portability. You can assemble or disassemble your station in mere minutes.

The company also offers a backpack and a hard shell carrying case to help with transport. You will have to purchase these separately, however.

Price

The Stellina is one of the more expensive options at $4,073. The premium price is due to the high quality of the telescope materials and the companion app. However, the Stellina does come with free delivery, free returns, and a two-year warranty.

Visuals

The Stellina produces awe-inspiring images. The image quality for bright objects like the moon and deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae are crisp and clear. However, the Stellina is not ideal for large objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy because the camera does not have a wide enough view.

The Stellina also uses image stacking, allowing the app to provide the best, most precise image possible. You can also export your pictures if you prefer to process your photos manually.

Pros

• Quick setup
• High-quality images and auto-processing
• Pre-sets available
• Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
• New features are regularly added via software updates

Cons

• Small object database compared to other telescopes with lower price points
• No control of the viewing experience

Final Thought

The Stellina Observation Experience is a telescope that can bring many people together through shared linking and social media. However, the incredibly high price and access to few deep space objects will make it a challenging investment for many.

Celestron NexStar 130SLT

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a fully computerized telescope for beginners and intermediate astrophotographers. However, with the Celestron proprietary software powering the experience, you’ll have difficulty running out of new things to discover and photograph.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 130mm
• Focal Length: 650mm
• Focal Ratio: f/5

Expertise Level

Unlike other computerized telescopes, the NexStar 130SLT can be a little more challenging to set up. While part of the setup may seem tedious, following the instructions in its entirety will ensure that the telescope functions appropriately. For example, some users must enter their exact longitude and latitude for the telescope to register their location properly. Others can enter just the town or city name, and the telescope will find their site.

The telescope calibrates using Celestron’s SkyAlign feature. While many users can calibrate the telescope quickly, on rare occasions, others report difficulties getting the SkyAlign to function correctly.

These setup issues make this telescope a better option for intermediate astrophotographers. But, unfortunately, it’s also not a kid-friendly telescope.

However, you’ll also get a free download of Celestron’s astronomy software, which provides a complete interactive sky simulation. Great for beginners learning astronomy for the first time.

Portability

The NexStar 130SLT only weighs 11.4 pounds making it very portable. This is an excellent telescope to cart around with you as you travel.

Price

For a fully computerized telescope, the NexStar 130SLT is competitively priced at around $639.95, but different websites may offer lower prices.

Compared to other computerized telescopes, this is a mid-tier price point but still accessible as a budget-friendly option.

Visuals

The telescope is great for planetary and lunar viewing. However, you may have some issues with more deep-space objects. You’ll be able to see them, but they may appear slightly blurry or otherwise distorted. This is primarily due to the long exposure times needed for photographing deep-space objects.

The NexStar 130SLT does not have the correct instruments for deep space astrophotography.

Pros

• Mid-tier price point
• Very portable
• Database of 40,000 objects
• Free astronomy software

Cons

• Known issues with calibration during setup
• Difficulty with deep space viewing and photography

Final Thought

The power of Celestron’s location database is an advantage to astrophotographers of every level. However, the known issues with setup and inability to photograph deep space objects may be deal-breakers for many.

Computerized Telescopes Are Great for Learning

An understated advantage of computerized telescopes for astrophotography is their ability to help novices learn about astronomy. Of the computerized telescopes we’ve reviewed here, the Unistellar eVscope eQuinox is probably the best telescope for astrophotography. The eQuinox does a tremendous job of balancing quality hardware, software, and user experience.

Best Manual Telescopes for Astrophotography

Unlike computerized telescopes, the traditional manual telescope lets the user retain all the control. For advanced telescopes, this can make beginners feel lost or overwhelmed. Therefore, these telescopes are typically best for more advanced users, though an ambitious beginner may also be able to operate them.

Read below for reviews of some of the best manual telescopes for astrophotography on various budgets.

Celestron RASA-8 Telescope

Unlike many telescopes, the Celestron RASA-8 was designed solely for astrophotography. However, most telescopes will also offer a viewing experience, making the Celestron RASA-8 an excellent option for those who want the best telescope for astrophotography.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
• Aperture: 203mm
• Focal Length: 400mm
• Focal Ratio: f/2

Expertise Level

The Celestron RASA-8 is a telescope for dedicated astrophotographers. The RASA-8 is a reasonably precise instrument. However, you’ll also need experience and astrophotography knowledge to navigate the hardware.

This is not a telescope that you can simply operate out of the box. There will be a learning curve for beginners, but the stunning images greatly benefit astrophotographers.

Portability

The RASA-8 weighs 17 pounds and is a portable telescope so that you can quickly pack it up and move it to your car when needed. However, if you’re planning on moving it by foot, consider that you’ll also need all your other equipment. As a result, you could find yourself making multiple trips.

Price

The price of this telescope is considered pretty high. However, despite the steep price point, it has a reasonably competitive price for serious astrophotographers. In addition, the RASA-8 has a pristine reputation, and many astrophotographers who have used this telescope love it.

Visuals

The visuals on the RASA-8 are spectacular. With a focal ratio of f/2, this telescope can quickly deliver high-quality deep sky images. The ability of the RASA-8 to produce those images so quickly gives this telescope a massive advantage over other telescopes.

You’ll be able to capture sharp images of stars and larger objects like galaxies due to the RASA-8’s optics. They were designed to perform over a wide spectral range. This wide range allows the light from the object to be focused within the image. The result is professional-grade images taken from your backyard.

However, it should be noted that this telescope must be used with a mirrorless camera. It will not be compatible with a DSLR camera. This is because of how the telescope focuses using the telescope’s primary mirror.

You will also likely need additional adaptors or spacers for your camera. However, the RASA-8 does include some adaptors with purchase.

Pros

• Portable
• Fast optics and wide spectral range
• Incredibly sharp and clear images

Cons

• Only compatible with mirrorless cameras
• Additional adaptors may be required
• The steep learning curve for beginners

Final Thought

While the RASA-8 is a more complex telescope, once learned, the images an astrophotographer can capture are genuinely worth the effort. Unfortunately, astrophotographers using a DSLR will have to look elsewhere, as these cameras are incompatible with the RASA-8.

Tecnosky Q70ED Apochromatic Refractor

The Tecnosky Q70ED Apochromatic Refractor is likely one of the most portable telescopes on this list. Because it simply screws onto your camera and sets on a mount, the effortless setup makes the Q70ED one of the most accessible telescopes. This telescope is for astrophotographers who are always on the go.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Refractor
• Aperture: 70mm
• Focal Length: 478mm
• Focal Ratio: f/6

Expertise Level

This is an excellent option for an astrophotographer at the intermediate to advanced level. The setup of this telescope is very user-friendly; simply screw the telescope into your camera, and start taking photos.

Despite this quick setup, the telescope requires some knowledge about how to work the telescope to get the best image. In addition, using the telescope also requires expertise, such as understanding and acquiring different equipment like a mount or filters.

You will also need some understanding of cameras and photography to get the best results. However, this telescope is not so complicated that an ambitious beginner wouldn’t be able to use it.

Portability

The Tecnosky Q70ED is highly portable. The telescope weighs about 5.5 pounds, making it perfect for taking on a camping trip or other astrophotography adventure. It can also use portable travel mounts, adding to its convenience.

Price

Many will find that the list price of $720 is reasonable for the quality of the images taken with the Tecnosky Q70ED.

Visuals

This telescope captures large nebulae and extended objects in deep space. It’s also able to capture star shapes fairly well with adjustments. With an additional filter, you’ll even be able to take photos of the sun.

The f/5 focal ratio provides short exposures, making this telescope DSLR-friendly and giving these cameras an advantage in capturing high-quality images.

You will also be able to capture fabulous photos of the moon and planets.

Pros

• Lightweight, perfect for travel
• Straightforward and quick setup
• Competitive price

Cons

• Additional equipment and filters required

Final Thought

The Tecnosky Q70ED is highly portable and straightforward to set up, giving astrophotographers on the go a ready-to-use telescope to capture amazing photos. However, it is primarily for advanced users and will also require the purchase of additional equipment.

Founder Optics FOT106 Triplet Refractor

This Japanese-designed telescope is impressive for both viewing and astrophotography. The Founder Optics FOT106 Triplet Refractor offers a fast setup and sharp images of even deep space objects, and the optical design makes it an ideal telescope for dark-sky sites.

Specifications

• Optical Design: 2 ED APO Triplet
• Aperture: 106mm
• Focal Length: 636mm
• Focal Ratio: f/6

Expertise Level

This telescope is ideal for astrophotographers with a higher level of experience. The scope is manual and requires some knowledge of the adjustments, attachments, and various workings of a telescope to get the ideal image.

While not exceedingly complex, this is not a very beginner or kid-friendly option.

Portability

The FOT106 is relatively portable, weighing 14 pounds. The telescope comes with a foam-padded, hard shell case which will add to the weight.

Price

The scope is rather pricy at around $2,500. The high price point makes this telescope a significant investment, especially considering that you will still need to invest in your camera and tripod to complete the setup.

This price makes this a telescope for more serious astrophotographers ready to commit the funds necessary for advanced equipment.

Visuals

The FOT106 has an f/6 106mm objective lens and a focal length of 636mm. This makes it an excellent telescope for photographing large star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep space objects. The telescope also has a dedicated field flattener compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

The FOT106 has a unique triple-lens system only found in one other type of telescope. This design delivers stunning images that are sharp and clear. The company also provides an optical test certificate for each telescope.

Pros

• High-quality images of deep space objects
• Compatible with mirrorless and DSLR cameras
• Optical test certificate
• Included carrying case

Cons

• Tripod not included
• More advanced setup
• A high price point with more investment required

Final Thought

For committed astrophotographers, the FOT106 offers excellent views and a portable design with included hard shell case. You’ll be able to take your telescope anywhere you go. However, the learning curve and higher price point make this a wrong choice for beginners.

Altair F4 Photo Newtonian Telescope

Similar to the RASA-8 reviewed above, the Altair F4 Photo Newtonian Telescope is also primarily designed for astrophotography. However, this is a reflecting telescope built to be used with a camera, making it a fantastic tool for astrophotographers looking for a telescope that can provide high-quality images.

Specifications

• Optical Design: BK7 glass mirror
• Aperture: 203mm
• Focal Length: 800mm
• Focal Ratio: f/4

Expertise Level

Those with intermediate or high-level expertise in astrophotography would find this telescope appealing. However, the setup process, mainly the mirror adjustment, can be tedious because the mirrors need to be adjusted frequently. For beginners, it could also be a bit confusing.

However, a determined beginner would be able to complete the setup correctly. Each subsequent setup would be more straightforward as the process doesn’t deviate.

Portability

At 18.5 pounds, the Altair F4 is portable. However, keep in mind that this weight only accounts for the telescope. You will also need to consider your tripod and any camera or computer equipment your setup requires.

It should be noted that this telescope does not come with a tripod. The telescope can also become very back-heavy once your camera is attached. You must purchase a tripod that accommodates that uneven weight distribution or risk the telescope falling.

Price

At $540, the Altair F4 is a mid-tier telescope with good quality. More advanced astrophotographers will find this to be a pretty competitive price point.

Visuals

Due to the light gathering ability of the Newtonian scope and the short exposure times, the images from the Altair F4 are very high-quality. You’ll be able to use a DSLR camera with this telescope without any halos around bright objects such as the moon.

The short exposures also keep image noise to a minimum when you do deep-sky imaging, making the stars, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects sharp and clear.

The Altair F4 comes with a diagonal, secondary mirror that is larger than the standard mirror in other telescopes. This makes the telescope prime for astrophotography by reducing the loss of contrast at the camera.

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Mid-tier price point
• Reduced contrast loss with the large secondary mirror
• DSLR compatible

Cons

• Poor weight distribution when attaching a camera
• Mirrors need to be adjusted frequently
• Not well suited to beginners

Final Thought

The Altair F4 offers a competitively priced, well-constructed telescope ideal for deep-sky images. However, some may find the strange weight distribution when a camera is connected challenging to accommodate.

Manual Telescopes for the Dedicated Astrophotographer

Manual telescopes offer far more control for astrophotographers. The telescopes reviewed here are primarily for dedicated astrophotographers, but beginners may find the learning curve on some of these scopes manageable.

For serious astrophotographers, the Celestron RASA-8 is the best investment. The image quality is stunning, making the high-price point and learning curve worth the effort. For the more budget-conscious, the Altair F4 is the next best telescope. Again, this telescope’s image quality is very high, and astrophotographers will find it very portable.

Best Telescopes for Astrophotography for Kids

Kids can be avid astrophotographers. However, it’s likely not a good investment to purchase the more advanced, high-priced telescopes for a kid just beginning the hobby. The telescopes featured below offer complete beginner and kid-friendly options for budding astrophotographers and their parents.

Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor

The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor offers everything a beginner would need. The telescope is built to help you find objects easily with the large viewfinder and is an excellent option for those who have never used a telescope.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Refractor
• Aperture: 100mm
• Focal Length: 660mm
• Focal Ratio: f/6.5

Expertise Level

The 100AZ telescope is for kids and complete beginners to astrophotography. The setup is very straightforward. Simply open the tripod, lock the telescope in place, and it’s ready to use. The telescope does not provide advanced instrumentation, which makes the learning curve short. This is a telescope designed to teach the basics.

The Inspire comes with a smartphone adapter to take photos through the viewfinder with your phone. No additional camera equipment is required.

You also receive free access to the companion software and app with your purchase. These will help your child find and identify the objects they see in the telescope.

Portability

The Inspire weighs around 28.7 pounds when assembled, which is higher than some beginner telescopes. However, the extra heft can keep the telescope steady and prevent falls from accidental bumps or clumsy hands. In addition, the straightforward assembly and disassembly make moving the telescope a breeze.

Price

The Inspire costs around $329, making it an ideal entry point for beginners. You won’t have to fret too much if your child is going to continue with astrophotography. The investment is not too steep for most buyers at this price point.

Visuals

As a beginner telescope, the Inspire offers clear visuals for nearby objects such as the moon and some of the closer planets in our solar system. The company advertises that you’ll be able to find and photograph objects further away, such as the Andromeda Galaxy or the Orion Nebula.

However, the details of these deeper space objects will be fuzzier than closer objects. Your ability to photograph them will also be compromised. The telescope won’t be high-powered enough to capture an image of a deep space object.

Pros

• Smartphone adapter for photos
• Short learning curve
• Companion app and software

Cons

• Too low-powered to see beyond the moon and closer planets
• Heavy

Final Thought

Celestron’s companion software and the app is the perfect learning tool for kids beginning astrophotography. The knowledge in the free download plus the telescope is incredibly valuable, making the price point of this telescope a bargain. However, this telescope will not be the best option for kids interested in deep space.

Gskyer AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope

The Gskyer AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is an ideal entry point to astrophotography for kids interested in looking at the moon and other planets. It has a fast setup, and beginners can quickly get the hang of it.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Refractor
• Aperture: 80mm
• Focal Length: 700mm

Expertise Level

The Gskyer AZ is designed for a straightforward setup that allows users to pull it out of the box, complete a minimal setup, and be done. The design is simplistic, making the telescope a good option for kids.

The telescope has three lens options for kids to learn how to view objects at different distances. It also comes with a phone adapter with a wireless remote so you can take photographs of what you see with your smartphone. You will not need to purchase any additional camera equipment to take photos.

Unlike many other telescopes, this one does not come with a companion app or software. So if you or your child need assistance figuring out the night sky, you’ll need to purchase software separately.

Portability

At 17.86 pounds, when assembled, the telescope can be moved relatively easily. However, it will still have enough weight to prevent falls. The straightforward setup also makes this a great travel telescope. You’ll be able to pack and unpack the telescope quickly.

Price

The Gskyer AZ has a list price of around $329.99, but you can frequently find it on sale online. This list price is on par with other telescopes of its kind. However, you’ll be able to find similarly built telescopes at the same price that also offer apps and software.

Visuals

Photographing the moon and other planetary bodies will get the best visuals. However, you will also see a fair amount of Saturn and Jupiter’s details. Anything beyond these objects, and you may have more hazy or distorted images.

As a beginner telescope, the Gskyer AZ is too low-powered for most deep-sky objects to be viewed. Therefore, photographing deep-sky objects will be even more difficult, if not impossible.

Pros

• Fast setup
• Portable but weighty enough to prevent falls
• Smartphone adapter for photos

Cons

• No companion app or software
• Incapable of deep space viewing or photography

Final Thought

The Gskyer AZ is a great entry point for kids to capture images of the moon and planets. However, it doesn’t offer a companion app to aid learning.

OYS Telescope

For any kid who wants to photograph the moon and planets, the OYS Telescope makes a fabulous, budget-friendly option. In addition, the telescope provides a user-friendly experience to aid children in learning astrophotography.

Specifications

• Optical Design: Refractor
• Aperture: 70mm
• Focal Length: 400mm

Expertise Level

This is a telescope best for beginners and kids. The telescope is straightforward to use and holds up well to wear and tear. It has a short learning curve, and kids will find it an excellent telescope for learning astronomy.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a companion app or software to help kids learn astronomy. If your child needs additional learning tools, you must purchase software separately.

Portability

The OYS telescope is one of the more portable telescopes available. The telescope only weighs 2.2 pounds when assembled and comes with a lightweight tripod. The telescope also comes with a backpack, so you can break down the telescope and easily carry it around.

However, its highly lightweight nature means it’s straightforward to knock over. You may also find it easy to accidentally move the telescope and ruin the focus. With no real weight to keep the telescope in place, you’ll likely have to readjust it often.

Price

This is one of the most budget-friendly telescopes, with a list price of $129.99. However, you can frequently find it for sale, dropping the price to under $100, making the OYS telescope a prime choice for kids.

Visuals

The image quality is very good for a budget-friendly telescope, but you won’t be able to see deep space objects with any clarity. Large nebula, galaxies, and similar objects may be visible, but details will be lost. You’ll find that pictures of these objects will be fairly rough, if possible.

The moon and closer planets will be apparent, and you’ll easily be able to photograph most details of the moon. Closer planets will also be visible with a fair amount of detail.

For taking pictures, the telescope comes with a smartphone adaptor. Therefore, you do not need to purchase additional camera equipment.

Pros

• Lightweight enough that kids can move the telescope themselves
• Straightforward and kid-friendly controls
• Smartphone adapter for astrophotography

Cons

• Incapable of seeing distant planets or deep space objects
• No companion app or software
• It may be easily knocked over or bumped out of alignment

Final Thought

If you’re looking for a telescope to start a family hobby in astrophotography, the OYS telescope offers a budget-friendly foundation. You’ll be able to move it from the house to the backyard and even take it with you on vacation with ease. However, with no companion app or software, you may need to purchase astronomy software on your own to learn about the objects your child is seeking.

Kids and Astrophotography: A Lifelong Hobby

Picking the right telescope for a kid interested in starting astrophotography can be a bit tricky. Balancing price with quality is challenging, as a lousy telescope can hinder a budding hobby. Nevertheless, these are all great starting points for finding the best telescope for astrophotography that kids can use and enjoy.

The Celestron Inspire may not be the cheapest option, but the companion app and software are invaluable. These two learning aids will help you and your child navigate the sky and learn about what you’re photographing.

The Best Telescope for Astrophotography

Finding the best telescope for astrophotography can be a daunting task. The critical thing to remember is what you’re looking for in your telescope and your level of expertise.

You want to make sure that you purchase a telescope that fits what you’re looking for in astrophotography. A computerized telescope will allow you to explore the night sky and photograph what you’ve discovered without extensive experience. This makes the Unistellar eVscope eQuinox a good option for you. However, the high price point makes the eQuinox an investment, not a starter telescope.

In contrast, a manual telescope will let you focus on the art of photographing the object you’ve found. These telescopes also require knowledge and skill sets in astrophotography and astronomy, making the Celestron RASA-8 your best option. If the high price point breaks your budget, the Altair F4 offers high-quality photos for a much lower cost.

Finally, for kids or absolute beginners, the Celestron Inspire is the best telescope for astrophotography. The companion app and software make it an invaluable learning tool.

Let us know in the comments below if you’re a beginner or advanced astrophotographer. What telescope do you use for astrophotography and why?