Top 10 Classic Astrophotography Telescopes – Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Astrophotography is a blend of science and art. It lets enthusiasts take stunning photos of celestial bodies, often invisible to the eye. A good telescope is key for stunning night sky photos.

This is true whether you’re a budding astronomer or a pro photographer. This guide will teach you the basics of astrophotography. It will help you choose the best telescopes for stunning celestial images.

Astrophotography enables us to explore the universe beyond the constraints of Earth’s atmosphere. It provides a unique view on celestial events and distant galaxies.

It also shows our solar system’s intricate details. Astrophotography merges science with art. It deepens our cosmic knowledge. It also sparks wonder and curiosity about the universe.

What is Astrophotography?

Astrophotography is the art of taking pictures of celestial objects, like stars and planets. It uses a telescope and a camera. Techniques vary from simple snapshots of the Milky Way to complex long-exposure images of faint nebulae. By understanding the basics, you can determine the best astrophotography telescope’s approach and equipment for your interests.

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ – Best Beginner Refractor Telescope

This is a user-friendly refractor telescope for beginner astronomers. It is for those new to the night sky’s wonders. It is lightweight and portable, weighing a few pounds. This allows for easy transport and setup, whether in your backyard or at a remote stargazing site.

The telescope has clear, precise optics. It provides great views of celestial objects, like the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. It can even show their details. Its intuitive design and user-friendly features make it perfect for newcomers. They are eager to start their astronomical journey and explore the universe. It has a manual Alt-Azimuth mount with a panhandle.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Refractor
Aperture	70mm (2.76 inches)
Focal Length	900mm (35.4 inches)
Mount Type	Manual Alt-Azimuth
Weight	Approx. 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Maximum Magnification	165x
Finderscope	StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
Tripod Material	Steel
Optical Coatings	Fully coated optics
Accessories Included	20mm and 10mm eyepieces, Moon filter, Smartphone adapter, StarPointer finderscope, tripod, mount
Field of View	3.2°
User Level	Beginner/Intermediate

 Best  Features

• Fully Coated Optics
• Adjustable Tripod
• Lightweight Frame
• Quick Setup
• Bonus Software

SVBONY SV48P – Affordable 90mm Telescope for Bright Views

The SVBONY SV48P telescope is an excellent choice for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts alike, offering a fantastic blend of performance, portability, and ease of use. Its 90mm aperture allows it to gather plenty of light, giving you bright and detailed views of celestial objects.

With this aperture size, you can enjoy crisp views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s swirling cloud bands, and even deep-sky wonders like the Orion Nebula. The telescope’s 500mm focal length provides wide-field views, making it perfect for scanning star clusters or capturing expansive objects like the Andromeda Galaxy.

This shorter focal length is particularly useful for both visual observation and astrophotography, allowing you to see and photograph a broader area of the night sky. As a refractor telescope, the SV48P uses lenses instead of mirrors, delivering sharp, high-contrast images with minimal maintenance.

Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport to darker skies, so you can fully enjoy the stars away from city lights. While the telescope doesn’t come with a mount, it’s compatible with standard tripods or dedicated astronomical mounts, giving you flexibility to choose a setup that fits your needs.

The SVBONY SV48P stands out as an affordable yet powerful telescope for stargazing adventures. Its lightweight design, excellent optics, and beginner-friendly features make it a joy to use, helping you uncover the beauty of the universe with confidence.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Refractor
Aperture	102 mm
Focal Length	663 mm
Mount Type	Dovetail plate (compatible with various mounts)
Weight	Approx. 3.4 kg (telescope only)
Maximum Magnification	204x (calculated as 2x aperture in mm)
Finderscope	Finder bracket included, but finderscope not specified
Tripod Material	Not included; compatible with standard telescope tripods
Optical Coatings	Fully multi-coated (FMC)
Accessories Included	2-inch to 1.25-inch eyepiece adapter, dual-speed focuser, and tube rings with dovetail
Field of View	Wide field of view, optimized for deep-sky objects
User Level	Intermediate to advanced users

Best Features

• 90mm Aperture
• Double Speed Focuser
• Fully Multi-Coated Lens
• 360-Degree Rotation

Top Telescopes for Advanced Astrophotographers

Advanced users require high-end models capable of capturing detailed and high-quality images.

The Celestron NexStar 8SE – Best Telescope for Astrophotography

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a top choice for astrophotography. Its advanced tracking and large aperture make it great for capturing celestial images. This high-quality telescope is precise and easy to use.

It lets both beginners and experienced stargazers explore the night sky with confidence. The NexStar 8SE has a strong build and great optics. It gives clear, detailed views of planets, galaxies, and nebulae. Its user-friendly design has a computerized mount.

It simplifies tracking and locating celestial objects. This enhances the viewing experience. The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a versatile, portable telescope. It’s perfect for those who want to improve their astrophotography and explore space. Discover the universe like never before with this exceptional telescope.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Schmidt-Cassegrain (Compound)
Aperture	203.2 mm (8 inches)
Focal Length	2032 mm (80 inches)
Mount Type	Computerized Altazimuth (Single Fork)
Weight	12.2 kg (27 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	480x (recommended for optimal viewing conditions)
Finderscope	StarPointer Finderscope (Red Dot)
Tripod Material	Stainless Steel
Optical Coatings	Fully Multi-Coated Optics
Accessories Included	25 mm Eyepiece, StarPointer Finderscope, AC Adapter, Software, and Cables
Field of View	1.1° at 1000 yards with the 25 mm eyepiece
User Level	Intermediate to Advanced (with automatic alignment system for ease of use)

 Best Features

• 8-Inch Aperture
• 40,000+ Objects
• Fully-Automated
• Easy Assembly
• Portable

Comparison Table

Telescope	Aperture	Portability	Best For	Features
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ	70mm	High	Beginners, portable stargazing	Lightweight design, easy setup
SVBONY SV48P	90mm	Medium	Planetary and lunar viewing	High light-gathering ability
Celestron NexStar 8SE	203mm (8”)	Moderate	Astrophotography, advanced use	Advanced tracking, large aperture
Hexeum 80mm Telescope	80mm	High	Beginners, casual stargazing	Sharp planetary and lunar images
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX	130mm	Medium	Beginners, deep-sky viewing	App-guided navigation, 130mm lens
Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120	120mm	Moderate	Wide-field deep-sky viewing	Wide-field optics, portable design
Celestron StarSense Explorer 114	114mm	High	Beginners, travel stargazing	Compact, app-guided technology
Gaterda 150EQ Reflector Telescope	150mm	Medium	Deep-sky exploration	Equatorial mount, smooth tracking
Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm	90mm	High	Beginners, bright views	Long focal length, clear imaging
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian	203mm (8”)	Low	Intermediate stargazing	Sturdy Dobsonian mount, large aperture

Hexeum 80mm Telescope – Great Beginner-Friendly Features

The Hexeum 80mm telescope is a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts. It offers a combination of solid features and ease of use that makes stargazing enjoyable. The 80mm aperture is the diameter of the main lens and plays an important role in how much light the telescope collects.

With an 80mm aperture, you’ll get bright and clear views of celestial objects, such as the craters on the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and even star clusters. The 600mm focal length gives you versatility.

Making it easy to enjoy both wide-field and medium magnification views. This focal length lets you scan the sky and also zoom in for detailed looks at planets and bright deep-sky objects. 

What sets the Hexeum 80mm apart is its combination of quality optics, user-friendly design, and affordability. Whether you’re observing the planets, viewing star clusters.

Or exploring new astrophotography techniques, this telescope is a reliable option. It’s easy to see why the Hexeum 80mm makes a great addition to any stargazer’s toolkit.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Refractor
Aperture	80mm
Focal Length	600mm
Mount Type	Alt-Azimuth or Equatorial (varies by model)
Weight	2.5 kg to 4 kg (varies by build)
Maximum Magnification	160x
Finderscope	Red dot, 5×24 optical, or 6×30 optical
Tripod Material	Aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber
Optical Coatings	Fully multi-coated or multi-coated optics
Accessories Included	Eyepieces, Barlow lens, finderscope, case
Field of View	Approximately 1.2° to 1.5° (varies)
User Level	Beginner to intermediate

Notable Features

• High Magnification
• Quality Optics
• Portable Design
• Easy Setup
• Lifetime Maintenance

How to Choose the Best Telescope for Your Needs

Determine your primary interests and circumstances to select the right telescope.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ – Bright and Detailed Views

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a great choice for beginners. With its 130mm aperture, it captures lots of light, giving you bright, detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.

The 650mm focal length offers versatile views, perfect for star clusters and close-up details of the Moon and planets. The alt-azimuth mount is easy to use, letting you move the telescope smoothly up, down, and side to side.

A standout feature is Celestron’s StarSense technology. This app-guided system helps you align your telescope quickly using your smartphone.

Just attach your phone to the mount, follow the app’s instructions, and start exploring. It makes finding and identifying objects simple, even for beginners.

The telescope includes helpful accessories like a 25mm eyepiece for balanced viewing and a finderscope for easy object location. The adjustable tripod provides a stable base for clear images.

For the best experience, set up in a dark area, use the app to align, and start with a low-power eyepiece. The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is an excellent telescope for stargazing and learning about the night sky.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Reflector (Newtonian)
Aperture	130 mm (5.1 inches)
Focal Length	650 mm (25.6 inches)
Mount Type	Altazimuth (AZ) with StarSense technology
Weight	Approximately 9 kg (20 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	307x (theoretical)
Finderscope	StarSense Explorer App (smartphone app, no traditional finderscope)
Tripod Material	Steel
Optical Coatings	Fully multi-coated optics
Accessories Included	2 eyepieces (25 mm and 10 mm), StarSense Explorer app, tripod, accessory tray
Field of View	1.2° (approximately 63x magnification at 25 mm eyepiece)
User Level	Beginner to intermediate

Best Features

• Smartphone Integration
• Sky Recognition
• Easy Setup
• High-Quality Optics

Best Telescopes for Planetary Photography

A good telescope is crucial for stargazing. It makes exploring planets and the Moon more rewarding. 

Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 – Best for Wide-Field Viewing

The Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 is an excellent telescope for beginners and intermediate stargazers who want to see a wide range of celestial objects.

Its 120mm aperture is large enough to collect lots of light, making images bright and detailed. This size is great for viewing the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and even deep-sky objects like star clusters and some galaxies.

With a 600mm focal length, the StarTravel 120 offers wide-field views, perfect for seeing expansive areas of the sky. This focal length is ideal for observing star clusters and nebulae.

As well as for astrophotography with the right accessories. Its refractor design uses lenses instead of mirrors, providing high-contrast and sharp images with minimal maintenance.

For best results, set up the StarTravel 120 in a dark location away from city lights. Use low-power eyepieces to get a broad view of star clusters or wide areas of the sky, and higher-power eyepieces for detailed views of planets and the Moon.

This telescope is versatile and reliable, perfect for anyone looking to deepen their stargazing hobby and explore the universe.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Refractor (Achromatic)
Aperture	120 mm (4.72 inches)
Focal Length	600 mm (23.6 inches)
Mount Type	Alt-Azimuth (also available with an optional equatorial mount)
Weight	Approximately 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	240x (recommended is up to 200x for clearer viewing)
Finderscope	6×30 finderscope
Tripod Material	Steel or aluminum (depending on the model and package)
Optical Coatings	Fully coated optics with anti-reflective coatings
Accessories Included	25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces, finderscope, diagonal prism, and mount (basic kit)
Field of View	2.3° at 25x (approximate field of view at low magnification)
User Level	Beginner to intermediate

Best Features

• Portable System
• Professional Optics
• Multiple Eyepieces
• Sturdy Tripod
• Complete Kit

Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop – Portable and Powerful

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm is a compact and powerful tabletop telescope, perfect for beginners and those who want a portable stargazing setup. 

The 114mm aperture is big enough to collect plenty of light, allowing you to see bright and detailed images of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae.

With a 500mm focal length, this telescope offers wide-field views that are ideal for scanning the night sky and enjoying expansive views of star clusters and the Milky Way.

The shorter focal length also works well for beginner astrophotography when paired with the right accessories. Its reflector design uses a mirror to gather light, delivering clear images that are great for visual observation.

The standout feature of the StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop is Celestron’s StarSense technology. This innovative system uses a smartphone app to help you align the telescope with the night sky. 

Simply attach your phone to the mount, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the guided instructions. This makes finding and identifying objects simple, even for first-time users.

For the best experience, set up in a dark location and use the app to align the telescope easily. The Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop is a fun and user-friendly option that makes it easy to start exploring the night sky and discovering its wonders.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Reflector (Newtonian)
Aperture	114 mm (4.5 inches)
Focal Length	500 mm (19.7 inches)
Mount Type	Tabletop (Alt-azimuth with StarSense technology)
Weight	Approximately 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	228x (theoretical)
Finderscope	StarSense smartphone app and mount alignment system
Tripod Material	Steel (tabletop mount)
Optical Coatings	Fully coated optics
Accessories Included	2 eyepieces (25 mm and 10 mm), StarSense smartphone dock, Red LED flashlight, Adjustable tripod, User manual
Field of View	1.3° (at 25 mm eyepiece)
User Level	Beginner to intermediate

Best Features

• Smartphone Integration
• Real-time Positioning
• Easy Setup
• High-Quality Optics
• Stable Base

Tips for Successful Astrophotography

Even with the best equipment, certain practices can greatly enhance your results:

Planning Astrophotography Sessions

Photographers who want to capture stunning night sky images must use tools like Stellarium and SkySafari. These apps help plan the best times and places to shoot.

They consider current celestial events and the weather. Using astronomy apps in your workflow will greatly improve your astrophotography.

Maximize your chances of capturing breathtaking photos by staying informed and prepared. Embrace technology to elevate your night sky photography results.

Polar Alignment for Astrophotography

Precise polar alignment is key for tracking celestial movements in astrophotography. It is vital for long exposures. Mastering your telescope’s equatorial mount can greatly reduce blur.

This will give you sharper images. Practicing polar alignment improves astronomy and astrophotography. Precision and accuracy in celestial tracking are key for breathtaking night sky photography. Enhance your astrophotography skills today!

Post-Processing Images

Enhance your images effectively using Adobe Photoshop and PixInsight software. Learn advanced post-processing techniques for better results.

Use image stacking, contrast adjustment, and noise reduction. Use these editing tools to boost your photography skills. They will improve your visual content. Optimize your photographs with these creative software solutions for stunning, professional-level images.

Gaterda 150EQ Reflector Telescope – Perfect for Deep-Sky Observing

The Gaterda 150EQ Reflector Telescope is a powerful option for beginners and intermediate stargazers who want to dive deeper into observing the night sky.

With its 150mm aperture, this telescope gathers a lot of light, providing bright and detailed views of celestial objects. It’s perfect for seeing the craters on the Moon, the cloud bands of Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters and galaxies.

The 750mm focal length offers a good balance for observing both wide-field views and higher magnification. This focal length is ideal for exploring star clusters and nebulae, as well as for detailed views of planets and the Moon.

The reflector design uses a mirror to collect and focus light, delivering clear, high-contrast images. Reflectors are generally more affordable and can provide larger apertures for the price compared to refractor telescopes. 

For the best experience, set up in a dark area away from city lights, use the finderscope to locate objects, and practice aligning the EQ mount to track objects accurately.

The Gaterda 150EQ Reflector Telescope is a solid choice for those ready to take their stargazing to the next level and explore the wonders of the universe with more detail.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Reflector
Aperture	150 mm (6 inches)
Focal Length	750 mm
Mount Type	Equatorial (EQ)
Weight	Approx. 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	300x
Finderscope	6×30 Finderscope
Tripod Material	Steel or Aluminum
Optical Coatings	Multi-coated optics
Accessories Included	1.5x Barlow lens, eyepieces (e.g., 10 mm and 25 mm), moon filter, tripod
Field of View	Approximately 1.4° (depends on eyepiece)
User Level	Intermediate to Advanced

Best Features

• Large Aperture
• Equatorial Mount
• Accessory Kit
• Stainless Steel Tripod
• Technical Support

Maximize Value without Compromising Quality

Maximize your investment by considering used gear or starter kits for astronomy enthusiasts. These kits often include accessories like eyepieces and filters. They enhance your stargazing experience. Buying pre-owned options lets you enjoy quality telescopes and gear while saving money. Explore affordable astronomy gear today!

Best Telescope Models for Astrophotography in 2024

Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope – Versatile and User-Friendly

The Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope is a versatile and user-friendly telescope that’s great for beginners and those looking to upgrade their stargazing experience. With its 90mm aperture, it collects a good amount of light, giving you bright, clear views of the night sky.

This size is perfect for viewing the Moon’s craters, the rings of Saturn, and the surface of Jupiter, as well as bright deep-sky objects like star clusters.The 800mm focal length provides a nice balance for both wide-field and higher-magnification observations.

This focal length is ideal for viewing larger objects like star fields and nebulae, while also allowing you to zoom in for more detailed views of the Moon and planets. The refractor design uses lenses to gather light.

And giving you sharp and high-contrast images with minimal maintenance. Refractors are known for their clarity and reliability, making this telescope a solid choice for new stargazers.

For the best stargazing experience, set up the telescope in a dark area away from city lights, use the finderscope to locate your target, and start with a low-power eyepiece for a wider view.

The Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to get started in astronomy or take their observations to the next level.

Specs

Specification	Details
Type	Refractor
Aperture	90mm (3.54 inches)
Focal Length	800mm (31.5 inches)
Mount Type	Equatorial or Altazimuth
Weight	Approximately 4-6 kg (8.8-13.2 lbs)
Maximum Magnification	Up to 180x (varies with eyepiece quality)
Finderscope	5×24 or 6×30 (may vary by model)
Tripod Material	Aluminum or Steel (varies by package)
Optical Coatings	Fully coated or multi-coated lenses
Accessories Included	Eyepieces, Barlow lens, finderscope, mount
Field of View	About 1.0° (varies by eyepiece)
User Level	Beginner to Intermediate

 Best Features

• Computerized Locator
• 6″ Aperture
• Portable Design
• Includes Software

Bonus Telescope: Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian is a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate stargazers. Its 8-inch aperture gathers an impressive amount of light, allowing you to see planets, galaxies, and nebulae with excellent clarity. This telescope’s Dobsonian mount makes it sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for long observation sessions.

Challenges in astrophotography and solutions

While astrophotography can be rewarding, it also presents challenges, like:

• Light Pollution: Mitigate with filters and by choosing dark-sky locations.
• Tracking Issues: Invest in autoguiding systems for precision.
• Vibration: Use damping pads and ensure your setup is on stable ground.

Conclusion

A quality telescope lets you explore and discover. It captures the universe’s beauty in ways mere observation cannot.With the knowledge and resources here, we hope to inspire you.

We want you to start or improve your astrophotography. Please share your passion with the community. Visit our Best Telescopes For Astrophotography page. It has more options. You can learn how our top picks can bring the universe closer. 

FAQs