Capturing the cosmos is both an art and a science—and the right telescope can take your astrophotography from fuzzy blobs to jaw-dropping celestial portraits.
Whether you’re a beginner trying to shoot the moon or a pro chasing nebulae, this guide breaks down the best telescopes for astrophotography, what makes them great, and how to choose based on your goals.
What Makes a Telescope Good for Astrophotography?
A good astrophotography telescope balances clarity, stability, light-gathering power, and camera compatibility.
While visual astronomy and astrophotography share a love for the stars, they demand different tools. A telescope that’s perfect for stargazing might fall short when it comes to long exposure photos.
Here’s what matters most:
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Aperture: Bigger aperture means more light and better detail.
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Focal length: Affects your field of view—longer for planets, shorter for wide-field nebulae.
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Mount type: An equatorial or computerized mount is critical for tracking celestial objects.
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Camera compatibility: Ensure your telescope supports DSLR, mirrorless, or astro-cams.
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Weight and portability: Especially important if you shoot in dark-sky locations.
Best Telescopes for Astrophotography in 2024–2025
Let’s break down the top choices by category—whether you’re a beginner on a budget or an advanced shooter chasing deep-sky magic.
1. Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED — Best Entry-Level Refractor
An affordable, easy-to-use refractor perfect for beginners looking to capture crisp images.
Why it stands out:
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80mm aperture with ED glass for sharp, color-corrected images
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Lightweight and travel-friendly
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Compatible with most DSLR and astro cameras
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Excellent for moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects
Best for: Beginners, budget-conscious astrophotographers, portable setups.
2. Celestron NexStar 6SE — Best for Planetary Imaging
This compound telescope is a top pick for those who love high-resolution shots of the moon and planets.
Why it stands out:
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6-inch aperture offers excellent detail
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Computerized GoTo mount makes object tracking easy
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Compact Schmidt-Cassegrain design
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Excellent optics for Saturn, Jupiter, craters on the moon
Best for: Lunar and planetary astrophotography with minimal setup hassle.
3. William Optics ZenithStar 73 APO — Best for Deep-Sky Beginners
An apochromatic refractor that delivers stunning wide-field views of nebulae and galaxies.
Why it stands out:
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APO optics reduce chromatic aberration
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High-quality build with buttery smooth focuser
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Compact and lightweight for travel
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Pairs well with DSLR and mirrorless cameras
Best for: Wide-field deep-sky imaging with vibrant, color-rich results.
4. Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P — Best Newtonian for Imaging
A fast f/4 Newtonian reflector that offers incredible light-gathering ability for deep-sky targets.
Why it stands out:
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200mm aperture collects tons of light
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Fast focal ratio = shorter exposure times
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Ideal for photographing faint galaxies and nebulae
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Great value for intermediate astrophotographers
Best for: Deep-sky astrophotography on a budget—just be sure to pair with a sturdy EQ mount.
5. Radian Raptor 61 — Best Portable Astrophotography Scope
Small but mighty, the Raptor 61 is perfect for grab-and-go astrophotography.
Why it stands out:
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Sharp APO optics and flat-field design
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Optimized for wide-field images
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Ultra-compact for travel and remote shoots
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No need for field flatteners or complicated setup
Best for: Mobile setups, wide-field shooters, nightscape photographers.
6. Celestron RASA 8 — Best for Fast Imaging
A revolutionary f/2.0 astrograph designed to capture deep-sky targets in record time.
Why it stands out:
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Super-fast optics mean shorter exposures
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Wide field ideal for nebulae, star clusters, and Milky Way shots
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Built-in cooling fan for thermal stability
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Supports DSLR and dedicated astro cameras
Best for: Advanced users looking for speed and performance without sacrificing quality.
7. Takahashi FSQ-106ED — Best for Professionals
When nothing but the absolute best will do, this is the holy grail of astrophotography scopes.
Why it stands out:
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Premium apochromatic optics
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Edge-to-edge flat field—perfect for large sensors
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Stellar color correction and pinpoint stars
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Durable, professional-grade build
Best for: Pro astrophotographers, large-format imaging, or publishing-grade astro work.
Don’t Forget the Mount: Half of the Equation
Your mount is just as important as the telescope—maybe more.
For long-exposure astrophotography, you need a motorized equatorial mount that tracks Earth’s rotation. Popular options include:
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro: Heavy-duty and widely loved by intermediate users.
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iOptron CEM40: Lightweight with high payload capacity.
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ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive: Modern, quiet, portable, and backlash-free.
Tip: Even the best telescope won’t deliver sharp stars if your mount can’t keep up. Don’t cheap out here.
Helpful Tools to Plan Your Astro Shoots
Astrophotography doesn’t stop at the telescope—you’ll also want to track the moon, light pollution, and clear skies.
Here are must-have tools for planning:
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Moon Phase Calculator: Knowing the current and future moon phases helps you avoid full moon nights for deep-sky imaging. Use this handy moon phase tracking tool to check lunar cycles.
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Clear Outside or Astrospheric: Forecast clear skies and seeing conditions.
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Light Pollution Map: Find dark-sky locations near you.
Timing your session with a new moon is key for deep-sky photography, while a waxing crescent or first quarter moon is ideal for detailed lunar shots.
Best Astrophotography Cameras to Pair With Your Telescope
If your telescope is the eye, your camera is the brain. Here’s a quick look at top picks:
| Camera Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| DSLR (e.g. Canon EOS Rebel T7i) | Beginners, budget-friendly, easy interface |
| Mirrorless (e.g. Sony A7 III) | Lightweight, high dynamic range |
| Dedicated Astro Cams (ZWO ASI series) | Deep-sky work, long exposures, low noise |
Pro tip: Use a T-ring adapter to connect your camera to most telescopes.
How to Choose the Right Telescope for You
Here’s a quick guide to match your goals with the right scope:
| Goal | Best Type | Recommended Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar & planetary | Compound (SCT) | Celestron NexStar 6SE |
| Deep-sky wide field | APO Refractor | William Optics ZenithStar 73 |
| High-end deep sky imaging | APO Refractor/Astrograph | Takahashi FSQ-106ED or RASA 8 |
| Travel-friendly imaging | Compact Refractor | Radian Raptor 61 |
Conclusion: Shoot for the Stars (Literally)
Astrophotography is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there—but it starts with the right gear. Whether you’re chasing Saturn’s rings or capturing galaxies millions of light-years away, the right telescope can turn your vision into reality.
Ready to sync your shoots with the cosmos? Make the most of your night by checking the Moon Phase Calendar before each session—because nothing ruins a nebula shot like a bright full moon.
Clear skies and sharp stars await. Let your journey through the cosmos begin.