7 Best Smart Telescopes for Astrophotography in 2025
If you want to take great pictures of the night sky, a good telescope is key.
In 2025, seven smart telescopes shine brightly with cool features for both newbies and experienced users. They have neat functions like automatic tracking and smart image processing. This makes it easy to snap amazing shots of stars and planets.
But which telescope is right for you? Let’s check out what makes each one special.
High Powered Telescope for Adults (90mm Aperture)
- Superior Optics: The 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length (f/8.89) telescope for adults provides clear, bright views. Fully multi-coated lenses with high-light...
- Optimum Magnification (32X-240X): The refractor telescope comes with two replaceable eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3X Barlow lens triples...
- Adjustable Tripod: The telescope for adults high powered comes with an adjustable stainless steel tripod for many different viewing positions and a tray for...
Are you an adult wanting to start astrophotography? The high-powered 90mm aperture telescope is a great choice for you! With an 800mm focal length, it gives bright and clear views of the night sky. You’ll be amazed by the pictures from the fully multi-coated lenses, which are perfect for watching the moon and planets like Jupiter and Saturn. The adjustable stainless steel tripod keeps it stable, and the included phone adapter lets you take photos and share your space discoveries easily. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can bring it along for any stargazing adventure.
Best For: This telescope is perfect for adults and beginners who want a high-powered, user-friendly tool to explore astrophotography and look at celestial objects.
Pros:
- Great views: The 90mm aperture and fully multi-coated lenses give you bright and clear images of stars and planets.
- Easy to carry: It’s lightweight and simple to set up, making it perfect for stargazing anywhere.
- Ready for photos: The phone adapter helps you take and share amazing pictures of the night sky.
Cons:
- Limited magnification: The 32X-240X magnification might not be enough for advanced astronomers looking for even higher power.
- Basic features: Some experienced users might find the features too simple.
- Tripod stability: The adjustable stainless steel tripod might not be as stable as heavier options in windy weather.
Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners
- Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect...
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with...
- Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the...
The Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope is perfect for kids and beginners who want to look at the night sky. It has a 400mm focal length and fully coated glass lenses, giving you clear views of the Moon and planets. At just 5.7 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it great for family trips.
This telescope comes with cool extras like a phone adapter and a wireless remote that makes looking at stars even more fun. The beginner-friendly AZ mount helps you find objects in the sky easily. However, some people might need a little bit of patience to locate what they want to see. Overall, it’s a great entry-level telescope that can spark interest in space without costing too much.
Best For: Kids and beginners eager to learn about astronomy.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry for family outings.
- Comes with helpful extras like a phone adapter and wireless remote.
- Easy-to-use AZ mount to find celestial objects.
Cons:
- Some users might have trouble finding celestial objects and need patience.
- The short stand can make it uncomfortable to use for long periods.
- It has limited ability to see farther objects like Mars or galaxies.
Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory Telescope
- STARGAZING AND ASTROIMAGING REDEFINED: Celestron Origin is an intelligent, all-in-one home observatory that captures stunning views of celestial objects and...
- REVOLUTIONARY RASA OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY: Patented 6” RASA optical design places Origin in a class by itself. With its large aperture and fast f/2.2 focal ratio,...
- AI-POWERED ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: As Origin captures data, built-in AI algorithms automatically stack and process every frame in real-time. Galaxies and nebulae...
The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory Telescope is perfect for anyone who loves stargazing, whether you’re just starting out or already experienced in astrophotography. It offers simplicity while still delivering great images. Its special 6-inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph design gives you bright and clear pictures quickly with a fast f/2.2 focal ratio.
Thanks to its AI-powered features, this telescope automatically stacks and processes your pictures as you take them, making it easy to capture deep-sky objects. Setting up is easy, too! With StarSense technology, you can align it in less than two minutes. Plus, the built-in battery and WiFi mean you can take it anywhere without needing a plug.
Users really appreciate how simple it is to use and the quality of images it produces, giving it a great rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. It’s also great for places with a lot of light pollution and for taking pictures of deep-sky objects.
Best For: New and seasoned astrophotographers looking for an easy-to-use telescope that provides high-quality deep-sky images.
Pros:
- AI features make it easy to capture deep-sky images without hassle.
- Fast setup with StarSense technology, aligning in under two minutes.
- Portable design with a built-in battery and WiFi, perfect for stargazing away from power sources.
Cons:
- It might not show as much detail in planetary pictures like some other telescopes.
- Some users want future upgrades for better camera and tracking features.
- The performance might not be as strong in very dark areas compared to more advanced telescopes.
Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional (90mm Aperture)
- Professional Astronomical Refractor Telescope: If you are interested in astronomy or like to explore the night sky, the MEEZAA astronomical telescope is for...
- 90mm Large Aperture: The astronomy telescope has an 800mm(f/8.88) focal length and 90mm aperture. The 90mm aperture captures more light pictures, fully...
- Optimum Magnification (32X-240X): Our telescope for adults high powered is equipped with two eyepieces(10 mm and 25 mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3X Barlow lens...
This telescope has a 90mm aperture. It is great for beginners and those who love to look at stars. The 800mm focal length and special glass lenses make images bright and clear. You can see details of the moon and clusters of stars. It has a magnification range from 32X to 240X. You get two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens to help you see better.
It’s easy to put together. You can set it up in about 20 minutes. Plus, it is light, so you can take it anywhere. The package includes a phone adapter. This lets you take cool pictures of what you see, but it might take some practice to get it right. Overall, this telescope is a good choice for looking at the night sky.
Best For: This telescope is best for beginner astronomers and nature lovers who want a simple tool for stargazing.
Pros:
- You can assemble it in about 20 minutes, making it easy for everyone.
- It has high-quality lenses that give bright and clear images.
- Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and set up.
Cons:
- Some users may have trouble with clarity when looking at distant objects.
- The phone adapter can be hard to align for taking pictures.
- The viewfinder shows an upside-down image, which can take time to get used to.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope
- PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind telescope uses patented, award-winning StarSense sky recognition technology and your...
- STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and...
- MASSIVE 10” NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR: A high-quality parabolic primary mirror and high-reflectivity XLT optical coatings give you enough light gathering ability to...
If you want a telescope that is simple to use and has great optics, check out the Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope. This big telescope has a quality primary mirror that collects a lot of light, so you can see stars and planets clearly. With the special StarSense App, you can find celestial objects easily by just entering where you are and what time it is.
The design of this telescope is steady and well-balanced. This means you can move it smoothly, making stargazing easy and fun. Many users love the clear images they get with it. Plus, Celestron offers a 2-year warranty, so you know they stand behind their product. It’s great for both beginners and experienced star watchers. You’ll feel closer to the universe with this amazing tool.
Best For: The Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope is perfect for beginners and experienced astronomers who want to enjoy stargazing with an easy-to-use and high-quality telescope.
Pros:
- Great light-gathering power from the quality primary mirror.
- The StarSense App helps you find stars and planets.
- It has a steady design for easy movement.
Cons:
- It can be heavy and big, making it hard to carry for some users.
- You might need extra accessories like eyepieces for the best experience.
- Manual aiming might need some practice to find celestial objects accurately.
Get ready to enjoy the night sky with the Celestron StarSense Explorer!
Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope
- Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect...
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with...
- Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the...
The Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope is a great pick for kids and beginners who want to learn about astronomy. It has a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length. You can see clear views of the Moon and planets. It comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens. This helps you see things three times closer. The user-friendly AZ mount makes it easy to point the telescope where you want to look. Weighing only 5.7 pounds, it is lightweight and sets up in about five minutes. Some users might have a hard time finding stars and planets, but this inexpensive telescope could spark a love for stargazing.
Best For: The Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope is best for kids and beginners who are eager to explore astronomy.
Pros:
- This telescope is easy to set up and is light, so you can take it anywhere.
- The user-friendly AZ mount makes it simple to move and use.
- It includes fun accessories like a phone adapter and wireless remote to enhance your viewing.
Cons:
- Some users may struggle to find stars and planets at first, which might take time.
- The short stand could cause discomfort during long viewing sessions.
- The telescope may not show a lot of detail for distant objects like Mars and galaxies.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope
- UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just...
- PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind telescope uses patented, award-winning StarSense sky recognition technology and your...
- STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and...
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is a great telescope for beginners who want to explore the night sky. It’s perfect for people who want to try astrophotography without spending a lot of money. This telescope works with a smartphone app, called StarSense, which helps you find stars and planets easily. The 114mm Newtonian reflector gives you clear views of the Moon and some brighter planets, making it fun for casual stargazing.
Setting up the telescope is simple. It has an easy-to-use altazimuth mount, so you can get started quickly. However, some users might have issues syncing the app with the telescope. At around $200, it’s a budget-friendly option for new astronomers. Families will enjoy using it to explore the stars together.
Best For: Beginners and families wanting to learn about astronomy.
Pros:
- Easy to set up with quick assembly and a simple mounting system.
- The app makes stargazing easy by showing you where to look.
- Affordable price makes it great for those just starting out.
Cons:
- Some users have trouble syncing the app, which can be annoying.
- It is not great for seeing faint objects in the deep sky, so it’s less ideal for advanced use.
- Calibrating the red dot finder can be tricky, which may affect how well you can target objects.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Telescopes for Astrophotography 2025
When you’re picking a smart telescope for astrophotography in 2025, think about a few important things.
First, look at the aperture size. A larger aperture can gather more light, helping you see fainter objects in the sky. Next, check the focal length. This determines how zoomed in your pictures will be. A longer focal length is great for capturing details of planets and deep space objects.
You should also consider the mount type. Some mounts can move smoothly as the sky shifts, making it easier to track objects.
Don’t forget about image processing. Some telescopes come with built-in software that can help you edit your photos right away. Lastly, think about portability. If you want to take your telescope on trips, a lightweight model will be easier to carry.
Aperture Size Impact
Aperture size is important for your astrophotography. It affects how much light your telescope can gather and how clear your images will be. A telescope with a larger aperture gives you brighter and clearer pictures, which is key for seeing faint stars and galaxies.
If you’re serious about astrophotography, get a telescope with at least a 90mm aperture. This size lets you see details on the moon, planets, and some deeper sky objects. If you choose a telescope over 100mm, you will see more details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that smaller telescopes can’t show.
For the best results, look for a telescope with a 6-inch aperture or bigger. This size collects enough light so you can take photos faster and get vivid images. Enjoy your stargazing!
Focal Length Considerations
Focal length is really important in astrophotography. It affects how big or small things look in the sky and how much of the sky you can see in one picture. If you use a longer focal length, like 800mm, things will look bigger, but you will see less of the sky. This can make it hard to capture wide views of stars or galaxies.
A telescope with 800mm can be great because you can take clear pictures of planets and deep space objects. When you think about focal length, also consider the f-ratio. A lower f-ratio means you can take pictures faster, which is helpful for capturing faint stars and galaxies.
Balancing focal length and aperture is key. Bigger apertures let in more light and make details in your photos clearer. Think about what you want to photograph because different objects in the sky may need different focal lengths to look their best.
Mount Type Importance
Choosing the right mount type is very important in astrophotography. The mount affects how stable and accurate your tracking is, which you need to take great photos.
Equatorial mounts are popular because they track stars smoothly. They help reduce motion blur during long exposure shots. If you want something simpler and cheaper, Dobsonian mounts are an option. However, you will need to adjust them by hand, which can lead to mistakes.
If you’re a beginner, you might like a computer-controlled GoTo mount. It helps you find and track objects easily, making the experience more fun.
Also, think about the mount’s weight capacity. A heavier mount can hold advanced cameras and accessories. This helps keep everything balanced and steady while you take pictures.
Image Processing Capabilities
If you’re getting into astrophotography, having a telescope with good image processing can really help you take better pictures. Look for telescopes that use smart AI to automatically stack and process your images. This makes them clearer and shows more detail, and you don’t even have to worry about it!
A great sensor, like the Sony IMX178 color CMOS sensor, can really boost your image quality. This is especially helpful for capturing faint things in space, like galaxies and nebulae. Real-time image processing is also important. It lets you see improved pictures right away. This way, you can check your exposure and composition as you go.
It’s also a good idea to choose telescopes that use image stacking technology. This helps reduce noise in your photos and makes them easier to see. Plus, if the telescope can work with imaging software, you can adjust your pictures even more after you take them. All these features make your astrophotography experience more fun and satisfying!
Portability for Travel
When you want to take amazing pictures of stars, having good equipment is important. But you also need to think about how to carry your telescope when you travel. If you plan to visit different places for stargazing, portability is key!
Choose telescopes that are light and easy to carry. Smaller designs make it easier to transport. Look for models that set up and take down quickly—no tools needed. This way, you can spend more time enjoying the night sky.
Having a carry bag helps protect your telescope and makes it easier to bring along. Adjustable tripods are great too! They let you find the best angle for viewing, making your experience more fun. Plus, if your telescope has a smartphone adapter, you can snap pictures and share them without needing extra gear.
With the right portable telescope, your stargazing adventures will be even more enjoyable!
Setup Time Efficiency
To enjoy your astrophotography sessions, it’s important to set up your equipment quickly. This is especially true during rare celestial events or when the sky is clear just for a bit. Look for telescopes that are easy to put together. Some models can set up automatically and focus in just a few minutes. This means you can start taking amazing photos much faster.
User-friendly apps can help you get your telescope ready too. They can guide you step by step and help avoid delays. If a telescope has adjustable mounts and settings that are already set, you can find your targets easily without a lot of fuss. Plus, telescopes with built-in batteries make it easy to set up outside without worrying about cords.
When you set up fast, you have more time to capture the beauty of the night sky. Happy stargazing!
Smartphone Compatibility Features
Smartphone compatibility features make astrophotography easier and more fun. You can use special apps on your phone to control your telescope. Some telescopes can even figure out where stars and planets are just by pointing them. There are phone adapters too, so you can take great pictures of the night sky. Just watch out, getting everything lined up can take a little practice!
These apps are easy to use. They help beginners learn the night sky and adjust settings for better photos. Some telescopes can even fix images right away, so you can improve your skills without needing to be a tech expert. Enjoy taking pictures of the cosmos and have a great time!
Budget-friendly Options Available
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to explore space with a smart telescope. There are many good options out there for about $200. These telescopes let you take pictures of stars and planets without costing too much. Some of them even work with smartphone apps, making it easy to find and look at cool things in the sky.
Look for telescopes that have automatic tracking. This means they can follow stars and planets while you take long exposure photos, so you don’t lose them from view.
Most budget telescopes are light and easy to put together. They are great for beginners. Even though they are cheaper, they usually have decent lenses that can show you bright objects like the Moon and other planets.
You can start your astrophotography adventure without spending a fortune. It’s easy and fun to capture the beauty of the night sky!
Leo Donovan is a passionate tech enthusiast and writer with a knack for making complex concepts accessible to all. With years of experience exploring the ever-evolving world of technology, Leo specializes in delivering practical advice, insightful AI tool reviews, and hands-on guides. When not diving into the latest gadgets or coding experiments, Leo enjoys sharing knowledge to empower others on their tech journey through How to Tech Info.
Last update on 2025-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
