Astronomy contributing author Alister Ling views Comet Lemmon under a clear sky. Credit: Alister Ling
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The fusion of traditional stargazing with modern technology has opened up new horizons in the field of astronomy. For example, the ability to connect almost any smartphone or tablet to a high-quality telescope has revolutionized how we view, capture, and share the night sky.
Smartphone-enabled telescopes are not just sophisticated tools for observing the stars; many of these scopes also allow you to share photos of your cosmic journey with friends and family – or even on social media.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best telescopes that can be used with a smartphone, which will help you bring the wonders of the cosmos directly to your fingertips.
Factors to consider when buying a telescope to use with a smartphone
We know that selecting the right telescope can be an overwhelming experience, especially considering the investment involved in purchasing a high-end model. That’s why our goal here is to provide you with a detailed and user-friendly guide that will help you make an informed decision.
But before we jump into our top picks, it’s important to understand what factors make a telescope ideal for smartphone use. Here are the most important things you should consider:
- Aperture size and optics: A modest to large aperture and high-quality optics are essential for capturing detailed images of the night sky with your smartphone.
- Skill level: Whether you’re a novice stargazer or an experienced observer impacts which telescope you should choose. Beginners might prefer user-friendly models, while veterans might opt for more advanced telescopes with sophisticated features.
- Smartphone integration: Does the telescope require a specific app or an active internet connection to properly function? Before selecting a scope, be sure to confirm that it is compatible with whatever type of smart device you own.
- Mount and stability: A sturdy mount is crucial for clear, stable images, especially when attaching a smartphone to your telescope to capture images.
- Portability: If you plan to travel with your telescope, be sure to consider its size, weight, and design.
- WiFi connectivity: Some telescopes come with built-in WiFi, enabling seamless connectivity with your smartphone for an effortless stargazing experience.
How we determined our top picks
To make our selections, we considered real-world insights from user reviews, as well as expert opinions from the Astronomy staff, who together have decades of stargazing experience. In particular, we considered factors such as ease of use, optical quality, smartphone compatibility, and overall value for your money.
Best telescopes to use with a smartphone
- Features and Benefits: The Celestron StarSense Explorer 130AZ is a 5-inch Newtonian reflector telescope with a StarSense dock that lets you attach your smartphone directly to the scope, enabling effortless alignment with your desired target. The telescope’s stable mount, coupled with the included eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), offers a user-friendly way to explore the night sky.
- Why We Like It: The automated features of this telescope paired with its clear imaging capabilities make it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate users alike. Its ease of use and the ability to quickly align with celestial objects streamline the stargazing experience.
- What to Keep in Mind: The compact and lightweight design of the StarSense Explorer 130AZ makes it a suitable option for those who value portability, whether for backyard astronomy or trips to less light-polluted skies.
- Product Details:
- Type: Reflector
- Mount: Altazimuth
- Aperture: 5 inches (130 mm)
- Focal Length: 25.6 inches (650 mm)
- Price: $479.95
- Features and Benefits: The Unistellar eVscope 2 is a cutting-edge reflector telescope with a 4.5-inch aperture and up to an impressive 450x magnification. It integrates advanced electronics with quality optics to provide superior views that can be livestreamed directly to your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the eVscope 2 can automatically align with the stars thanks to Autonomous Field Detection software and GPS technology.
- Why We Like It: This telescope stands out for its powerful optics and smart features, making it ideal for detailed celestial observations. Its ability to connect with a global network of users also enriches the stargazing experience by unlocking shared discoveries and insights.
- What to Keep in Mind: At this price, the eVscope 2 is a serious investment most likely only suitable for serious enthusiasts. Additionally, its performance is best in clear, dark skies, making it slightly more weather dependent than other comparable scopes.
- Product Details
- Type: Reflector
- Mount: Motorized altazimuth
- Aperture: 4.5 inches (114 mm)
- Focal Length: 17.7 inches (450 mm)
- Price: $4,899.00
- Features and Benefits: The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST offers a 5.1-inch aperture in a portable and versatile design, all at an affordable price. An included smartphone photo adapter with a self-centering eyepiece clamp also allows you to easily take stable, clearly focused pictures through the scope.
- Why We Like It: It’s a lightweight telescope packed with additional features, making it an excellent affordable choice for mobile astronomy enthusiasts. The SpaceProbe 130ST is well-suited for beginners and intermediate users alike.
- What to Keep in Mind: The setup can be a bit complex for new users, and it requires clear skies for optimal performance.
- Product Details:
- Aperture: 5.1 inches (130 mm)
- Focal Length: 25.6 inches (650 mm)
- Features and Benefits: The SkyWatcher Virtuoso GTi 150P is a parabolic Newtonian reflector telescope with a 6-inch aperture, offering sharp and clear views of celestial objects. It features WiFi control, which lets you use your smartphone as a wireless hand controller. The telescope’s SynScan smartphone app provides you with an extensive database of night sky objects, further enhancing your stargazing experience.
- Why We Like It: This telescope is a perfect blend of advanced technology and serious aperture. It’s ideal for those looking to step up from beginner telescopes without losing the convenience of smartphone control.
- What to Keep in Mind: The GTi 150P is slightly heavier than some of its counterparts, which can impact its portability.
- Product Details:
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Mount: Altazimuth
- Aperture: 6 inches (150 mm)
- Focal Length: 29.5 inches (750 mm)
- Price: $470.00
- Features and Benefits: The Celestron Astro Fi 102 features a compact and portable design. This Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope also connects to your smartphone via WiFi, letting you smoothly navigate the night sky. Its integrated SkyAlign technology also makes setup quick and straightforward.
- Why We Like It: Ideal for city dwellers or those with limited space, the Astro Fi 102 offers great optics in a small package. The smartphone app’s interactive star map also unlocks further information about observational targets.
- What to Keep in Mind: Its smaller aperture might somewhat limit deep-sky observations, but this scopes excels in lunar and planetary viewing.
- Product Details:
- Type: Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Mount: Altazimuth
- Aperture: 4 inches (102 mm)
- Focal Length: 52 inches (1325 mm)
- Price: $529.95
- Features and Benefits: The SkyWatcher 10-inch Flextube SynScan GoTo scope is a user-friendly option with a database of more than 42,900 celestial objects. Compatible with your smartphone, it offers motorized tracking and a GoTo system for effortless exploration of the night sky.
- Why We Like It: This telescope is great for those who want a hands-off experience. The smartphone app makes it easy to find and track objects, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate astronomers alike.
- What to Keep in Mind: While the automated features are convenient, beginners might face a bit of a learning curve.
- Product Details:
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Mount: Motorized Altazimuth
- Aperture: 10 inches (254 mm)
- Focal Length: 47.2 inches (1200 mm)
- Price: $1,715.00
- Features and Benefits: The Vaonis Stellina telescope features an exceptionally sleek and compact design, which is complemented by a robotic mount and integrated 6.4-megapixel camera. Its WiFi connectivity allows for effortless image display and control using a smartphone or tablet. The mobile app also allows you to connect with up to 10 other mobile devices, letting you share your stargazing experience with friends and family.
- Why We Like It: This model is celebrated for its elegance and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of astronomy activities. Its portability and advanced technology offer a significant advantage for on-the-go astronomers.
- What to Keep in Mind: With a price tag of about $4,000, the Vaonis Stellina telescope is a premium option. However, its ability to capture bright, detailed deep-sky images may be slightly limited compared to larger, more specialized telescopes.
- Product Details:
- Type: Extra low-dispersion glass double (ED) Refractor
- Mount: Computerized altazimuth
- Aperture: 3.15 inches (80 mm)
- Focal Length: 15.7 inches (400 mm)
- Price: $3,999
Care and Maintenance of Your Telescope
Here are some essential tips for taking care of your telescope:
- Regular cleaning: Dust and debris can accumulate on the lens or mirror of your telescope. Only use a soft, lint-free cloth or brush to gently clean the optics. Also avoid touching the lens or mirror with your fingers.
- Proper storage: Store your telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. If possible, use a protective cover or store it in its original packaging to prevent accidental damage.
- Handle with care: Telescopes, especially high-end models, are precision instruments. That’s why it is vital to handle them with care, avoiding any harsh movements or impacts.
- Avoid moisture: Keep your telescope away from excessive moisture, which can cause damage to scope’s optics and mechanical parts.
- Regular check-ups: Periodically check all moving parts, screws, and mounts on your telescope. Tighten any loose components and ensure the telescope is functioning as intended.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Never point your telescope directly at the Sun without proper solar filters. This can cause severe eye damage and damage the telescope.
- Professional servicing: If your telescope requires more than basic maintenance, consider taking it to a professional for servicing, especially if there are issues with the optics or alignment.