The Best Affordable Telescope For Astrophotography in 2023

Andrew Etter
  Jun 8, 2023 10:15 PM

Astrophotography is a great way to explore the wonders of the universe. But it can be expensive if you don't know what to look for when shopping for a telescope. The good news is that there are many affordable telescopes available that will allow you to take amazing astrophotos without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best affordable telescopes for astrophotography and how they can help you capture stunning images of deep space objects.

The Best Affordable Telescope For Astrophotography in 2023
Get the best of both worlds with a telescope for astrophotography. Image source: Amazon.com
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1Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope - Reflector Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package Best Overall: Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope9.1Check Price
2Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+Celestial Objects - 5-Inch Primary Mirror,Orange High-Quality Optics With Enhanced Features: Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope9Check Price
3Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – 130mm Newtonian Reflector – iPhone/Android Compatible A Great All-Rounder For Basic Astrophotography: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope9.4Check Price
4Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope, Blue (22403) Best For Beginners, Whatever Camera You Use: Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope9Check Price
5Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope Best Budget: Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain8.8Check Price

#1 Best Overall:Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope

With the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope! This beginner-friendly telescope is perfect for budding astronomers of all ages. Featuring a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length, the AstroMaster 130EQ provides bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. Fully-coated glass optics provide excellent light transmission and a crisp, clear view of the night sky. The adjustable-height tripod makes it easy to adjust the telescope’s height, while the slow motion controls allow you to make small, precise pointing adjustments. The bonus astronomy software package makes it easy to explore the night sky and learn more about the stars and planets you’re observing. Whether you’re just starting out in astronomy or looking to upgrade from a smaller telescope, the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is the perfect choice.

#2 High-Quality Optics With Enhanced Features:Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope

The Celestron 11036 NexStar 5SE Telescope is the perfect choice for both beginner and advanced users. With its computerized GoTo mount, you can easily locate and track 40,000+ celestial objects in the night sky. The SkyAlign technology allows you to quickly align your telescope in just three easy steps. This telescope also features a 5-inch primary mirror for a clear and bright image. Whether you're viewing the moon, planets, galaxies, clusters, or other deep space objects, the Celestron 11036 NexStar 5SE Telescope is sure to provide an enjoyable viewing experience.

#3 A Great All-Rounder For Basic Astrophotography:Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope

Celestron's StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope is the perfect way to explore the night sky. This telescope is designed to work with the StarSense App, which helps you quickly and easily align your telescope with the night sky. Just attach your smartphone to the telescope, open the app, and you're ready to go! This 130mm Newtonian reflector telescope offers an amazing 675x magnification, making it ideal for viewing stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. It also comes with two 1.25" eyepieces and a red dot finderscope, so you can easily locate your targets. With its easy setup and intuitive app, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope is a great choice for any beginner stargazer!

#4 Best For Beginners, Whatever Camera You Use:Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope

Experience the night sky like never before with the Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope. This telescope has a fully coated achromatic refractor optics with a 100 mm (3.9") aperture and 400 mm (f/4) focal length that provides crisp, clear images of the moon and planets. The telescope also includes a smartphone adapter that allows you to capture images with your smartphone and share it on social media. The telescope features an altazimuth mount that is perfect for beginners and can be easily adjusted with one hand. The telescope also includes two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm) for different magnifications, a finderscope for easy alignment, and a 1.25" star diagonal for comfortable viewing. With the Celestron Inspire, you can explore the night sky with ease and share your discoveries with friends and family.

#5 Best Budget:Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain

The Sky Watcher S11510 Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is an ideal choice for the budding amateur astronomer. This large aperture compound-style reflector telescope boasts a 102mm (4") aperture, Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, and a focal length of 1250mm (f/12.3). With its long focal length, this telescope is perfect for observing the Moon, planets, and other deep-sky objects. The included two-element achromatic corrector lens provides clear and sharp images. The telescope also features an adjustable alt-azimuth mount, an adjustable aluminum tripod, and a red dot finder scope for quickly locating objects in the night sky. With its easy setup and large aperture, this telescope is the perfect way to explore the universe and discover its wonders.
1
Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope - Reflector Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package
Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope - Reflector Telescope for
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    9.1
  • Brand
    Celestron
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
  • EASY TO SET UP AND USE: This is a great telescope for kids and adults to use together. It features a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.  more
2
Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+Celestial Objects - 5-Inch Primary Mirror,Orange
Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Celestron
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
  • 5-INCH APERTURE SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: 5-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to deliver impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.  more
3
Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – 130mm Newtonian Reflector – iPhone/Android Compatible
Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope –
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Celestron
  • 130mm Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube - 25mm Kellner Eyepiece - 10mm Kellner Eyepiece - StarSense Smartphone Dock - Red Dot Finderscope - Altazimuth Mount with Slow Motion Control Rod - Full Height Tripod - Accessory Tray - Starsense Code - Download Code
4
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope, Blue (22403)
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope, Blue
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Celestron
  • Focus micrometer - Allows quick return to a specific focus point for specific targets (bird nests, infinity focus, etc.)
  • Bold new design - The main telescope lens cap comes with a fully integrated smartphone adapter built-in, perfect for the budding astrophotographer. The asymmetrical mount design offers light weight and incredible stability. Erect image optics enables a fully correct image for easy viewing day or night, terrestrial or astronomical.  more
5
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
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    8.8
  • Brand
    Sky Watcher
  • EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS: The Skymax series of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tubes features matched primary and secondary mirrors with an expertly coated corrector plate that delivers contrast-rich views with charcoal-black skies.
  • VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL: An industry standard, the Vixen-style dovetail is the most commonly used dovetail plate for astronomy. In addition to this, all Maksutov-Cassegrains come with a ¼-20 tripod thread under each dovetail bar, allowing users to mount to most photographic tripods.  more
6
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy (S11100)
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable
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    8.5
  • Brand
    Sky Watcher
  • OUTSTANDING COLOR CORRECTION: Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
  • 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser  more
7
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy (S11180)
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable
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    8.7
  • Brand
    Sky Watcher
  • EVOLVES WITH SKILL: No need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill set improves.
  • 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser.  more
8
Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture and 700mm Focal Length Professional Astronomy Refractor Telescope for Kids and Beginners - with EQ Mount, 2 Plossl Eyepieces and Smartphone Adapter
Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture and 700mm Focal Length Professional
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    8.7
  • Brand
    SOLOMARK
  • Quick and Easy No-Tool Setup - We provide professional astronomical telescopes. In order to save your time, our telescope can be installed without any additional tools, and truly realize no-tool-set telescope.
  • Telescope for Kids and Adults - This telescope provides erect image optics, for terrestrial and astronomical use. The fully multi-coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes.  more
9
Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope,Telescope for Kids,Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope
Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope,Telescope
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    8.8
  • Brand
    Gskyer
  • 【Adjustable Tripod】This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod. The height of aluminum tripod can be adjusted from about 31.5-inch to 49-inch
  • 【Easy to Operate】No tools are required for reflecting telescope even for the novice, quick and easy to focus  more
10
Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 80mm AZ Space Astronomical Refractor Telescope, Telescope for Kids, Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope
Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 80mm AZ Space Astronomical Refractor
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    8.9
  • Brand
    Gskyer
  • 【Applicable Use】This telescope is quick and easy to set up even for the novice and will encourage kids to love learning about space, great gift idea for kids who love science and astronomy!
  • 【Ultra-clear Refracting Telescope】With 400 mm focal length and 80 mm aperture to capture more light picture and optical glass coated for enhanced image brightness to protect your eyes.  more
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SOLOMARK Telescope, 80EQ Refractor Professional Telescope -700mm Focal Length Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, with 1.5X Barlow Lens Adapter for Photography and 13 Percent Transmission Moon Filter
SOLOMARK Telescope, 80EQ Refractor Professional Telescope -700mm Focal Length Telescopes
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    8.5
  • Brand
    SOLOMARK
  • Manual German Equatorial Mount: Telescopes for adults navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob. This study mount features large slow-motion control knobs so you can track objects smoothly and seamlessly as they drift across the nighttime sky.
  • Objects to Observe:Telescopes for adults with high quality, all-glass optics deliver crisp views of the moon, the rings around Saturn, and Jupiter’s Galilean moons. Or explore Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and more.  more
12
ESSLNB Telescope for Kids, 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescopes (15X-180X) for Astronomy Beginners, Portable Travel Telescope with Phone Adapter & Adjustable Tripod-Astronomy Gifts for Kids
ESSLNB Telescope for Kids, 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescopes (15X-180X) for
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    8.5
  • Brand
    ESSLNB
  • 【70mm Large Aperture】: Equipped with 70mm aperture and 360mm focal length, adult beginners telescope increase light transmission and provide clearer images. Fully multi-coated optical glass with high transmission coatings creates crisp images with increased brightness and clarity.
  • 【High Magnification】: With latest generation of two (K6mm,K25mm) 1.25" interchangeable Kellners eyepiece, the kids telescope is better than Huygens eyepieces. 3X Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, so you can get magnification of 15X to 180X.  more
13
HSL Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture 400mm Focal Length Refractor Telescope for Astronomy Beginners(20x-100x) - Travel Telescopes with Carry Bag and Adapter(White)
HSL Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture 400mm Focal
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    8.3
  • Brand
    HSL
  • 【Great Gift Ideas】 HSL telescope is the perfect gift for kids, astronomy beginners. It helps them build an interest in astronomy and science, explore the unknown, enjoy nature and get away from the screen. Kids' astronomy journey starts here! If you have any questions, please contact us and we will solve them within 24 hours.
  • 【Luxury Shooting Configuration】Includes smartphone adapter, wireless camera remote to easily explore the nature of the world and take amazing images of celestial objects through the screen.  more
14
Merkmak Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Telescope 70mm Aperture 300mm AZ Mount Refractor Telescope for Kids Beginners (15X-150X) - Telescope with Adjustable Tripod, Phone Adapter and Backpack
Merkmak Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Telescope 70mm Aperture 300mm AZ
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    8.2
  • Brand
    Merkmak
  • 【Perfect Gift & Customer Support】This telescope is a perfect astronomy gift for kids or beginner astronomers to enjoy an impressive childhood and experience the wonders of the universe and sky. 12 months guarantee was offered by Merkmak. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our telescope and service.
  • 【15X-150X High Magnification】 Merkmak telescope is equipped with three eyepieces ( H20mm, H6mm and 12.5mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, so you can get magnification from 15X to 150X. The 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.  more
15
Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED Doublet Apo Refractor Telescope- Compact and Procurable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography, White (511310)
Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED Doublet Apo Refractor Telescope- Compact and Procurable
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    8.4
  • Brand
    Sky Watcher
  • 82mm aperture
  • 530mm focal length  more
16
Sky-Watcher Evolux 62ED Doublet Apo Refractor Telescope- Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy, White (S11305)
Sky-Watcher Evolux 62ED Doublet Apo Refractor Telescope- Compact and Portable
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    7.8
  • Brand
    Sky Watcher
  • 400mm focal length
  • 62mm aperture  more

Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

The 11 Best Small Telescope For Astrophotography of 2023: Get stunning images of the night sky with a telescope from our selection of the best small telescopes for astrophotography.

Common Questions

Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+Celestial Objects - 5-Inch Primary Mirror,Orange

With our affordable selection, you won't have to break the bank for crystal clear images of distant galaxies and star clusters. Image source: Amazon.com

What are the best telescopes for astrophotography?

Astrophotography is a form of photography that captures the beauty of the night sky. Taking photos of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects can be a challenging task, but with the right telescope it can be made much easier. In this article, we will look at some of the best telescopes for astrophotography and discuss their features and benefits. We will also discuss some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a telescope for astrophotography. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what makes a great telescope for astrophotography and which one is best suited for your needs.

What type of telescope should I get to capture quality images?

Are you a budding astronomer looking for the best telescope to capture quality images? With the advances in technology, there are now many types of telescopes available that can help you get the most out of your stargazing experience. From refractors to reflectors, each telescope has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to capturing quality images. In this article, we will discuss what type of telescope is best suited for capturing quality images and how to choose one that meets your needs.

What features should I look for in an affordable telescope for astrophotography?

Are you looking for an affordable telescope for astrophotography? If yes, then you must know which features to look for in order to get the best value for your money. Astrophotography is a fascinating field and it requires specific tools and equipment. Therefore, it is important to understand which features should be considered when selecting a telescope that can capture high-quality images of the night sky. In this article, we will discuss the features that you should consider when choosing an affordable telescope for astrophotography.

12 Best Telescope Finder Scope in 2023 [Tested!]: Find the perfect telescope for your stargazing needs with our extensive selection of finder scopes.

Conclusion

Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – 130mm Newtonian Reflector – iPhone/Android Compatible

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we have the. Image source: Amazon.com

Are you looking for an affordable telescope that can help you take stunning astrophotography images? If so, I think Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is the best choice for you. This telescope offers excellent features and performance at a fraction of the cost of other telescopes in its class. It has a wide field of view, high-quality optics, and is designed to be easy to use with minimal setup time. Whether you are just starting out in astrophotography or are an experienced pro, it will help you capture beautiful images of the night sky.