10 Best Telescope For Photography 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length refracting telescope is designed mainly for beginners and young users interested in astronomy and basic astrophotography. Its 70mm aperture is decent for a beginner telescope, letting in enough light to see the moon, stars, and some brighter celestial objects clearly. The 400mm focal length, combined with the included eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offers a good range of magnification options, helping users get closer views without much hassle.

The altazimuth mount is simple to use and suitable for beginners, allowing easy up-and-down and side-to-side movement, though it’s less precise than more advanced mounts for long-exposure photography. The telescope’s optical design uses fully coated glass lenses, which helps produce sharper images and protects the eyes during viewing. It includes a smartphone adapter and wireless remote, making it easier to capture photos of celestial objects with your phone, though the image quality will depend heavily on your phone’s camera and steady handling.

Portability is a strong point here; the adjustable aluminum tripod and included carry bag make it convenient to take on trips or store when not in use. However, the manual focus and basic mount mean it’s not ideal for serious astrophotography enthusiasts who need higher precision and tracking capabilities. This telescope is a solid and affordable choice for kids and beginners who want a simple, portable setup for casual sky observation and basic night sky photography using a smartphone.

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is a solid choice for those interested in photography through a telescope. Its large 180mm aperture allows it to gather a good amount of light, which is essential for clear, detailed images. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design is known for sharp, high-contrast views, thanks to its matched mirrors and special coatings that boost light reflectivity to 94%. This helps in capturing crisp and rich photos of celestial objects.

The telescope features a medium focal length, which balances detail and field of view—good for photographing planets and the moon but less suited for wide-field shots like large star clusters or nebulae. It comes with a standard altazimuth mount, which is easy to use and perfect for beginners, though it lacks the precise tracking capabilities that more advanced astrophotography often requires. The Vixen-style dovetail mount makes it compatible with many common camera adapters and mounts, offering flexibility if you want to attach a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Portability is reasonable; it weighs 19 pounds and measures 30 by 12 by 14 inches, so it’s not ultra-light but still manageable for occasional transport. The telescope includes useful accessories such as a 28mm eyepiece, a star diagonal for comfortable viewing angles, and a finderscope to help locate objects in the sky. Since it operates manually without motorized tracking, longer exposure photos may be challenging without additional equipment. This telescope suits beginner to intermediate astrophotographers seeking a quality optical system that delivers clear planetary and lunar images, although extra gear may be needed for advanced deep-sky photography.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope is designed to cater to those interested in astrophotography, combining portability with advanced features. One of its standout strengths is the 130mm aperture, which allows for significant light gathering—making it easier to observe details of celestial objects like Saturn and Jupiter. The computerized star locating technology adds convenience, as it provides access to a vast database of over 4,000 celestial objects and tracks them automatically. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners or those who may find it challenging to locate objects manually.

Portability is another key aspect, as this telescope is compact and light enough to take on camping trips or to dark sky sites. The setup process is straightforward, making it accessible for both kids and adults.

However, there are a few weaknesses to consider. The optical quality, while generally good for a telescope in this category, may not meet the needs of more serious astrophotographers who require higher-end optics for advanced imaging techniques. The manual focus can be a bit cumbersome, especially during extended photography sessions when quick adjustments are needed. Additionally, the battery-powered operation may limit usage time, particularly if you're in a remote location.

The inclusion of free Starry Night software is a nice bonus, providing users with interactive sky simulation to enhance their stargazing experience. Celestron's reputation for customer support and a solid warranty adds to the appeal of this product.

The NexStar 130SLT is an excellent choice for casual astrophotographers and hobbyists looking for a portable, user-friendly telescope. Those seeking professional-level imaging may want to explore options with superior optical quality and more advanced features.