To capture sharp and colorful pictures of the galaxies, stars, and nebular from the comfort of your backyard, you need the best telescope that takes pictures. So, the question is, what are the best telescopes for such a task?
The Explore Scientific ED127 Triplet Refractor Telescope, Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor, Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm, Explore Scientific ED 80 Telescope, and the Orion ED80T CF are the top 5 telescopes that take pictures, to get. These five provide impressive optical image quality, and they are lightweight.
To take your astrophotography venture to the next level, you need to read on to learn more about the best telescopes for astrophotography.
How To Pick The Best Telescope For Astrophotography
With a wide range of options for you to pick from, it is easy to get a bit confused when deciding on the best telescope to purchase.
However, if you take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the critical considerations to make, finding the right telescope will be an easy task. Here are some essential factors you need to pay attention to when shopping for a telescope.
The Build Quality
As much as you are passionate about astrophotography, you would not want to spend your money on replacing your telescope now and then, as that can be pretty costly. Therefore it is prudent to avoid models made of plastics and cheap housing as they are less likely to serve you for a long time. In addition, it is essential to note that build quality can significantly influence the quality of the photos.
Nevertheless, if you are on a tight budget and looking for budget-friendly telescopes, opting for models made of plastic pieces can be a good idea.
The Optics
Although the telescope has many parts, it is good to understand that some are more important than others. To get the most from your telescope, you must ensure that it is made up of excellent optics. This includes paying close attention to the eyepiece and the aperture.
Field of View
The field of view is essential because it influences the kind of objects you can photograph. For closer objects, you need a narrow field of view and wider fields if you are targeting deep-sky objects.
Size and Weight
When it comes to the size and weight of the telescope, it depends on your intended use. For instance, the lightweight factor may not be crucial if you intend to take photos from a stationary point. On the other hand, if you plan to transport your telescope here and there, you must ensure it is portable.
Top 7 Telescopes For Astrophotography
To purchase the best telescope for astrophotography, you may need to compare different models before deciding on the best one to purchase. It is not prudent to purchase the first telescope you come across, as you might leave some critical features. Have a look at some of the best telescopes for astrophotography to purchase.
1. Telescope That Takes Digital Pictures – Sky-Watcher Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain Reflector Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain Reflector Telescope is a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that makes the cut in the telescopes that can take digital pictures. With its compact design, long focal length, and a 17 pounds weight, you can be sure that you will not have portability issues when taking quality digital photos.
The telescope comes with a 1.25-inch adapter that allows you to attach a DSLR camera and start your photo-taking spree once you put the desired object in the eye. As long as you are focusing on bright objects, you have the assurance of quality photos.
2. Telescope That Takes Digital Pictures And Connect To Laptops – Takahashi FSQ-85ED
The Takahashi FSQ-85ED is a refractor telescope designed to give astrophotography enthusiasts ample time whenever they are exploring the universe. Moreover, it is a take-anywhere telescope meaning that you will not be restricted when taking photographs.
Some of the most impressive features of the telescope include a double extra-low dispersion design that keeps the tones of pictures low to enhance clarity. No one wants to spend much of their time focusing on an object only to end up with a blurred image.
The built-in camera rotator is another lovely feature that any astrophotography enthusiast would want to experience. It allows the camera to rotate 360 degrees without losing the critical focus.
Additional advantages of the Takahashi FSQ-85ED include good color correction, crisp contrast, razor-sharp imaging, portability, and high build quality.
3. Best for Deep Space Astrophotography – Explore Scientific ED127 Triplet Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific ED127 Triplet Refractor Telescope has an impressive ability to target faint deep-sky objects. This incredible capability makes the telescope the best option for deep-space astrophotography. In addition, it is a versatile telescope that can perfectly work even in poor light conditions.
The pros of the Explore Scientific ED127 Triplet Refractor Telescope include the excellent build quality and it is light enough to enhance its portability.
4. Telescope With The Most Advanced Features – Celestron – NexStar 8SE Telescope
The Celestron – NexStar 8SE Telescope is one of the most expensive telescopes you can get in the modern market, and this is attributable to the fact that it comes with advanced features. If money is not your problem, this is the telescope you should get as it is one of the best.
The long focal length to provide a narrow field of view indicates that it is designed for advanced astrophotographers. It is also worth noting that even though you may need to add a few good telescope eyepieces, and it has top-notch optics to guarantee quality images.
Additional features that set the Celestron – NexStar 8SE Telescope apart include the high resolution, large aperture, and GoTo mount.
Further, it is an excellent option for deep-sky objects and planets.
5. The Best Telescope For Beginners – Orion ED80T CF
If you are new to astrophotography and want to put your money into a telescope that will not disappoint, then the Orion ED80T CF will be the perfect option. This model is quite famous for beginners because it offers high-quality images at a reasonable cost.
The razor-sharp images, ideal weight, size, and compact design makes investing in this model worth your time and money.
6. Best Portable- The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet refractors make the list of top telescopes for astrophotography thanks to their impressive optics and detailed image quality.
While you may need to invest in extra accessories to attain a perfect image quality, the impressive optical image quality can take your astrophotography to another level. In addition, the telescope is ideal for both beginners and astrophotographers. Generally, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet is a portable and durable telescope that will not disappoint you.
7. Best All-Around – The Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm
The Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm is a great telescope designed for both beginners and experienced, and it is considered the best all-around for astrophotography. With the 120 mm aperture, you can capture clear pictures of planets and other celestial objects of interest. Interestingly, the telescope boasts Schott glass with a 900 mm focal length and offers incredible capabilities.
It is also worth mentioning that the Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm is best known for its excellent contrast, coal-black sky background, and high definition to guarantee finer details when taking your pictures.
Our Verdict
The astrophotography hobby can be satisfying and fun if you have the best astrophotography telescope. After extensive research, we have concluded that the Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm is the best telescope. With its outstanding rendition capabilities, minimal chromatic aberrations, and excellent portability, you can never go wrong with the Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm in your possession.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.