5 Best Telescopes for Astrophotography Under $500 (Reviews Updated 2024)

Astrophotography combines the art of photography with the science of astronomy. Capturing the night sky requires a telescope that provides clear, detailed images of celestial objects. A good telescope can make a significant difference in the quality of your astrophotographs without breaking the bank.

When choosing a telescope for astrophotography, consider factors like aperture size, focal length, and mount stability. Aperture size impacts the brightness and clarity of the images. Focal length determines the telescope’s field of view and magnification abilities. Mount stability is crucial to avoid blurry images due to vibrations.

Finding the right telescope under $500 can be challenging, but there are quality options out there. Balancing these features ensures you get the best possible images for your budget. Here, we present several options that excel in these criteria and deliver stunning astrophotographs.

Best Telescopes for Astrophotography Under $500

Here is our list of the best telescopes for astrophotography under $500. These picks are based on technical specifications and user reviews.

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Here are our telescope for astrophotography under $500 reviews.

1. Celestron NexStar 130SLT

Great choice for those wanting a computerized telescope with excellent light-gathering capabilities.

Pros

• Efficient computerized star locating
• Powerful 130mm aperture
• Easy to transport and assemble

Cons

• Setup can be finicky
• Battery-dependent
• Limited by included eyepieces

This telescope is highly efficient for finding celestial objects. The computerized system makes it easy to locate and track stars, galaxies, and more. You’ll appreciate the large 130mm mirror, which ensures bright and detailed views of various astronomical objects.

The portability and easy assembly of the NexStar 130SLT make it convenient for travel. Whether you’re in your backyard or a remote dark sky site, setting up is quick and straightforward.

Though the setup process can be tricky at first, users find it manageable with practice. You might need to invest in extra eyepieces, but the included ones are good starters. This telescope, with its advanced features, is perfect for novice and intermediate astronomers seeking a reliable tool for astrophotography.

2. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ

An excellent choice for amateur astronomers looking for an affordable, high-quality telescope.

Pros

• Powerful magnification
• Easy-to-use controls
• Versatile eyepiece options

Cons

• Flimsy stand
• Initial collimation difficulty
• Bulky for travel

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ telescope offers powerful magnification that allows you to view planets, the Moon, and distant stars with clarity. The telescope is equipped with user-friendly controls, perfect for beginners.

The included multiple eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens provide you with various magnification options, enhancing your stargazing experiences. Available with an accessory tray and a downloadable astronomy software package, you will have everything you need to begin exploring the night sky.

However, the stand can be somewhat unstable, especially in windy conditions. Additionally, setting up and collimating the telescope may require some time and patience, particularly for those new to reflector telescopes. While the telescope is generally portable, its size may be inconvenient for frequent travel.

3. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD Telescope

This is a solid choice for those starting in astrophotography due to its power and user-friendliness.

Pros

• Quick and tool-free setup
• High-quality optics for clear images
• Precision adjustments with slow-motion control knobs

Cons

• Heavier than some other beginner models
• Manual focus can be tricky for beginners
• Requires regular maintenance for best performance

You can set up the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD quickly without any tools. The telescope offers fully-coated glass optics that ensure you get bright and clear images of celestial objects, making it perfect for beginners.

The German Equatorial mount has two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precise adjustments. This feature is vital when tracking planets or other celestial entities across the night sky. Using the included eyepieces, you can observe various objects with different magnifications, adding versatility to your stargazing experience.

On the downside, the telescope is somewhat heavy, which might not be ideal if you need to move it frequently. Manual focusing can be challenging initially, so expect a bit of a learning curve. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the telescope in top shape for long-term use.

4. SARBLUE Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

This product strikes an excellent balance between portability and power, making it a solid choice for beginners and casual users alike.

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Easy setup
• Compact and portable

Cons

• Plastic body
• Small tripod
• Limited eyepiece options

This model provides sharp and clear views, which makes it useful for both day and night observations. Both spherical and chromatic aberrations are minimized, thanks to its Maksutov-Cassegrain design.

The detachable lid is a neat feature that lets you see how the telescope works from the inside. It’s an educational touch that many will appreciate.

While it’s compact and easy to pack, some users might find the tripod less sturdy. Despite its small size, it delivers a long focal length, enhancing your viewing experience.

5. ESSLNB 80mm Astronomical Telescope

Ideal for beginner astrophotographers seeking an affordable telescope with good image clarity and portability.

Pros

• High-transmission optical lenses for clear images
• Comes with useful accessories, including a phone adapter
• Adjustable tripod for various viewing positions

Cons

• The tripod can be unstable
• Phone holder may not fit larger smartphones
• Instructions can be difficult to understand

This telescope from ESSLNB is a budget-friendly option that offers good image brightness and clarity. With an 80mm objective lens, it captures a broad field of view which makes it great for moon observations.

It comes with several accessories, including a phone adapter, which lets you capture images easily. The adjustable aluminum tripod allows for flexible viewing angles, making your stargazing more comfortable.

Some drawbacks include a somewhat flimsy tripod and unclear instructions. Despite these issues, it’s a solid choice for beginners looking to get into astrophotography without breaking the bank.

Astrophotography Telescope Under $500 Buying Guide

When choosing a telescope for astrophotography under $500, consider several key factors. These can help you get the best value for your money.

Aperture

The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. Larger apertures allow more light to enter, giving you clearer images of distant celestial objects.

Focal Length

Focal length affects the telescope’s magnification. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, but a shorter focal length offers a wider field of view, which is useful for capturing large sky areas.

Mounts

The mount is crucial for stability. Choose between altazimuth mounts, which are easier to use, and equatorial mounts, which track celestial objects more accurately.

Portability

Consider the portability of the telescope. If you plan to travel often, a lighter, more compact telescope will be easier to transport.

Accessories

Check for included accessories such as camera adapters, additional lenses, and sturdy tripods. These can save you money in the long run.

Table of Important Features

Choosing the right telescope involves balancing these factors based on your specific needs and preferences.