Unraveled Evaluation of a Thousand Images to Determine Top-Notch Telescopes for Astrophotography in the Year 2025
For deep-sky and planetary astrophotography, certain telescopes stand out based on their performance, technology, and usage in competitions like the Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Here are some top recommendations:
## Deep-Sky Astrophotography
The SVBONY SV555 Full-Frame Astrograph is a popular choice, thanks to its advanced optics tailored for deep-sky imaging. Ideal for capturing detailed images of galaxies and nebulas, this telescope is a reliable option for astrophotographers.
Another standout is the Askar SQA85 Super Quintuplet Astrograph, known for its superior optics and ability to provide high-quality images of distant objects.
The Takahashi Epsilon-160ED, though not specifically mentioned in recent reviews, was used by finalists in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, indicating its capability in capturing high-quality deep-sky images.
## Planetary Astrophotography
For those interested in planetary imaging, the Celestron NexStar 8SE is a beginner-friendly option optimized for smartphone astrophotography. Particularly useful for bright targets like the planets, this telescope is a great starting point for new astrophotographers.
For those with more experience, the Celestron C11 EdgeHD offers superior results, thanks to its larger aperture, which is crucial for capturing detailed images of planets.
Key Features for Astrophotography
- Aperture: Larger apertures are essential for capturing more light and detail in deep-sky objects. - Mount Type: Equatorial mounts are preferred for long-exposure photography as they track celestial objects smoothly. - Optical Quality: High-quality optics are crucial for clear and detailed images.
These telescopes are among the best for their respective applications, based on current market trends and competition usage. The Dwarf 3, a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use smart telescope, is a budget-friendly option for beginners. However, it is not suitable for visual astronomy or planetary imaging due to its short focal length.
The Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P is a budget telescope that is a proven performer for deep space astrophotography. Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs) from Celestron dominate for planetary imaging.
Apochromatic refractors, newtonian reflectors, and Schmidt-Cassegrains are the most commonly used telescope types for astrophotography. Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) from Planewave and Richey-Chrétien from Astro Systeme Austria (ASA) are observatory-grade, ultra-premium telescopes.
The most successfully used individual telescope models are: Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4, Celestron C11, Celestron C14, Sky-Watcher 200/800 Newton Astrograph, Planewave CDK 17, Planewave CDK 24, Takahashi FSQ85-EDXASA 20′′ Astrograph.
Out of 986 images analysed from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition from 2018 to 2024, 511 used telescopes, with the Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 being the number one astrophotography telescope in the data. SCTs, Apochromatic refractors, and imaging newtonians are all telescope types that can be acquired relatively cheaply and are accessible to more people.
In conclusion, whether you're a beginner or an experienced astrophotographer, there's a telescope out there that's perfect for your needs. By considering key features such as aperture, mount type, and optical quality, you can make an informed decision and start capturing stunning images of the cosmos.
- The SVBONY SV555 Full-Frame Astrograph, with its advanced optics for deep-sky imaging, is a popular choice among astrophotographers.
- The Askar SQA85 Super Quintuplet Astrograph, known for its superior optics, is another standout for deep-sky astrophotography.
- The Takahashi Epsilon-160ED, though not recently reviewed, was used by finalists in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
- For beginners interested in planetary imaging, the Celestron NexStar 8SE is a smartphone-friendly option optimized for beginners.
- For more experienced astrophotographers, the Celestron C11 EdgeHD offers superior results due to its larger aperture, useful for capturing detailed images of planets.
- Aperture, mount type, and optical quality are key features to consider for astrophotography equipment.
- The Dwarf 3, a budget-friendly smart telescope, is a lightweight option for beginners but not suitable for visual astronomy or planetary imaging.
- The Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P is a budget-performer for deep-space astrophotography, while Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs) dominate for planetary imaging.
