Introduction: Capturing the Cosmos with Your Smartphone
Have you ever looked through a telescope and wished you could snap a photo of that breathtaking lunar crater or that brilliant glimpse of Saturn’s rings? That’s where smartphone adapters for telescopes come in.
These handy devices allow amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, and stargazing enthusiasts to attach their smartphones to their telescope eyepieces—turning a casual viewing experience into a shareable digital memory.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
Cat's Eye Nebula
The Cat's Eye Nebula, one of the first planetary nebulae discovered, also has one of the most complex forms known to this kind of nebula. Eleven rings, or shells, of gas make up the Cat's Eye. The full beauty of the Cat's Eye Nebula is revealed in this detailed view from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The image from Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) shows a bull's eye pattern of eleven or even more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat's Eye. Each 'ring' is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky -- that's why it appears bright along its outer edge. Observations suggest the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. These convulsions created dust shells, each of which contain as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined (still only one percent of the Sun's mass). These concentric shells make a layered, onion-skin structure around the dying star. The view from Hubble is like seeing an onion cut in half, where each skin layer is discernible. The bull's-eye patterns seen around planetary nebulae come as a surprise to astronomers because they had no expectation that episodes of mass loss at the end of stellar lives would repeat every 1,500 years. Several explanations have been proposed, including cycles of magnetic activity somewhat similar to our own Sun's sunspot cycle, the action of companion stars orbiting around the dying star, and stellar pulsations. Another school of thought is that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, and the rings are created later on due to formation of waves in the outflowing material. Credit: NASA, ESA, HEIC, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) Acknowledgment: R. Corradi (Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, Spain) and Z. Tsvetanov (NASA) The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute conducts Hubble science operations. Goddard is responsible for HST project management, including mission and science operations, servicing missions, and all associated development activities. To learn more about the Hubble Space Telescope go here: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.htmlNASA image use policy.NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookFind us on Instagram
Trifid Nebula
Atlas Image mosaic, covering 14.8 x 20.0 on the sky, of the Trifid Nebula, aka Messier 20 and NGC 6514. The Trifid is only about 1.5 degrees northwest on the sky of the larger Lagoon Nebula Messier 8 in the constellation Sagittarius
Ghost Head Nebula
Looking like a colorful holiday card, a new image from NASA Hubble Space Telescope reveals a vibrant green and red nebula far from Earth.
Soul Nebula
This mosaic from NASA WISE Telescope is of the Soul Nebula. It is an open cluster of stars surrounded by a cloud of dust and gas located about 6,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia, near the Heart Nebula.
Ant Nebula
This image from NASA Hubble Space Telescope image of a celestial object called the Ant Nebula may shed new light on the future demise of our Sun.
Doradus Nebula
A panoramic view of a vast, sculpted area of gas and dust where thousands of stars are being born has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The image, taken by Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, is online at http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2001/21/image/a/. The camera was designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. The photo offers an unprecedented, detailed view of the entire inner region of the fertile, star-forming 30 Doradus Nebula. The mosaic picture shows that ultraviolet radiation and high-speed material unleashed by the stars in the cluster, called R136 (the large blue blob left of center), are weaving a tapestry of creation and destruction, triggering the collapse of looming gas and dust clouds and forming pillar-like structures that incubate newborn stars. The 30 Doradus Nebula is in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way located 170,000 light-years from Earth. Nebulas like 30 Doradus are signposts of recent star birth. High-energy ultraviolet radiation from young, hot, massive stars in R136 causes surrounding gaseous material to glow. Previous Hubble telescope observations showed that R136 contains several dozen of the most massive stars known, each about 100 times the mass of the Sun and about 10 times as hot. These stellar behemoths formed about 2 million years ago. The stars in R136 produce intense "stellar winds," streams of material traveling at several million miles an hour. These winds push the gas away from the cluster and compress the inner regions of the surrounding gas and dust clouds (seen in the image as the pinkish material). The intense pressure triggers the collapse of parts of the clouds, producing a new star formation around the central cluster. Most stars in the nursery are not visible because they are still encased in cocoons of gas and dust. This mosaic image of 30 Doradus consists of five overlapping pictures taken between January 1994 and September 2000 by the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2. Several color filters enhance important details in the stars and the nebula. Blue corresponds to the hot stars. The greenish color denotes hot gas energized by the central cluster of stars. Pink depicts the glowing edges of the gas and dust clouds facing the cluster, which are being bombarded by winds and radiation. Reddish-brown represents the cooler surfaces of the clouds, which are not receiving direct radiation from the central cluster. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04200
Whether you're just starting out with astronomy or you're looking to document your celestial discoveries, a smartphone adapter can elevate your night sky experience. But the question remains: is it really worth the investment?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best smartphone adapters for telescopes, how to choose the right one, and whether it’s the right tool for your stargazing needs.
The Celestron NexYZ is one of the most popular options on the market, thanks to its secure grip and compatibility with a wide range of smartphones and telescopes.
Key Features:
3-axis adjustment knobs for perfect alignment
Works with eyepieces from 35mm to 60mm in diameter
Durable metal frame for stability
Compatible with most iPhones and Android phones
Why it stands out: Great for users who want fine control over alignment, especially helpful for capturing clear images of planets and the Moon.
2. Gosky Universal Cell Phone Adapter Mount
This budget-friendly option is perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into smartphone astrophotography.
Key Features:
Compatible with most eyepieces (28mm–47mm)
Lightweight, portable design
Rubber grip pads to prevent scratching your phone
Affordable price point
Why it stands out: It’s one of the most accessible adapters for casual hobbyists or students learning astronomy.
3. SVBONY Universal Smartphone Adapter
SVBONY delivers a durable, aluminum build with a universal design for a wide array of optical equipment.
Key Features:
Compatible with telescopes, spotting scopes, microscopes, and binoculars
Stable metal frame
Double lock design to secure your phone
Fits eyepieces 28mm–47mm in diameter
Why it stands out: A good choice for multipurpose users who want to use the adapter across different optical tools.
4. Orion SteadyPix Quick Smartphone Adapter
Orion’s SteadyPix offers fast setup and a compact design, making it ideal for on-the-go astronomers.
Key Features:
Spring-loaded clamp for quick attachment
Adjustable phone bracket for a variety of phone sizes
Lightweight and foldable for travel
Why it stands out: It's one of the most compact adapters, perfect for stargazers who prioritize portability.
5. Vankey Universal Cell Phone Adapter Mount
An excellent mid-range adapter that combines affordability with solid functionality.
Key Features:
Compatible with 28mm–47mm eyepieces
Strong clamping force and anti-slip rubber pads
Easy to align and use
Why it stands out: Reliable and simple, great for users who want consistent results without breaking the bank.
Ready to Capture the Stars?
Explore our handpicked selection of telescope smartphone adapters below and find the one that fits your gear and goals:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Smartphone Adapter
When choosing a smartphone adapter for your telescope, consider the following:
1. Eyepiece Compatibility
Check the eyepiece diameter of your telescope and make sure the adapter fits. Most universal adapters accommodate eyepieces between 28mm and 60mm.
2. Phone Size and Case
Ensure the adapter can handle your smartphone’s width—even with a protective case on. Some adapters support phones up to 90mm wide.
3. Adjustability
Adapters with fine-tuning knobs offer better control, especially for astrophotography where even minor alignment issues can blur the image.
4. Material and Build Quality
Metal frames offer better durability and stability than plastic ones. Rubber grips help prevent scratches on your phone.
5. Budget Considerations
Beginners can start with budget models around $20–$30. Serious astrophotographers may prefer higher-end adapters priced $50–$80 for more precision.
Final Verdict: Is It Really Worth It?
If you're someone who enjoys sharing your night-sky discoveries or simply want to document your stargazing sessions, a smartphone adapter is absolutely worth the investment. For a relatively low cost, it unlocks a new dimension of engagement with astronomy.
Whether you're showing your kids the craters of the Moon, capturing a once-in-a-year planetary alignment, or just geeking out under the stars, these adapters can make a huge difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smartphone telescope adapters compatible with all phones?Most universal adapters are compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones, as long as the phone width falls within the specified range (usually 55–90mm).
Can I use a smartphone adapter on any telescope?Adapters are generally compatible with eyepieces between 28mm and 60mm in diameter. Always check if your telescope’s eyepiece size matches.
Is a smartphone adapter good for deep-sky photography?Adapters are ideal for photographing the Moon and planets. Deep-sky objects require longer exposure times and often dedicated astrophotography setups.
How do I align my smartphone camera with the eyepiece?Use the adjustment knobs (if available) or manually align the lens by previewing the image through your camera app. It might take a few tries to get it centered.
Do I need a special app to take photos through a telescope?Not necessarily. Most default camera apps work fine, but third-party apps like NightCap or ProCamera offer better control for low-light settings.