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
Weighing in on the Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell nebula, also known as Messier 27, pumps out infrared light in this image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae are now known to be the remains of stars that once looked a lot like our sun.
Crab Nebula from Five Observatories
In the summer of the year 1054 AD, Chinese astronomers saw a new "guest star," that appeared six times brighter than Venus. So bright in fact, it could be seen during the daytime for several months. This "guest star" was forgotten about until 700 years later with the advent of telescopes. Astronomers saw a tentacle-like nebula in the place of the vanished star and called it the Crab Nebula. Today we know it as the expanding gaseous remnant from a star that self-detonated as a supernova, briefly shining as brightly as 400 million suns. The explosion took place 6,500 light-years away. If the blast had instead happened 50 light-years away it would have irradiated Earth, wiping out most life forms. In the late 1960s astronomers discovered the crushed heart of the doomed star, an ultra-dense neutron star that is a dynamo of intense magnetic field and radiation energizing the nebula. Astronomers therefore need to study the Crab Nebula across a broad range of electromagnetic radiation, from X-rays to radio waves. This image combines data from five different telescopes: the VLA (radio) in red; Spitzer Space Telescope (infrared) in yellow; Hubble Space Telescope (visible) in green; XMM-Newton (ultraviolet) in blue; and Chandra X-ray Observatory (X-ray) in purple. More images and an animation are available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21474
Highway to the Danger Zone Artist Concept
NASA Spitzer Space Telescope surveyed the danger zones around five O-stars in the Rosette nebula. This artist animation illustrates how this process works.
Star-Studded Strings around Cocoon Nebula
Dense filaments of gas in the IC5146 interstellar cloud can be seen clearly in this image taken in infrared light by the Herschel space observatory. The blue region is a stellar nursery known as the Cocoon nebula.
Cassini Galactic Aspirations
Cassini briefly turned its gaze from Saturn and its rings and moons to marvel at the Carina Nebula, a brilliant region 8,000 light years from our solar system and more than 200 light years across
N44C nebula
Resembling the hair in Botticelli famous portrait of the birth of Venus, an image from NASA Hubble Space Telescope has captured softly glowing filaments streaming from hot young stars in a nearby nebula.
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.
