Top 5 Smartphone Mounts for Telescope Photography 2025: Capture the Stars with Precision
Astrophotography has gone mobile. Thanks to smartphone mounts for telescopes, amateur stargazers and casual astronomers can now capture breathtaking images of the moon, planets, and even deep-sky objects—right from their phones. Whether you're documenting a lunar eclipse, sharing Saturn’s rings on social media, or just snapping a few craters on the moon, the right mount can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 smartphone mounts for telescope photography in 2025, explain their standout features, and help you pick the perfect one for your budget and setup.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
SOFIA Reveals How the Swan Nebula Hatched
In this composite image of the Omega Nebula, SOFIA detected the blue areas (20 microns) near the center, revealing gas as it's heated by massive stars located at the center, near the bend, and the green areas (37 microns) that trace dust as it's warmed both by massive stars and nearby newborn stars. The nine never-before-seen protostars were found primarily in the southern areas. The red areas near the edge represent cold dust that was detected by the Herschel Space Telescope (70 microns), while the white star field was detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope (3.6 microns). The space telescopes could not observe the blue and green regions in such detail because the detectors were saturated. SOFIA's view reveals evidence that parts of the nebula formed separately to create the swan-like shape seen today. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23409
A nitrogen-rich nebula
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a planetary nebula named NGC 6153, located about 4000 light-years away in the southern constellation of Scorpius (The Scorpion). The faint blue haze across the frame shows what remains of a star like the Sun after it has depleted most of its fuel. When this happens, the outer layers of the star are ejected, and get excited and ionised by the energetic ultraviolet light emitted by the bright hot core of the star, forming the nebula. NGC 6153 is a planetary nebula that is elliptical in shape, with an extremely rich network of loops and filaments, shown clearly in this Hubble image. However, this is not what makes this planetary nebula so interesting for astronomers. Measurements show that NGC 6153 contains large amounts of neon, argon, oxygen, carbon and chlorine — up to three times more than can be found in the Solar System. The nebula contains a whopping five times more nitrogen than the Sun! Although it may be that the star developed higher levels of these elements as it grew and evolved, it is more likely that the star originally formed from a cloud of material that already contained lots more of these elements. A version of this image was entered into the Hubble’s Hidden Treasures image processing competition by contestant Matej Novak. Links Matej Novak’s image on Flickr
Hubble Finds an Hourglass Nebula around a Dying Star
This Hubble telescope snapshot of MyCn18, a young planetary nebula, reveals that the object has an hourglass shape with an intricate pattern of etchings in its walls. A planetary nebula is the glowing relic of a dying, Sun-like star.
The Pacman Nebula
This composite image of the star cluster NGC 28 contains X-ray data from Chandra, in purple, with infrared observations from Spitzer, in red, green, blue. NGC 281 is known informally as the Pacman Nebula because of its appearance in optical images.
Into the Depths of the Lagoon Nebula
Swirling dust clouds and bright newborn stars dominate the view in this image of the Lagoon nebula from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. The nebula lies in the general direction of the center of our galaxy in the constellation Sagittarius.
Cygnus Loop Nebula
Wispy tendrils of hot dust and gas glow brightly in this ultraviolet image of the Cygnus Loop nebula, taken by NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer. The nebula lies about 1,500 light-years away.
🌌 Why Use a Smartphone Mount for Telescope Photography?
Smartphone telescope adapters are designed for one purpose: to hold your phone securely in place over the telescope eyepiece. This allows the camera to align precisely with the optics, enabling long-exposure shots, time-lapses, and even live sharing through apps.
These mounts are perfect for:
Amateur astronomers looking to document celestial events
Content creators who want high-quality sky footage
Families and educators introducing kids to astronomy
Travelers who want a compact, on-the-go solution
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🔭 Best Smartphone Mounts for Telescope Photography in 2025
Compatible with: Most telescope eyepieces (35–60mm), and nearly all smartphones (including large iPhones and Android devices)
3-axis control: Lets you fine-tune x, y, and z alignment
Durability: Made with strong polymer and metal frame
Why it stands out: The three-axis alignment ensures your phone is perfectly centered over the eyepiece, reducing vignetting and blur—perfect for astrophotography enthusiasts who demand clarity.
Wide compatibility: Fits most eyepiece diameters from 28–47mm
Phone grip range: 55–100mm width
Material: Aluminum alloy frame for added durability
Why it stands out: The SVBONY adapter is built for multi-purpose use across optics—telescopes, microscopes, and monoculars. It's great for anyone who wants flexibility beyond astronomy.
Whether you're capturing moon craters or the Milky Way, the right smartphone adapter is your first step toward stunning astrophotography. Don’t let a shaky hand ruin your shot—choose one of our top 5 telescope smartphone mounts today and start shooting like a pro.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Smartphone Telescope Mount
When selecting a mount, consider the following:
1. Compatibility
Ensure the adapter matches your eyepiece diameter and phone size. Most universal models fit standard 1.25” eyepieces and phones from 55mm to 100mm wide.
2. Material and Build
Aluminum or metal frames provide better stability and longevity compared to all-plastic models. Polymer mounts are lighter and cheaper but may wobble during long exposures.
3. Ease of Use
Do you want a quick clip-on or a more advanced mount with fine-tuning adjustments? Beginners may prefer clamp designs, while advanced users might favor 3-axis models.
4. Budget
You can find reliable mounts under $25, but serious photographers may want to invest $50–$100+ for higher-end features like custom fits and locking mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any smartphone mount work with my telescope?Not always. Make sure the mount supports your eyepiece diameter and phone width. Universal adapters often support 1.25” eyepieces and phones between 55–100mm wide.
Can I take deep-sky photos with my phone?Yes, but results will vary depending on your telescope’s aperture, phone camera, and stability of the mount. A quality adapter helps significantly.
Do I need a 3-axis mount?If you want precise alignment and less image distortion, a 3-axis mount like the Celestron NexYZ is a smart choice. Casual users may not need it.
Are these mounts also compatible with binoculars?Many universal mounts are, including the Gosky and SVBONY adapters. Check product specs for supported optics.
What should I look for in a telescope phone adapter?Look for strong grip, adjustable clamp width, eyepiece compatibility, and a stable build—especially if you plan long-exposure or astrophotography work.
