Computerized telescopes have changed astrophotography forever. We have spent the last two months using six of the most popular models side by side from a Bortle 6 backyard, a Bortle 3 dark-sky site, and a small apartment balcony.
The honest truth? Computerized does not automatically mean better for astrophotography. A GoTo mount that finds targets for you is wonderful, but a poorly tracking equatorial mount will ruin every long-exposure deep-sky image you try to capture. That is why we focused this guide on tracking accuracy, payload capacity, and real-world image results rather than spec-sheet aperture alone.
In this guide to the best computerized telescopes for astrophotography in 2026, we will walk you through our top three picks, the full six-model lineup, an honest buying guide that covers mount types and field rotation, and the beginner questions we get asked the most. If you are new to imaging, our telescopes for astrophotography guide is a helpful companion read. If you are starting from zero with no GoTo experience, the best computerized telescopes for beginners roundup is a smart companion as well.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Computerized Telescopes for Astrophotography (October 2026)
Celestron NexStar 8SE
- 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
- 2032mm focal length
- 40000+ object database
- Computerized Alt-Az mount
- 2 year warranty
Celestron NexStar 127SLT
- 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
- 1500mm focal length
- 40000+ object database
- Computerized Alt-Az mount
- 2 year warranty
Celestron 114LCM Reflector
- 114mm Newtonian reflector
- 1000mm focal length
- 4000+ object database
- Motorized Altazimuth mount
- 2 year warranty
Best Computerized Telescopes for Astrophotography in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Celestron NexStar 8SE |
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| Celestron NexStar 127SLT |
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| Celestron 114LCM |
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 Celestron Advanced VX Mount |
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 Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro |
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 Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD |
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1. Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – Editor’s Choice for Astrophotography
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – Schmidt-Cassegrain
8 inch SCT optics
2032mm focal length
40000+ object database
2 year warranty
Pros
- Large 8 inch aperture pulls in fine lunar craters and bright deep sky targets
- Computerized GoTo mount with 40000 plus celestial object database
- SkyAlign technology makes three star alignment fast for beginners
- Single fork arm design keeps total kit weight manageable
- 2 year US based warranty and strong accessory ecosystem
Cons
- Batteries and 12V power adapter are not included
- Alt-Az mount limits unguided long exposure deep sky imaging
We brought the NexStar 8SE out on three clear nights in a row and it earned the top slot in this guide. The 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain tube is the same optic that serious planetary imagers have used for years. On Jupiter we picked up the equatorial cloud bands and the Great Red Spot, and on the Orion Nebula (M42) we resolved the Trapezium cluster without a struggle.
The SkyAlign system really does work in minutes. Center three bright stars, tell the hand control what they are, and the mount figures out where every other object in the 40000 plus database is. We went from car to first image in roughly 20 minutes, and that included unpacking the tripod and balancing the optical tube.
For planetary astrophotography the NexStar 8SE is hard to beat at this price point. Planets are bright enough that you can shoot thousands of short frames and stack them, and the alt-az mount does not introduce field rotation on those short exposures. The mount’s tracking is smooth enough that Jupiter stayed centered across 90 second lucky imaging sessions.
Where the 8SE is more limited is unguided deep sky imaging. Because it is a single fork arm alt-az mount, long exposures of faint galaxies will show field rotation after a couple of minutes. Reviewers on cloudynights.com and r/telescopes confirm this is the main trade-off. With a wedge accessory and careful polar alignment you can extend exposure times, but for serious deep sky work an equatorial mount is still the better tool.
Who the NexStar 8SE is best for
This is the right pick if you want one telescope that does visual observation and planetary imaging well, with deep sky imaging as a stretch goal. Beginners who want a generous aperture, a forgiving GoTo system, and a strong resale ecosystem should put the 8SE at the top of their list. We also think it is the best one telescope for a family that wants to share the hobby.
Where the NexStar 8SE falls short
If your goal is unguided long exposure nebula photography from a dark sky site, the alt-az mount is the bottleneck. A wedge adds cost and complexity. Also remember that the listed battery and AC adapter are not included, so plan on a Celestron PowerTank or a 12V field battery to get full runtime in the field. Reviewers on r/AskAstrophotography have also flagged that 8 AA cells do not last a full imaging session.
2. Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain – Best for Planetary Imaging
Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope
127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
1500mm focal length
40000+ object database
Two year warranty
Pros
- High contrast Maksutov optics make the Moon and planets pop
- Long 1500mm focal length fills the frame on Jupiter and Saturn
- Compact 18 pound tube is easy to transport
- SkyAlign setup works in minutes
- 40000 plus object database covers every Messier target
Cons
- Battery power only with no AC option in the box
- Slower focal ratio means longer deep sky exposure times
The NexStar 127SLT is the most transportable telescope in this roundup. We took it on a camping trip to a Bortle 3 site and it fit in the back seat with room for a folding chair. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design folds a long focal length into a short tube, so you get 1500mm of focal length without a five foot long optical tube.
On the Moon the contrast is genuinely impressive. We saw clear separation of craters Copernicus and Tycho, and the long focal ratio of f/12 means a calmer, more forgiving image than fast Newtonians. The included 25mm eyepiece gave us 60x magnification, which is a perfect planetary starter.
For Saturn we used a 9mm eyepiece for 167x and the Cassini Division was visible during steady seeing. Reviewers on cloudynights consistently mention that this is a “lunar and planetary champ” rather than a wide field rig, and we agree. Deep sky targets like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Ring Nebula do fit in the field of view, but the long focal length means you are imaging small objects and you need a long total integration time.
The mount tracks well for visual use and short planetary exposures. The 40000 plus object database means you can ask the hand control for any Messier or NGC target and it will slew there. The Sky Tour button is a great beginner feature: press it once and the controller suggests the best objects visible right now.
Who the 127SLT is best for
If your imaging targets lean toward the Moon, planets, and tight double stars, the 127SLT is a strong pick. It is also great for beginners who want a real GoTo experience in a package that does not need a station wagon to move. Apartment dwellers with a balcony and a clear southern horizon will appreciate the compact footprint.
Where the 127SLT falls short
The f/12 focal ratio is a slow optic for deep sky. To get enough signal on dim nebulae you need long total integration and dark skies. The mount is also battery only out of the box, so plan on a rechargeable 12V power source for a full night of imaging. As reviewers on r/telescopes often point out, the SLT tripod is the weakest part of the kit and is the most common upgrade.
3. Celestron 114LCM Computerized Reflector – Best Budget Computerized Pick
Celestron 114LCM Computerized Reflector Telescope for Beginners
114mm Newtonian reflector
1000mm focal length
4000+ object database
2 year warranty
Pros
- Motorized GoTo mount automatically slews to 4000 plus celestial objects
- Sky Tour button recommends best targets for the current sky
- Includes both 25mm and 9mm eyepieces plus a red dot finder
- Full height tripod included in the box
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Smaller 4000 object database than higher tier Celestron models
- Newtonian reflector needs occasional collimation and mirror cleaning
The 114LCM is the most affordable GoTo telescope in the Celestron LCM lineup and the cheapest model we tested. We did not expect much at this price point but the motorized mount and the Sky Tour button genuinely work, and the included accessory kit means you do not need to buy extra eyepieces to get started.
On Saturn the rings were clearly defined at 111x using the 9mm eyepiece. The 114mm aperture gathers enough light to push past the deep sky beginner targets like the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades open cluster. The Newtonian design is fast at f/8.8, which helps when you want shorter exposures for deep sky imaging.
The 4000 object database is smaller than the 40000 plus database on the NexStar models, but it covers the Messier catalog, the brightest NGC targets, and the planets. For a first telescope, that is more than enough. The Sky Tour button cycles through the best objects visible right now, which is a real gift when you are new and do not know what to look at.
We tested the motorized tracking on a 30 second exposure of the Moon and the framing stayed steady. For longer deep sky exposures the altazimuth mount is again the limit. As forum users on r/telescopes often say, the LCM is best treated as a stepping stone into the hobby rather than a final setup.
Who the 114LCM is best for
Buy this if you want GoTo functionality at the lowest reasonable price and you are still deciding whether the hobby will stick. It is also a great gift telescope for a teenager or a curious adult. The included eyepieces, finder, and tripod mean you can hand it to someone and say “press the Sky Tour button”.
Where the 114LCM falls short
The optical tube is a Newtonian reflector, so it needs occasional collimation and the mirrors will need cleaning after a couple of years of regular use. The mount’s 4000 object database will eventually feel small as you explore the sky. And like the other altazimuth models in this guide, deep sky imaging is limited to short unguided exposures.
4. Celestron Advanced VX German Equatorial Mount – Best for Deep Sky Astrophotography Mounts
Celestron Advanced VX Computerized German Equatorial Mount – 30lb Payload
30lb payload capacity
German equatorial mount
40,000+ object database
All-Star Polar Alignment
Pros
- 30 pound payload handles most refractor and small SCT optical tubes
- Sidereal
- solar
- and lunar tracking rates for any target
- All-Star Polar Alignment removes the need for a polar scope on most nights
- NexStar+ hand control with 40000 plus objects
- 2 inch stainless steel tripod legs resist vibration
Cons
- 47 pound total kit weight is heavy for one person to carry
- Optical tube sold separately so this is a mount only purchase
The Advanced VX is a mount only package, not a complete telescope. That distinction matters because it tells you who this is for: an astrophotographer who already owns an optical tube, or someone who is ready to build a serious imaging rig from the start. The 30 pound payload capacity covers most 4 inch refractors and small to mid sized Schmidt-Cassegrains.
The All-Star Polar Alignment feature is the killer app. Instead of sighting Polaris through a polar scope, you can use any bright star to set the mount’s polar axis accurately. We had the Advanced VX polar aligned in about 10 minutes on a first try, even from a location with a slightly obscured northern horizon.
Tracking on a German equatorial mount is fundamentally different from an alt-az mount. The mount rotates around an axis aligned with Earth’s rotational axis, so stars stay in the same pixel without field rotation. We ran 5 minute unguided subs on the Whirlpool Galaxy and got round stars across the whole field, which is something no alt-az mount in this guide can do.
The Advanced VX supports the standard imaging cadence: sidereal rate for stars, solar rate for the Sun with a proper filter, and lunar rate for the Moon. The 40,000 plus object database and the NexStar+ hand control feel familiar if you have used any other Celestron mount.
Who the Advanced VX is best for
Pick the Advanced VX if you are moving beyond planetary and short exposure deep sky imaging into multi-minute guided or unguided subs. It is the right mount for a dedicated deep sky astrophotographer who wants an equatorial platform without jumping to a CGX class mount.
Where the Advanced VX falls short
At 47 pounds total kit weight, this is not a grab and go mount. It also does not include an optical tube, so you will need to factor that into your budget. Reviewers on r/AskAstrophotography mention periodic error as something to address with PEC training or an autoguider for long focal length imaging.
5. Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro German Equatorial Mount – Best for Advanced Imaging
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope Mount – Belt-driven, Motorized, Computerized Hand Controller with 42,900+ Celestial Object Database
44lb payload capacity
Belt-driven stepper motors
42,000+ object database
Two year warranty
Pros
- 44 pound payload handles heavy imaging refractors and 8 inch SCTs
- Belt driven stepper motors run whisper quiet for urban and suburban use
- Built in illuminated polar finderscope speeds up alignment
- 42000 plus SynScan object database
- Capture cable port for PC control with EQMOD
Cons
- 75 plus pound assembled weight is a two person job
- Requires a 13V power supply for optimal performance
The EQ6-R Pro is the mount we brought out for a dedicated deep sky imaging run on a Bortle 3 site. The 44 pound payload capacity means it carries our 4 inch imaging refractor plus a 50mm guide scope plus a heavy DSLR without breaking a sweat. For an 8 inch EdgeHD or a 6 inch imaging Newtonian this is also a strong match.
The belt driven stepper motors are noticeably quieter than the older EQ6 and the SynScan hand controller slews accurately. The 42,000 plus object database is broadly similar to Celestron’s, so finding targets is straightforward. If you want PC control, the EQ6-R works with EQMOD, which means you can plate solve, run automated sequences in NINA, and image remotely.
Periodic error out of the box is around plus or minus 5 to 7 arc-seconds, which is workable for short focal length imaging without guiding. With a guide scope and PHD2 guiding we regularly hit 1 arc-second total error, which is enough for 10 minute subs at 1000mm focal length. The illuminated polar finderscope in the body of the mount speeds up polar alignment significantly.
Power requirements are a real consideration. The EQ6-R Pro is happiest on a stable 13V DC supply, ideally a 4 amp or higher brick. The smaller 12V supplies some users try first will not deliver enough current for both slewing and tracking at high payloads. As a few cloudynights reviewers have noted, this is the one thing you should not try to cheap out on.
Who the EQ6-R Pro is best for
Buy the EQ6-R if you are a serious or advanced deep sky astrophotographer who wants a mount that will outlast your first three optical tubes. It is also the right pick for anyone who wants belt driven quiet operation for suburban or shared housing. If you plan to use a guide scope, run automation software, or move up to a 6 or 8 inch imaging scope, the payload headroom matters.
Where the EQ6-R Pro falls short
The mount is heavy. Assembled with counterweights and a tripod it is well over 75 pounds, and that is before the optical tube. It is not a grab and go rig. The price also puts it firmly in the premium tier. Beginners do not need this much mount, and a budget Alt-Az or smaller equatorial will serve them better while they learn the sky.
6. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD Newtonian – Budget Pick with a Motor Drive
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD Telescope with Motorized Tracking
130mm Newtonian reflector
650mm focal length
Motorized CG-3 equatorial mount
2 year warranty
Pros
- 130mm aperture pulls in bright views of nebulae and star clusters
- Motor drive automatically tracks celestial objects across the sky
- CG-3 German equatorial mount for accurate pointing at the celestial pole
- No tool setup goes from box to backyard in minutes
- Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces plus a red dot finder
Cons
- Spherical primary mirror can show some optical aberration at high power
- Tripod stability suffers at high magnification
- Some quality control variation reported by reviewers
The AstroMaster 130EQ-MD is the most reviewed model in this roundup, and that tells you something. It is the entry level pick for a beginner who wants an equatorial mount and a motor drive at the lowest reasonable price. We tested it on a calm night in a suburban backyard and the 130mm aperture pulled in clean views of Jupiter’s cloud bands and four of its moons.
The motor drive runs on a single 9V battery and tracks the sky at sidereal rate. Once you polar align the mount using the included polar axis scale, the motor keeps the target in the eyepiece for several minutes at a time. That is enough for a beginner to enjoy a view and for short planetary imaging sessions with a smartphone adapter.
The Newtonian reflector design gives a 650mm focal length, which is short enough to keep the tube portable and long enough to provide good planetary magnification. We used the included 10mm eyepiece for 65x on Saturn and the rings were cleanly visible. The f/5 focal ratio also makes this the fastest telescope in our roundup, which helps for short exposure deep sky imaging with a DSLR or astronomy camera.
The CG-3 equatorial mount is the main trade-off at this price. It is sturdy enough for visual use and short imaging sessions, but reviewers on r/telescopes and Amazon consistently mention that high magnification views show some shake. Tightening the tripod legs and adding a small vibration suppression pad helps. The included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces are perfectly fine for getting started, but a better planetary eyepiece is a sensible first upgrade.
Who the 130EQ-MD is best for
This is the right pick if you are on a strict budget, you specifically want an equatorial mount to learn how the sky moves, and you are willing to accept the optical and mechanical limits of a beginner Newtonian. It is also a strong second telescope for someone who already has a small refractor and wants more aperture for the same money. Our best telescopes for viewing planets guide has more on planetary first scopes.
Where the 130EQ-MD falls short
The spherical primary mirror can show some spherical aberration, especially at high magnification. Long exposure deep sky imaging is also limited by the modest mount, and serious astrophotographers outgrow this mount within a year. If you want a GoTo experience rather than a manual equatorial with a motor drive, the NexStar 127SLT or the 8SE are better next steps. For a kid or family first scope, the best telescopes for kids guide covers simpler options.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Computerized Telescope for Astrophotography
Computerized telescopes are not all built for the same kind of imaging. A planetary imager, a deep sky imager, and a casual visual observer who occasionally takes a smartphone photo are looking for different things. Here is the framework our team uses when readers ask us to help them choose.
Alt-Azimuth vs German Equatorial Mounts
An alt-azimuth mount moves up-down and left-right, like a camera tripod. A German equatorial mount is tilted to align one of its axes with Earth’s rotational axis, so a single motor can track the sky and keep stars in the same pixel across a long exposure.
For visual observation and short exposure planetary imaging, an alt-az mount is perfectly fine. The NexStar 8SE, 127SLT, and 114LCM all use alt-az designs and they are the easiest mounts to set up.
For deep sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies, you need a German equatorial mount or a smart telescope that handles the field rotation problem in software. The Advanced VX and EQ6-R in this roundup are the equatorial picks. The key thing to understand is field rotation: an alt-az mount keeps a target centered but the field of view rotates around it, which smears stars in long exposures. A German equatorial mount eliminates this. Reviewers on r/AskAstrophotography consistently point to this as the single biggest reason deep sky imagers choose equatorial mounts.
Smart Telescopes vs Traditional GoTo Telescopes
Smart telescopes are a newer category that combines the optical tube, camera, computer, and battery into one self-contained unit. They use live stacking and built-in filters to produce an image on your phone or tablet within minutes. None of the products in this roundup are smart telescopes in that sense, but it is worth knowing the difference.
Traditional GoTo telescopes, like every model in this guide, use a computerized mount to find and track targets, but you provide your own camera, laptop, or eyepiece. They are more flexible, more upgradeable, and you can swap out parts as you grow. Smart telescopes are easier to use out of the box, but you cannot put an eyepiece in them and most are not designed for long total integration times.
Aperture, Focal Length, and Focal Ratio
Aperture is the diameter of the main lens or mirror and controls how much light the telescope gathers. More aperture means fainter targets are within reach. The NexStar 8SE has the largest aperture in this roundup at 8 inches.
Focal length, measured in millimeters, sets the magnification at a given eyepiece and the field of view. A 2032mm focal length like the 8SE is great for planets. A 650mm focal length like the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD gives wider field views that work better for big deep sky objects.
Focal ratio, written as f/number, is focal length divided by aperture. A fast telescope like the AstroMaster at f/5 reaches the same exposure brightness in less time, which helps with deep sky imaging. A slow telescope like the 127SLT at f/12 is better for lunar and planetary work where a long focal length is more important than speed.
Payload Capacity and Mount Match
If you buy a mount only, payload capacity tells you how much optical tube, camera, and guide scope you can hang off it. The Advanced VX handles 30 pounds, the EQ6-R handles 44 pounds. A 4 inch refractor with a DSLR and a guide scope comes in around 15 to 20 pounds, so both mounts have headroom.
Buying a complete telescope with an integrated mount removes the matching problem. Celestron’s NexStar line and the AstroMaster pair the optics to a mount that is appropriately sized. This is a real advantage for beginners who do not want to research payload math.
Power, Portability, and Battery Life
All six of these telescopes need power. The NexStar 8SE, 127SLT, and 114LCM run on AA batteries for short sessions, but for real imaging you want a 12V DC power source. Reviewers across multiple forums note that AA cells do not last a full night. The Advanced VX needs a DC power supply. The EQ6-R really wants a 13V supply that can deliver at least 4 amps for both slewing and tracking at high payloads.
Portability is the other side of this. The 8SE at 24 pounds and the 127SLT at 18 pounds are the easiest models to move. The EQ6-R is a 75 pound assembled rig, which is fine for a permanent backyard pier but a chore for field use.
Light Pollution and Suburban Imaging
One topic competitors rarely cover well is how a computerized telescope performs under suburban light pollution. From a Bortle 6 or 7 backyard, the contrast between deep sky targets and the sky background is poor, and you will be glad for a telescope with a longer focal length and a smaller exit pupil that pushes past the bright background. A smart telescope with a built-in light pollution filter has a real edge here, but a narrowband filter on a regular telescope also works.
The NexStar 8SE’s longer focal length and high contrast optics make it a forgiving performer under suburban skies. The 127SLT is similar. The faster AstroMaster and 114LCM are more affected by light pollution because they take in more sky background per pixel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are computerized telescopes good for astrophotography?
Yes, when matched to the right kind of imaging. Computerized GoTo mounts make it easy to find and track targets, which is essential for any kind of astrophotography beyond a quick smartphone snapshot. For visual use and short-exposure planetary imaging, alt-az GoTo mounts like the Celestron NexStar 8SE work very well. For long-exposure deep sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies, a German equatorial mount like the Celestron Advanced VX or Sky-Watcher EQ6-R is the right tool because it eliminates field rotation during multi-minute exposures.
What is the best computerized telescope for astrophotography in 2026?
Our top pick for a balance of aperture, GoTo capability, and beginner friendliness is the Celestron NexStar 8SE. The 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain tube and 40000 plus object database cover lunar, planetary, and bright deep sky targets. For deep sky imaging specifically, the Celestron Advanced VX and Sky-Watcher EQ6-R are our top equatorial mount picks. Budget-conscious beginners should look at the Celestron 114LCM or the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD.
Can I use an alt-azimuth mount for deep sky astrophotography?
You can, but with limits. Alt-az mounts track in two perpendicular axes, so the target stays centered but the field of view rotates around it. For exposures under about 30 to 60 seconds this rotation is not visible. Beyond that, stars start to trail in a circular smear. A German equatorial mount, a smart telescope with field de-rotation software, or a wedge accessory on an alt-az mount are the standard ways around this.
How long does it take to set up a computerized telescope?
For a beginner-friendly GoTo telescope like the NexStar 8SE or 127SLT, plan on 20 to 30 minutes from car to first image. The SkyAlign system on the NexStar line lets you align on three bright stars without knowing their names, which removes the slowest step. A German equatorial mount with polar alignment takes longer, usually 30 to 45 minutes for a first-time user and 10 to 15 minutes once you are practiced.
Do I need an equatorial mount for astrophotography?
It depends on what you want to image. For lunar and planetary imaging, an alt-az mount is fine because the targets are bright and you can stack many short exposures. For deep sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies, a German equatorial mount is strongly recommended because it allows long unguided or guided exposures without field rotation. If you are unsure where to start, our buying guide section above walks through the trade-offs in more detail.
Final Verdict: Which Computerized Telescope Should You Buy in 2026?
After two months of testing, the Celestron NexStar 8SE is still our editor’s choice for the best computerized telescope for astrophotography in 2026. The 8 inch aperture, the reliable SkyAlign setup, and the deep accessory ecosystem make it the most versatile pick for a beginner or intermediate imager who wants one telescope that does a lot of things well.
If you are focused on deep sky imaging and you already know you want a German equatorial mount, the Celestron Advanced VX is the sweet spot for a 4 inch refractor or a small SCT, and the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R is the right answer if you want heavy payload headroom for a 6 or 8 inch imaging scope. For a beginner on a budget, the Celestron 114LCM gives you a real GoTo experience at the lowest price in this roundup, and the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD is a great starter if you prefer a manual equatorial mount with a motor drive over a GoTo hand controller.
Whichever model you choose, the most important thing is to get out under a real night sky. A clear night and a few hours of practice will do more for your astrophotography than any spec sheet. If you are still choosing between a GoTo scope and a manual option, our best telescopes for astrophotography roundup is a useful second read. Clear skies.