Smartphone Adapters

Afocal Photography Through an Eyepiece

A smartphone adapter performs afocal photography: the phone's own lens photographs the image the eyepiece projects, so alignment and distance are what determine success.

• Three-axis adjustment: The phone's camera must sit centred over the eyepiece and at the right distance. Adapters with independent adjustment in each axis are far easier to set up.
• Eyepiece compatibility: Clamps grip the eyepiece barrel or eye cup, and long eye relief eyepieces generally work better because the phone can sit at the exit pupil comfortably.
• Phone and case fit: Most adapters clamp the phone directly, and a thick protective case often has to come off. Check clamp range against your phone's dimensions.
• Vibration: Touching the screen to trigger a shot shakes the telescope. A shutter delay, voice trigger or Bluetooth remote solves the largest source of blurred results.
• What works well: The Moon, bright planets and the Sun with proper filtration. Deep-sky targets are largely beyond afocal phone photography.
• Manual camera control: Apps that allow manual exposure and ISO produce far better lunar results than automatic mode, which meters for the dark sky around the target.

Why Choose David Astro for Smartphone Adapters

A phone adapter is a small purchase with a large frustration potential if it does not fit.

• Fit confirmed across phone and eyepiece: We check clamp range against your phone and grip diameter against your eyepiece before you order.
• Realistic expectations: We will tell you the Moon and planets photograph beautifully this way and that galaxies do not, rather than let you find out.
• Technique advice included: Shutter delay, manual exposure and eyepiece choice make more difference than the adapter itself, and we will explain them.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
• Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Smartphone Adapters in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

What can I actually photograph with a phone?

The Moon extremely well, Jupiter and Saturn recognizably, the Sun with a proper full-aperture filter, and bright double stars. Faint deep-sky objects are beyond this method.

Which eyepiece works best?

A medium focal length with long eye relief, typically 15 to 25 mm. Short eye relief eyepieces make it very hard to place the phone's lens at the exit pupil.

Why are my images blurred?

Almost always vibration from touching the screen. Use a two-second timer, a Bluetooth remote or voice activation and the improvement is immediate.

Will it fit my phone with a case?

Often not. Most clamps are sized for a bare phone or a thin case. Tell us your phone model and case and we will check the clamp range.

Photographing through the eyepiece?

Tell us your phone and eyepiece and we will confirm fit. Authorized dealer, Canadian stock.