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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter - Discontinued

Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter - Discontinued

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-SPCA125-00
Sold out
$15.99 - $15.99
$15.99
$15.99 - $15.99
$15.99
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  • Adapts virtually any smartphone for afocal astrophotography
  • Attaches securely to standard 1.25" telescope eyepieces
  • Features a soft silicon rubber suction cup grid for a firm, non-damaging grip
  • Allows precise centering of the phone's camera over the eyepiece lens
  • Simple set-screw mechanism for quick attachment and removal from the eyepiece
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter

    The Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter securely connects any smartphone to a standard 1.25-inch eyepiece, using a grid of soft silicone suction cups to achieve perfect camera alignment for capturing images of the Moon and bright planets.

    Universal Suction Grip for 1.25" Eyepieces

    This adapter solves the challenge of hand-holding a phone for astrophotography. It features a surface covered in soft silicon rubber suction cups that firmly hold your smartphone without clamps, while a simple set screw locks the entire assembly onto the barrel of any standard 1.25-inch eyepiece. This design ensures your phone's camera remains perfectly centered over the eyepiece, allowing you to capture stable, well-aligned images of bright celestial targets.

    Suction Grip vs. Clamp-Style Adapters: A Simpler Approach

    Unlike clamp-based adapters that can interfere with side buttons or require careful adjustment, this suction cup system offers a faster, more direct attachment. You simply press your phone onto the pad, center the camera, and attach it to the eyepiece. The primary trade-off is that the suction system requires a phone with a smooth back or case; phones with heavily textured or soft, flexible cases may not achieve a secure grip.

  • How does the Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter attach to a telescope?

    The adapter does not attach directly to the telescope. Instead, it clamps onto a standard 1.25-inch eyepiece using a set screw. You then insert the eyepiece with the adapter and phone attached into the telescope's focuser as you normally would.

    Will the suction cups on the Explore Scientific adapter damage my phone?

    No. The adapter uses multiple small, soft silicon rubber suction cups. This material is designed to grip smooth surfaces securely without scratching or leaving marks on your smartphone's glass or plastic back.

    Can I use the Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter to photograph deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    This type of "afocal" photography is best suited for very bright objects like the Moon, Saturn, and Jupiter. Smartphone sensors are not sensitive enough for the long exposures required to capture faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.

    My phone has a textured case. Will the Explore Scientific adapter still work?

    It may not. The suction cups require a smooth, non-porous surface to create a reliable seal. If your case is heavily textured, leather, or made of a soft, flexible material, you will likely need to remove it to use the adapter effectively.

    Is the Explore Scientific adapter compatible with 2-inch eyepieces?

    No, this adapter is designed specifically to clamp onto the barrel of standard 1.25-inch eyepieces and will not fit larger 2-inch models.

    Can I use the Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter to take a picture of Jupiter's cloud bands with my 8" f/6 Dobsonian?

    Yes, this is an excellent application for the adapter. An 8" Dobsonian gathers enough light to show Jupiter's main cloud bands and its four Galilean moons clearly. Using an eyepiece that gives you moderate-to-high magnification (e.g., 10mm to 6mm), the adapter will hold your phone steady enough to capture a video, from which you can stack the best frames to create a detailed still image.

  • Compatibility Any smartphone with a smooth back
    Eyepiece Fit Standard 1.25" Barrel

    • Explore Scientific SmartPhone Adapter

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  • Explore Scientific USA One Year Limited Warranty