Are you looking for the best way to take your spotting scope adventures to the next level?
With the best spotting scope phone adapter mounts, you can easily attach your phone or digital camera to a telescope or digiscope.
This allows you to capture amazing photos and videos of distant objects in stunning detail.
It is easy to set up and use.
Imagine being able to share your incredible views with friends and family without having them come along on your adventure.
You can also save these images as keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
With a good spotting scope adapter mount, these are all possible!
Check out our selection of the best spotting scope mobile adapter mounts today and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
What Is the Best Spotting Scope Phone Adapter?
Here are our team's top picks for the best spotting scope phone adapters:
- Best for Capturing High-Quality Images & Videos of Celestial Objects: High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter
- Best Smartphone to Telescope Mount for Capturing Precise Astrophotography: Celestron NeXYZ DX 3-Axis Smartphone Adapter (Bluetooth included)
- Best for Conveniently Capturing Distant Wildlife, Landscapes, and Other Outdoor Observations: Gosky Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter
- Best Mount Smartphone Adapter for Basic Astrophotography: Celestron Basic Smartphone Adapter
- Best Smartphone Adapter for a Wide Range of Scopes (Spotting Scopes, Binoculars & Monoculars): Vankey Scope Phone Adapter
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Best for Capturing High-Quality Images & Videos of Celestial Objects
1. High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter
Key Features:
- Weight – 11.6 Ounces.
- Dimensions – 3.2 x 3.8 x 6.9 Inches.
- Objective Lens Diameter – 60.0 Millimeters.
- Focus Type – Manual Focus.
- Finderscope – Telescope Phone Adapter Mount.
Overview:
Are you in need of a reliable and precise phone adapter mount for your spotting scope?
Introducing the High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter, an innovative device that allows you to capture crystal clear images and videos of celestial objects, wildlife, and other distant objects with your smartphone.
This revolutionary design features three directions of precise adjustment (up/down, left/right, forward/backward) to ensure accuracy when aligning your cell phone camera with eyepieces.
It has high-precision fine-tuning knobs for stable and accurate adjustments.
It is made from rigid aluminum alloy so it won’t bend or warp over time.
And it fits most iPhone/Android smartphones as well as telescopes, spotting scopes, monoculars, binoculars, and microscopes.
With this adapter mount, you can take amazing photos without having to worry about shaky hands ruining the shot – thanks to its included Bluetooth shutter release which lets you shoot without touching the phone screen.
So, if you're an astronomer or nature photographer who wants to get the clearest shots possible then this is definitely something worth checking out.
User Experience:
A customer tested four different phone attachment devices and found the High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter to be the best.
It is made from powder-coated metal and has three-axis precision screw adjustments for more accurate focusing.
He was able to successfully attach it to a pair of binoculars and center it over his iPhone 14 Pro main camera with no zoom.
Photos taken without the device and with a maximum of 15x digital zoom were also satisfactory.
However, the user noted that one should have a remote shutter release device in order to avoid “the shakes”. Angled grips would also prevent the phone from falling out.
He concluded that, overall, it's a very solid mount and well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Made of powder-coated metal and has 3-axis precision screw adjustments, allowing for a more secure connection between the telescope and phone.
- Can be used with binoculars, hand-held, or a spotting scope for wildlife photos.
- Easier to use than other phone attachment devices tested.
- Solid and heavy, making it a very secure mount.
- Angled grips help prevent the phone from slipping out.
Cons:
- None Identified.
Overall Thoughts:
The High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter is a must-have for any amateur or professional photographer looking to capture stunning photos from afar.
With its precision screw adjustments and solid construction, it's sure to provide you with clear, detailed shots every time.
Get started with the High-Precision 3-Axis Telescope Phone Adapter.
Best Smartphone to Telescope Mount for Capturing Precise Astrophotography
2. Celestron NeXYZ DX 3-Axis Smartphone Adapter (Bluetooth Included)
Key Features:
- Weight – 10 Ounces.
- Dimensions – 7.8 x 8.8 x 6.1.
- 1 Lithium Metal Batteries Included.
- Objective Lens Diameter – 60 Millimeters.
- Focus Type – Manual.
- Finderscope – Reflex.
- Special Feature – Adjustable & Grip.
- Material – Metal.
- Mounting Type – Phone Mount.
- Compatible Devices – Camera.
Overview:
Are you looking for a way to capture sharp, detailed images and videos with your smartphone?
The Celestron NexYZ DX Kit is the perfect solution. It comes with the patented NexYZ Smartphone Adapter which fits any eyepiece diameter from 35mm to 60mm, including telescopes equipped with 1.25-inch or 2-inch eyepieces, monoculars, spotting scopes, and binoculars.
It includes a Bluetooth shutter release remote so you can trigger the camera’s shutter without touching your device's screen or buttons.
With its three-axis adjustment feature and strong metal spring and threaded twist lock design, this adapter makes it easy to capture stunning images of even the most distant objects in space.
And if multiple people want their own shot of an object through your optic – no problem! You can easily remove one device and replace it with another in seconds using NexYZ’s simple spring-loaded clamps.
User Experience:
To make sure everything is aligned properly in the dark, we will make the Moon our first target, if it is available. It is big and bright and easy to find and focus on.
Failing that, we will shine a flashlight down the tube of the telescope. It will appear as a bright unfocused circle of light to the camera.
Once you have that circle centered as well as possible, you know you are aligned and can then take aim at whatever target you wish.
In summary, if you are interested in doing some afocal astrophotography with your smartphone, you can save a lot of frustration and wasted time by getting an adapter. And if you're going to get an adapter, this is currently the best one we've seen.
Pros:
- Easy to use; just clamp the adapter onto the eyepiece and insert your smartphone.
- Securely holds the phone in place, so you don't have to worry about it falling out when you're slewing to a new object.
- Has a few adjustable features that allow you to get the microscope and phone lens into perfect alignment.
- The adjustable smartphone cradle allows you to take pictures with larger phones without blocking your view.
Cons:
- Might require some experimentation to find the right clamp/foam combination that works with your particular eyepiece.
Overall Thoughts:
The Celestron NeXYZ DX 3-Axis Smartphone Adapter is an innovative device that enables users to take stunning photos of the night sky with their smartphone.
With a few simple adjustments, this adapter allows users to easily attach their smartphone to a spotting scope or telescope. This provides a more stable platform for taking higher-quality photos than hand-held smartphones.
With a little bit of patience and practice, this adapter can help you take stunning photos of the night sky.
It is definitely worth considering if you want to get involved in astrophotography with your smartphone.
Get started with the Celestron NeXYZ DX 3-Axis Phone Adapter.
Best for Conveniently Capturing Distant Wildlife, Landscapes, and Other Outdoor Observations
3. Gosky Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter
Key Features:
- Weight – 5 Ounces.
- Dimensions – 2.63 x 1.32 x 0.62 Inches.
- Objective Lens Diameter – 28 Millimeters.
- Focus Type – Manual.
- Finderscope – Reflex.
- Focal Length – 32 Millimeters.
- Compatible Devices – Cameras.
Overview:
Do you want to capture the beauty of the world through your phone?
The Gosky Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter is perfect for you! It's easy to set up and fits most phones, with a super large width ranging from 2.13″ to 3.54″.
This can be used for optical instruments such as telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, monoculars, and spotting scopes.
And it’s made of durable materials such as zinc alloy and high-strength PA plastic so that it lasts longer than other adapters.
With this adapter mount, you'll be able to take stunning photos or videos of nature without having to carry around bulky camera equipment.
You won't have any trouble capturing all those amazing moments in life that are worth remembering forever.
User Experience:
The user experience with Gosky's Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter is a positive one.
The adapter itself is lightweight and easy to attach, fitting securely onto both Explore Scientific eyepieces and Meade UWA for a variety of sizes.
It also fits Samsung Galaxy 8 phones with no issue, and the clamps do not interfere with any of the side buttons.
When it comes to taking pictures, there are a few things to consider before pressing that shutter button.
Most importantly, make sure you center the phone lens in the eyepiece exit cone correctly and secure the clamp tightly so everything stays in place. Otherwise, you may have to adjust your focus or re-center it when it’s dark.
Also, a higher magnification may not always be better as the phone may struggle to focus on such small objects. But don’t worry if your images aren't sharp in-app – you can always tweak them when you get home.
Pros:
- The Gosky Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter is easy to attach to several Explore Scientific eyepieces and a Meade UWA, including the 18mm 2-inch, 8.8mm 1 ¼-inch, and 4.7mm 1 ¼-inch eyepiece.
- The phone camera lens slides right up to the perfect spot for alignment with the eyepiece exit cone, making it easy to align the phone and eyepiece.
- It holds onto the phone securely without interfering with the side buttons.
- It is lightweight so it does not create balance issues on a Dobsonian telescope.
Cons:
- The adapter needs to be correctly secured, or it will just tilt right off the eyepiece.
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, despite its minor drawbacks, the Gosky Spotting Scope Phone Camera Adapter is still highly recommended as an easy and cheap way to attach a cell phone camera to a spotting scope or telescope.
With proper installation and usage, users can expect great results.
Get started with the Gosky Spotting Scope Adapter.
Best Mount Smartphone Adapter for Basic Astrophotography
4. Celestron Basic Smartphone Adapter
Key Features:
- Weight – 5.9 Ounces.
- Dimensions – 7 x 4 x 1.5 Inches.
- Material – Cast Metal.
- Special Feature – Adjustable.
- Compatible Devices – Smartphones.
- Color – Black.
Overview:
Are you looking for a way to capture amazing images and videos through your telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, monoculars, or microscope?
The Celestron Smartphone Adapter is the perfect solution! It works with a wide range of smartphones from Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Apple iPhone.
It fits almost any eyepiece from 29mm to 45mm in diameter. And its durable metal body stands up to harsh weather conditions.
With this adapter, you can easily center your phone’s camera over the eyepiece and use the knobs to secure it in place.
You won't have to worry about missing out on capturing those special moments ever again.
This has an unbeatable warranty and support – Get a 2-year US Warranty plus unlimited support from a team of US-based experts.
User Experience:
The user experience of the Celestron Basic Smartphone Adapter is quite straightforward.
Once the adapter and phone are attached to the telescope, users can turn on their cameras and use daylight to help align the phone and telescope properly.
Focusing on an object that is moderately distant helps to bring the image into view.
For those who may have difficulty with the telescope's balance, practice during the day is highly recommended.
It may take a few tries to get it just right, but once users find that sweet spot between balancing their phone and telescope, they will be able to observe celestial objects in greater detail.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Supports most mobile phones, regardless of the camera’s position.
- Allows users to focus with the telescope during the day to judge alignment.
- Improves results with a combination of a phone screen and an eyepiece.
Cons:
- Weight issues when attached to an equatorial mount.
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, the Celestron Basic Smartphone Adapter is a great device for helping smartphone users get the most out of their telescope. With a little practice and setup, you can be sure to enjoy the best views of the night sky.
Get started with the Celestron Basic Smartphone Adapter.
Best Smartphone Adapter for a Wide Range of Scopes (Spotting Scopes, Binoculars & Monoculars):
5. Vankey Scope Phone Adapter
Key Features:
- Weight – 6.5 Ounces.
- Dimensions – 6.3 x 1.6 x 3.5 Inches.
- Objective Lens Diameter – 65 Millimeters.
- Focus Type – Manual.
- Finderscope – Reflex.
Overview:
If you want to get amazing images with your phone, the Vankey Scope Phone Adapter is the perfect solution.
It connects your phone with a telescope or microscope, so you can explore faraway beautiful scenes and amazing micro worlds.
It also fits most astronomical telescopes, binoculars, monoculars, and spotting scopes with an eyepiece outer diameter range of 28-47mm/1.1-1.85 inches and a phone width range of 53-93mm/2.08-3.66 inches (excluding Pixel series phones).
And it is made from durable zinc alloy and high-strength PA plastic that won't scratch or damage your device.
Imagine being able to take stunning photos of distant galaxies or microscopic organisms without having to buy expensive equipment.
With the Vankey Phone Adapter, you can do just that – all while keeping your device safe and secure in its clamping wings.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee. If this product doesn't work with your devices or if you're not sure how to use it – just contact them and help will come within 24 hours.
User Experience:
The user experience of the Vankey Scope Phone Adapter is one of a well-made product that is intended to securely hold a phone.
After removing the cover from the phone, it was a bit fussy to get everything positioned but ultimately successful.
One user, in particular, was interested in using this adapter mount to make videos while welding sterling silver jewelry but found that their phone couldn't focus correctly when looking through the microscope.
This seemed to suggest that it wasn't a total solution for this user, although they did report that it does work and can sort of get a photo or video.
As such, it's important to do some tests with your specific phone before purchasing this product (or any similar product) to see if it can focus correctly when looking through a lens.
Pros:
- Appears to be well-made and durable, so it should last a long time if cared for properly.
- Securely holds the phone while being used.
Cons:
- Can be a little fussy to get everything positioned.
Overall Thoughts:
All in all, the Vankey Scope Phone Adapter may not be the perfect solution for everyone, but reviews still suggest that it is a handy tool and well worth the price.
Get started with the Vankey Scope Phone Adapter.
What Is a Spotting Scope Phone Adapter?
A spotting scope phone adapter is a must-have accessory for any avid bird watcher, hunter, or wildlife enthusiast. It is designed to fit correctly between the eyepiece of the spotting scope and an iPhone, Android, or other smartphone device so that you can take pictures through the scope.
This allows you to magnify your observations significantly and capture amazing close-up images of the wildlife you come across.
How Do You Attach a Cell Phone to a Spotting Scope?
Attaching a cell phone to a spotting scope requires the use of a specialized adapter. There are two types of adapters available: smartphone cases and clip-on adapters.
Smartphone cases are designed to fit the exact make, model, and version of your phone, with specific ports corresponding to the attachment point on your spotting scope. This is the easiest and most secure way to attach a cell phone to a spotting scope.
Clip-on adapters are equipped with clamps that can be adjusted to fit different phones. These adapters clip onto your spotting scope’s eyecup, allowing you to attach your phone without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Attaching the Adapter to Your Optics
When attaching the adapter to your optics, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct size adapter. The universal adapter fits all optical pairs with eyes of a diameter of 20 to 100mm.
To attach the adapter, open the claws of the optic clamp on the adapter with the spring-loaded curving arm. This will allow you to secure the adapter to your eyepiece.
Make sure that the clamp is tight enough not to move, but don't overtighten it, as this can damage the lens.
Inserting & Aligning Your Phone
Inserting and aligning a phone into an optical device is necessary for many applications such as capturing images, videos, or audio.
To ensure that the phone is correctly aligned, several steps must be taken:
The first step is to mount the adapter to the optical device. The adapter must be securely mounted so that the phone won't be misaligned.
Next, adjust the jack to accommodate the size of your phone. This may require some trial and error as different phones will have slightly different sizes.
Once you have the adapter in place, you'll need to get your phone into it. Make sure that the sensors and cameras on your device are correctly aligned, as this will ensure optimal results when using the device.
Finally, you'll need to make sure that everything is tightened down securely. This will not only help your phone stay in place while using the optical device but it will also ensure that the alignment of your phone remains accurate.
Once everything is in place and your phone is securely and accurately aligned with the adapter, you'll be ready to start capturing images or audio.
FAQs
Does Phone Scope Fit Any Scope?
The Phone Scope is a revolutionary smartphone accessory that allows for quick and easy attachment of a phone to virtually any type of scope, from a spotting scope to a microscope, even a telescope.
How Much Are Scope Phone Adapters?
Scope phone adapters come in various shapes, sizes, and prices. An adapter may be required to make the connection from a cell phone camera to a spotting scope or binoculars.
Generally speaking, adapter solutions for digiscoping range from basic products under $10 to higher quality models which cost more.
Some of the more affordable options require more effort to get the phone in place, while higher-end adapters may offer a more solid and secure connection.
The good news is that for most of us, an adapter for digiscoping won't break the bank! Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly solution or something with extra features, there are plenty of great options to choose from.
Conclusions
Overall, having the best spotting scope phone adapter mount can make a world of difference when it comes to your outdoor activities.
From telescopes and digiscopes to mounts that will help you get precise images without shaking or blurring them, there are plenty of options on the market today.
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer looking for something basic or a professional photographer searching for advanced features, these adapters have got you covered.
No matter what kind of adventure awaits ahead, investing in one of these phone adapter mounts is sure to take your hobby up a notch.
