Can your iPhone 16 Capture the Cosmos? A Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography

Hello fellow stargazers and mobile photography enthusiasts! If you're like me, you've probably found yourself captivated by the night sky and wondered, "Can my phone capture this?"

I'm relatively new to the world of astrophotography and I'm looking to upgrade my trusty iPhone 12 base model. My sights are set on the upcoming iPhone 16 series, specifically the base model or the Pro. While the Pro model tempts with its extra photography features, my primary goal is to get the best astrophotography results without breaking the bank.

This brings me to a couple of burning questions:

iPhone 16 Base vs. Pro: Sensor Showdown for the Stars

One of the most compelling points is that both the iPhone 16 base and Pro models are rumored to feature a 48 MP main sensor. My plan is to leverage third-party apps like Halide or Moment to capture RAW photos, which I'll then edit in Adobe Lightroom. The big question is: will there be a significant difference in astrophotography performance between the base and Pro models if I'm shooting in RAW and editing? I'm trying to avoid spending an extra $300 on the Pro if the base variant can deliver comparable results for my astrophotography endeavors.

Getting Closer to the Moon: External Lenses for the iPhone 16 Base

Beyond the deep sky, I'm also curious about capturing more detailed shots of our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon. Is it feasible to attach an external telephoto lens to the iPhone 16 base model to get closer shots of the Moon? If so, I'd love some recommendations for good telephoto lenses specifically for iPhones that would enhance my lunar photography.

I'm eager to hear from experienced astrophotographers and iPhone users who can offer insights and advice. Let's discuss the possibilities of capturing the universe with our pocket-sized cameras!