A versatile instrument for our solar system and beyond. Finding the best telescope for viewing planets can feel overwhelming with so many options. But you don’t need a giant observatory to see Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. A good scope brings these wonders right to your backyard.
We’ve tested the top models to cut through the confusion. This guide will help you choose a telescope that fits your budget and skywatching goals. Get ready for some truly stunning views, it’s easier than you might think to start exploring.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Best Telescope For Viewing Planets
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Dianfan Telescope,90mm Aperture 800mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,Portable Professional…
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9.6 |
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Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm…
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9.3 |
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MEEZAA Telescope, 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Adults Astronomy…
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9.1 |
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Telescope,Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 900mm Professional…
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8.9 |
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Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope…
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8.8 |
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical…
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8.6 |
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Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm…
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8.5 |
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HUGERSTAR Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture…
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8.3 |
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Quick Review For Top 9 Best Telescope For Viewing Planets
Dianfan Telescope,90mm Aperture 800mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,Portable Professional Refractor Telescope for Beginners,with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter,Carry Bag
The Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope is designed to bring the night sky into clear view for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its core strength lies in its 90mm objective lens, which is fully coated to enhance light gathering. This large aperture pulls in more light than smaller models, resulting in brighter and clearer images of celestial objects.
The high-transmission coatings work to improve contrast and color fidelity, giving you sharp and vivid views that make stargazing genuinely engaging. For magnification, this telescope provides a versatile range. It comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering powers from 32x up to 240x. This allows for detailed observation of the Moon’s craters and lunar seas. A 45-degree zenith mirror is included, which presents correctly oriented images.
This means the telescope isn’t just for astronomy; you can also use it for terrestrial viewing like birdwatching or scanning distant landscapes during the day, making it a highly versatile tool. Setting up the telescope is straightforward, with a user-friendly design that emphasizes simplicity. Most people can assemble it in about fifteen minutes, following the clear instructions. The focusing mechanism is smooth, helping you quickly zero in on your target without fuss.
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
The Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope is designed for newcomers to astronomy, especially kids and families. It balances capability with straightforward use, making your first look at the night sky more about wonder than complicated setup.
Its core is the 70mm aperture objective lens. This size gathers a good amount of light, which is crucial for clear views of celestial objects.
The 400mm focal length provides a wide field of view, making it easier to locate the moon and star clusters. The fully coated optics glass lens are treated with high transmission coatings. This means brighter, sharper images with better contrast, and it also reduces internal glare to protect your eyes during long viewing sessions. The optical quality is a solid foundation for a beginner’s instrument.
For magnification, you get versatility.
The telescope includes two eyepieces (likely a lower and higher power) that you can swap out. The 3x Barlow lens is a key piece; it effectively triples the power of each eyepiece, giving you more options to zoom in. Remember, highest magnification isn’t always best—atmospheric conditions often favor the clearer view from a lower power. To help you point the telescope, the 5×24 finder scope is a simple tool with cross-hair lines.
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
The MEEZAA Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional is a refractor telescope designed to make serious astronomy accessible. If your interested in the night sky, this model provides a straightforward path from unboxing to observing, blending a capable optical system with user-friendly features. Its a solid choice for adults beginning there journey into astronomy, aiming to provide clear, detailed views without overwhelming complexity. At the core of this telescope is its 90mm aperture.
This size is significant for a beginner instrument, as it gathers a substantial amount of light. This light-gathering ability, combined with fully multi-coated optical glass lenses, means the images you see—whether of the Moon, planets, or brighter deep-sky objects—will be brighter and sharper. The focal length is 800mm, offering a good balance for both lunar/planetary and wider celestial observations. The main tube is durable and designed for repeated use.
Magnification is flexible with the included accessories. You get two eyepieces: a 25mm and a 10mm. The 25mm provides a wider, more immersive view at 32x magnification, perfect for learning the sky. The 10mm eyepiece offers a closer look at 80x. The included 3X Barlow lens is a key feature; it effectively triples the power of each eyepiece.
MEEZAA Telescope, 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Adults Astronomy Beginners, Professional Astronomical Telescopes with Equatorial Mount, Phone Adapter, Tripod, Moon Filter and Large Carry Bag
The MEEZAA 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is designed to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly use and serious astronomical performance. Its core advantage is the 150mm large aperture, which is the key to gathering light. A bigger aperture means brighter, more detailed views, allowing you to see not just the Moon’s craters in sharp relief, but also fainter deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae with surprising clarity.
The 650mm focal length provides a solid foundation for detailed planetary and lunar observation.
You get versatile viewing options right out of the box. With the included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, you can start at a wide 26X magnification. When you attach the 2X Barlow lens, it doubles the power of each eyepiece, pushing the magnification up to 130X for closer looks at Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s bands.
The red dot finderscope is a huge help for getting your target in the eyepiece quickly, and the moon filter is essential for cutting down the Moon’s bright glare to a comfortable level, revealing more surface detail without eye strain.
Stability and control are crucial, and this setup uses a stable German Equatorial Mount. This might seem a bit technical at first, but its designed for learning.
Telescope,Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Kids & Beginners, Magnification 450X,for Planet Observation with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter
The HETEKAN 90mm Refractor Telescope is designed for anyone curious about whats up in the night sky. Whether your an adult looking for a new hobby, a beginner taking first steps, or a parent wanting to share astronomy with kids, this telescope makes celestial observation accessible and engaging.
Its core purpose is to bring the details of our Moon and the brighter planets into clear view, simplifying the process so you can focus on the wonder of observation.
At the heart of this insturment is its 90mm aperture. This large opening is crucial because it gathers significantly more light than smaller models. That extra light means the images you see of lunar craters, Jupiter’s moons, or Saturn’s rings will appear brighter and more detailed.
The fully multi-coated optical glass lenses further enhance this by reducing glare and reflection, which protects your eyes and ensures a crisp, stunning view every time you look through the eyepiece.
For magnification, the telescope offers a versatile range. It comes with three eyepieces (25mm, 10mm, and 6mm) and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing you to adjust the power from a wide 36X up to a detailed 450X. The 900mm focal length provides the necessary reach for planetary observation.
Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag. Easy Set Up
The Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is a versatile astronomical refractor designed to bring the night sky within reach. It balances capable optics with genuine portability, making it a practical choice for both beginners and those looking for an easy-to-transport instrument.
At its core, the telescope features an 80mm objective lens. This aperture is wide enough to gather a significant amount of light, which is crucial for viewing celestial objects with good detail and brightness.
The 600mm focal length provides a nice balance, offering decent magnification while keeping the tube relatively compact. A key highlight are the fully multi-coated high transmission coatings on all optical glass. These coatings are not a minor upgrade; they minimize light loss and reduce internal glare, which directly enhances image contrast and clarity. You’ll notice the difference on targets like the Moon or Jupiter’s moons.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm and a 10mm.
These give you 24x and 60x magnification right out of the box. The included 3x Barlow lens effectively triples the power of each eyepiece, allowing for closer views when atmospheric conditions permit. This means you can magnify the moon up to 180 times. To help you find your targets, a 5×24 optical finderscope is attached, making it much simpler to navigate the sky compared to using the main tube alone.
Setup is straightforward, with a no-tools-required design.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube – Fully Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign – Ideal for Beginners and Advanced Users – 40,000+ Object Database
The Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope is a significant step for anyone looking to seriously observe the night sky. It combines a powerful optical system with user-friendly automation, making it a versatile choice for both newcomers and experienced astronomers. The iconic orange tube houses advanced technology designed to simplify finding and viewing celestial objects.
At the heart of the system is the 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube.
This large aperture is crucial for gathering light, allowing you to see detailed lunar craters, the rings of Saturn, and Jupiter’s major cloud bands. It also provides enough light-gathering power to bring faint deep-sky objects, such as distant galaxies and nebulae, into view. Despite its substantial optics, the design remains relatively compact and portable for an instrument of its capability.
The fully automated GoTo mount is what sets this telescope apart.
It uses a NexStar+ hand control with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. Instead of manually searching the sky with star charts, you can select an object from the menu. The mount then moves the telescope directly to it and follows the object as it moves across the sky. This automation saves considerable time and lets you focus on observation.
Aligning the telescope is straightforward thanks to SkyAlign technology.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope is designed to remove the biggest hurdle for new astronomers: finding things in the night sky. This isn’t just a telescope; it’s a guided tour of the universe that uses the smartphone you already own.
Here’s how it works. You mount your phone into the dedicated dock on the telescope’s tube. Then, you launch the StarSense Explorer app. The app’s patented technology takes a picture of the sky above you.
It analyzes the star patterns to figure out exactly where the telescope is pointed, all without needing GPS or any prior knowlege. Once it knows your position, the app becomes your personal guide. On-screen arrows will appear, directing you where to move the telescope. You simply push the tube until the arrow centers on a bullseye. When the bullseye turns green, look through the eyepiece, and the object is right there in view.
You don’t need to know what to look for either.
The app automatically generates a list of the best objects visible from your location on that specific night. This includes planets like Jupiter with its moons, Saturn’s rings, bright nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The list changes nightly, so there’s always something new to find. It makes observing from a backyard in the city rewarding and opens up even more possibilities under darker skies.
The telescope itself is a 114mm (4.5-inch) Newtonian reflector.
HUGERSTAR Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 800mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Adults Astronomy Beginners with AZ Mount Stainless Tripod, Carry Bag and Moon Filter
The HUGERSTAR Telescope for Adults High Powered is a professional-grade refractor telescope designed to make astronomy accessible and enjoyable. With its 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length, this instrument gathers plenty of light to deliver clear, bright views of celestial objects.
The fully multi-coated lenses are a key feature, enhancing image brightness and contrast so you can see details on the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects with impressive clarity.
You get versatile magnification options right out of the box. The telescope includes two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) that provide different levels of detail. For even closer looks, the 3X Barlow lens triples the power of each eyepiece, offering a range from 32X to 240X.
To help you find your target, a 5×24 finder scope is attached, making it much simpler to locate the moon or a star before zooming in with the main telescope. It’s a straightforward system that grows with your curiosity.
Stability is crucial for stargazing, and the adjustable stainless steel tripod provides a solid foundation. It can be set anywhere from 28.7 to 46.4 inches tall, accommodating users of different heights for comfortable viewing sessions.
Best Telescope For Viewing Planets Buying Guide
Planetary viewing demands a telescope with excellent resolution and contrast. You want to see teh cloud bands of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn, not just fuzzy blobs. Choosing the right instrument makes all the difference. This guide highlights the key factors to consider when searching for the best telescope for viewing planets.
Aperture: Your Light Bucket
This is the most critical spec. Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. Think of it as a light bucket—a larger aperture collects more light and provides finer detail. Why does this matter? More light means you can use higher magnification to bring planets into stunning focus, revealing subtle planetary features. An 8-inch reflector will show you far more than a 3-inch model.
Optical Design: Refractor vs. Reflector
There are two main types. Refractors use lenses and typically offer sharp, high-contrast views with little maintenance—perfect for the crisp details of planets. Reflectors use mirrors and offer more aperture for your money, but may require occasional alignment. For planets, many astronomers prefer a long-focal-length refractor or a well-made reflector for that unbeatable combination of detail and light grasp.
Mount Stability: Your View’s Foundation
A wobbly mount ruins everything. At high magnifications needed for planets, even a slight breeze can make the image jiggle wildly. A sturdy equatorial or alt-azimuth mount is non-negotiable. It should feel solid, with smooth, precise controls for tracking planets as thay drift across the night sky. Don’t pair a powerful optical tube with a flimsy tripod; it’s the most common beginner mistake.
Useful Accessories
The right eyepieces are essential. Planets are small, so you’ll need high-magnification eyepieces (e.g., 6mm to 10mm). A quality 2x Barlow lens can effectively double your eyepiece collection. Also, consider a moon filter—it’s not just for the Moon. It can reduce glare on bright planets like Venus and Jupiter, improving contrast so you can spot more detail without eye strain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Telescope For Viewing Planets
What type of telescope is best for planets?
A refractor or a compound telescope, like a Maksutov-Cassegrain, is often best. These designs provide sharp, high-contrast views. They excel at showing details on bright targets like Jupiter’s bands or Saturn’s rings.
Why is aperture important?
Aperture is the diameter of the main lens or mirror. A larger aperture gathers more light, which allows you to see finer details. For planets, a good starting point is often 90mm or more for refractors, or 130mm for reflectors.
Do I need a very high-power eyepiece?
Powerful eyepieces are useful, but stability and clarity matter more. A telescope’s maximum useful magnification is about 50x per inch of aperture. Often, a mid-power eyepiece (around 150x) gives the steadiest, brightest view of planets.
What about the mount?
A solid mount is crucial. A shaky mount makes high-magnification viewing frustrating. An equatorial mount can help track planets smoothly, but a sturdy alt-azimuth mount works great too. Don’t skimp on this part.
Can I see color on the planets?
You’ll see some color, but it’s often subtle. Jupiter shows tan and white bands with its red spot. Mars can have a rusty tint. Saturn is a beautiful pale yellow. Don’t expect Hubble-like images, but the views are still incredible.
Is computer tracking necessary?
Not at all. While “GoTo” mounts find objects for you, many astronomers enjoy manually finding planets. It’s a rewarding skill. Planets are bright and relatively easy to locate in the sky yourself.
How much should I expect to spend?
You can get a capable beginner planetary telescope for a few hundred dollars. Serious models for finer detail start higher. Remember, you’ll likely want a few extra eyepieces, which adds to the cost.
Any other tips for getting started?
Patience is key. Let your telescope adjust to the outside air temperature for about 30 minutes. Also, viewing on nights with steady atmospheric “seeing” makes a huge difference in what details you can spot.
Conclusion
From lunar craters to distant nebulae, see it all. The right tool brings the cosmos to your backyard. It’s about finding a telescope that fits your goals and your budget. Remember, the best views often come from patience and a little practice.
For sharp, detailed looks at Jupiter’s bands or Saturn’s rings, a quality reflector or compound telescope with a long focal length is key. With so many great options, you’re sure to find the perfect fit. We hope this guide helps you choose the best telescope for viewing planets and starts you on a fantastic journey. The sky is waiting for you.