Are you looking to explore the night sky and see planets, stars, and galaxies? With the right telescope, you can do just that! A good telescope is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any aspiring stargazer. High-quality telescopes can provide a clear, crisp image of distant planets and stars, allowing you to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Here is a guide to the best telescopes for viewing planets.
Best Telescopes For Viewing Planets
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Celestron NexStar 6 SE
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Celestron NexStar 127SLT
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Orion 10016 StarBlast 6 Astro
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Meade Instruments LX90-ACF 12-Inch
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Orion AstroView
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Orion 0135 SkyQuest XT10g
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Orion 10024 SkyQuest XX14i
|
7. 2
|
1. Celestron NexStar 6 SE
I recently purchased a Celestron NexStar 6 SE Telescope and I can confidently say that it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great value, beginner-level telescope. The setup was surprisingly easy, and the images I have been able to observe with it have been really amazing. It has great optics and superior performance for its price range. I especially appreciate its portability; I can take it anywhere and observe the stars in no time. I highly recommend the Celestron NexStar 6 SE to anyone who wants to start exploring the night sky.
:
- 203mm (8-inch) Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with StarBright XLT optical coating
- High-transmission coatings enhance light transmission for maximum brightness and contrast
- Motorized altazimuth mount with hand controller offers pinpoint accuracy
- SkyAlign alignment procedure quickly and easily locates celestial objects
- Integrated StarPointer finderscope helps center objects in the eyepiece
- 25mm and 9mm Eyepieces and a Star Diagonal for a wide range of magnifications
2. Celestron NexStar 127SLT
I recently purchased the Celestron NexStar 127SLT and it is an amazing telescope. The 127mm aperture is perfect for a beginner like myself and the object-locating technology makes it very easy to find and view deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. The telescope also came with a great accessory kit that included additional eyepieces and filters, as well as a tripod and a carrying case. The whole setup is lightweight and easy to transport, which is great for taking with me on camping trips or to star parties. I highly recommend the Celestron NexStar 127SLT for anyone looking for an easy to use, portable telescope.
list
- 127mm (5″) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with fully-coated glass optics for enhanced image brightness and clarity
- Fastar compatible for f/2 imaging with optional corrector lens
- Computerized Altazimuth mount with quick-release fork arm mount and optical tube for quick, no tool set up
- Fully-computerized hand control with over 40,000+ celestial objects
- SkyAlign technology allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
- StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
- Includes two eyepieces (25mm and 9mm) and one 1.25″ Star Diagonal
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly
3. Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm
I recently purchased the Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm, and I have been very impressed with its performance. The telescope itself is well-made, with a solid construction that ensures that it will last a long time. The optics are also excellent, providing clear views of the night sky. The telescope comes with a variety of accessories, such as a finderscope and a 2x Barlow lens, which makes it great for both beginners and experienced astronomers. The price is also very reasonable for a telescope of this quality. All in all, the Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm is a great telescope for anyone who is looking for a quality product at an affordable price. Highly recommended!
format:
- Compact and light weight tabletop telescope
- 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
- 900mm focal length (f/10) for detailed views of the planets and Moon
- Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
- Smooth rack-and-pinion 1.25 focuser
- Includes 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl 1.25″ telescope eyepieces
- Sturdy adjustable aluminum tripod and accessory tray included
4. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS
I recently purchased the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS and I am very impressed with it. It has a huge 11-inch aperture, a very smooth and precise mount, and a GPS system that makes it easy to find your way around the night sky. The optics are also great, with Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings offering excellent light transmission and contrast. The software is very user friendly and makes it easy to set up, and the GoTo alignment process is quick and accurate. The hand control has a lot of features, including a 9-speed motor drive, so you can track objects with ease. I was also impressed with the accessories that come with the scope, including a deluxe tripod with retractable legs, a finderscope, and an eyepiece set. I definitely recommend the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS for anyone who wants to take their stargazing to the next level.
- Celestron’s largest and most powerful Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
- More than double the light gathering power of 8″ telescope
- 11″ aperture with StarBright XLT optical coatings for maximum light throughput
- Computerized GoTo mount with NexRemote software for complete remote control
- GPS-based automatic alignment with a vast 10,000+ object database
- User-friendly SkyAlign technology makes setup and alignment fast and easy
- Flexible 41/2-inch (114 mm) dovetail attachment
- Robust design and construction with stainless steel tripod and heavy duty cast aluminum mount
5. Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO
The Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO is an exceptional telescope that provides crystal clear views of the night sky. The 120mm lens allows for a wide field of view, and the optics are of a very high quality, allowing for amazing views of the stars, planets, and galaxies in the sky. The telescope is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for astronomers who need to take their telescope on the go. The ProED has come highly recommended from experienced astronomers and amateur observers alike, and is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an excellent telescope to explore the night sky. Highly recommended!
- 120mm aperture and 1000mm focal length
- Advanced ProED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical glass
- High-performance dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
- Robust and portable stainless steel tube design
- Advanced multi-coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for maximum light transmission and clarity
6. Orion 10016 StarBlast 6 Astro
The Orion 10016 StarBlast 6 Astro telescope is an amazing telescope for any amateur astronomer. I recently purchased one and I’m really happy with it. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to use, with a wide field of view that allows me to observe a variety of celestial objects. The optics are clear and bright, providing great views of galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, and the planets. The included finder scope allows me to quickly locate and track my targets, while the slow-motion controls provide smooth tracking and precise adjustments. Overall, this is a great telescope for a beginner or a more advanced astronomer looking for a good deal. Highly recommended!
- 6-inch aperture reflector telescope
- Quick assembly
- EZ Finder II aiming device
- Two 1.25-inch Sirius Plossl eyepieces
- The Starry Night astronomy software
- Built-in carrying handle
7. Meade Instruments LX90-ACF 12-Inch
The Meade Instruments LX90-ACF 12-Inch is an amazing telescope! Its optics are superb, providing clear and sharp views of celestial bodies. The mount is very stable and the telescope is easy to set up and use. The Multi-Coat 4 optics are perfect for capturing faint objects, while the AutoStar II hand controller makes it easy to navigate the night sky. I really appreciate the availability of optional accessories such as eyepieces and digital cameras. Overall, I am very impressed with this telescope and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in astronomy.
:
- 12-inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with f/10 focal ratio for high-resolution images
- 8 x 50 viewfinder with quick-release bracket
- UHTC coatings enhance light transmission with clear, sharp images
- AutoAlign technology simplifies setup and helps find objects faster
- GPS receiver aids in locating and identifying star fields
- Large LCD screen displays menus, images, and data
- Flash upgradeable with additional features and updates available
- Digital Electronics provide fully computerized dual-axis drives and go-to capability
8. Orion AstroView
I recently purchased the Orion AstroView and I am very impressed. It is a quality telescope with excellent optics and a great price. The mount is solid and easy to use, and the software is user friendly. The field of view is wide and the optics are clear and bright. The images I have seen from it are simply stunning. I am very pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend the Orion AstroView for anyone looking for a quality telescope for a reasonable price.
- 6″ f/5 Reflecting Telescope
- 750 mm focal length
- 150x magnification power
- Easy-to-use equatorial mount with setting circles, slow motion controls, and adjustable tripod
- 1.25″ rack-and-pinion focuser with a visual back
- Includes 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, 6×30 finder scope, and EZ Finder II reflex sight
- Compatible with a variety of accessories, including a motor drive, filters, and more
- Two-year warranty
9. Orion 0135 SkyQuest XT10g
The Orion 0135 SkyQuest XT10g is an impressive telescope. It is equipped with a 10-inch aperture and a focal length of 1200 mm which allows it to gather enough light to view dim objects in the night sky. The telescope also features a 2-inch Crayford focuser, making it easy to focus on the desired object. The mount is made of steel and comes with a fully adjustable height and azimuth, allowing for easy tracking of the night sky. The XT10g has two eyepieces, a 25mm and 10mm, which provide great views of celestial objects. Overall, the Orion 0135 SkyQuest XT10g is an excellent choice for novice to intermediate astronomers. It is easy to use, powerful and provides clear views of planets, galaxies and nebulae. Highly recommended.
- 10-inch (254 mm) Dobsonian reflector telescope
- 1200mm focal length
- 2″ Crayford-style focuser with 1.25″ adapter
- 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl 1.25″ eyepieces
- 8×50 Finder scope to help aim the telescope
- EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming
- Collimation cap and center-marking reference
- Solid rocker mount with Teflon bearings and tension clutch
- Quick-collimation eyepiece
10. Orion 10024 SkyQuest XX14i
I recently purchased the Orion 10024 SkyQuest XX14i, and I am very pleased with my purchase. The telescope is easy to set up and comes with everything you need for stargazing. The images are sharp and clear, offering a great view of the night sky. The lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and the included accessories are easy to use. The finder scope and star chart make it easy to locate and identify stars and planets. The overall construction is sturdy and well made, ensuring a long lasting product. All in all, I am very happy with my Orion 10024 SkyQuest XX14i and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great telescope.
- 14″ diameter parabolic mirror for maximum image brightness and clarity
- 2″ Crayford focuser for smooth, accurate focusing
- Red-dot viewfinder for easy object location
- Collimation cap for easy optical alignment
- 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece for great views at 28x magnification
- 9×50 finder scope for easy object location
- Sturdy stainless steel tripod for secure, stable mounting
- Tabletop design for portability
- Quick and easy no-tool setup
- Tension control handle for steady tracking
