Top 14 Telescopes For Planetary Viewing Reviews & Comparison

Jun-24-2023 by Kris
Telescopes are the perfect tool for observing distant planets in our solar system! Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, a high-quality telescope can help you see Jupiter's bands, Saturn's rings, and even the surface of Mars in incredible detail. With so many models to choose from, it's important to find one that fits your needs and budget. Look for features like aperture size, focal length, and magnification power to ensure you get the best view possible. Don't forget to consider portability, as some telescopes are designed for easy transport and setup. Happy planet-hunting!

TelescopesAstronomySolarsystemPlanetviewingJupiterSaturnMars

SVBONY SV127 Telescope Filter Eyepiece Filter Set 1.25 Inch for Telescope Eyepiece with Storage Case for Planetary Details Ideal Accessory

  • SVBONY SV127 1.25 Inch four color eyepiece filter with M28.5*0.6 thread standard.
  • you can use color filters to accentuate subtle details on planets, comets, and the Moon by selectively increasing contrast between features and markings of different hues.
  • accentuates red and orange features on Saturn.
  • reveals low-contrast cloud detail on Venus.
  • Enhances Martian surface details in large telescopes.
  • accentuates bluish cloud regions on Jupiter and Saturn.
  • Enhances contrast of blue and red structures on Jupiter (including Red Spot).
  • melt lines around Martian polar ice caps, accentuates Saturn's cloud belts.
  • Enhances details in Jupiter's belts and Red Spot.
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Astromania 1.25Inch Metal Collimating Cheshire Eyepiece Without Laser for Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Long Version

  • simply cap the telescope, remove the diagonal, and place the eyepiece directly in the focuser..
  • For aligning optics of Newtonian reflectors, Dobsonian reflectors, and Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs)..
  • Accurate collimation is essential for high power observing. Stars will become more like pin points of light, and Planetary / Lunar detail will be enhanced..
  • Item was made by aluminum with crosshair at the bottom allow quick and precise centering of the optics..
  • This collimation eyepiece can be used for precisely collimating the Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector telescopes for better image quality..
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Astronomy Log Book: A Stargazing and Night Sky Observations Journal for Recording your Astronomical Discoveries with simple guided prompts is ideal ... or with the naked eye (Italian Edition)

  • SVBONY SV127 1.25 Inch four color eyepiece filter with M28.5*0.6 thread standard.
  • you can use color filters to accentuate subtle details on planets, comets, and the Moon by selectively increasing contrast between features and markings of different hues.
  • accentuates red and orange features on Saturn.
  • reveals low-contrast cloud detail on Venus.
  • Enhances Martian surface details in large telescopes.
  • accentuates bluish cloud regions on Jupiter and Saturn.
  • Enhances contrast of blue and red structures on Jupiter (including Red Spot).
  • melt lines around Martian polar ice caps, accentuates Saturn's cloud belts.
  • Enhances details in Jupiter's belts and Red Spot.
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Orion Safety Film Solar Filter Film, Solar Telescope Filter, Silver (07772)

  • Safe and affordable Solar filter lets you use your 10" aperture Orion reflector telescope to observe the sun.
  • See sunspots, eclipses, and planetary transits of the Sun safely with your telescope and this filter.
  • Made with high-quality, streak-free and blister-free Safety Solar Film.
  • Designed for use with Orion 10" aperture reflector telescopes.
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Orion Safety Film Solar Filter Film, Solar Telescope Filter, Silver (07771)

  • Safe and affordable Solar filter lets you use your 8" aperture Orion reflector telescope to observe the sun.
  • See sunspots, eclipses, and planetary transits of the Sun safely with your telescope and this filter.
  • Made with high-quality, streak-free and blister-free Safety Solar Film.
  • Designed for use with Orion 8" aperture reflector telescopes.
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Orion Safety Film Solar Filter Film, Solar Telescope Filter, Silver (07770)

  • Safe and affordable Solar filter lets you use your 6" aperture Orion reflector telescope to observe the sun.
  • See sunspots, eclipses, and planetary transits of the Sun safely with your telescope and this filter.
  • Made with high-quality, streak-free and blister-free Safety Solar Film.
  • Designed for use with Orion 6" aperture reflector telescopes.
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Celestron Wedge with NexStar Evolution/SE Black 93665

  • Equatorial wedge for Celestron NexStar 6/8SE and Evolution Alt-Az mounted computerized telescopes. Enables long exposure astrophotography and autoguiding by tilting the telescope's azimuth into an equatorial platform allowing it to track an arc around the polar axis..
  • For beginner to intermediate planetary and deep space imagers. Captive hardware, tool-less operation, easily adjusts under load..
  • Sturdy latitude adjustment screw with easy to read scale and integrated Bubble level..
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Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 Telescope Portable f/5 Refractor Telescope – High-Contrast, Wide Field – Grab-and-Go Portable Complete Telescope and Mount System (S10105)

  • PERFECT PORTABLE SYSTEM Sky-Watcher StarTravel kits are for anyone looking for small powerful set-ups Pairing the Sky-Watcher AZ3 mount with the StarTravel achromat refractor telescopes — featuring fast f/5 optics with high-contrast wide field views — these are perfect for astronomy and terrestrial use The entire set-up weighs less than 17 pounds!.
  • PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY OPTICS Sky-Watcher StarTravel telescopes feature two-element air-spaced fully multi-coated lenses that provide excellent terrestrial viewing as well as breathtaking views of the Moon planets and deep-sky objects.
  • 10 AND 25mm SUPER EYEPIECES Low-and high-powered eyepieces make the StarTravel 120 ideal for both daytime and nighttime viewing. The included 45° erect image prism corrects for optical flip inherent in refractor-style telescopes delivering correct orientation viewing.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT STURDY TRIPOD The included az3 aluminum Alt-Az tripod combines easy portability with stability Slow-motion controls on both the vertical (altitude) and horizontal (azimuth) axes for precise targeting The large accessory tray provides a convenient storage place for eyepieces and other gear.
  • COMES COMPLETE The Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 AZ3 comes complete with everything you need to begin viewing right....
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Gosky 1.25 Inch Light Pollution Filter for Telescope

  • Improve the visibility of deep sky objects by blocking out the mercury vapor, sodium vapor, and other such emission lines from man-made or natural sources which contribute to light pollution.
  • Improves contrast on reddish planetary detail. Works well in telescopes of all apertures.
  • The filter will fit all standard sized 1.25" eyepieces and accessories. Can be threaded on both sides for stacking with other filters if necessary.
  • Comes with sturdy plastic case-proect the eyepiece from dust and moisture.
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BARSKA 600 Power 80060 Starwatcher Refractor Telescope

  • Beginner Telescope: The Starwatcher telescope is suitable for astronomy beginners to begin a lifetime journey to the stars and planets..
  • Quality Optics: The telescopes features 60mm aperture, 800mm focal length, and coated optics for enhanced image brightness and clarity..
  • Powerful Magnification: The high power 600 magnification brings you easily close up to the astonishing celestial bodies..
  • Multiple Accessories: The telescope comes with 2 eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, Moon filter, and a red-dot finder, providing amazing experiences..
  • Easy Access: The altazimuth mount with slow motion altitude controls make it convenient for steady viewing..
  • Included components: Cameras & Photo Telescopes.
  • Solid 600x power refractor telescope with a red dot finderscope.
  • All glass coated optics for enhanced image brightness.
  • Includes 3 separate Interchangeable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens to increase viewing power.
  • Engineered with smooth functioning altazimuth mount with slow motion altitude controls.
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Celestron – NexImage Burst Color Solar System Imager – Astronomy Camera for Moon and Planets – 1.2 MP Camera for Astroimaging – High Resolution – Ultra-Sensitive ON Semiconductor AR0132 CMOS Sensor

  • THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITH ASTROIMAGING: Capture amazing images of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and more with this easy-to-use, plug-and-play planetary camera..
  • AR0132 COLOR IMAGING SENSOR: Enjoy sharp, detailed images thanks to the sensor’s ON Semiconductor technology which dramatically reduces image noise. Small pixels provide sub arc-second planetary detail with most telescopes..
  • INCLUDES SOPHISTICATED CAMERA CONTROL AND STACKING SOFTWARE: View and capture live video on your computer, stack the sharpest frames for the best image, and manually adjust all the image settings..
  • MACHINED ALUMINUM 1.25” BARREL: This standard size barrel makes this camera compatible with most any telescope that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and also allows you to use your eyepiece filters with the camera..
  • ADVANCED FEATURES: Integrated IR-cut optical window, selectable region of interest sub-framing, ¬progressive scan, integrated C-threads for direct connection to a telescope..
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Celestron – NexImage Burst Color Solar System Imager – Astronomy Camera for Moon and Planets – 5 MP Camera for Astroimaging – High Resolution – Ultra–Sensitive ON Semiconductor MT9P031 CMOS Sensor

  • THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITH ASTROIMAGING: Capture amazing images of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and more with this easy-to-use, plug-and-play planetary camera.
  • 5 MP COLOUR IMAGING SENSOR: Enjoy sharp, detailed images thanks to the sensor’s Micron DigitalClarity technology which dramatically reduces image noise. Small pixels provide sub arc-second planetary detail with most telescopes.
  • INCLUDES SOPHISTICATED CAMERA CONTROL AND STACKING SOFTWARE: View and capture live video on your computer, stack the sharpest frames for the best image, and manually adjust all the image settings.
  • MACHINED ALUMINIUM 1.25” BARREL: This standard size barrel makes this camera compatible with almost any telescope that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and also allows you to use your eyepiece filters with the camera.
  • ADVANCED FEATURES: Integrated IR-cut optical window, selectable region of interest sub-framing, 2x2 and 4x4 binning, progressive scan, integrated C-threads for direct connection to a telescope.
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Televue PMT-4201 2 inch 4x Powermate with 1.25-Inch Eyepiece Adapter

  • Latest Version, Accepts the T-Ring Adapter.
  • Vignetting, edge field aberrations and pupil movement - all introduced when using Barlows with long focal length eyepieces, are minimized..
  • Telecentric operation (field rays leave parallel to optical axis, unlike Barlow lenses which diverge rays). This is ideal for Hydrogen-alpha filter use such as with Daystar models..
  • High performance for image amplification, CCD or film (some of the finest Earth-based planetary imaging is being done with Powermates)..
  • Flexible for visual and imaging with all types of telescopes and eyepieces. Essentially Parfocal, and with nearly constant magnification regardless of image distance behind top surface (except 5x model which increases 1x for every 35mm of image distance i.
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Celestron 94244 Enhance your viewing experience Telescope Filter, 8\

  • Instantly transform your normal Celestron 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (8" SCT) and Celestron 8" EdgeHD telescopes into a yellow-light solar telescope (for a complete list of 8" scopes, look in description section).
  • ISO compliant solar safe film protects your eyes when viewing the sun, unlike some other filters on the market.
  • Scratch resistant polymer produced by American Paper Optics.
  • Designed from the telescope’s lens cap for a snug fit, each filter includes two safety Velcro straps and four self-adhesive Velcro pads for safely securing your solar filter in place.
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Telescopes For Planetary Viewing

Stargazing is an awe-inspiring pastime that has managed to captivate people for generations. And while it can be an incredibly serene and enjoyable experience all on its own, it can be made even more fascinating with the use of a telescope. While there is no shortage of telescopes on the market, some are better suited to some tasks than others. In particular, finding the perfect telescope for planetary viewing can be a challenge for many. To make things easier for you, we have put together a list of the top 14 telescopes for planetary viewing, along with comparisons, reviews, and pros and cons to make it easier for you to choose the perfect one.

1. Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners who want a telescope that is easy to use and offers a high-quality viewing experience. This telescope boasts a 5-inch aperture and is capable of magnifying objects up to 295 times. It is also packed with some great features like a fully automated GoTo mount that tracks objects and a hand control that lets you navigate to celestial objects with ease.

Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable price for a high-quality product
- Fully automated GoTo mount

Cons
- Limited aperture
- Some users have reported issues with the optics

2. Orion SkyQuest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion SkyQuest XT10g is an excellent choice for people who are looking for an ultra-portable telescope that can deliver crystal-clear views of planets and stars. This Dobsonian telescope has a 10-inch aperture and boasts a fully computerized GoTo system that can automatically locate and track celestial objects for you.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- Lightweight and portable design
- Computerized GoTo system

Cons
- Expensive
- Some users say the software is not user-friendly

3. Meade ETX90 Observer Telescope
The Meade ETX90 Observer Telescope is another excellent choice for novice astronomers. It features a 90-millimeter aperture and has a maximum magnification power of 180x. The telescope’s compact design is easy to use, and the computerized mount can keep objects in the field of view for extended periods.

Pros
- High-quality optics
- Compact and easy to use

Cons
- Limited aperture
- A little expensive for what it offers

4. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is considered one of the best telescopes for beginners because of its affordable price, user-friendly design, and excellent performance. It features a 7-inch aperture and a fully automated GoTo mount that tracks celestial objects with ease.

Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
- Fully automated GoTo mount

Cons
- Limited aperture
- Some users have reported issues with the tripod

5. Sky-Watcher ProED 100mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
The Sky-Watcher ProED 100mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope is one of the best telescopes for planetary viewing thanks to its 4-inch aperture and superior optics. This telescope is perfect for astrophotographers thanks to its apochromatic design, meaning it offers excellent color correction and no false color.

Pros
- High-quality optics
- Excellent color correction
- Perfect for astrophotography

Cons
- Expensive
- Not very portable

6. Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope is an affordable and portable telescope. It features a 4.5-inch aperture and can magnify objects up to 269 times. It’s easy to use and has a durable tripod.

Pros
- Affordable price
- Portable design
- Durable tripod

Cons
- Limited aperture
- Some users have reported issues with the optics

7. Meade LX200-ACF 10-Inch Telescope
The Meade LX200-ACF 10-Inch Telescope is the perfect choice for intermediate and experienced stargazers. It features a 10-inch aperture and a high-quality optics system that delivers clear and crisp images. This telescope is perfect for astrophotographers because it features a computerized mount, so no need for manual tracking of the celestial objects.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- Excellent optics system
- Perfect for astrophotography

Cons
- Expensive
- A bit heavy and cumbersome

8. Celestron Advanced VX 8-Inch EdgeHD Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 8-Inch EdgeHD Telescope is an excellent choice for advanced astrophotographers thanks to its apochromatic design and large aperture size. It has a computerized mount with StarSense that helps you to find and track celestial objects with ease.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- Apochromatic design
- Computerized mount with StarSense

Cons
- Expensive
- Not good for beginners

9. Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 Telescope
The Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 Telescope is an excellent choice for astrophotographers who need a computerized telescope that can deliver excellent results. It comes with a 280-millimeter aperture, and its high-quality optics system can magnify objects up to 661 times.

Pros
- High-quality optics
- Excellent for astrophotography
- Computerized mount with StarSense

Cons
- Very expensive
- Takes a lot of time to set up

10. Orion SkyQuest XT12g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion SkyQuest XT12g is a massive telescope that offers excellent views of planets and stars. It features a 12-inch aperture and a fully automated GoTo system that makes tracking celestial objects a breeze.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- Fully automated GoTo system
- Excellent for astrophotography

Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and cumbersome

11. Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope is a high-end computerized telescope that delivers excellent results. It features an 8-inch aperture and has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 10 hours.

Pros
- High-quality optics
- Computerized mount with StarSense
- Long battery life

Cons
- Expensive
- Some users have reported issues with the software

12. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT Telescope
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT Telescope is one of the top-performing telescopes on the market today. It has an 11-inch aperture and features a computerized mount that tracks celestial objects with ease.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- Computerized mount with StarSense
- Excellent for astrophotography

Cons
- Very expensive
- Very heavy

13. Meade LX90 Telescope
The Meade LX90 Telescope is an excellent choice for intermediate or advanced astronomers. This telescope has an 8-inch aperture and a high-performance optics system that delivers clear and crisp images.

Pros
- Large aperture for clear views
- High-performance optics system

Cons
- Expensive
- Cumbersome

14. Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
The Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope is a lightweight telescope that offers excellent performance. It features a 4.7-inch aperture and an apochromatic design that offers excellent color correction.

Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Excellent color correction
- High-quality optics

Cons
- Expensive
- Limited aperture

When it comes to finding the perfect telescope for planetary viewing, there are plenty of great options out there. Each one that we have listed here comes with their own unique features and pros and cons. Hopefully, this article will help you to find the right one for your needs, whether you are a beginner or an experienced astrophotographer. Regardless of which one you choose, one thing is for sure: you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the night sky!