10 bestTelescopes For Viewing Planetsof July 2026
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope - Book-sized Portable Astrophotography Camera, Capture Astronomy/Wildlife/Panorama, AZ/EQ Mode, Built-in Processing, 4K Auto-Tracking, Ultra-Light 3lb, Ideal for All Ages
DWARFLAB
9.8
8% off
2
Celestron 22462 StarSense Explorer DX 5” Smartphone App-Enabled Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – iOS/Android Compatible
Celestron
9.6
3
Celestron 22451 StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – iOS/Android Compatible
Celestron
9.3
11% off
4
Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ Motor Drive Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Dark Blue
Celestron
9.0
5
Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Dark Blue
Celestron
8.7
Other
Telescope, Telescopes for Adults Astronomy Professional, 90mm Aperture 1000mm High Powered Telescope for Beginners & Kids with Precision Adjustment Vertisteel AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter
Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope Black
SOLOMARK Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Carrying Bag
Celestron 21035-ADS Travel Scope 70 Refractor Telescope Kit with Backpack, Black (Amazon Exclusive Including Additional 4mm Eyepiece and 3x Barlow Lens)
19% off
6
Celestron 22450 StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – iOS/Android Compatible
Celestron
8.4
7
Celestron 22035 Travel Scope DX 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope with Fully-Coated Glass Optics, Backpack, Astronomy Software Package, and Digiscoping Smartphone Adapter
Celestron
8.1
16% off
8
Celestron 31035 AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope - includes Two Eyepieces, Height-adjustable Tripod and Deluxe Accessory Tray, Dark Blue
Celestron
7.9
9
Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners
EACONN
7.6
10
Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope with Built-In Smartphone Adapter, Blue
Celestron
7.3
A Guide to Selecting the Best Telescopes For Viewing Planets
Choosing the right telescope for viewing planets can be an exciting journey into the world of astronomy. The key is to understand the specifications that matter most for planetary observation and how they align with your viewing needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced stargazer, knowing what to look for in a telescope will help you make an informed decision and enhance your stargazing experience.
Aperture
Aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component, which can be a lens or a mirror. It is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, directly affecting the clarity and detail of the images you see. For planetary viewing, a larger aperture is generally better as it allows you to see more detail on planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Apertures are typically measured in inches or millimeters. For beginners, a telescope with an aperture of at least 70mm (2.8 inches) is a good start, while more serious observers might look for 100mm (4 inches) or more. Consider your viewing environment and portability needs when choosing the aperture size.
Focal Length
The focal length of a telescope is the distance from the lens or mirror to the point where the telescope forms an image. It is important because it affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is beneficial for viewing planets. Focal lengths are measured in millimeters. For planetary observation, a telescope with a focal length of 900mm or more is ideal, as it allows for detailed views of planets. However, if you prefer a wider field of view for other celestial objects, a shorter focal length might be more suitable.
Magnification
Magnification is how much larger a telescope can make objects appear. It is determined by the combination of the telescope's focal length and the eyepiece used. While high magnification is tempting, it's important to remember that too much magnification can lead to blurry images if the telescope's aperture isn't large enough to support it. For planetary viewing, a magnification of 100x to 200x is often sufficient to see details like the rings of Saturn or the bands of Jupiter. Choose a telescope that allows you to switch eyepieces easily to adjust magnification based on your needs.
Mount Type
The mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. It is important because a stable mount ensures clear and steady views. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simpler and easier to use, making them great for beginners. Equatorial mounts are more complex but allow for easier tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky, which is beneficial for planetary observation. Consider how comfortable you are with setting up and using the mount when making your choice.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This is important if you plan to take your telescope to different locations for better viewing conditions. Smaller telescopes are generally more portable and easier to set up, but they may have smaller apertures. If you have a permanent setup at home, a larger, less portable telescope might be suitable. Consider your lifestyle and how often you plan to move your telescope when deciding on the right balance between size and portability.
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