Best telescope for viewing planets

Looking for a telescope that will give you amazing views of the planets? We've put together a list of some of the best on the market. Generally speaking, telescopes for seeing planets requires a telescope with a long focal length, best telescope for viewing planets, so you can fit your target in a smaller field of view and get a detailed close-up. A longer focal length in a telescope usually means a higher focal ratio, which can be worked out by dividing the focal length by the aperture in mm.

One of the first things a new astronomer usually wants to look at through their new telescope is one of the planets. Each planet offers something unique and different to observe: the cloud bands on Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, or the surface detail on Mars are just a few of the more popular planetary features to enjoy with your telescope. Both aperture and focal length play a role in your planetary observing. Larger aperture increases the maximum resolution of your telescope, while increased focal length increases the magnification of your telescope with a given eyepiece. There are practical limitations to both of these figures. The general rule of thumb is 50x of useful magnification per inch of aperture or 2x per millimeter.

Best telescope for viewing planets

Best overall 3. Best for planetary imaging 4. Best for portability 5. Best for beginners 6. Best combination package 7. Best for precision 8. Best for functionality 9. Best budget option Best telescopes for seeing planets FAQ How we test. The best telescopes for seeing planets can give you incredible views of celestial bodies and open your eyes to parts of the solar system you might never have seen before.

It offers a good aperture, a focal length of mm and plenty of features. Read our full eVscope eQuinox review.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy a product through the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Are you ready to explore the distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that speckle the cosmos, all from the comfort of your home? Look no further. When making the leap into deep-space observing, choosing the right telescope is key. Here are a few of the most important factors to consider:. Related: The best telescopes for beginners The best splurge-worthy telescopes.

You are in the right place. The best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies comes with at least a mm aperture astronomical sweet spot and a 1,mm focal length preferably higher if your aperture is higher too. The telescope has an aperture of mm and a focal length of mm, providing a more wide-angle field of view. For instance, the bearings for the base are made from cheaper materials, which can sometimes make adjustments harder than usual. It comes with a 2-inch Crayford focuser, a 25mm eyepiece, an EZ Finder reflex sight, a collimation cap, and access to astronomy software, Starry Night. The NexStar Evolution 8 is the perfect choice for advanced users with a larger budget. The telescope has a mm 8 inch aperture, which offers an incredible and crystal-clear observation experience of planets and deep-sky objects. The mount is computerized, so tracking and locating objects is exceptionally straightforward.

Best telescope for viewing planets

Best overall 3. Best for planetary imaging 4. Best for portability 5. Best for beginners 6. Best combination package 7. Best for precision 8. Best for functionality 9.

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Additionally, the telescope offers a wide field of view, making it convenient for viewing star clusters and nebulas without the need for frequent repositioning when switching between different targets. The features we looked at included:. We turned the Starbase 80 to the Moon and found it crisp in both the 14mm and 6mm supplied eyepieces. Each planet offers something unique and different to observe: the cloud bands on Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, or the surface detail on Mars are just a few of the more popular planetary features to enjoy with your telescope. Simply put them on a table or sturdy surface and they're ready to go. But understanding the key factors above will guide you to a telescope that not only fits your observational needs, but also enhances your stargazing journey. Expect a poor score, in that case. A telescope can help you explore and study space and its many objects. Being an equatorial mount where the polar axis is parallel to the Earth's rotation , it might take some getting used to, but soon you'll find that it makes tracking planets easy and manageable with just one hand. Best for veteran astronomers Great for experienced, long-time astronomers, this scope is excellent for astrophotography thanks to the Edge HD technology. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! Discover Cloud Break Optics Resources. With proper care, this telescope has the potential to last for decades. Getting this right is essential to pick up the fainter light coming from these further-off objects. Tabletop telescopes are an obvious choice for a list of beginners' scopes, and with the Lightbridge Mini you can be viewing in minutes.

Best for beginners 3. Best budget telescope 4.

However, it doesn't capture enough light to enable you to see objects deep in space. Our favorite pick for astrophotographers, this telescope is a great all-rounder, suitable for capturing everything from nebulas to galaxies. It's an excellent choice in terms of value for money and would be perfect for any astronomy enthusiast. Read our full review of the Explore Scientific mm. A telescope can help you explore and study space and its many objects. We got some great views of craters and even though it might not have been totally pin-sharp, it's a great starting point. How we test. Curved primary mirrors then reflect this light onto a secondary mirror, which then reaches your eyes. Find out more about how we test and review products. This is a top tabletop telescope and if you're a beginner or looking to inspire a young astronomer, this is an ideal starting point. The CPC mount is dependable and robust, offering precise tracking for extended imaging sessions. Experienced astronomers will love the motorized mount and the option to add accessories. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more!