Before you start looking at the stars, you should know that you need a high-quality telescope to view deep-sky objects. While these objects are generally visible to the naked eye, you will need to invest in a telescope with a high aperture if you plan on viewing planets outside of our solar system.
To determine what aperture size is necessary for viewing such objects, you should know the different types of telescopes available.
To help you with that, we have prepared a list for you to pick from the best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies. If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope.
Best Telescope For Viewing Planets and Galaxies Reviews
Celestron Omni XLT 102mm
- New Omni manual slow-motion altazimuth mount uses worm gears for smooth, easy tracking of celestial or...
- Quality optical components are fully coated using Celestron’s proprietary XLT coatings-the same ones...
- Refractor offers a large 102 mm aperture and wide fields of view for both astronomical and terrestrial...
- The mount’s single arm can be repositioned to point near the zenith for astronomical use or downward...
- Premium StarPointer Pro finderscope projects a dual-circle reticle instead of a simple red dot
If you are interested in learning about the universe, the Celestron Omni XLT 102 is a good choice. It offers solid optics and is more stable than a reflector system. Its 102mm aperture and 1000mm focal length provides excellent viewing stability. The telescope is very affordable, and the Omni XLT 102 is easy to transport.
If you’re a beginning astronomer, Celestron’s Omni XLT AZ 102 is a great first telescope. The telescope is easy to use and offers features such as a manual altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls. The mount features worm gears and slip clutches for smooth and quiet movement.
It has the same coatings as observatory-grade telescopes, resulting in an excellent field of view. In addition to a 102mm aperture, the telescope has a sturdy full-height steel tripod and Starry Night software. The software also provides access to more than 36,000 celestial objects and printable sky maps.
In addition to viewing planets and stars, this Celestron Omni XLT 102-mm telescope is also excellent for viewing comets. The 102mm aperture makes it easy to view individual stars in globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and open clusters.
Its modest focal length allows it to resolve most Messier catalog objects and many NGC objects. This telescope even has a feature that allows you to print eyepiece finder charts for easy reference.
The Omni XLT 102mm telescope is perfect for the beginning astronomer. It features a 6-inch objective lens and a 660mm focal length. The optical surfaces are coated with Celestron XLT. This telescope is designed for right-side-up viewing. It also comes with a 25mm Plossl eyepiece that gives a wide field of view and 26x magnification.
Sky-Watcher Skymax 127
- EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS: The Skymax series of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tubes features matched primary...
- 94% REFLECTIVITY MIRROR COATINGS: Using a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a...
- VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL: An industry standard, the Vixen-style dovetail is the most commonly used dovetail...
- FULLY BAFFLED TUBE: Utilizing a fully-baffled tube, Sky-Watcher Maksutovs prevent stray light from...
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The 127mm Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain comes equipped with everything you need to get...
A 7-inch semi-APO refractor, the Sky-Watcher 127 telescope is a step up from the introductory 3″ APO. Its low chromatic aberration, f/12 focal ratio, and narrow field of view combine to provide excellent optical performance. Its surprisingly low price tag, coupled with a long-life warranty, make it an excellent choice for amateur astronomers.
The OTA of the Sky-Watcher 127 telescope is a sturdy piece of equipment and can be used on a photo tripod. While it is bulky and heavy, the Skymax 127 telescope can also be used with an Amici prism to get a normal view. The Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 telescope is compatible with popular planetarium software.
The Skymax 127’s primary mirror is a Vixen-pattern dovetail. It goes straight on a Sky-Watcher mount and is equipped with four 1/4-inch threads at 10-mm intervals. Large photo tripods can be used with this telescope, as it attaches directly to a TeleVue Gibraltar 5 AltAz mount.
The Skymax 127 has a short tube and a high-quality lens. The OTA of this telescope measures 32cm (12.5″) without a visual back, and the lens is made of high-grade glass.
It also features a sturdy, durable construction and a Vixen dovetail fixture, which is compatible with a variety of mounts. This telescope is not ideal for viewing objects outside of the solar system, though its short focal length does make it easy to handle and mount.
The 127mm Sky-Watcher is capable of showing dozens of globular clusters, emission nebulas, and galaxy clusters. It can also show many brighter NGC objects. In addition to its ability to show planets and galaxies, the 127mm Sky-Watcher is also a great spotting scope for terrestrial observations.
This telescope features Maksutov-Cassegrain optics and an f/11.8 focal ratio. It is also equipped with an anti-reflective coating on the Maksutov corrector lens.
AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
- Model Number: 31045
- Objective Lens: 130 Millimeters
- Weight: 24 Pounds
The Celestron Astromaster 130EQ telescope has an erecting Kellner eyepiece that is identical to the one used on Celestron PowerSeeker scopes. Although this scope is advertised as being capable of planetary and terrestrial viewing, the eyepiece’s internal reflections and blurry image may put some people off.
The telescope’s build is almost entirely plastic, making it difficult to find the perfect balance.
While planets and galaxies are visible to the naked eye, most objects in the deep sky require a telescope to be viewed. The aperture of a telescope determines the brightness of objects in its field of view.
Since planets outside of our solar system are faint, larger telescopes will be required to view them. Nonetheless, the Astromaster 130EQ is an excellent choice for amateur astronomers looking for a telescope that will give them an incredible view of the world.
This AstroMaster 130EQ telescope is a great choice for beginners who want to observe bright planets and galaxies. Its four-foot diameter and Dobsonian mount allow for better imaging of deep space objects.
It comes with everything an amateur astronomer needs to make good astrophotography images of the night sky. Although it does not have long-exposure capabilities, the AstroMaster 130EQ is a great telescope for learning the basics of astrophotography. Its crystal-clear views, easy-to-use controls, and sturdy build make it an excellent choice for beginners.
The AstroMaster 130EQ telescope has the largest aperture of any telescope on the market for under $200. It produces excellent images of planets, the Moon, and anything else that’s beyond our solar system.
It’s even capable of producing clear images of Jupiter and Saturn. With its 130-inch aperture, the AstroMaster 130EQ telescope is a superb choice for viewing planets and galaxies.
If you’re interested in seeing even more heavenly bodies than just planets, the AstroMaster 130EQ is an excellent choice. With its large aperture, it allows you to see fainter details than with other telescopes.
However, if you live in a city or live in an area with artificial lights, a larger aperture is the right choice for you. The 130mm EQ-MD is also a good choice for those who want to see as much as possible without spending too much money.
Orion SkyQuest
- Perhaps the best beginner Dobsonian reflector telescope you can buy - big 6" aperture at an amazing price
- A beginner may use a 60mm telescope for a few months or years before deciding they need to upgrade to a...
- Simple navigation and no need to polar align makes this Dobsonian reflector telescope extremely ease to...
- The 6" diameter f/8 parabolic mirror is fantastic for Moon and planetary views, and also has enough light...
- The stable Dobsonian base provides a vibration free image even when viewing at a high powers, and...
If you’re a new astronomer or you’re a beginner in the hobby, consider buying an Orion SkyQuest telescope for viewing planet and galaxy images. This telescope has a maximum magnification of 500x and an 8-inch aperture.
This aperture complements other optical elements of the telescope, so it works well for both short and long-range viewing. It also comes with a simple red dot finderscope, as well as more documentation and accessories. The XT10’s IQ8 and XT10 plus add even more accessories. While the latter may require an upgrade in eyepieces, both will give good visuals.
This telescope features a large, 8-inch light-gathering mirror held within a durable steel tube. The mirror is large enough to pull 260% more starlight than the 60mm lens of many other telescopes, making it a great choice for stargazing or studying the moon.
A tripod is included and an adjustable tripod is available for easy transport. The Orion SkyQuest telescope is well worth the investment.
The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope is capable of viewing the Orion nebula and other deep-space objects. This telescope is easy to use and comes with a host of accessories. At this price point, it’s one of the best telescope values on the market.
With an aperture of eight inches, it’s perfect for viewing stars, planets, and even bright galaxies.
This telescope is a great mid-range to the top-end entry-level telescope. The inbox accessories are competent, but the included dob mount feels overkill. Overall, the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Plus is a great mid-range/entry-level telescope. However, it’s important to invest in good eyepieces and learn how to use them.
Unistellar eVScope eQuinox
- Unistellar eQuinox Digital Telescope: With the eVscope eQuinox, you can enjoy the beauty of deep space,...
- Enhanced Vision: 100x more powerful than a regular telescope. Technology that allows a live observation...
- Autonomous Field Detection: Our system instantly recognizes the objects in its field of view by comparing...
- Citizen Science: The Unistellar Network is the first global community of citizen astronomers, 5 000...
- A Dedicated App: With the push of a button and tap of the app, your eQuinox recommends the most...
The eQuinox telescope from Unistellar is a high-quality, inexpensive telescope for observing planets and galaxies. Unlike other telescopes, it does not have an eyepiece that protrudes from the tube.
It is made from a solid tube with a tracking mount. It also includes an onboard computer and a three-axis accelerometer, which means it automatically aligns itself once it recognizes stars.
Unistellar calls this system Autonomous Field Detection. When the camera detects stars, it matches the picture with an internal database of 20 million navigational stars and finds the precise location of the object.
Another advantage of the eQuinox telescope is its ease of use. You don’t need to be a professional astronomer to use it; the eQuinox uses your smartphone to operate. The camera, which records images, can be processed in about an hour. The telescope can also deal with light pollution exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for group events.
The eVscope eQuinox telescope is a perfect choice for those who are new to astronomy. Its simplicity allows beginners to learn the basics of astronomy and contribute to citizen science. The eQuinox telescope is lightweight and portable, allowing the user to set it up in seconds. The eVscope eQuinox allows you to view deep space objects.
The eQuinox telescope features a motorized base that automatically aims the scope at a particular object in the sky. The telescope’s magnification is fixed at 30 arc minutes. The device also has a battery that lasts about two hours longer. It has a display with a map of the sky.
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
- Control your telescope wirelessly from your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet with the free Celestron...
- Compact, portable Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with StarBright XLT optical coatings and Fastar...
- Computerized GoTo mount with high-performance worm gears and motors for improved tracking accuracy, along...
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing
- Improved industrial design with manual clutches and integrated carry handles, plus the added convenience...
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 is a high-definition telescope that features an array of high-tech features. You can easily control the scope’s motorized mount using your smartphone or tablet, thanks to the telescope’s built-in WiFi.
You can also use a free app by Celestron to guide your viewing. The NexStar Evolution 9.25 telescope also has an integrated Wi-Fi adapter, and its computerized mount allows you to view it through your mobile device.
This affordable Astro-imaging telescope is the only fork-mounted model in this price range, and it boasts an impressive feature set. In particular, its worm gears and improved motors help improve tracking accuracy.
It also works well with a DSLR camera and the Celestron Pro HD Wedge, which make a great combination for taking photos of stars and planets. Finally, the 9.25″ aperture helps provide stunning views of planets and galaxies.
The 9.25″ Celestron NexStar Evolution computerized telescope offers a full package of accessories, including a 13-piece eyepiece and filter kit, a dew shield, and an LED display.
The telescope’s revolutionary Evolution electronics, along with a built-in battery, help you observe for hours without a power source. The telescope also includes a USB charging port so you can charge it on the go.
The Evolution 9 telescope also features Fastar technology, which lets you position a camera in front of the optical tube. It’s perfect for astrophotography and is available in both a 9-inch and a 12″ model. This telescope shares all of the good features of the Evolution 6 and Evolution 8 models, but is more powerful and offers a larger aperture.
The NexStar Evolution 9.25 telescope is easy to use and comes with a metal tripod. Its 1.5” (38mm) tubes provide a solid support for the telescope, weighing only 9 lbs. (4.5kg).
The telescope also includes an eyepiece tray for easy storage and transportation. However, if you plan on using your telescope for long-term observation, you might want to choose a tripod with a rubberized base.
Orion Skyline 6″
- The SkyLine 6" Dobsonian will reveal countless celestial objects in dazzling detail, while providing an...
- Perfect for beginning and intermediate observers who want more than the typical starter scope
- Premium CNC-machined 1.25" Crayford focuser is just one stand-out feature
- Also included: 25mm and 9mm Plossl eyepieces that deliver 48x and 133x power, respectively
The Orion Skyline 6″ telescope is a good choice for people who want to view the planets and galaxies. The lens is an apochromatic refractor, with an 11:1 dual-speed Crawford focuser.
It also includes an eyepiece adaptor, so it is easy to use 1.25” eyepieces with this telescope. The skyline telescope is also well-suited for astrophotography and comes with a collimation cap.
This telescope package includes an apochromatic lens, a 1.25″ rack and pinion focuser, and an optical tube. It also comes with a barrel eyepiece, which is the industry standard.
The telescope manual includes recommended eyepieces and tips for picking an observing site. There are also basic star charts and lists of good targets. The manual is comprehensive and easy to use.
Orion’s Skyline 6″ telescope offers a large aperture, allowing you to view faint stars and celestial objects with great detail. The 11-inch aperture is complemented by premium coatings, which increase the clarity of the image.
You will also notice better detail even in bright objects, thanks to the large aperture. In addition, the Schmidt-Cassegrain design provides a focal length of 2800 mm, which is approximately 110 inches.
Orion’s NexStar telescopes feature GPS alignment and computer tracking to help eliminate user input errors. These telescopes can also handle astrophotography. Besides being a versatile choice, the Orion Skyline 6″ telescope is also compact enough to carry with you while on vacation.
So, if you’re a beginner, you should buy one of these telescopes. They’re the perfect tool to get started in the field of stargazing.
If you want to view more than just planets and galaxies, then opt for an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope. Aside from providing views of planets and open star clusters, this telescope can also provide close-ups of bright comets.
These telescopes are also great for taking photos of constellations and night sky landscapes. The quality of images taken by these telescopes is also excellent.
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