What’s a Good Telescope for Viewing Planets
Planetary observing is one of the most rewarding parts of amateur astronomy.
Few sights compare to seeing Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, or the craters of the Moon through your own telescope.
But to get the best views, you’ll need the right instrument. The question many beginners ask is: what’s a good telescope for viewing planets? The answer depends on a few key factors like aperture, optics, and portability.
In this article, we’ll explain what makes a telescope ideal for planetary observing and review some of the best models available today.
What Makes a Good Telescope for Viewing Planets?
When choosing a telescope for viewing planets, there are several features to consider. Planetary viewing demands sharpness, contrast, and stability, qualities that not all telescopes deliver equally well.
The aperture size is the most critical factor. Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, and a larger aperture allows more light and finer detail. For planetary observing, you don’t need the massive apertures required for deep-sky viewing, but 80mm to 200mm is ideal. A good balance is around 100–150mm, which provides enough light for detail without becoming too bulky.
Optical design is the next consideration. Refractor telescopes are known for their crisp, high-contrast views of bright objects like planets and the Moon. Apochromatic (APO) refractors, in particular, correct for chromatic aberration and deliver excellent clarity. Reflectors, like Newtonians or Cassegrains, offer larger apertures at lower prices, making them great for capturing fine planetary details. Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, for example, combine compact design with excellent optical performance, making them versatile for both planetary and deep-sky use.
Mount type also matters. Planets move across the sky, and tracking them smoothly makes a big difference. An equatorial or computerized GoTo mount helps keep planets in view, especially at high magnifications. For astrophotography, a motorized equatorial mount is essential.
Lastly, consider portability and ease of use. A telescope that’s too heavy or difficult to set up might stay in the closet instead of under the stars. A good telescope for viewing planets balances performance with convenience, encouraging frequent use.
Good Telescopes for Viewing Planets
When it comes to good telescopes for viewing planets, the market offers a range of choices, from compact refractors to high-tech smart scopes. Here are five excellent options, each with unique strengths.
1. Unistellar ODYSSEY Smart Telescope – Compact, Lightweight, and User-Friendly
The Unistellar ODYSSEY Smart Telescope is designed for beginners who want an intuitive, high-tech approach to astronomy. Unlike traditional scopes, it integrates advanced optics with a digital system that automatically aligns itself and points to planets with the help of a smartphone app. This makes it especially appealing for those intimidated by manual setup and star-hopping.
For planetary viewing, the ODYSSEY excels at showing crisp views of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, while its onboard processing enhances image clarity. The compact, lightweight design makes it extremely portable, so you can take it to dark-sky sites or enjoy quick sessions from your backyard. While it’s not a large-aperture telescope, its ease of use ensures you’ll spend more time observing than adjusting equipment. For urban stargazers or casual observers who value convenience, this is one of the best smart solutions available.
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2. Vixen Fluorit FL55SS Refractor Telescope
The Vixen FL55SS is a premium refractor telescope that delivers exceptional optical performance. With fluorite glass elements, it offers stunning clarity and contrast, making it ideal for planetary viewing. Its 55mm aperture may sound small compared to other scopes, but the high-quality optics more than compensate, offering pinpoint stars and crisp planetary detail.
Lightweight and compact, the FL55SS is also a favorite among astrophotographers, especially for wide-field imaging. For planetary observing, it provides razor-sharp views of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and lunar craters, especially under steady skies. Its small size makes it easy to mount and transport, perfect for quick grab-and-go observing sessions. While it’s more expensive than many larger beginner scopes, the optical quality is unmatched, making it a great choice for those who prioritize image sharpness over sheer light-gathering power.
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3. NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron’s NexStar 8SE is a classic choice for planetary enthusiasts. With an 8-inch (203mm) aperture and Schmidt-Cassegrain design, it provides bright, detailed views of all the planets in the solar system. Saturn’s Cassini Division, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and Mars’ surface markings are all within reach of this telescope.
The computerized GoTo mount is one of its best features. With a simple setup process, the scope can automatically align itself and track planets throughout the night, keeping them centered even at high magnifications. This makes it beginner-friendly while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users. Portability is decent for its size, the optical tube and mount break down into manageable pieces. While it’s not the cheapest telescope, its combination of aperture, performance, and technology makes it one of the best all-around good telescopes for viewing planets.
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4. Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific ED80 is an 80mm APO triplet refractor that’s especially beloved by astrophotographers but also excels at planetary observing. Its apochromatic optics virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, producing sharp, high-contrast views of planets and the Moon. Even though its aperture is modest, the precision of its optics ensures detailed planetary images that rival larger but less refined telescopes.
The ED80’s air-spaced triplet lens design and solid build quality make it a reliable choice for serious amateurs. It’s relatively compact and portable, making it a great option for those who want a scope they can travel with. For planetary enthusiasts, it pairs well with high-quality eyepieces for crisp magnification. While not as powerful as an 8-inch reflector, its color correction and sharpness make it ideal for those who prioritize image quality over aperture size. It’s a perfect blend of portability, optical precision, and versatility.
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5. Explore FirstLight 80mm CF Telescope Go-To Tracker Combo with Solar Filter
The Explore FirstLight 80mm CF Go-To telescope offers a versatile solution for beginners who want both solar and planetary observing in one package. Its 80mm carbon fiber refractor design is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to set up and transport. The included GoTo tracker automatically finds and follows planets, which is especially helpful when viewing at higher magnifications.
One of the standout features of this package is the solar filter, allowing safe views of the Sun in addition to planets. This adds extra value for those who want to expand their observing beyond nighttime astronomy. For planets, the 80mm aperture provides good clarity on Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, while also showing impressive detail on the Moon. As a starter kit, it’s an excellent all-around choice, offering technology, portability, and versatility in a single package.
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Conclusion
So, what’s a good telescope for viewing planets? The answer depends on your goals. If you want simplicity and smart features, the Unistellar ODYSSEY is perfect. For premium optics, the Vixen FL55SS and Explore ED80 deliver unbeatable sharpness. The NexStar 8SE offers a powerful, all-around solution with advanced GoTo tracking, while the Explore FirstLight 80mm CF provides great versatility for both planets and the Sun.
Ultimately, the best telescope is one that balances performance with usability, because the most important step in astronomy is getting outside and looking up.