If you’re looking to observe planets in the night sky, then you’ll need a telescope that is specifically designed for this purpose. There are many different types of telescopes available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best telescopes for viewing planets and discuss their features and benefits.
Table of Contents
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
First up is the Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope. This telescope is an excellent choice for those who want to observe planets in detail. It has an 8-inch aperture, which allows it to capture more light than smaller telescopes and provides a clear view of distant objects.
The NexStar 8SE also comes with a computerized GoTo mount that makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects with just a few button presses. Additionally, this telescope comes with several accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and a star diagonal that make it even easier to observe planets in detail.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope is an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that is designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. It features a large aperture of 203mm (8 inches) and a focal length of 2032mm, giving it a focal ratio of f/10.
This telescope has a StarBright XLT coating on its optics, which helps to reduce light loss and improve image brightness. The NexStar 8SE also has a computerized GoTo mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. This allows the user to easily locate and track objects in the night sky with the push of a button.
The telescope also comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 9mm) as well as an accessory tray for additional accessories such as filters or cameras. The NexStar 8SE is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the night sky in detail.
- Nexstar computerized telescope: The NexStar 8SE Computerized...
- 8-Inch aperture: The 8-inch primary mirror in this...
- Fully-automated go to mount: Featuring a database of more...
- Easy to assemble and break down: The single fork arm design...
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with...
Pros:
1. The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope is a powerful and versatile telescope that offers a wide range of features. It has an 8-inch aperture, which allows it to capture more light than smaller telescopes, resulting in brighter and sharper images.
2. The telescope is equipped with a computerized GoTo mount, which makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects with the push of a button. This feature also allows for automatic tracking of objects as they move across the night sky.
3. The telescope comes with a variety of accessories, including eyepieces, filters, and other accessories that can be used to enhance your viewing experience.
4. The telescope is relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport from one location to another.
Cons:
1. The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope is relatively expensive compared to other telescopes in its class.
2. It requires some assembly before use, which can be time-consuming for some users.
3. The computerized GoTo mount requires periodic calibration in order to maintain accuracy when locating objects in the night sky.
Meade LX90-ACF Telescope
Next is the Meade LX90-ACF Telescope. This telescope has an 8-inch aperture and comes with an advanced computerized GoTo mount that makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects with just a few button presses.
Additionally, this telescope comes with several accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and a star diagonal that make it even easier to observe planets in detail. The LX90-ACF also has an AutoStar Suite software package that allows you to control your telescope from your computer or smartphone.
The Meade LX90-ACF Telescope is a powerful and versatile telescope designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. It features an 8-inch aperture, Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optics, and a wide range of accessories. The telescope has a focal length of 2000mm, giving it a focal ratio of f/10. This allows for high-resolution images with excellent contrast and sharpness.
The LX90-ACF also features an 8×50 finderscope, allowing you to easily locate objects in the night sky. The telescope is equipped with an AutoStar II computerized GoTo system, which allows you to quickly locate over 30,000 celestial objects with the push of a button.
The system also includes an audio tour guide that provides information about each object as you observe it. The LX90-ACF also includes a dual-axis motor drive system that tracks objects as they move across the night sky. This allows for long exposure astrophotography without having to manually adjust the telescope’s position.
The LX90-ACF comes with several accessories including a 1.25″ diagonal mirror, two eyepieces (26mm and 9mm), and a 2x Barlow lens for increased magnification power. It also includes an adjustable aluminum tripod with slow motion controls for precise tracking of celestial objects. The telescope is compatible with many other Meade accessories such as cameras, filters, and more.
Pros:
1. The Meade LX90-ACF Telescope is an advanced, computerized telescope that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It has a large 8-inch aperture, which allows for excellent light gathering power and image resolution.
2. The telescope has a built-in Autostar II computer system that allows for easy alignment and tracking of celestial objects. This makes it easier to locate and observe objects in the night sky.
3. The telescope also comes with a variety of accessories, such as eyepieces, filters, and other accessories that can be used to enhance the viewing experience.
4. The telescope is relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport from one location to another.
Cons:
1. The Meade LX90-ACF Telescope is an expensive piece of equipment, so it may not be within everyone’s budget.
2. It requires some technical knowledge in order to use the telescope properly and get the most out of it.
3. The Autostar II computer system can be difficult to use at times due to its complexity and lack of user-friendly features.
4. The telescope does not come with a mount or tripod, so these must be purchased separately if desired
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Finally, there’s the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope. This telescope has an 8-inch aperture and comes with a simple manual altazimuth mount that makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects without any complicated setup or alignment procedures.
Additionally, this telescope comes with several accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and a star diagonal that make it even easier to observe planets in detail. The XT8 Classic Dobsonian also has an adjustable height tripod so you can adjust its height depending on your viewing position or comfort level.
The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is an 8-inch aperture reflector telescope that offers a large aperture, quality optics, and a stable mount at an affordable price. The telescope features a parabolic primary mirror made of high-quality Pyrex glass for clear, crisp views of the night sky.
The telescope’s Dobsonian-style mount is designed to be simple and easy to use, allowing for quick and easy setup and operation. The mount also features tension control handles that allow you to make fine adjustments to the telescope’s position.
The XT8 Classic also includes two 1.25″ Sirius Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) for low and high magnification views of the night sky. Additionally, the XT8 Classic includes a 6×30 finder scope for locating objects in the night sky, as well as a collimation cap to help keep your optics in alignment.
With its large aperture, quality optics, and stable mount, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is an excellent choice for amateur astronomers looking to explore the night sky.
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Pros:
1. The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is an excellent value for the money. It offers a large 8-inch aperture, which allows for great views of deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae.
2. The telescope is easy to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners who are just getting started in astronomy.
3. The telescope comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, which provides a wide field of view and good image quality.
4. The telescope has a sturdy construction and is designed to last for many years of use.
Cons:
1. The telescope does not come with any additional accessories such as filters or finderscopes, so these must be purchased separately if desired.
2. The telescope is quite large and heavy, making it difficult to transport or store in small spaces.
3. The telescope does not have any motorized features, so it must be manually moved to track objects in the night sky.
Celestron Advanced VX 6 Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 6 is a high-quality telescope that is perfect for both amateur and experienced astronomers. With its 6-inch aperture, computerized GoTo system, and stable German equatorial mount, it offers a great balance of features for anyone looking for a versatile telescope that can be used for a variety of different observing tasks.
One of the most important factors when it comes to a telescope is its aperture size, and the Celestron Advanced VX 6 does not disappoint. With a 6-inch aperture, it is able to collect a significant amount of light, providing clear, detailed images of celestial objects. This makes it ideal for viewing planets, deep-sky objects, and even distant galaxies.
The Celestron Advanced VX 6 features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system, which is known for its long focal length and high-quality lenses. This design allows for a compact and portable telescope, while still providing clear images. The telescope also comes with a 25mm eyepiece, which provides a magnification of 50x, and a 9×50 finderscope, which helps you locate and center objects in the main telescope’s field of view.
The Celestron Advanced VX 6 is mounted on a German equatorial mount, which is a type of mount that allows for easy tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky. The mount is also designed to be stable and able to withstand wind and other environmental factors. This makes it perfect for long-exposure astrophotography, as the mount will keep the telescope steady during the exposure.
One of the most convenient features of the Celestron Advanced VX 6 is its computerized GoTo system. This allows you to easily find and track celestial objects with the push of a button, saving you time and effort. You can also program the telescope to automatically find and track objects, making it even more convenient.
The Celestron Advanced VX 6 is also designed to be portable, with a compact and lightweight design. It is easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for those who want to take their telescope to different locations. It also comes with a Star diagonal and a dovetail mounting plate, which makes it easy to attach and detach the telescope from the mount.
- 6” (150mm) f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain includes StarBright XLT...
- 40% more light gathering than a 5” telescope.
- Integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic...
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Pros:
1. High-quality optics: The Celestron Advanced VX 6 telescope is known for its sharp, clear images and excellent color correction, making it a great choice for both visual observation and astrophotography.
2. Stable mount: The Advanced VX mount is designed to provide a stable platform for the telescope, which is important for achieving sharp, clear images.
3. GoTo mount: The Advanced VX mount is a GoTo mount that allows users to easily find and track celestial objects with the use of computerized hand controller.
Cons:
1. Price: The Celestron Advanced VX 6 telescope is relatively expensive, which may make it less accessible for some buyers.
2. Requires assembly: The telescope requires some assembly and setup, which can be time-consuming and may be challenging for beginners.
3. Limited aperture: The 6-inch aperture may not be large enough to provide the level of detail seen in larger telescopes, which can limit the types of objects you can observe.
Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm Telescope
The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm telescope is a high-quality telescope that is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable option for viewing planets, deep-sky objects, and other celestial objects. With its 80mm aperture and advanced optics, this telescope provides clear, detailed images of the night sky.
The most important factor when it comes to a telescope is its aperture size, and the Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm has a aperture of 80mm, which is large enough to collect a significant amount of light and provide clear, detailed images of celestial objects. This makes it ideal for viewing planets, deep-sky objects, and even distant galaxies. It’s also a great option for those who want a high-quality telescope at an affordable price.
The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm telescope features a apochromatic refractor optical system, which is known for its high-quality lenses and the ability to minimize chromatic aberration, providing clear and sharp images. This telescope also comes with a 25mm eyepiece, which provides a magnification of 40x, and a red dot finder, which helps you locate and center objects in the main telescope’s field of view.
The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm is mounted on an alt-azimuth mount, which is a type of mount that allows for easy tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky. This mount is designed to be stable and able to withstand wind and other environmental factors. It also comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod, providing a stable platform for observation.
One of the most convenient features of the Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm is its ability to be used for both visual observation and astrophotography. This telescope offers a wide range of accessories to enhance its capabilities, such as a Barlow lens, a solar filter, and a camera adapter.
The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm is also designed to be portable, with a compact and lightweight design. It is easy to set up and take down, making it ideal for those who want to take their telescope to different locations. It also comes with a carry case, which makes it easy to transport and store the telescope.
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Pros:
1. High-quality optics: The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm telescope is known for its sharp, clear images and excellent color correction, making it a great choice for both visual observation and astrophotography.
2. Portable and easy to use: The telescope is relatively lightweight and easy to set up, making it a great option for both beginners and more experienced users.
3. Affordable: The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm telescope is relatively affordable compared to other telescopes in its class, making it a great value for those on a budget.
Cons:
1. Limited aperture: The 80mm aperture may not be large enough to provide the level of detail seen in larger telescopes, which can limit the types of objects you can observe.
2. Limited magnification: The telescope’s magnification is limited by the aperture size, which can make it difficult to observe smaller or more distant objects.
3. Requires a mount: The telescope does not come with a mount, so you will need to purchase one separately. This can add to the overall cost of the telescope, and may be an inconvenience for some users.
Comparison table of the top 5 best telescopes for viewing planets
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best telescopes for viewing planets then these three models are all excellent choices depending on your budget and needs. Each one offers great features such as computerized GoTo mounts or adjustable height tripods that make them ideal for planet observation purposes. So if you’re looking for the perfect telescope for observing planets then any of these three models should be able to meet your needs!
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