10 Best Telescopes For Viewing Planets

The Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE is a suitable choice for those seeking a telescope for planetary viewing. Its standout feature is the large 8-inch aperture, which allows it to capture significant light, making it excellent for observing detailed planetary features. The telescope’s focal length of 2000mm supports high magnification, crucial for viewing distant celestial bodies like planets in our solar system.

One of the major advantages of the NexStar 8SE is its fully automated GoTo mount with SkyAlign technology, which simplifies finding and tracking celestial objects, a great feature for beginners. The database of over 40,000 objects enhances the exploration experience. However, the mount is an Altazimuth type, which might not be as steady for long exposure astrophotography if users eventually wish to explore beyond planetary observation.

Portability is somewhat of a mixed bag. While the telescope's single fork arm design and steel tripod are easy to assemble and break down, facilitating transport, the overall weight of over 10 kilograms might be cumbersome for some users who prioritize lightweight gear.

For those interested in software support, the inclusion of Starry Night software provides added value, offering interactive sky simulation. The telescope's manual focus could be a downside for those who prefer automatic focusing features. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from users, it is well-received, indicating a generally positive experience among its owners.

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a robust option for amateur astronomers keen on planetary observation, offering strong light-gathering capacity and ease of use, though its weight may limit its portability for some.

The SOLOMARK 80900 telescope is designed with beginners and kids in mind, offering an 80mm aperture and 900mm focal length that produce bright, clear views of the moon and planets. The fully coated optics enhance light transmission, which is important for capturing planetary details. It provides two magnification options at 45X and 90X through its 20mm and 10mm eyepieces—adequate for casual planetary viewing but not very powerful for deep space observation. The fixed focus simplifies usage, especially for newcomers, although it limits fine adjustments that advanced users might prefer.

The mount is a stable aluminum tripod with a super azimuth gimbal and clear scales, making it easier to aim and track objects across the sky. Portability is a strong point, with a compact design and an included carrying bag, making it convenient for travel or outdoor use. Extras like a phone adapter and finder scope add value for beginners who want to capture images or quickly locate targets.

However, the fixed focus and limited higher magnification may leave more experienced users wanting more. Additionally, while the mount is stable for basic tracking, it does not have motorized tracking, which might be a drawback for longer observation sessions. This telescope suits beginners and casual users looking for a straightforward, portable setup for viewing planets and the moon but may not satisfy the needs of more detailed or advanced astronomy.

The SOLOMARK 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is designed for adults who are interested in professional-level astronomy. One of its key strengths is the large 130mm aperture, which allows more light to enter the telescope, resulting in brighter and clearer images of celestial bodies, including planets and deep space objects. The high-quality optics with fully-coated glass further enhance image detail and brightness, making it suitable for detailed planetary observation.

The German equatorial mount provides precise positioning and tracking of celestial bodies, which is crucial for stable and accurate observations, though it requires manual adjustment, which might be a bit challenging for beginners. The included accessories, such as the 1.5X erecting Barlow lens, moon filter, and smartphone adapter, provide added versatility and convenience, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod adds to the stability of the setup, although its size and weight (14.93 kg) may impact portability, making it less convenient to transport. With a focal length of 650mm, this telescope offers good magnification capabilities for viewing planets, although the manual focus may require some practice to master. In summary, the SOLOMARK 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a robust option for adults looking to engage in professional astronomy, offering strong optical performance and stability, but it comes with some challenges in terms of manual adjustment and portability.