Best Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies

If you’re interested in astronomy and stargazing, then investing in a telescope is a great way to take your hobby to the next level. However, with so many telescopes on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for your needs. In this article, we’ll focus on the best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies and explore the features and pros and cons of the top five recommended telescopes.

Features to Consider when Choosing a Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies

Before we dive into the top recommended telescopes, let’s discuss the essential features that make a telescope ideal for viewing planets and galaxies.

Aperture

The aperture of a telescope refers to the diameter of the main lens or mirror. A larger aperture allows more light to enter the telescope, which means the image will be brighter and sharper. When viewing planets and galaxies, a large aperture is crucial because it allows you to see more details and finer features.

Focal Length

The focal length of a telescope is the distance between the primary lens or mirror and the point where the light converges to form an image. The longer the focal length, the more magnification you’ll get. However, higher magnification doesn’t necessarily mean a better view, and it can often lead to a dimmer image.

Mount Type

The mount of a telescope is crucial for stability and ease of use. There are two main types of mounts: the Altazimuth and the Equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are more straightforward to use, but they are less stable and not suitable for long exposure astrophotography. Equatorial mounts are more complex to use but offer more precise tracking, making them better for astrophotography.

Now that we’ve discussed the essential features of a telescope let’s dive into the top five recommended telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies.

1. Celestron NexStar 6SE

The Celestron NexStar 6SE is a top-performing telescope for planetary and galaxy viewing. It has a 6-inch aperture and a focal length of 1500mm, which provides a magnification of up to 354x. This telescope comes with Celestron’s iconic NexStar computerized mount, which makes it easy to find and track celestial objects. With its impressive optics and ease of use, the Celestron NexStar 6SE is undoubtedly one of the best telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies.

Pros:

• Computerized mount with a database of 40,000 celestial objects
• Excellent optics
• Compact and easy to transport

Cons:

• The mount may be too complex for beginners
• The mount’s battery life is relatively short

2. Orion SkyQuest XT10

The Orion SkyQuest XT10 is a powerful telescope with a 10-inch aperture and a focal length of 1200mm, providing a magnification of up to 300x. This telescope comes with a GoTo computerized mount, which makes it easy to find and track celestial objects. It also has a unique feature called “closed-loop tracking,” which uses sensors to make precise adjustments to the telescope’s position. With its impressive optics and advanced features, the Orion SkyQuest XT10 is a top-performing telescope for viewing planets and galaxies.

Pros:

• Large aperture for bright and sharp images
• Advanced GoTo computerized mount
• Unique closed-loop tracking feature

Cons:

• The telescope is heavy and not easy to transport
• The setup process may be time-consuming and complex for beginners

3. Meade LX90-ACF

The Meade LX90-ACF is a powerful telescope with an 8-inch aperture and a focal length of 2000mm, providing a magnification of up to 400x. This telescope comes with Meade’s iconic Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, which provide a wider and flatter field of view, making it perfect for astrophotography. The LX90-ACF also has Meade’s AutoStar II computerized mount, which has a database of over 145,000 celestial objects. With its impressive optics and advanced features, the Meade LX90-ACF is undoubtedly one of the best telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies.

Pros:

• Advanced Coma-Free optics for astrophotography
• AutoStar II computerized mount with a vast database of celestial objects
• High magnification for detailed views of planets and galaxies

Cons:

• The setup process may be time-consuming and complex for beginners
• The telescope is relatively heavy and not easy to transport

4. Sky-Watcher ProED 120 APO

The Sky-Watcher ProED 120 APO is a premium telescope designed for serious astrophotography. It has a 120mm aperture and a focal length of 900mm, providing a magnification of up to 200x. This telescope comes with Sky-Watcher’s signature Apochromatic (APO) optics, which provide crisp and clear images with minimal chromatic aberration. The ProED 120 APO also has a dual-speed Crayford focuser and a heavy-duty mount, making it ideal for long-exposure astrophotography.

Pros:

• Apochromatic optics for clear and crisp images
• Dual-speed Crayford focuser for precise focusing
• Heavy-duty mount for stable and precise tracking

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other telescopes on this list
• Lower magnification compared to other telescopes on this list

5. Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 HD

The Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 HD is a high-end telescope designed for advanced stargazers and astrophotographers. It has an 11-inch aperture and a focal length of 2800mm, providing a magnification of up to 661x. This telescope comes with Celestron’s iconic EdgeHD optics, which provide a flat and distortion-free field of view, making it perfect for astrophotography. The CPC Deluxe 1100 HD also has a dual-fork computerized mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, making it easy to find and track your desired objects.

Pros:

• Large aperture for bright and sharp images
• EdgeHD optics for astrophotography
• Dual-fork computerized mount with a vast database of celestial objects

Cons:

• The telescope is relatively expensive compared to other telescopes on this list
• The setup process may be time-consuming and complex for beginners

Summary

In conclusion, the best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies should have a large aperture, a suitable focal length, and a stable and easy-to-use mount. The Celestron NexStar 6SE, Orion SkyQuest XT10g, Meade LX90-ACF, Sky-Watcher ProED 120 APO, and Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 HD are all excellent telescopes that meet these criteria. If these are out of your budget, check out the top telescopes under $500. Ultimately, the best telescope for you will depend on your budget, level of experience, and specific needs. However, by considering the essential features and pros and cons of these telescopes, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best telescope for viewing planets and galaxies that meets your needs.