Finding the best telescopes for planets means looking beyond impressive magnification claims. Aperture, optical design, mount stability, and ease of tracking all affect how clearly you can see lunar craters, Jupiter’s bands, Saturn’s rings, and Mars.
This roundup compares 10 beginner-focused models, including compact refractors, larger optical tubes, and smartphone-guided telescopes. Use the buying guide below to match each style to your experience level, viewing goals, and available storage or travel space.
Best 10 Telescopes for Planets Picks for 2026
Best Beginner Refractor
- 70mm fully coated refractor
- Simple manual alt-azimuth mount
- Includes two eyepieces and red-dot finder
Best For: Beginners and families viewing the Moon, planets, and daytime subjects
Best Portable Starter Scope
- Compact 70mm refractor
- Includes carry bag and adjustable tripod
- Phone adapter and wireless remote included
Best For: Traveling beginners and casual smartphone-assisted stargazing
Best Smartphone-Guided Reflector
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
- 114mm Newtonian reflector
- StarSense smartphone sky navigation
- Includes two eyepieces and 2x Barlow lens
Best For: Beginners seeking guided planetary and deep-sky observing
Best Large-Aperture Beginner Refractor
- 90mm fully coated refractor
- Three eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Adjustable tripod with phone adapter
Best For: Beginners prioritizing planetary viewing and flexible magnification
Best Guided Pick
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
- 130mm reflector for planetary and deep-sky viewing
- Smartphone app guides you to targets
- Includes two eyepieces and a 2-year warranty
Best For: Beginners who want smartphone-assisted sky navigation
Best Value Refractor
- 90mm aperture with fully coated optics
- Three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens included
- Adjustable aluminum tripod for flexible positioning
Best For: Beginners wanting a complete manual refractor kit
Best Long-Focal-Length Option
- 800mm focal length for lunar and planetary observing
- 32x–240x stated magnification range
- Phone adapter and carry bag included
Best For: Beginners seeking a portable refractor with photo accessories
Versatile Starter Pick
- 80mm aperture with fully multi-coated optics
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter, remote, bag, and finder scope included
Best For: Beginners wanting flexible magnification and smartphone-ready accessories
Travel-Friendly Choice
EACONN 80mm Refractor with Backpack
- 80mm aperture with coated optics
- 30x–66x viewing range from two eyepieces
- Backpack, phone adapter, tripod, and finder included
Best For: Families and beginners seeking a portable observing kit
Moon-Filter Bundle
80mm AZ Refractor with Backpack
- 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length
- 30x and 66x eyepieces with moon filter
- Backpack, phone adapter, and adjustable tripod
Best For: Families wanting portable lunar and introductory planetary viewing
Best Beginner Refractor – Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a straightforward choice among telescopes for planets, especially for beginners who want clear lunar and planetary views without complicated setup. Its 70mm fully coated refractor includes simple manual controls and supports daytime viewing, too.
Best For: Beginners, families, and adults or children who want an easy-to-use telescope for the Moon, planets, and occasional terrestrial viewing.
Pros:
- 70mm fully coated optics are suited to Moon and planet viewing.
- Manual alt-azimuth mount with panhandle makes aiming intuitive.
- Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, a red-dot finder, and astronomy software.
- Quick, tool-free setup with an adjustable tripod.
Cons:
- Manual tracking requires users to adjust the telescope as objects move.
- The 70mm aperture is more oriented toward bright targets than advanced deep-sky observing.
For first-time stargazers who value simplicity and versatility, the AstroMaster 70AZ offers a practical mix of accessible controls, useful accessories, and dedicated warranty support.
Best Portable Starter Scope – Gskyer 70mm Travel Telescope
The Gskyer 70mm is a travel-friendly option among telescopes for planets, combining a compact 400mm refractor with accessories for smartphone viewing. Its carry bag, adjustable tripod, and wireless camera remote make it convenient for casual observing and sharing images.
Best For: Kids, beginners, and travelers who want a lightweight telescope for the Moon, stars, and basic smartphone-assisted viewing.
Pros:
- 70mm aperture and fully coated optics support bright views of the Moon and stars.
- Includes two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, and a 5×24 finder scope.
- Smartphone adapter and wireless remote support convenient screen-based viewing.
- Adjustable tripod and carry bag simplify transport and storage.
Cons:
- The short 400mm focal length is geared toward broad, casual viewing rather than maximum planetary detail.
- Its manual alt-azimuth mount requires hands-on aiming and tracking.
This is a sensible pick when portability and beginner-friendly phone accessories matter as much as optical performance. The included case makes it particularly easy to take to different viewing locations.
Best Smartphone-Guided Reflector – Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ stands out among telescopes for planets by pairing a 114mm Newtonian reflector with smartphone-guided navigation. The StarSense app helps beginners locate planets and other targets, while the larger aperture also supports views of bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
Best For: Beginners who want guided target-finding, bright planetary views, and an introduction to both solar-system and deep-sky observing.
Pros:
- 114mm reflector provides more light-gathering capacity than the smaller refractors here.
- StarSense app uses on-screen guidance to help locate celestial targets.
- Manual mount includes altitude slow-motion adjustment for smoother positioning.
- Includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces plus a 2x Barlow lens.
Cons:
- Using the guided feature requires a compatible smartphone.
- The manual mount still requires hands-on tracking during observation.
Choose this model if finding targets is the main obstacle to getting started. Its smartphone guidance and 114mm reflector make it a strong all-around entry point for planetary and brighter deep-sky viewing.
Best Large-Aperture Beginner Refractor – HETEKAN 90mm 900mm Telescope
The HETEKAN 90mm refractor is designed for shoppers seeking telescopes for planets with a larger aperture and a long 900mm focal length. It offers three eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter, and an adjustable stainless-steel tripod for beginner-focused observing.
Best For: Adults, kids, and beginners who want a larger-aperture refractor for Moon and planet observation with flexible magnification options.
Pros:
- 90mm aperture provides strong light-gathering capability for brighter views.
- 900mm focal length and included eyepieces offer a broad stated magnification range.
- Includes 25mm, 10mm, and 6mm eyepieces plus a 3x Barlow lens.
- Adjustable tripod, phone adapter, finder scope, and carry bag add versatility.
Cons:
- The manual alt-azimuth mount requires users to aim and track targets themselves.
- The extensive accessory package may involve more setup and adjustment for first-time users.
- At 5.6 kg, it is heavier than the smaller travel refractor listed here.
With its 90mm objective and long focal length, this HETEKAN model is appealing for beginners prioritizing planetary reach and included accessories. Its adjustable tripod and phone-mount features add flexibility for shared family use.
Best Guided Pick – Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
For shoppers seeking telescopes for planets with easier target-finding, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ combines a 130mm Newtonian reflector with smartphone-guided navigation. Its StarSense app helps locate planets and other objects, while the manual altazimuth mount provides dual-axis slow-motion controls for positioning.
Best For: Beginners and backyard observers who want guided access to planetary and deep-sky targets.
Pros:
- 130mm reflector is designed for sharp views of the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.
- StarSense technology uses smartphone sky recognition to help identify targets.
- Includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, a red-dot finderscope, mount, and tripod.
- Comes with a 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from US-based experts.
Cons:
- Manual operation requires you to position and track the telescope yourself.
- At 18 pounds, it is less portable than a smaller beginner scope.
This is a strong all-around choice when convenient navigation matters as much as aperture. The phone-guided setup can shorten the learning curve, while the 5-inch reflector provides broader viewing potential beyond planets.
Best Value Refractor – Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Telescope
The Gskyer 600x90mm is a straightforward option among telescopes for planets, offering a 90mm aperture, 600mm focal length, and fully coated optics. Its included eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens provide several magnification combinations for lunar, planetary, and terrestrial viewing.
Best For: Adults and beginners who want a complete, manual refractor package with adjustable viewing height.
Pros:
- 90mm aperture and fully coated optics are designed for clear, bright views.
- Includes 24x, 60x, and 120x eyepieces plus a 3x Barlow lens.
- Adjustable aluminum tripod supports viewing positions from about 31.5 to 49 inches.
- Package includes a 6×30 finderscope, erecting prism, and astronomy software.
Cons:
- Manual altazimuth mounting and focusing provide no automated tracking.
- The supplied 1-year warranty is shorter than some competing options.
With its useful accessory bundle and uncomplicated controls, this Gskyer model is practical for newcomers. It is particularly appealing if you want one refractor package for planets, the Moon, and occasional daytime observations.
Best Long-Focal-Length Option – MEEZAA 90mm 800mm Refractor
The MEEZAA 90mm refractor is a useful candidate among telescopes for planets, pairing an 800mm focal length with fully multi-coated optics. It includes two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter, and a carry bag, giving beginners a flexible setup for lunar and planetary observing.
Best For: Beginners who want a longer-focal-length refractor with phone photography accessories and portable storage.
Pros:
- 90mm aperture and fully multi-coated lenses are intended to improve brightness and clarity.
- 10mm and 25mm eyepieces combine with the 3x Barlow for a stated 32x–240x range.
- Includes a phone adapter for capturing photos and videos.
- Stainless steel tripod, carry bag, and paper manual support setup and transport.
Cons:
- Manual altazimuth mounting requires hands-on positioning and tracking.
- The supplied accessories and included tripod add components to assemble and carry.
The 800mm focal length makes this a focused choice for observers prioritizing lunar and planetary exploration. Its carry bag and phone adapter also make it convenient for backyard sessions, camping, and outdoor star parties.
Versatile Starter Pick – 80mm/600mm AZ Refractor
For shoppers comparing telescopes for planets, this 80mm refractor offers a beginner-friendly setup with a 600mm focal length, two eyepieces, and a 3x Barlow lens. Its fully multi-coated optics, phone adapter, and included finder scope make it a flexible choice for lunar and introductory planetary viewing.
Best For: Adults and beginners who want a versatile telescope with extra magnification options and smartphone accessories.
Pros:
- 80mm aperture and fully multi-coated optics are designed to improve image brightness and clarity.
- Includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, plus a 3x Barlow lens for multiple magnification combinations.
- Comes with a 5×24 finder scope, phone adapter, wireless remote, carrying bag, and adjustable tripod.
- No-tool setup and lifetime maintenance support make it approachable for first-time users.
Cons:
- The manual-focus altazimuth mount may require hands-on adjustments while tracking objects.
- The included accessories add versatility but may require time to learn and organize.
This model stands out if you want more magnification flexibility than a basic starter kit. The 80mm aperture is useful for brighter views, while the carrying case and phone accessories support casual observing at home or on the go.
Travel-Friendly Choice – EACONN 80mm Refractor with Backpack
This EACONN refractor is a practical option among telescopes for planets when portability matters. Its 80mm aperture, 600mm focal length, coated optics, and included backpack make it suitable for casual moon and planet viewing at home or while traveling.
Best For: Families, kids, and beginners who need a portable telescope with straightforward setup and storage.
Pros:
- True 80mm aperture and fully coated optics are designed to provide brighter, clearer images.
- Two eyepieces provide listed magnifications from 30x to 66x.
- A 5×24 crosshair finder scope helps with locating objects.
- Includes a customized phone adapter, adjustable tripod, carrying backpack, manual, and video instructions.
Cons:
- Its 30x–66x eyepiece range is more limited than kits that include a Barlow lens.
- The manual altazimuth mount requires the user to reposition the telescope by hand.
The main advantage here is convenience: the accessories pack into the included backpack, and the rough-adjustment positioning gimbal is intended to make aiming easier. It is a sensible starter kit for family observing and occasional travel.
Moon-Filter Bundle – 80mm AZ Refractor with Backpack
For beginners choosing telescopes for planets, this CELTICBIRD model combines an 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length with a moon filter, phone adapter, and backpack. The two included eyepieces offer 30x and 66x magnification for introductory lunar and planetary observations.
Best For: Beginners and families who want a portable kit with a moon filter and adjustable tripod.
Pros:
- 80mm aperture and fully multi-coated optics are designed to improve light transmission and reduce reflections.
- Includes 20mm and 9mm eyepieces for listed 30x and 66x magnification.
- The moon filter transmits 13% of incoming light and is intended to improve lunar viewing contrast.
- Includes a backpack, upgraded phone adapter, 5×24 finder scope, and tripod adjustable from 17.7 to 52 inches.
Cons:
- The manual-focus altazimuth mount does not provide automatic tracking.
- The kit’s listed magnification options stop at 66x without an included Barlow lens.
This is a well-rounded portable package for users who want a dedicated moon filter alongside basic planetary viewing capability. Its adjustable tripod and backpack also make it easier to share between adults, kids, and different observing locations.
How We Picked These Telescopes for Planets
We focused on beginner-friendly telescopes with specifications suited to lunar and planetary observation. The selection includes refractors and Newtonian reflectors in practical aperture ranges, along with manual and smartphone-assisted mounts. We considered optical aperture, focal length, mount design, portability, included accessories, and how approachable each setup is for new observers.
Marketing claims such as “600x” or “450x” should not determine your choice by themselves. Realistic useful magnification depends on aperture, optical quality, atmospheric conditions, and mount stability. A steady image at moderate power is generally more valuable than a shaky image at an extreme advertised setting.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Typical strength | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| 70mm refractor | Portable, simple, low maintenance | Moon, bright planets, families |
| 80–90mm refractor | More light and resolution than entry-level models | Beginners wanting clearer planetary detail |
| 114mm Newtonian | Good light gathering in a compact design | Budget-conscious observers seeking deeper views |
| 130mm Newtonian | Strongest planetary and deep-sky potential in this group | Enthusiasts comfortable with a larger setup |
| Smartphone-guided mount | Helps locate targets using a phone | Beginners who want easier object finding |
Key Buying Factors for Telescopes for Planets
Aperture and Optical Design
Aperture is the diameter of the main lens or mirror and affects both brightness and resolving power. Models around 70mm are convenient for bright targets, while 80mm and 90mm instruments can reveal more planetary detail under steady skies. Larger Newtonian models collect more light but may require additional setup and storage space.
Focal Length and Magnification
Longer focal lengths can make high-power viewing easier and are often forgiving for lunar and planetary observation. The included eyepieces determine the initial magnification, but optional eyepieces may expand the telescope’s usefulness. Prioritize a stable mount and sharp optics over inflated maximum-magnification numbers.
Mount Stability and Tracking
An altazimuth mount is usually straightforward for beginners, but a lightweight tripod can make focusing difficult when the image vibrates. Smartphone-guided StarSense models can simplify locating planets and other objects, although they still require careful alignment and a stable surface.
Portability and Setup
Compact refractors are convenient for balconies, backyards, and travel. Larger tubes generally provide more capability but take longer to assemble. Check the folded tripod size, total weight, carrying case, and whether the mount can be transported comfortably.
Who Should Buy Which Telescopes for Planets?
Choose a 70mm refractor if you want a simple, portable first telescope for the Moon and occasional planetary viewing. Choose an 80mm or 90mm refractor if clearer detail and a little more light gathering matter more than minimum size.
Choose a 114mm Newtonian for a balance of aperture, price, and versatility. Choose a 130mm Newtonian if you want the greatest observing potential in this selection and are comfortable with a larger instrument.
Choose a smartphone-guided model if finding targets is your biggest concern. Regardless of model, use the telescope away from bright lights, allow the optics to adjust to outdoor temperatures, and begin with the lowest-power eyepiece before increasing magnification.