There are a lot of different telescopes out there. So, which one should you buy? It all depends on what you want to see. In this article, Best Techsmart will introduce the best telescopes for planets and galaxies.
If you want to see planets, you need a telescope with a high magnification. The best telescopes for planet viewing have a magnification of at least 100x. But, the higher the magnification, the more expensive the telescope. So, if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a lower magnification telescope.
If you want to see galaxies, you need a telescope with a large aperture. The best telescopes for galaxy viewing have an aperture of at least 8 inches. But, the larger the aperture, the more expensive the telescope. So, if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a smaller aperture telescope.
1. Celestron Refractor Telescope Beginners Astronomy
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is a beginner’s refractor telescope that is perfect for those looking for superior optics and power. This telescope is equipped with a fully coated glass optics and a 70mm objective lens, allowing for brighter and more detailed views compared to other telescopes in its class. It also comes with two high-quality eyepieces and a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is a great value and is backed by a 2-year warranty.
- SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 70mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
- LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
- BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, AND SOFTWARE: Take your Travel Scope anywhere in the included travel backpack.The scope and tripod are easy to set up and use. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
2. Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
The Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. This 127mm Newtonian Reflector offers enough light gathering ability to see planets, the Moon’s craters, distant stars, the Orion Nebula and more. With its slow-motion altitude rod, the German Equatorial mount allows you to navigate the sky with ease. Find celestial objects quickly and follow them smoothly, accurately as they appear to drift across the night sky.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is the ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together. It is compact, lightweight and portable. Take it to your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site or simply the backyard. The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with 2 quality eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each.
- Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope - 20mm Erect-Image Eyepiece - 4mm Eyepiece - 3x Barlow Lens - Star Pointer Finder - Equatorial Head - 2x Slow-Motion Cables - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Counterweight Bar - 7.5 lbs Counterweight - Download Code - Original Box
- Quick and easy no-tool setup
- Slow motion controls for smooth tracking
- Erect image optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
- Fully coated glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brightness and clarity
3. Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQMD telescope is a powerful reflector telescope that is perfect for astronomy beginners. It has fully coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod.
The high-quality 130mm optics are the heart of the system. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments. Setup is quick and easy with no tools required for assembly.
We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
Unbeatable customer support is included with your purchase. Celestron is the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQMD telescope is a powerful reflector telescope that is perfect for astronomy beginners. It has fully coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod.
The high-quality 130mm optics are the heart of the system. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments. Setup is quick and easy with no tools required for assembly.
We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
Unbeatable customer support is included with your purchase. Celestron is the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- Powerful reflector telescope: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD telescope is a powerful reflector telescope for astronomy beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod.
- High-quality 130mm optics: The heart of the system is a 130mm glass optic objective lens. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments.
- Quick setup & lightweight frame: This telescope for kids and adults to be used together features a lightweight frame manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required for assembly.
- Included accessories: We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Unbeatable customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
4. Celestron 21061 AstroMaster Refractor Telescope
Telescopes are a great way for amateur astronomers to view the night sky. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, with each one offering different features and benefits. If you’re looking for a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a great option.
This telescope features a high-quality 70mm glass optic objective lens, which allows you to observe celestial objects at night and land-based targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day. It’s also portable and easy to set up, with no tools required. Plus, we’ve included 2 eyepieces, a star diagonal, a full-height tripod, and a red dot finderscope. You’ll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a red dot finderscope.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: This Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. You can observe celestial objects at night and land-based targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
- PORTABLE AND EASY TO SET UP: This telescope for adults features a sturdy-yet-lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a star diagonal, a full-height tripod, and a red dot finderscope. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
5. Celestron 21038 Travel Scope Telescope
Telescopes are a great way to get a closer look at the stars and planets. Celestron makes some great ones, and the 21038 Travel Scope Telescope is one of their best. This telescope is perfect for beginners, as it is easy to set up and use. It also has superior optics, making it a great choice for those looking to get a better view of the night sky.
The 21038 Travel Scope Telescope comes with two high-quality eyepieces, 20mm and 8mm. These eyepieces provide low and high power views of celestial objects, as well as terrestrial objects during the day. The 50mm objective lens on the telescope also provides enhanced brightness and clarity when viewing objects.
The telescope is also equipped with a full height tripod and a bonus bag that can be used to carry the telescope and tripod anywhere. This makes it easy to take the telescope with you wherever you go. The included software also makes it easy to learn about the stars and planets.
Overall, the Celestron 21038 Travel Scope Telescope is a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. It provides superior optics and comes with everything you need to get started.
6. Celestron 21037 PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope is designed for the beginner astronomer. It is easy to use and has a powerful lens. This telescope is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the night sky.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope is a refractor telescope. It has a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. The altitude rod can be adjusted to the desired position and then secured by tightening the cross knob.
This telescope is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport. It can be taken to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply used in your backyard.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), an erect image diagonal, a finderscope, and a 3x Barlow lens. It also includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Perfect Beginners Telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope, the PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power
- Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the back yard
- Multiple Accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, Finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs
7. Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT computerized telescope is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy to use and portable telescope. This telescope is perfect for both adults and kids, and is great for taking on camping trips, to dark sky observing sites, or just to the backyard.
The NexStar 130SLT is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport just about anywhere. It’s also fast to set up, with Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure. With SkyAlign, you simply center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar 130SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
The NexStar 130SLT comes with a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top rated astronomy software programs. With Starry Night, you can simulate the night sky, learn about celestial objects, and plan your observing sessions.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT comes with a 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the NexStar 130SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 130SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
FAQs
Telescopes come in all shapes and sizes, but when it comes to finding the best one for viewing planets and galaxies, there are a few things you need to take into account. Here are five of the most frequently asked questions about the best telescopes for planets and galaxies:
1. What is the difference between a telescope for planets and a telescope for galaxies?
The main difference between a telescope for planets and a telescope for galaxies is the size of the lens. A telescope for planets typically has a lens that is around 60-70mm in diameter, while a telescope for galaxies typically has a lens that is around 130-150mm in diameter.
2. What is the best telescope for viewing planets?
The best telescope for viewing planets is one with a lens that is around 60-70mm in diameter. This will give you a good level of detail when viewing planets.
3. What is the best telescope for viewing galaxies?
The best telescope for viewing galaxies is one with a lens that is around 130-150mm in diameter. This will give you a clear image of galaxies and allow you to see more detail.
4. What is the difference in price between a telescope for planets and a telescope for galaxies?
The difference in price between a telescope for planets and a telescope for galaxies is typically around $50-100.
5. What should I consider when choosing a telescope for planets or galaxies?
When choosing a telescope for planets or galaxies, you should consider the size of the lens, the price, and the level of detail you want to be able to see.