10 Best Telescopes For Viewing Planets 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is a solid choice for anyone interested in observing planets and celestial objects. With a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, its optical quality is quite impressive for amateur astronomers. The fully coated optics provide bright and clear images, ensuring you get a good view of the night sky. It comes with three eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing for enhanced magnification options which can be beneficial for detailed planetary observation.

One of the strengths of this telescope is its user-friendly design. It’s easy to set up and focus, making it a great option for beginners. The adjustable tripod adds convenience, allowing users to find a comfortable viewing height. Additionally, it’s relatively portable considering its weight of 18 pounds, making it feasible for transporting to different viewing locations.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The manual focus may require a bit of patience, as it can be tricky to get the sharpest image for novice users. The altazimuth mount, while easy to use, may not be as smooth as more advanced mounts, which could lead to some frustration when tracking moving celestial objects. Also, the 90mm aperture, while good, may limit the telescope's effectiveness in capturing fainter objects compared to larger telescopes.

The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian is a 12-inch telescope designed for viewing planets and deep-sky objects. Its large aperture of 12 inches allows for bright, detailed views, which is excellent for planet viewing. The innovative collapsible design makes it more portable than traditional large telescopes, which is a significant advantage for users who need to transport their telescope to different locations. The altazimuth mount is sturdy and user-friendly, although it may not offer the precision tracking of an equatorial mount for long-exposure astrophotography.

The built-in computerized GoTo system and a database of 42,000 objects mean that finding and tracking celestial objects is straightforward and efficient. The optical quality is high, with fully multi-coated mirrors that provide clear and sharp images. The included accessories, such as the wide-angle eyepieces and a 9x50 finderscope, enhance the viewing experience. One downside is the weight, as the fully assembled telescope weighs nearly 100 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users despite its collapsibility.

The built-in WiFi and all-metal gearing add to the robustness and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced astronomers. The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian offers a blend of large aperture, portability, and advanced features, making it a strong contender for those serious about planet viewing and deep-sky observation.

The Gskyer Telescope with a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length is a good option for kids and beginners interested in exploring planets and the moon. Its fully coated optics glass lens ensures high transmission for bright, clear images while protecting the eyes. The telescope's magnification capabilities are enhanced with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which can significantly increase the viewing power. Additionally, the 5x24 finderscope with cross-hair lines helps users locate objects more easily in the night sky.

The inclusion of a smartphone adapter and wireless remote makes it easy to capture celestial images, adding a fun element to the stargazing experience. The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and carry bag contribute to the telescope's portability, making it convenient to transport and store.

However, it's important to note that the Altazimuth mount, while user-friendly, might limit more advanced tracking of celestial objects. The manual focus might also require some practice for sharp images. Weighing just 5.7 pounds, this telescope is suitable for young astronomers and those new to the hobby, offering a balance of ease of use and decent optical performance at a reasonable price point.