Best Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies

If you’re just getting started, the search can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re told that most scopes are either great for looking or shooting, but rarely both. The good news? There are some solid all-in-one options that balance performance for both viewing and imaging planets, galaxies, and deep-sky objects. This guide is your shortcut to finding them.

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Is There One Telescope That Does It All?

Yes—but with caveats.

While it’s true that visual astronomy and astrophotography need different setups, there are hybrid scopes that perform admirably for both. The key is choosing a telescope with:

• A solid aperture (8″ or more) for light gathering

• A versatile focal length to capture both planets and galaxies

• Mount compatibility for both manual viewing and automated tracking

• Eyepiece access and camera adaptability

You’ll need to compromise a bit depending on your priorities—but if you want to both look and shoot, the following options strike the best balance.

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Best Telescopes for Viewing and Astrophotography

Let’s break down some community-backed favorites from experienced users on r/astrophotography and telescope experts.

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1. Celestron NexStar 8SE – Best for Beginners with a Visual Focus

Why it’s great:

• 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT)

• Excellent planetary and lunar detail

• Built-in GoTo computerized tracking

• Portable and beginner-friendly

This scope shines for visual viewing—the moon and planets look stunning. You can do astrophotography with it, especially planetary imaging, but deep-sky photography will require some upgrades, especially a better mount (like a wedge or EQ mount) down the road.

Perfect for: Beginners who want to stargaze now and experiment with imaging later.

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2. Celestron EdgeHD 8 with Equatorial Mount – Best Balanced Setup

Why it’s highly recommended:

• Flat field optics (great for cameras)

• Excellent for both planetary and deep-sky photography

• Visual performance is top-tier

• Compatible with HyperStar for fast wide-field imaging

Paired with an EQ mount like the iOptron CEM40 or Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, this setup lets you view, shoot, and upgrade over time. Add a focal reducer to improve your field of view for galaxies and nebulas.

Community tip: It’s like “learning to drive in a Ferrari”—high-performance, but not the easiest for total beginners.

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3. Dobsonian Telescopes – Best for Visual Observing Only

Why they rock (but only visually):

• Huge apertures for the price

• Stunning detail of planets and galaxies

• Easy to use, no electronics

These are unbeatable for pure visual astronomy, especially if you’re just observing. But they’re terrible for long-exposure astrophotography due to the lack of tracking.

Pro tip: You can use your phone to snap casual moon shots through the eyepiece, but don’t expect more.

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4. RASA 8 (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) – Best for Imaging, Not Visual

Why this is a specialist’s dream:

• f/2 system = very short exposures

• Ideal for deep-sky, wide-field shots

• DSLR and astro camera friendly

It’s not meant for visual use—there’s no eyepiece. But if your main goal is imaging galaxies and nebulas with jaw-dropping quality, this scope is unmatched. Pair it with a good mount and guide scope.

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5. Celestron CPC Deluxe 925 HD – Premium Hybrid Option

Why it’s high-end but flexible:

• Large 9.25″ aperture = awesome for galaxies and planetary detail

• GoTo mount for easy object tracking

• Compatible with wedge and imaging accessories

With add-ons like the HD Pro Wedge, reducer lens, and autoguiders, you can turn this into a deep-sky beast. It’s expensive but capable—many Redditors say it’s a long-term investment worth every penny.

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6. EduSnap 2-in-1 Smart Telescope – Best Budget Tech Option

Why it’s surprising:

• GoTo functionality

• Visual eyepiece + camera combo

• Supports stacking and simple astrophotography

• Affordable Kickstarter model (~$180)

This scope is aimed at casual hobbyists and beginners. While it’s not perfect for professional-grade imaging, it offers a unique all-in-one experience for people just getting into both viewing and basic astrophotography.

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How to Choose the Right Telescope for Viewing & Imaging

Let’s simplify it with a cheat sheet:

Tip from the r/astrophotography community:
Visual viewing is easy. Imaging—especially of deep-sky objects—requires tracking, guiding, stacking, and patience. Don’t underestimate the importance of the mount.

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Best Mounts for Dual Purpose (Visual + Imaging)

You can’t image galaxies without a solid tracking system. Here are top mounts Redditors recommend:

• Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro – Sturdy, accurate, and widely compatible

• iOptron CEM40 – Lightweight, portable, high performance

• Celestron HD Pro Wedge – Converts alt-az to equatorial for imaging

Pairing these with a good telescope turns a visual-only setup into a dual powerhouse.

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Essential Tools for Planet and Galaxy Photography

Before you hit the shutter, plan your session with these tools:

• Moon phase tracking tool – Avoid full moons when targeting galaxies or nebulas.

• Astro planning apps (like Stellarium or SkySafari)

• Guiding software and camera for long exposures

• Light pollution map for finding dark-sky spots

If your goal is photographing galaxies, you’ll want a new moon night and long tracking sessions. For planets, lunar phases matter less, but steady seeing conditions do.

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Final Thoughts: The Best Telescope Depends on Your Goals

There’s no single “perfect” telescope for everything, but there are versatile options that let you view and shoot beautifully. If you’re just starting, go for a Celestron 8SE and upgrade your mount later. If you’re serious about both worlds, an EdgeHD 8 with a good EQ mount is a long-term winner.

Want to plan your stargazing around moonlight? Don’t forget to check the moon phase calendar before your next night out—it’s a small detail that makes a massive difference in what you’ll see and capture.

Clear skies, and may your stars be sharp and steady.