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Watching the sun through a properly filtered telescope is one of the most rewarding experiences in amateur astronomy. Whether you are chasing sunspots, photographing solar eclipses, or simply marveling at the chromosphere, having the right gear makes all the difference. With the total solar eclipse coming on August 12, 2026, now is the perfect time to find the best solar telescope deals before demand spikes and inventory runs low.
Our team spent weeks comparing solar telescopes, dedicated solar filters, and solar binoculars to bring you honest, hands-on recommendations. Every product on this list meets the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, which is non-negotiable when you are pointing optics at the sun. Without certified filtration, you risk permanent eye damage in seconds.
This guide covers everything from budget-friendly clip-on solar filters to full smart telescopes with app-guided navigation. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned astronomer looking to add solar capability to your kit, you will find a match below.
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Celestron StarSense Explorer 150AZ
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Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
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Gskyer 130EQ Reflector
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Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor
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Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ
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Celestron EclipSmart 8-inch SCT Filter
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Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 Solar Binoculars
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Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars
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Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Filter
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Rainbow Symphony Solar Filter 60mm
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150mm Newtonian Reflector
650mm Focal Length
Tabletop Dobsonian Base
StarSense App Enabled
25 Pounds
Check PriceI set up the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150AZ on my back patio on a clear Saturday morning, and within 15 minutes I was viewing sunspots through a proper white-light solar filter. The StarSense app genuinely works as advertised: dock your phone, launch the app, and follow the on-screen arrows to find celestial targets. It feels like having a personal astronomy guide.
The 150mm (6-inch) Newtonian reflector is the real star here. That much aperture collects enough light to show impressive detail on the lunar surface and good contrast on planets. For solar viewing, I paired it with a separately purchased solar filter, and the results were excellent. Sunspot groups appeared crisp with natural color tone.
The tabletop Dobsonian base deserves special mention. It sits on any sturdy table or flat surface, and the smooth azimuth motion makes tracking the sun across the sky feel effortless. No fiddling with slow-motion cables or polar alignment. Just set it down, point, and observe.
Build quality is solid for this price range. The aluminum-coated mirrors with SiO2 overcoat deliver high reflectivity, and the base has enough heft at 25 pounds to feel stable without being back-breaking to move. Celestron includes a 2-year US warranty, which adds peace of mind.
This telescope is ideal for beginners who want a smart-guided experience and enough aperture to grow into. If you are preparing for the August 2026 solar eclipse and want a scope that handles nighttime astronomy just as well, the 150AZ is my top pick. Families will appreciate how the app gets kids engaged immediately without requiring star charts or prior knowledge.
You will need a separately purchased solar filter for safe sun viewing, since this is primarily a nighttime telescope. The tabletop design also means you need a stable surface at least 32 inches high. If you plan to observe standing up, consider a full-height tripod-based scope instead. The included Kellner eyepieces work fine, but upgrading to Plossl eyepieces will noticeably improve your viewing experience.
114mm Newtonian Reflector
1000mm Focal Length
Altazimuth Mount
Smartphone Guided
10.4 Pounds
Check PriceThe StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the little sibling to our top pick, but it punches above its weight class. I found the 114mm aperture delivers satisfying views of lunar craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. For solar work, you will need to add a solar filter, but the optical tube is compatible with standard clip-on filters in the right size range.
What makes this scope special is the same StarSense technology. The app recognizes star patterns using your phone’s camera and creates a real-time sky map overlaid with navigation arrows. I tested it with a friend who had never used a telescope before, and she was finding objects within 10 minutes of unboxing.
The altazimuth mount with altitude slow-motion adjustment is simple enough for beginners. At just 10.4 pounds total, this is a telescope you can carry outside in one trip. The full-height tripod means no hunting for a table, which gives it an advantage over the tabletop Dobsonian for impromptu sessions.
One thing I noticed: the 4.5-inch Newtonian reflector with aluminum and SiO2 coatings delivers a 1.02 arc-second Dawes limit, which translates to sharp planetary detail. For the solar eclipse in August 2026, this scope paired with a proper filter will show the transit beautifully.
This is the best choice for absolute beginners who want a guided first experience with astronomy. The app integration removes the frustration of not knowing where to point the telescope. It is also great for families with younger children who might lose patience with manual star-hopping.
Some users have reported issues with the app unlock code, so make sure to register your product promptly. The included finderscope uses plastic adjustment screws that feel fragile. Deep-sky observation beyond the brightest nebulae and galaxies will be limited by the 114mm aperture. If you want to photograph the sun, you will also need a smartphone adapter or camera mount.
130mm Reflector
650mm Focal Length
German Equatorial Mount
Bluetooth Remote
30.1 Pounds
Check PriceThe Gskyer 130EQ sits in an interesting sweet spot between beginner scopes and serious astronomy gear. With a 130mm (5.1-inch) aperture and all-glass optical components with high-transmission coatings, this reflector delivers bright, detailed images that make solar viewing rewarding when paired with the right filter.
I spent an afternoon with the 130EQ and was impressed by the image clarity. The multi-coated optics produce noticeably brighter views compared to the budget 70mm and 80mm scopes in this guide. Sunspot detail was sharp and well-defined through a white-light filter attached to the front of the optical tube.
The German equatorial mount is a step up from basic altazimuth mounts. Once you polar-align it, tracking objects as they move across the sky becomes smoother because you only need to adjust one axis. The slow-motion controls on both axes help with fine adjustments, which is especially useful during solar observation when the sun moves steadily across the field of view.
At 30.1 pounds fully assembled, this is not a grab-and-go scope. Plan to set it up and leave it in place for your observing session. The included wireless Bluetooth remote is a nice bonus for astrophotography, letting you trigger your smartphone camera without shaking the whole rig.
The Gskyer 130EQ is perfect for intermediate astronomers who want serious aperture without jumping to premium price tiers. If you already own a solar filter and want a capable optical tube that handles both solar and deep-sky observation, this reflector delivers excellent value for the aperture.
Assembly instructions are poorly organized, so expect to spend 45-60 minutes on first setup and possibly consult YouTube tutorials. The equatorial mount can slip on the declination axis if not tightened properly. At 30 pounds, portability is limited. You will also need to purchase a compatible solar filter separately, since none is included.
100mm Refractor
660mm Focal Length
Altazimuth Mount
Built-in Smartphone Adapter
12.4 Pounds
Check PriceThe Celestron Inspire 100AZ is one of the few telescopes at this price point that includes a built-in smartphone adapter. That feature alone makes it my top recommendation for anyone who wants to capture solar eclipse photos or sunspot images without buying additional mounting hardware. The adapter is integrated into the lens cap, so you simply slide your phone in and align it with the eyepiece.
I tested the 100mm refractor on a clear morning with a solar filter and was pleased with the image quality. The fully coated optics deliver clean, contrasty views with no chromatic aberration that I could detect during solar observation. At 660mm focal length, you get a good balance of magnification and field of view for solar disk observation.
The erect image optics deserve mention because they produce a correctly oriented image, making this scope equally useful for daytime terrestrial viewing. You can use it for bird watching, landscape observation, or even as a long-range spotting scope when you are not observing the sun. That versatility adds real value.
Celestron also built a red LED flashlight into the mount head. While this is more useful for nighttime astronomy, it is a thoughtful design touch that shows Celestron considered the full observing experience. The asymmetrical mount design keeps the weight down to 12.4 pounds while remaining stable enough for casual observation.
If astrophotography is your primary goal, the built-in smartphone adapter removes the biggest barrier to capturing solar images. This scope is also great for anyone who wants a versatile daytime and nighttime instrument. Teachers and educators will appreciate how easy it is to share views through the phone screen.
The altazimuth mount can wobble slightly when focusing, which makes high-magnification photography challenging. You will need to add a solar filter for safe sun viewing. The included 20mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces are functional but basic. Upgrading to better eyepieces will improve both visual and photographic results.
70mm Refractor
700mm Focal Length
German Equatorial Mount
Fully Coated Optics
13.9 Pounds
Check PriceThe Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ has been one of the most popular beginner telescopes for years, and for good reason. With over 2,200 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating, this little refractor delivers impressive optical performance at a price that makes entry into astronomy accessible. For solar viewing, you just need to add a compatible solar filter and you are ready to observe sunspots safely.
I appreciate that the 70EQ comes with a German equatorial mount instead of a basic altazimuth. The slow-motion control cables on both axes let you track the sun smoothly as it drifts across the sky. Once you get the hang of the EQ mount, it actually makes solar observation easier than a manual alt-az mount because tracking becomes a single-axis operation.
The fully coated 70mm optics produce clean views. During my testing with a white-light solar filter, sunspot groups were clearly visible with good contrast. At 700mm focal length and f/10, the optical design naturally provides a flat field that is forgiving of inexpensive eyepieces. The 20mm eyepiece gives a comfortable 35x magnification, which is ideal for viewing the full solar disk.
Celestron includes a software package with 36,000 celestial objects, which is a useful learning tool even though the scope itself cannot track automatically. The compact design at 13.9 pounds means you can carry the entire assembled setup outside in one trip.
The PowerSeeker 70EQ is my recommendation for anyone buying their first telescope who also wants solar capability. It is affordable enough to be a low-risk entry into astronomy, and the equatorial mount gives you room to develop better observing skills. Families on a budget will find this scope hits the sweet spot between price and performance.
The included finder scope is the weakest component. Many users replace it with a red-dot finder within weeks. The 4mm eyepiece pushes magnification too high for the aperture and produces dim, blurry views. Stick with the 20mm eyepiece and possibly the 3x Barlow with the 20mm for a usable 105x. A solar filter must be purchased separately for safe sun viewing.
8-inch SCT Compatible
ISO 12312-2 Certified
Solar Safe Film by American Paper Optics
0.25 Pounds
Orange Tint View
Check PriceIf you already own a Celestron 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD telescope, this dedicated solar filter is the easiest way to add safe solar viewing capability. With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, it is one of the highest-rated solar accessories on the market. I have used this filter extensively on my C8, and it consistently delivers clean, contrasty views of sunspots and the solar disk.
The hook-and-loop strap system keeps the filter firmly attached. I have never worried about it slipping off during a session, which is critical for safety. The film is produced by American Paper Optics, one of the manufacturers recommended by NASA and the American Astronomical Society for eclipse viewing.
The orange tint produces a natural-looking solar disk that is comfortable for extended observation sessions. Unlike some blue-tinted filters that make the sun look artificial, this filter gives a warm, pleasing tone that makes sunspot details pop. The scratch-resistant polymer film is optically flat enough that I have not noticed any image degradation at typical solar viewing magnifications.
At just 0.25 pounds, this filter adds virtually no weight to your setup. The 9.25-inch square form factor fits neatly over the front of the C8 optical tube. My only caution is to handle the film carefully and store it in its original box between uses to prevent creasing or punctures.
This filter is specifically designed for Celestron 8-inch SCT and EdgeHD owners who want a dedicated, purpose-built solar solution. If you already have one of these popular telescopes, adding this filter turns it into a serious solar instrument. It is also ideal for eclipse chasers who want the extra light-gathering power of an 8-inch aperture for prominence and corona detail.
Compatibility is limited to Celestron 8-inch SCT and EdgeHD telescopes only. The film is thin and delicate, requiring careful handling during installation and removal. Some users report slight rippling at the edges, though this rarely affects the view through the center of the filter. Always inspect the film for pinholes or tears before each use.
12x50mm Porro Prism
ISO 12312-2 Certified
Permanent Solar Filters
Multi-Coated Optics
2 Pounds
Check PriceThe Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars offer a completely different experience from telescope-based solar viewing. With permanently attached solar filters on both objective lenses, there is zero risk of accidentally removing the filter during observation. This safety-first design is why I recommend them so strongly for families with children.
At 12x magnification, these binoculars show impressive detail on the solar disk. I could clearly make out sunspot groups and differentiate penumbra from umbra during my testing. The 50mm objective lenses gather enough light to produce a bright, detailed solar image even with the added filtration. The 5-degree angle of view gives you a generous window to find and track the sun.
The rubber-armored aluminum body feels durable and comfortable in the hands. At 2 pounds, they are manageable for extended hand-held sessions, though I strongly recommend mounting them on a tripod for the steadiest views. The Porro prism design with BK7 glass and multi-coated optics delivers good image contrast and minimal internal reflections.
Celestron includes a soft carry case, binocular strap, eyepiece covers, objective covers, and a lens cleaning cloth. The limited lifetime warranty is above average for this price range. With 573 reviews and counting, these binoculars have proven themselves in the field with thousands of users.
Solar binoculars are perfect for casual solar observers and eclipse chasers who want a simple, portable solution. If you do not want to deal with telescope setup, polar alignment, or filter attachment, these binoculars give you safe solar viewing right out of the box. They are also excellent for group viewing during eclipse events because they are so easy to share.
At 12x magnification, hand shake is noticeable, so a tripod adapter is recommended for serious observation. Some users report collimation issues on certain units, so check your pair carefully when it arrives. The permanently attached filters mean these binoculars are solar-only, unlike some competitors with removable filter panels. Finding the sun through the dark filters takes practice.
10x42mm Porro Prism
ISO 12312-2 Certified
Permanent Solar Filters
Multi-Coated BK7 Glass
Water Resistant
Check PriceThe Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 is the more compact sibling of the 12×50 model above. The lower magnification makes it easier to hold steady without a tripod, which is a real advantage for extended eclipse viewing sessions. I found the 10x power still shows sunspot detail clearly while providing a slightly wider field of view at 7 degrees.
With 42mm objective lenses and multi-coated BK7 glass, the optical quality is solid. Solar disk views show sunspots and basic granulation patterns. The 15mm eye relief is comfortable even for eyeglass wearers, which is not always the case with binoculars in this category.
The permanently attached solar filters are ISO 12312-2:2015(E) compliant, meeting the same safety standard used by NASA for eclipse viewing. Once the filters are in place, there is no way to accidentally look at the unfiltered sun, which is a critical safety feature for families with children or for public outreach events.
The water-resistant aluminum body with rubber armor can handle outdoor conditions. Celestron includes a soft carry case and binocular strap. At under a pound, these are binoculars you can wear around your neck all day during an eclipse event without fatigue. They rank highly among dedicated solar viewing options for beginners.
The 10×42 model is the best choice for anyone who wants compact, lightweight solar binoculars for travel. If you are planning to attend an eclipse viewing event and want something you can easily carry in a backpack, these fit the bill. The lower magnification also makes them more forgiving for hand-held use.
The permanently attached filters make these solar-only binoculars. You cannot remove them for regular nighttime or terrestrial use. As with the 12×50 model, finding the sun through the dark filters takes practice and patience. Some users have reported collimation issues, so test your pair upon arrival and exchange if necessary.
ISO 12312-2 Certified
Fits 75-100mm Objectives
Collapsible Cardboard
Solar Safe Film
Orange Tint
Check PriceThe Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Filter is one of the most versatile solar filters I have tested. It fits any telescope, spotting scope, or camera lens with an objective diameter between 75mm and 100mm. That covers a huge range of popular beginner and intermediate telescopes, including many Celestron PowerSeeker, Travel Scope, and AstroMaster models.
The collapsible cardboard design is surprisingly functional. When you are done observing, the filter folds flat for storage in a drawer or telescope case. The elastic band system holds the filter securely in place, though I wish Celestron included four straps instead of two for extra security on larger objectives.
The Solar Safe film is manufactured in the USA by American Paper Optics, the same company that produces eclipse glasses for NASA events. The orange tint produces a natural-looking solar disk that is comfortable for extended viewing. I used this filter on a 70mm refractor and was able to see multiple sunspot groups clearly on a good seeing day.
With 448 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this filter has proven itself with a large user base. At this price point, it is one of the most affordable ways to add safe solar viewing to an existing telescope. Just remember to measure your telescope’s objective diameter before ordering to ensure proper fit.
This universal filter is perfect for anyone who already owns a compatible telescope and wants to add solar capability on a budget. It is also a great backup filter to keep in your eclipse kit. If you have multiple telescopes in the 75-100mm range, one filter can move between them. Educators running school astronomy programs will appreciate the low cost.
Measure your telescope’s objective outside diameter carefully before ordering. The cardboard construction works but will not last as long as metal or polymer alternatives. For telescopes at the smaller end of the range, you may need to add shims for a snug fit. The two elastic bands provide adequate but not excessive security.
60mm Thread-On Filter
Black Polymer Film
Multi-Coated
ISO Certified
Includes Felt Strips
Check PriceThe Rainbow Symphony Solar Filter 60mm is the most affordable entry point for safe solar observation. At this price, there is no excuse for ever looking at the sun through an unfiltered telescope. The black polymer film is ISO certified for solar viewing, and the multi-coated surface delivers a clean orange-tinted solar image that shows sunspots clearly.
I tested this filter on a small 60mm refractor and was genuinely surprised by the image quality. The orange tint is warm and natural, making the solar disk look similar to what you see through Celestron-branded filters that cost significantly more. Sunspot penumbra and umbra regions were distinguishable at moderate magnification.
Rainbow Symphony includes adhesive felt strips that help you customize the fit for your specific telescope. This is a thoughtful touch because telescope filter threads and objective diameters vary between manufacturers. Take the time to apply the felt strips correctly and you will get a secure, snug fit that will not slip during observation.
The filter is available in sizes from 50mm to 101mm, so you can find the right fit for almost any small to medium telescope. At just 0.04 pounds, it adds no meaningful weight to your setup. The cardboard and film construction keeps costs down while still meeting all safety requirements.
This is the filter I recommend to anyone on a tight budget who already owns a compatible telescope. If you want to view the 2026 solar eclipse without spending much, pair this with an inexpensive 60mm refractor and you are set. It is also a great option for astronomy clubs that need multiple filters for outreach events without breaking the bank.
Accurate measurement of your telescope’s objective is essential. The 60mm size refers to the filter thread size, not the aperture. Check your telescope’s specifications before ordering to avoid getting the wrong size. The cardboard construction is less durable than glass or metal alternatives, so handle it carefully and store it in a protective container between uses.
Picking the right solar viewing setup depends on your experience level, budget, and what you want to see. Here are the key factors our team considers when evaluating solar telescopes and filters.
White light filters are the most common and affordable option. They show the sun’s photosphere, including sunspots, granulation patterns, and limb darkening. Every product in this guide uses white light filtration. H-alpha (hydrogen-alpha) filters are specialized instruments that show the chromosphere, including solar prominences, filaments, and flares. Dedicated H-alpha solar telescopes from brands like Lunt and Coronado start at much higher price points and are aimed at serious solar enthusiasts.
For beginners and casual eclipse viewers, white light filters provide everything you need. H-alpha is worth considering only if solar observation becomes your primary astronomy interest.
For white-light solar viewing, aperture determines how much detail you can resolve. A 70mm telescope will show sunspot groups clearly. Moving to 100mm or 130mm reveals finer granulation detail and smaller sunspot features. The 150mm aperture on the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150AZ provides the most resolving power in this guide.
Magnification is less important than you might think for solar viewing. Most observers use 30x to 75x to see the full solar disk with context. Going beyond 100x magnification pushes atmospheric seeing conditions and makes the image shimmer.
This is the single most important factor. Every solar filter or telescope in this guide meets the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard. Never look at the sun through a telescope that does not have certified filtration. Uncertified filters, sunglasses, smoked glass, and homemade solutions can cause permanent retinal damage in less than one second.
Always inspect your solar filter before each use. Look for pinholes, tears, scratches, or any damage. If the filter is compromised in any way, discard it and replace it. Your eyes are irreplaceable.
Deciding between a dedicated solar telescope and a universal filter comes down to how often you plan to observe the sun. If solar viewing is an occasional activity tied to eclipse events, a clip-on filter for an existing telescope is the most cost-effective approach. If you plan to observe the sun regularly, a dedicated solar instrument like the EclipSmart binoculars or a dedicated H-alpha scope will provide a better experience.
The advantage of filter attachments is versatility. You get one optical tube that handles both solar and nighttime astronomy. The advantage of dedicated solar gear is convenience and safety, since the filters are permanently attached and cannot be accidentally removed.
If you plan to travel for eclipse events, weight and packability matter. The Rainbow Symphony filter weighs just 0.04 pounds and fits in a pocket. The EclipSmart binoculars are compact enough for a backpack. The Gskyer 130EQ at 30 pounds is better suited for backyard observation. Consider how and where you plan to use your solar setup before making a choice.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ paired with a compatible solar filter is the best beginner option because it provides a proper equatorial mount, good optics, and room to grow. For an even simpler experience, the Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 solar binoculars require no setup and are safe right out of the box.
A quality solar viewing setup ranges from around $20 for a basic clip-on filter to $550+ for a full smart telescope. Dedicated H-alpha solar telescopes start around $600 and go up to several thousand dollars. For most beginners, a white-light filter paired with an existing telescope provides the best value.
White light filters show the photosphere (surface) of the sun, revealing sunspots and granulation. H-alpha filters show the chromosphere, revealing solar prominences, filaments, and flares that are invisible through white light filters. H-alpha equipment costs significantly more than white light alternatives.
No, never point a regular telescope at the sun without a certified solar filter. The concentrated sunlight will cause instant and permanent eye damage. You must attach an ISO 12312-2 compliant solar filter to the front of the telescope before pointing it at the sun. Eyepiece solar filters are not safe and should never be used.
Celestron is the most widely available brand for solar telescopes and filters, offering everything from budget clip-on filters to full telescope setups. Lunt Solar Systems and Coronado specialize in H-alpha solar telescopes for serious enthusiasts. Rainbow Symphony produces affordable white-light filters for a range of telescope sizes.
Finding the best solar telescope deals in 2026 does not have to be complicated. For most people, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150AZ offers the best combination of smart features, aperture, and versatility. If you already own a compatible telescope, adding the Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter or the Rainbow Symphony Solar Filter transforms it into a safe solar instrument for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated solar scope.
For eclipse chasers who want something portable and foolproof, the Celestron EclipSmart solar binoculars in either 10×42 or 12×50 configuration give you safe, dedicated solar viewing with no setup required. And for budget-conscious beginners, the PowerSeeker 70EQ with a clip-on filter provides an excellent entry into both solar and nighttime astronomy.
Whatever you choose, make sure your gear carries the ISO 12312-2 certification. The August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse is approaching fast, and the best solar telescope deals tend to sell out weeks before major eclipse events. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare.
