9 Best Telescopes for Solar Viewing (November 2026)
The best solar viewing telescopes and safe solar filters include the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope for app-guided solar imaging, the Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages for a child's lunar learning, and the Gskyer Telescope for travel and night sky viewing.
On this page (6 sections)
- Which telescope here is made for solar viewing?
- How we compared these solar viewing options
- What should you check before using a solar filter?
- Which solar viewing telescope fits your observing plans?
- Is a dedicated solar telescope better than a filter?
- Verdict: which is the best telescope for solar viewing?
The best telescope for solar viewing in this group is the Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter, paired with a telescope whose front barrel measures 75–100 mm across. The other products are described mainly for lunar, night sky or general imaging use, so don't treat them as ready for looking at the Sun.
Solar equipment needs a different first check than ordinary astronomy gear: how sunlight is filtered before it reaches the telescope's optics. Aperture, magnification, phone adapters and Moon filters do not replace a solar filter.
See our guide to solar filters for telescopes.
This roundup follows the product features and uses stated for each item. Only the EclipSmart is described for direct solar viewing.
If you want a dedicated solar instrument, read our best beginner solar telescope guide and compare solar-specific designs before buying.
Which telescope here is made for solar viewing?
The EclipSmart is the only pick here specified for direct solar viewing, while the other telescopes need separate confirmation of a suitable solar setup. It attaches at the front of a compatible telescope, spotting scope or DSLR camera.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for app-guided solar imagingZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a child's lunar learningBlue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itHSL 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope for Adults
Best for manual night sky tracking - 5
Check itCelestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone
Best for app-guided night sky tours - 6
Best for equatorial mount practiceCheck it - 7
Check itWOSPORTS Telescope for Adults High Powered
Best for a refractor with a phone adapter - 8
Check itCelestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes
Best for fitting an existing telescope - 9
Check itSVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered
Best for deep-sky imaging setup
The filter's stated fit is based on an objective barrel outside diameter of 75–100 mm. Measure your instrument at the front before choosing it, then make sure the adjustable panels and elastic band can hold it securely.
Celestron says its Solar Safe film conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E) for filters used to view the Sun directly. The filter has an orange tint and is described for visual observing and imaging.
Follow the filter and telescope instructions, and inspect the assembly before every use.
ZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope: Best for app-guided solar imaging
- App controlled
- Automatic GOTO targeting and tracking
- One-tap imaging modes for the Sun
- 30 mm objective lens
Its app and automatic tracking suit buyers who want a guided imaging workflow. The stated solar feature is one-tap capture, so confirm the device's solar safety requirements before use.
Pros
- Automatic GOTO targeting and tracking
- Sun appears among its one-tap imaging modes
- Compact design weighs about 3.6 lb
Cons
- Designed for deep-sky objects, not planetary observation
- Solar safety details need confirmation before use
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages: Best for a child's lunar learning
- Designed for Moon viewing
- Tabletop tripod
- Finder scope
- Two eyepieces
This child-friendly telescope is described for Moon viewing and includes a tabletop tripod, finder scope and two eyepieces. It is not described as a solar telescope.
Pros
- Finder scope helps locate the Moon
- Includes low- and high-power eyepieces
- Tabletop tripod included
Cons
- Intended for lunar viewing
- No solar viewing feature is specified
Gskyer Telescope: Best for travel and night sky viewing
- 70 mm aperture
- 400 mm focal length
- Adjustable tripod
- Carry bag
The portable refractor includes a carry bag, adjustable tripod and phone adapter. Its description warns against pointing it at or near the Sun, so it is not a solar-viewing choice.
Pros
- Carry bag for transport
- Finder scope and two eyepieces included
- Phone adapter and wireless remote included
Cons
- Description warns never to aim it at or near the Sun
- No solar filter is specified
HSL 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope for Adults: Best for manual night sky tracking
- 150 mm aperture
- Manual German equatorial mount
- Slow-motion altitude lever
- Phone holder and wireless remote
This reflector has a large aperture and a manual equatorial mount for tracking celestial objects. Its included color filters are described for planet details, not as a solar safety filter.
Pros
- 150 mm aperture
- Manual slow-motion tracking
- Phone holder and wireless remote included
Cons
- No solar viewing filter is specified
- Color filters are not described for solar use
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone: Best for app-guided night sky tours
- 114 mm Newtonian reflector
- Smartphone guided sky tour
- Manual altazimuth mount
- Slow-motion altitude adjustment
StarSense uses a phone app to help find night sky targets such as stars, planets and galaxies. The stated uses do not include solar viewing.
Pros
- Phone-guided target finding
- Slow-motion altitude adjustment
- Includes two eyepieces
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- Needs a compatible smartphone for the guided tour
MEEZAA Telescope: Best for equatorial mount practice
- 150 mm aperture
- 650 mm focal length
- German equatorial mount
- Moon filter included
The equatorial mount and slow-motion controls suit learning manual tracking for night sky targets. Its included Moon filter is for lunar viewing, not solar viewing.
Pros
- 150 mm aperture
- Slow-motion manual tracking
- Carry bag and phone adapter included
Cons
- Moon filter is not a solar filter
- No solar viewing feature is specified
WOSPORTS Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for a refractor with a phone adapter
- 90 mm aperture
- 600 mm focal length
- Adjustable tripod
- Phone adapter
This refractor includes a phone adapter and adjustable tripod for general observing. No solar filter or solar viewing use is specified.
Pros
- 90 mm aperture
- Phone adapter included
- Carry case included
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- A phone adapter does not make solar viewing safe
Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes: Best for fitting an existing telescope
- Designed for direct solar viewing
- Fits objective barrels 75–100 mm wide
- Adjustable panels and elastic band
- Orange tint
This is the set's only item described for direct solar viewing. Check the telescope's objective barrel diameter and inspect the filter and its attachment before every session.
Pros
- Made for solar viewing and eclipses
- Defined compatible barrel range
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Fits only objective barrels within its stated range
- Requires a secure fit on the instrument
SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for deep-sky imaging setup
- 102 mm aperture
- 714 mm focal length
- ED glass
- Dual-speed focuser
This refractor is described for visual observation and astrophotography, especially deep-sky imaging. No solar filter or solar-viewing feature is specified.
Pros
- 102 mm aperture
- ED glass helps reduce color fringing
- Dual-speed focuser
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- No finderscope is included
How we compared these solar viewing options
We compared the listed features against the needs of someone shopping for solar viewing: stated solar use, filter fit, tracking or navigation features, and the distinction between solar equipment and general astronomy gear. The EclipSmart ranks as the practical solar pick because it is the only item specifically described for safe direct solar viewing.
The Seestar S30 Pro includes a one-tap imaging mode for the Sun, plus app control and automatic tracking. Its description also says it is designed for deep-sky objects and not intended for planetary observation, so don't assume its solar imaging mode alone answers questions about safe solar viewing.
The Blue Marble telescope is made for lunar viewing, while the Gskyer description explicitly warns against aiming it at or near the Sun. The HSL, Celestron StarSense, MEEZAA, WOSPORTS and SVBONY options have astronomy features, but the facts provided here do not specify a solar viewing setup for them.
Our score weighs specs and features against the solar viewing question. A high score does not mean every telescope is suitable for viewing the Sun.
What should you check before using a solar filter?
Check compatibility, fit and condition before pointing a telescope toward the Sun. The filter belongs over the front aperture, where it limits incoming sunlight before it enters the telescope.
Start by measuring the outside diameter of the telescope's objective barrel. The EclipSmart fits 75–100 mm barrels; that measurement is not the same as the telescope's stated aperture in every design, so use the barrel's outside measurement.
Next, check that the filter can be secured firmly and cannot slip off. Do not use a filter that is damaged, loose or difficult to attach as directed.
Keep an eye on it while observing, and stop if the fit changes.
A telescope's included accessories can be easy to misread. The MEEZAA includes a Moon filter, and the HSL set includes color filters for planet detail.
Neither description identifies those accessories as solar filters.
For a beginner-focused comparison, see our guide to the best beginner solar telescope. If capturing images is your main goal, our guide to solar telescope photography covers the separate choices involved in imaging.
Which solar viewing telescope fits your observing plans?
Choose by the observing job and the safety setup, rather than by aperture or magnification alone. The products below solve different general astronomy needs, but most are not described as solar telescopes.
| Product | Best for | Objective lens | Control | Solar use | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope | app-guided solar imaging | 30 mm | App controlled with automatic tracking | One-tap Sun imaging mode | 9.7 |
| Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages | a child's lunar learning | 25 mm | 9.6 | ||
| Gskyer Telescope | travel and night sky viewing | 9.5 | |||
| HSL 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope for Adults | manual night sky tracking | 9.5 | |||
| Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone | app-guided night sky tours | 9.3 | |||
| MEEZAA Telescope | equatorial mount practice | 9.3 | |||
| WOSPORTS Telescope for Adults High Powered | a refractor with a phone adapter | 8.6 | |||
| Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes | fitting an existing telescope | Direct viewing of the Sun | 8.5 | ||
| SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered | deep-sky imaging setup | 8.1 |
ZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope: Best for app-guided solar imaging
- App controlled
- Automatic GOTO targeting and tracking
- One-tap imaging modes for the Sun
- 30 mm objective lens
Its app and automatic tracking suit buyers who want a guided imaging workflow. The stated solar feature is one-tap capture, so confirm the device's solar safety requirements before use.
Pros
- Automatic GOTO targeting and tracking
- Sun appears among its one-tap imaging modes
- Compact design weighs about 3.6 lb
Cons
- Designed for deep-sky objects, not planetary observation
- Solar safety details need confirmation before use
The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro is the closest match here for app-guided solar imaging because its one-tap modes include the Sun. Automatic GOTO targeting and tracking, plus phone control, make the workflow different from aiming a conventional telescope by hand.
Its 30 mm objective and 4.6-degree field of view are stated features. ZWO describes it as designed for deep-sky objects and says it is not intended for planetary observation, so buyers focused on the Sun should verify the complete solar safety requirements before using it for that purpose.
The Seestar weighs about 3.6 lb and includes a tripod. That portability may appeal if you plan to carry a compact imaging setup, but portability does not change the need to follow the device's solar instructions.
Choose it for app-guided imaging features, and confirm its solar viewing procedure first. If your priority is direct visual observation through a dedicated instrument, compare purpose-built solar telescopes.
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages: Best for a child's lunar learning
- Designed for Moon viewing
- Tabletop tripod
- Finder scope
- Two eyepieces
This child-friendly telescope is described for Moon viewing and includes a tabletop tripod, finder scope and two eyepieces. It is not described as a solar telescope.
Pros
- Finder scope helps locate the Moon
- Includes low- and high-power eyepieces
- Tabletop tripod included
Cons
- Intended for lunar viewing
- No solar viewing feature is specified
The Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope is designed for children learning to observe the Moon. It includes a finder scope, low- and high-power eyepieces, and a tabletop tripod.
Those features can support a first lunar observing session, but the telescope is not described for looking at the Sun. Its Moon-focused design does not make it suitable for solar viewing, even if the Sun fits within the field of view.
Families who want a child's first telescope can compare it with our EACONN 80mm telescope review. For solar observing, choose equipment explicitly described for that use and follow its safety instructions.
Gskyer Telescope: Best for travel and night sky viewing
- 70 mm aperture
- 400 mm focal length
- Adjustable tripod
- Carry bag
The portable refractor includes a carry bag, adjustable tripod and phone adapter. Its description warns against pointing it at or near the Sun, so it is not a solar-viewing choice.
Pros
- Carry bag for transport
- Finder scope and two eyepieces included
- Phone adapter and wireless remote included
Cons
- Description warns never to aim it at or near the Sun
- No solar filter is specified
The Gskyer is a 70 mm refractor with a 400 mm focal length, adjustable tripod and carry bag. Its phone adapter and wireless remote are for capturing images, but those accessories do not filter sunlight.
The product description specifically warns users never to aim this telescope at the Sun or even close to it. That makes it a clear night sky and travel option, not a solar viewing choice.
If you need a portable refractor for landscape use, our best refractor telescope for land viewing guide discusses that separate use. Keep this Gskyer pointed away from the Sun.
HSL 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope for Adults: Best for manual night sky tracking
- 150 mm aperture
- Manual German equatorial mount
- Slow-motion altitude lever
- Phone holder and wireless remote
This reflector has a large aperture and a manual equatorial mount for tracking celestial objects. Its included color filters are described for planet details, not as a solar safety filter.
Pros
- 150 mm aperture
- Manual slow-motion tracking
- Phone holder and wireless remote included
Cons
- No solar viewing filter is specified
- Color filters are not described for solar use
The HSL 150EQ is a 150 mm reflector with a manual German equatorial mount and slow-motion control. Its color filter set is described for planet details and cloud structures, not for viewing the Sun.
A phone holder and wireless remote are included, but they only relate to image capture and control. They do not provide solar protection, and the stated features do not mean this telescope is ready for solar use.
Choose it for general astronomy if its aperture and mount suit your observing plans. For solar viewing, pair equipment only with a filter or setup specifically suited to the telescope and follow its instructions.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone: Best for app-guided night sky tours
- 114 mm Newtonian reflector
- Smartphone guided sky tour
- Manual altazimuth mount
- Slow-motion altitude adjustment
StarSense uses a phone app to help find night sky targets such as stars, planets and galaxies. The stated uses do not include solar viewing.
Pros
- Phone-guided target finding
- Slow-motion altitude adjustment
- Includes two eyepieces
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- Needs a compatible smartphone for the guided tour
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ uses a smartphone app to guide you toward night sky targets. The 114 mm Newtonian reflector, manual altazimuth mount and slow-motion altitude adjustment are described for stars, planets and deep-sky objects.
Its smartphone guidance can help new observers find targets, but the product features here do not include solar viewing or a solar filter. Don't confuse an app that identifies the sky with a safe way to observe the Sun.
For night sky viewing, it may suit someone who wants app guidance. For solar observing, select solar-specific equipment or a correctly fitted filter.
MEEZAA Telescope: Best for equatorial mount practice
- 150 mm aperture
- 650 mm focal length
- German equatorial mount
- Moon filter included
The equatorial mount and slow-motion controls suit learning manual tracking for night sky targets. Its included Moon filter is for lunar viewing, not solar viewing.
Pros
- 150 mm aperture
- Slow-motion manual tracking
- Carry bag and phone adapter included
Cons
- Moon filter is not a solar filter
- No solar viewing feature is specified
The MEEZAA 150EQ combines a 150 mm aperture with a German equatorial mount and slow-motion controls. Its accessories include a Moon filter, which is intended for lunar viewing rather than direct solar observing.
The included phone adapter and carry bag may suit general astronomy sessions. Neither one changes the need for a solar filter fitted over the front aperture if you plan to observe the Sun.
Consider it for learning manual tracking and observing the Moon or night sky. Do not use the Moon filter as a substitute for a solar filter.
WOSPORTS Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for a refractor with a phone adapter
- 90 mm aperture
- 600 mm focal length
- Adjustable tripod
- Phone adapter
This refractor includes a phone adapter and adjustable tripod for general observing. No solar filter or solar viewing use is specified.
Pros
- 90 mm aperture
- Phone adapter included
- Carry case included
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- A phone adapter does not make solar viewing safe
The WOSPORTS refractor has a 90 mm aperture, 600 mm focal length and adjustable tripod. It also includes a phone adapter and carry case.
These features support general viewing and image capture, but the stated information does not identify a solar filter or a solar use. A phone adapter holds a phone; it does not reduce sunlight entering the telescope.
Choose it for general observing only after confirming it fits your needs. For solar viewing, use a solar filter made for the instrument or a dedicated solar telescope.
Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes: Best for fitting an existing telescope
- Designed for direct solar viewing
- Fits objective barrels 75–100 mm wide
- Adjustable panels and elastic band
- Orange tint
This is the set's only item described for direct solar viewing. Check the telescope's objective barrel diameter and inspect the filter and its attachment before every session.
Pros
- Made for solar viewing and eclipses
- Defined compatible barrel range
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Fits only objective barrels within its stated range
- Requires a secure fit on the instrument
The Celestron EclipSmart is the clearest match for viewing the Sun in this roundup. Its folding filter fits objective barrels with an outside diameter from 75 to 100 mm, and adjustable side panels plus an elastic band secure it to the instrument.
Celestron says the film conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E) for direct solar viewing. It is described for eclipses and sunspots, with an orange tint for visual observing and imaging.
Measure the barrel carefully and check that the filter fits securely before use. Follow its directions each time, and inspect the filter and attachment before aiming the telescope.
SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for deep-sky imaging setup
- 102 mm aperture
- 714 mm focal length
- ED glass
- Dual-speed focuser
This refractor is described for visual observation and astrophotography, especially deep-sky imaging. No solar filter or solar-viewing feature is specified.
Pros
- 102 mm aperture
- ED glass helps reduce color fringing
- Dual-speed focuser
Cons
- No solar viewing feature is specified
- No finderscope is included
The SVBONY SV503 is a 102 mm refractor with ED glass, a dual-speed focuser and a 360-degree field rotator. Its stated uses are visual observation and astrophotography, with features aimed at camera alignment and deep-sky imaging.
No solar filter or solar viewing feature is specified. Its aperture and imaging hardware do not make it a solar telescope by themselves.
Choose it for a camera-ready night sky setup if those features fit your needs. For galaxy observing, see our best telescope for deep-sky objects and best telescope for galaxies guides.
Is a dedicated solar telescope better than a filter?
A dedicated solar telescope is designed around solar observing, while a front-aperture filter adapts a compatible general telescope. Which approach fits depends on the instrument, the filter's compatibility and the kind of solar features you want to observe.
This roundup's products do not include a purpose-built solar telescope. The EclipSmart is a filter, and the Seestar is described with a Sun imaging mode; the remaining options are described for lunar or night sky use.
Before buying a dedicated instrument, check what kind of solar viewing it supports and what accessories are required. For a filter, verify the exact fit, attachment method and instructions for your telescope.
Verdict: which is the best telescope for solar viewing?
The Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter is the best match in this set for direct solar viewing, provided your telescope's objective barrel measures 75–100 mm and the filter fits securely. The Seestar is the app-guided imaging option to investigate further, while the other telescopes are described for lunar or night sky observing.
Choose a dedicated solar telescope if you want an instrument made for solar observing. Choose a compatible front-aperture filter if you already own a telescope and can confirm its fit.
In either case, follow the equipment's instructions before viewing the Sun.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for app-guided solar imaging
ZWO Seestar S30 Pro Smart Telescope
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a child's lunar learning
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Can I look at the Sun through an ordinary telescope?
No. Never look at the Sun through an ordinary telescope without a suitable solar filter secured over the front aperture.
A regular Moon filter or color filter is not a solar safety filter.
Check the filter's fit and condition before every session, and follow its instructions.
What makes a telescope suitable for solar viewing?
A solar viewing telescope is designed for observing the Sun, or it is paired with a suitable solar filter fitted securely over the front of the telescope. Check the instrument's stated solar use, the filter's compatibility, and the manufacturer's safety instructions.
Do not rely on eyepiece filters for solar viewing.
Will the Celestron EclipSmart fit my telescope?
The EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter is described for objective barrels with an outside diameter of 75–100 mm. Measure the outside of your telescope's front barrel and compare it with that range before choosing it.
A compatible diameter still needs a secure, correctly adjusted fit.
Can I use a telescope phone adapter for solar photos?
A phone adapter only holds or aligns a phone with the telescope. It does not filter sunlight or make the telescope safe for solar viewing.
Use an appropriate solar setup, confirm it is secured before aiming, and follow the equipment instructions.
