With a telescope of this size i utilize a power magnification of 200x which allows me to view the planet saturn and the surrounding rings which make it so unique from all of the other planets.
Smallest telescope to see saturn rings.
A good 3 inch scope at 50x magnification will show the rings as distinctly separate from the ball of the planet.
Saturn s rings should be visible in even the smallest telescope at a magnification of 25 times.
A good 3 inch scope at 50x can show them as a separate structure detached on all sides from the ball of the planet.
Saturn has a more three dimensional appearance than any other object in the sky at least that s how it looks to me with a 6 inch scope on a night of.
The rings of saturn should be visible in even the smallest telescope at 25x magnified by 25 times.
So the good news.
An inexpensive telescope one at least with 25x magnification should be enough to see the rings.
I took a photo of saturn and its surrounding rings with small travel telescope 2 76 inch objective and configured it for 50x magnification power.
The rings are currently tilted about 19 from our line of sight less than in recent years.
Sample of saturn s rings with 50x magnification power.
Saturn s rings should be visible in even the smallest telescope at a magnification of 25 times.
A good 3 inch scope at 50x magnification will show the rings as distinctly separate from the ball of the planet.
A good 3 inch scope at 50x magnified by 50 times can show them as a separate structure.