Best Binoculars for Astronomy

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Best Overall Binoculars for Astronomy

Celestron

5/5 Product Rating

Celestron SkyMaster Giant is for the serious astronomer that wants to get up close and personal with the stars. The large 70mm objective lenses offer plenty of bright images in low-light conditions. The 15x magnification is perfect for incredible astronomical viewing.The large focus dial in the center makes fast work of focusing quickly. These astronomy binoculars can be mounted on a tripod for maximum steadiness while viewing without having to hold the binoculars. Wear glasses? No problem! You’ll be comfortable while viewing thanks to the soft eyecups made of rubber that can be folded down when you have eyeglasses so they don’t hit your glasses. The exterior of the binoculars provide a secure, non-slip place to hold onto them and the rugged exterior features armor that will protect it and keep it lasting a long time.

These powerful astronomy binoculars have everything you need to sit outside on a dark night with no clouds and take a walk through the night skies. You’ll be amazed at what you see. Along with your binoculars, you will also get an Objective lens cap, tripod adapter, lens cloth, rain guard, carrying case, neck strap, and an informative instruction manual.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best Astronomy Binoculars for the Money

Celestron

4.8/5 Product Rating

If you want to spend your evenings gazing up at the night sky during low light conditions, you don’t have to look any further than the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 Astronomy binoculars. Features of these great binoculars include BAK-4 prisms, diopter adjustment for large apertures and fine focusing needs, multi-coated optics for excellent contrast and much more.The rubber armor that the casing features has prism coverings that are pebbled. These binoculars will provide eye relief that lasts a long time and along with large angular fields of view.

The 4mm exit pupil works well for low light conditions but won’t be quite strong enough for complete dark. The tripod adaptor rod allows these binoculars to be put on a tripod for steadier, hands-free viewing. Celestron offers consumers a limited lifetime warranty on these powerful astronomy binoculars and it comes with a padded, deluxe carrying case to protect it while you are traveling. The water resistant body can handle light drizzling rain or accidental splashes but are not suited to heavy downpours or getting soaked.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 25×100 Astronomy Binoculars

Celestron

4.8/5 Product Rating

Celestron SkyMaster brings you another great pair of binoculars for viewing the stars and night sky.  These Porro binoculars feature 25x magnification and 100mm objective lens for astronomical or land viewing and is perfect for long distances. The multi-coated optics and BK-4 prisms add enhanced contrast for incredible images. This durable, viewing powerhouse will provide incredible viewing experiences for astronomy lovers.The 100 mm objective lens provides incredible image brightness in long range and low light conditions. Features also include long eye relief that is perfect for those who wear glasses. The 100 mmm model has structural reinforcement that has been enhanced to the main body of the binoculars. The water-resistant body allows for viewing in light rain but should not be used in heavy downpours. There is also a photo tripod adapter that is super rigid for maximum stability.

Each individual eyepiece can be independently controlled for the best possible focus positions. The mounting rail helps you mount the ASTRO on a monopod or tripod for hands-free viewing comfort so you can enjoy magnificent views for hours. These binoculars will provide years of enjoyment and superior viewing. The ASTRO comes with a padded carrying case so you can store and travel with your binoculars safely.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 10×50 Astronomy Binoculars

Orion

4.8/5 Product Rating

Orion Ultraview binoculars are the answer for anyone who loves stargazing but wears eyeglasses. They are the perfect sunglass and eyeglass friendly choice that offers an extra-long 22mm eye relief that allows the user to have a full field of view even with their eyeglasses on. This is achieved by retracting the rubber eyecups that feature twist-lock technology.Orion binoculars have the premium BAK-4 glass prisms and the lenses have been polished and finely ground to exact specifications. All of the air-to-glass surfaces have been fully multi-coated which provides a lot more light than can be achieved with other standard coatings that are on most binoculars. Your images will have pure, brilliant color and sharpness all the way out to the edge. The center focus wheel is large and easy to use, focusing quickly with just a touch of your finger.

The extra-wide field of view, 61/2 degrees, is much wider than regular 10x binoculars. These are the perfect choice for long distance bird and nature watching, hunting, and high-powered astronomy viewing. The rubber armor provides users with a secure, non-slip grip and the cast-metal alloy body is rugged and will stand up to lots of field use.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 10X70 Astronomy Binoculars

Fujinon

4.8/5 Product Rating

The Fujinon Polaris 10×70 FMT-SX Binoculars by Fujifilm are considered to be among the world’s greatest astronomy binoculars.  The build quality of these binoculars does not disappoint: every lens and prism surface is coated with a unique EBC process, they are both waterproof and fog proof, and they have a rubber armored body with military spec shock and impact resistance.The EBC coating results in allowing 95% of light to pass through the visible spectrum. This is incredibly important for low light performance in astronomy.

These binoculars are waterproof so you can use them in inclement weather and have been nitrogen-purged so there is no internal fogging to get in the way and mess up your viewing. The waterproof hard case is rugged and protects the binoculars from bumps and other things that could damage them. One of the popular features of these binoculars is the independent focus capability of each eyepiece for personalized focus control that provides sharp, crisp images for both eyes.

Like most astronomy binoculars, the Fujinon Polaris FMT-SX’s are tripod adaptable for hands-free viewing so you can have extended viewing sessions without becoming tired. This feature is great for when you want to share observing and viewing with others. The Fujinon Polaris FMT-SX binoculars are the best 10×70 astronomy binoculars on the market and are sometimes available with a kit that comes with a case, monopod with pan head, universal smartphone adapter, lens cloth, and binocular tripod adapter.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 20X70 Astronomy Binoculars

Echelon

4.7/5 Product Rating

There are good binoculars and lesser quality binoculars on the market. Knowing which are which is very important in securing a quality pair that will meet your needs. These 20×70 Echelon binoculars are designed with low light viewing in mind and have features that help them perform extremely well in these conditions. To properly view subjects at night or twilight binoculars need to have larger optics to bring in as much light as they can.Big lenses are not the only factor involved in having a superior observation experience. Rugged construction, quality glass, and other features are needed to keep the binoculars working well and staying safe as well. The large aperture that the Echelon series is made with are designed to be used I low light conditions with favorable results that will leave you wanting more. The 20×70 is the highest magnification that the Echelon series offers.

If you want to view subjects from far away or you want a truly celestial experience, these are the binoculars to choose. The individual focus ability of each eyepiece and the rugged construction are perfect for professional use as well. Users will get a full accessory pack with the Echelon 20×70 that includes a carry case, a neck strap, lens cloth, and much more.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best Waterproof Astronomy Binoculars

Orion

4.7/5 Product Rating

You’ll be able to explore the night sky and beautiful daytime scenery no matter what the weather is with these Orion 10×50 E-series binoculars. The waterproof feature eliminates worry about damp or rainy weather.  You’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of the moon, star clusters, and more, rain or shine. The 10x magnification is more powerful than the 7×50 or 8×42 binoculars so you’ll get plenty of detail in your images.The 50mm objective lenses grab more than 50 times more light than your naked eye can see so you’ll see much more in the night sky than you would be able to normally.

The high-quality BAK-4 Porro prisms and multi-coated optics provide a 6 ½ degree field-of-view to your eyepieces that are bright and clear. The long eye relief of 19mm offers a relaxing pair of binoculars even if you wear eyeglasses while you are viewing.  Orion E Series binoculars weigh approximately 2.15 pounds and are comfortable to hold whether you are using them during the day or stargazing at night. If you want a hands-free viewing experience with extra stability, use the tripod adapter that is threaded for easily attaching the binoculars to the tripod.  These binoculars come with a lens cap and carry case.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 10×50 Astronomy Binoculars Runners Up

Fujinon

4.6/5 Product Rating

Fuji is a well-known name is cameras but that is not all they excel at. These Fujinon Polaris binoculars are our pick for runner-up and for good reason. This series has a positive reputation for providing avid users with optics that are far superior to other models at a cost you can afford. They are rated #1 by many marine magazines for value and excellent optical performance. The binoculars in the Fujinon Polaris series feature EBC coating, a patented coating that allows exceptional transmission of light.

The field flattener lens offers images that are sharp from edge to edge allowing for no visible distortion or astigmatism. If you are looking for a superb pair of astronomy binoculars that offers superior performance without breaking the bank, The Fujinon Polaris 10×50 binoculars are a great option to look at. They offer plenty of features that outdoor enthusiasts want in a great package that will provide you with the viewing experiences you are looking for.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 10X70 Astronomy Binoculars for the Money

Celestron

4.5/5 Product Rating

The Celestron Echelon 10×70 offers many great features that make it very popular with outdoor enthusiasts that love stargazing or long range viewing. These features include protection from the elements thanks to being fully waterproof and being nitrogen-purged that prevents fogging internally. These made-in-the-USA binoculars have been constructed using high-quality Japanese optics and the proprietary coating technology, XLT that provide the user with exceptional optical performance.

The Echelon 10×70 binoculars are protected by a waterproof, durable hard case that will keep it safe when in the field. This particular model provides users with the lowest magnification and widest field of view. One of the popular features of these binoculars is that they are easy to use and will make fast work of zeroing in on your target. This makes it a great choice for those new to using a large aperture, high powered binoculars. This 10×70 model is adaptable for tripods which makes it great for hands-free viewing or sharing the binoculars with other nature and astronomy lovers.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 15X70 Astronomy Binoculars for the Money

Celestron

4.5/5 Product Rating

The SkyMaster 15×70 by Celestron is the best 15×70 astronomy binoculars for the money and for good reason. The large aperture is perfect for stargazing and viewing in low light conditions. The multi-coated optics provide crisp, clear images that will thrill casual and serious viewers alike. The diopter adjustment works for fine focusing so your images are sharp from edge to edge. The 70mm objective lens gives you the maximum image clarity and brightness in both long range and low light conditions making them the perfect pair of binoculars for viewing the night sky and constellations to your heart’s content.

If you wear glasses, you’ll love the 13mm long eye relief these binoculars offer that allows you to wear your glasses while enjoying perfect viewing in comfort. The premium BAK-4 prisms paired with the multi-coated optics give you plenty of brighter, sharp images. The included adapter allows users to connect a tripod to the binoculars for hands-free viewing. Like all Celestron SkyMaster series, the 15×70 has an armored exterior that is rugged and durable, ensuring protection for the binoculars while you are using them in the field. It also gives them a secure grip so you don’t drop them while in use.
– Anthony Dawson

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Best 25X70 Astronomy Binoculars for the Money

Celestron

4.4/5 Product Rating

If you are looking for a pair of binoculars that offers incredible value and high performance, choose the 25×70 astronomy binoculars by Celestron. These SkyMaster series binoculars include features such as a large 70mm objective lens that provides maximum brightness for your images in low-light conditions, an impressive 25x magnification that is perfect for long-range viewing as well as astronomical viewing. Like all other SkyMasters, the 25×70 features multi-coated optics and high performing BAK-4 prisms for added contrast that will give you images that will make you feel like you are right there next to your subjects.

The larger binoculars in the SkyMaster series are designed to meet the needs of long astronomical or long-range viewing sessions. For added stability during viewing and to allow others to see the incredible images you are capturing, the 25×70 is tripod adaptable and can be added to a tripod easily. The soft rubber eyes cups make viewing comfortable even for those who need to wear glasses while viewing. These binoculars come with an accessory pack that includes lens cloth, carrying case, and lens cap for the objective lens, lens cloth, and neck strap. You’ll also get an instruction manual.
– Anthony Dawson

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It may be a good idea to pick up this tripod adapter for the Celestron:

Celestron

4.5/5 Product Rating

The benefits of having a tripod capable pair of binoculars include being able to view the night sky or long range daytime viewing for extended periods of time. This tripod adapter allows you to mount either type of binoculars, roof or porro, to the tripod and adds convenience as well as other features to your list of benefits.Once you have tried viewing with the binoculars on a tripod, you may never want to go back to handle-held viewing again.  Another benefit to using a tripod is that you will not have unfocused images.
– Anthony Dawson

Astronomy Binoculars Buying Guide

If you want to take a trip through space without ever having to leave Earth, you can view the night sky with a pair of binoculars right from your deck on a dark, clear night. While other binoculars may be able to do the job, you will get the most out of this experience by using astronomy binoculars that are specially designed for this purpose.

The Popularity of 10×50 Astronomy Binoculars

There are several reasons the 10 x 50 astronomy binoculars are the most popular for stargazing. They have a larger aperture which allows more light to get in than a regular 42mm. It is also small enough that you can carry it easily in the field when you are using it for terrestrial viewing.

The 10x power means that objects you are viewing will appear ten times closer than what they appear with the naked eye. The exit pupil of 5mm is good for night time use also. It may not be as powerful as the 10×70 but it tends to be more popular due to the size, ease of use, and it is less expensive than most 10x 70s.

Benefits of a Tripod and/or Tripod Adapter

If you have been outdoors using binoculars for any length of time you will already know why it is a good idea to purchase a tripod for your binoculars and to make sure that the pair you buy has a tripod adapter.

If you are doing any stargazing or long-range viewing and plan on being out for a long time, your arms are going to get tired. Having a good quality tripod will allow you to view for long hours hands-free so you don’t have to put up with the tired arms and shoulders. Having a good tripod will also make sharing the views much easier.

When choosing a pair of astronomy binoculars make sure that they can be attached to a tripod via a tripod adapter or that they come with one already. You will enjoy extended viewing that much more and your arms and shoulders will thank you!

I Like Big Apertures and I Cannot Lie – Now Here’s Why:

If you are new to using binoculars you may not understand what the big deal is about aperture size. The aperture size is indicated by the second number that is displayed. For example, a 10x 50 pair of binoculars has a decent sized aperture, indicated by the 50; the larger the number the larger the aperture. So what does a large aperture provide?

• Allows More Light In – When you are doing night viewing, you want as much light as possible to get inside so you can have a clear picture of what you are trying to look at. The larger the aperture is the brighter your images will be. Anything under 50mm will make night viewing virtually impossible.

• Higher Optic Quality – Optic quality is important when it comes to the longevity and clarity that your binoculars will have. The prisms, type of glass, and materials used in constructing the binoculars will always be stronger and better when higher optic quality is the manufacturer’s objective. If you are just wanting binoculars for casually watching the birds in your yard, then no, higher optic quality really doesn’t matter. For astronomy use, however, the quality of the optics that the binoculars have can provide you with an incredible viewing experience that will have you hooked on night star gazing for good.

Comparison: Binoculars VS Telescopes

So how do you know which is better to buy for astronomy; telescopes or binoculars? Below we have listed out the major differences between the two so you can decide for yourself which you prefer.

Telescopes are most often used for astronomy and stargazing. They can view exceptionally long distances and have a complicated optical system that collects light and uses mirrors and other methods to bring images that are far away, closer so you can see them.

Years ago, binoculars were used more for bird watching, spying on people, and other more casual activities but modern binoculars have improved so much and added new technology so that a high-quality pair of binoculars can offer a view of the night sky that rivals some telescopes.

The zoom capabilities with a telescope are very long, typically 12x to 15x on a basic telescope and can go as high as 45x to 60x. Binoculars start with a low zoom of around 4x and can go up to 12x or higher if they are specialty binoculars.

Field of view is another place that binoculars and telescopes differ. While the telescope typically has a narrow field of view, binoculars can have a very wide field of view, opening up a lot more viewing space for you to enjoy. This wide field of view is good for long range viewing as well.

Unless you just like to carry around a lot of equipment, you will love the portability of binoculars over the bulkiness of a telescope. Telescopes are also not suitable for daytime viewing of nature which limits you to only astronomy.

Binoculars can be carried around in your pocket in many cases, and in easy to carry cases if they are a little larger. This portability allows you to be spontaneous in your viewing and catch things that you may not have been able to, had you only had a telescope to work with.

Pros of Binoculars Rather Than Telescopes

• Navigating is less frustrating for a beginner
• Wider Field of View
• Observation with both eyes feels natural
• Portability
• Two Barrels collect more light-it is like seeing in stereo!
• Lower learning curve for beginners
• Cost is typically lower for binoculars over telescopes

Cons Binoculars Rather Than Telescopes

• Lower Magnification
• Truly need a telescope for the most clear astronomical views
• Nighttime viewing is not as strong or clear for binoculars as it is for telescopes

Conclusion

There are many different types of binoculars on the market. Not all of them are ideal for astronomy so it is important that you look for the models that will give you the magnification and aperture you want. You do get what you pay for, so while we are not suggesting you go out and purchase the most expensive pair you can find, what you should NOT do is look for “cheap”.

A cheap pair of binoculars will operate and perform cheaply and you will be disappointed in the quality and results you get. Look for binoculars that have high magnification, high power, high optical quality, and that come from a reputable company.

Look at the customer comments and reviews and see what others are saying about using the binoculars you are interested in. This is a great way to gain inside knowledge and information about any binoculars you want to purchase.

In many cases, you may not get a pair of binoculars that are better than a telescope but if you are just starting out with stargazing, binoculars are an excellent place to start. If you choose a high powered pair of binoculars, be sure to invest in a tripod or tripod adapter so you can hold them still properly. This will make a big difference in the quality and sharpness of your images.

Once you purchase your binoculars, take the time to go through the manual and read it thoroughly. It will help you understand the different features and functions your particular binoculars have so when you take them out that first night, you will be thrilled with what they allow you to see.