Best Binoculars for Astronomy: Review & Buying Guide

Binoculars for Astronomy
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There are many advantages to binoculars, but when it comes to astronomy, they have several distinct advantages. First, it allows you to cover a wider view of the night sky than when observing with the naked eye.

This is especially useful when observing faint objects such as galaxies and nebulae. In addition, this device is much less expensive than a telescope, making it a great option for beginning astronomers.

But it’s important to know how to pick the best binoculars for observing astronomical objects so that you can fully enjoy using your device. I have also prepared for you the TOP 6 binoculars for star watching so that you don’t waste a lot of time studying the specifications and reviews.

Best Binoculars for Astronomy: What Should They Be?

There are several things to consider when choosing the best binoculars for stargazing:

  • Aperture. The larger it is, the more light the binoculars collect and the better the image will be. Look for binoculars with an aperture of at least 50 mm.
  • Magnification. The higher the magnification, the better the image will be. So, choose a device with a magnification in the range of 7x-10x.
  • Optical quality. Look for binoculars made with high-quality lenses and prisms. This will ensure a clear and bright image.
  • Field of View. This is the size of the area you will be able to see through the binoculars. The larger the field of view, the more of the sky you will be able to see. Look for a device with a field of view of at least 50 degrees.
  • Weight and size. The weight and size of the binoculars are also important factors. You don’t want binoculars that are too heavy or too large, as they will be difficult to use. Look for binoculars that weigh no more than 3 pounds and are no more than 10 inches long.

Contents

Top 6 Best Stargazing Binoculars

  1. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars – Top Pick
  2. Celestron – Cometron 7×50 Bincoulars – Runner-Up
  3. Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults – Premium Option
  4. Steiner Marine Binoculars for Adults and Kids
  5. Adasion 12×42 High Definition Binoculars for Adults with Phone Adapter
  6. Celestron – SkyMaster 25X70 Binocular

There are many different types of binoculars, so choosing the pair that best suits your needs is important. This selection will help you find the best device based on the features provided and the highlighted pros and cons.

1. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars – Top Pick

Specifications:

  • Special Feature: Vari-Angle Prism Image Stabilization; Eco-Friendly Lead-Free Glass, Super Spectra Multicoated Optics; Doublet Field-Flattener LensesVari-Angle Prism Image Stabilization; Eco-Friendly Lead-Free Glass, Super Spectra Multicoated Optics; Doublet Field-Flattener Lenses
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 36 Millimeters
  • Magnification Maximum: 12
  • Color: Black

They are a great choice for those looking for versatile and portable binoculars. Their high magnification of 12x provides clear and bright images that are ideal for observing astronomical objects. The Porro II prisms provide superior image resolution and minimize light loss, and the doublet field compensator helps provide a clear, distortion-free image from edge to edge.

The generous 14.5mm distance from the eye also helps ensure comfort in use, especially for those who wear glasses. And the low-reflective exterior design makes these binoculars ideal for any outdoor activity.

PROS:
  • Superb Image Stabilization (IS);
  • High magnification ratio;
  • 36mm/1.42 in. objective lens effective diameter;
  • Porro II Prisms help provide outstanding image resolution;
  • Doublet field-flattener for sharp, virtually distortion-free images;
  • Improved power efficiency and battery consumption;
  • Long eye relief (14.5mm/0.57 in.);
  • Low-reflective exterior design.
CONS:
  • Bulky and heavy.

2. Celestron – Cometron 7×50 Binoculars – Runner-Up

Specifications:

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Millimeters
  • Magnification Maximum: 7
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Nylon

These best budget binoculars for astronomy are a great choice for beginning astronomers. The binoculars have a wide field of view that reveals much of the night sky, allowing you to see more of the comet’s impressive tail. The large 50mm diameter lenses have tremendous light-gathering power, making them ideal for astronomical use.

The optics are multi-coated to greatly increase light transmission for brighter images with increased contrast and resolution. And the large exit pupil provides maximum illumination during night and low-light observing sessions. The device is housed in a rugged and durable aluminum housing.

PROS:
  • Large 50mm lenses;
  • Multilayer coated optics;
  • Large exit pupil;
  • Rugged and durable aluminum housing.
CONS:
  • Large and bulky.

3. Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults – Premium Option

Specifications:

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 Millimeters
  • Magnification Maximum: 10 x
  • Color: Black
  • Material: FMC Lens+Durable Body+Rubber Ammor

They are a great option for those looking for quality binoculars. With 10x magnification and 42mm lenses, these binoculars are perfect for observing birds, wildlife, safaris, and even nearby stars and planets. They also feature fully multi-coated lenses and a large BAK4 prism for bright, clear vision.

The shock-absorbing rubber armor is designed for maximum protection, and the binoculars also come with a smartphone adapter and carrying case, making it easy for you to transport your device.

PROS:
  • Lightweight;
  • High power magnification;
  • Large field of view;
  • FMC lenses;
  • BAK4 prism;
  • Shock-absorbing rubber armor;
  • HD Optics.
CONS:
  • You constantly have to adjust the focus for a clear image.

4. Steiner Marine Binoculars for Adults and Kids

Specifications:

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Millimeters
  • Magnification Maximum: 7x
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Blend

They are ideal for birdwatching, hunting, outdoor sports, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The 7×50 diameter lens and 1,000-yard field of view provide high-contrast optics for bright, realistic images.

A sports auto-focus feature provides a single, always clear image from 20 yards to infinity without refocusing. The floating prism system uses flexible silicone lens mounts to withstand heavy jolts, bumps, and abuse without damage.

The best 7×50 binoculars for astronomy are also waterproof and rubber-coated for durability in wet conditions, and ergonomic tabs and overlays provide a comfortable grip.

PROS:
  • High-contrast optics;
  • 7x magnification;
  • 50mm lens diameter;
  • Field of view at 1,000 yards;
  • Sport automatic focusing;
  • Floating prism system;
  • Waterproof and rubber armor;
  • Ergonomically designed ledges and overlays.
CONS:
  • High cost compared to some binoculars with the same feature set;
  • It’s a little heavy.

5. Adasion 12×42 High Definition Binoculars for Adults with Phone Adapter

Specifications:

  • Special Feature: All-glass-optical binocular, waterproof, fog-proof, high visibility
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 Millimeters
  • Magnification Maximum: 12.00
  • Specific Uses For Product: Hunting-and-shooting or sports, Travel, Hiking-and-outdoors

They are ideal for travel, birdwatching, hunting, stargazing, and whale watching. With 12x magnification and 18mm eyepieces, these binoculars provide a large field of view and clear, detailed images. The larger 42mm lenses and BAK4 prism collect more light and provide brighter, clearer images even in low-light conditions.

The updated 2022 universal phone adapter fits all smartphones, and the 360° swivel and extendable tripod with a 2.2″ adapter provide stable photography. The binoculars are also rain and fog-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.

PROS:
  • 12x magnification and 18-mm eyepieces;
  • 42 mm large objective lens;
  • BAK4 and FMC prisms;
  • Upgraded universal telephone adapter;
  • 360° swivel and 2.2″ retractable tripod with adapter;
  • Carrying case;
  • No-slip rubber and IP55 rain and fog protection;
  • Adjustable center focus wheel.
CONS:
  • The tripod is not strong enough for the size and weight of the binoculars.

6. Celestron – SkyMaster 25X70 Binocular

Specifications:

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 70
  • Magnification Maximum: 16
  • Specific Uses For Product: Personal
  • Material: Synthetic

They are perfect for both ground-based and astronomical observation. With 25x magnification, a large 70mm objective lens, and multi-coated optics, the SkyMaster delivers crisp, clear images even in low light and at long distances.

The binoculars also have a protective rubber coating for a secure grip and a great distance from your eyes, making them ideal for those who wear glasses. A carrying case is included for easy transportation and storage.

PROS:
  • 25x magnification;
  • Large 70 mm objective lens;
  • Sharp focus across the field of view;
  • Multi-coated optics for sharp, clear views;
  • Suitable for terrestrial or astronomical viewing;
  • Protective rubber covering for ultra-firm grip;
  • Ideal for eyeglass wearers.
CONS:
  • You need to buy a tripod or monopod for a stable image.

What You Can See in Binoculars for Astronomy

They are a great tool for amateur astronomers. You can use them to observe a variety of astronomical objects, including the Moon, planets, stars, and even some galaxies.

Moon is one of the easiest astronomical objects to observe with binoculars. You can see craters, mountains, and seas on it with this device. Moon is also a great object for training young astronomers.

The planets are more difficult to observe than the Moon, but some can be seen with binoculars. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are bright enough to be observed. You might even be able to see some of the largest moons of these planets as well.

The stars are much dimmer than the planets, so they are harder to see but still worth a try. The brightest stars, such as Sirius and Aldebaran, are clearly visible through binoculars. You can also see star clusters such as the Pleiades and even some nebulae.

Galaxies are the most difficult astronomical objects to observe with binoculars. However, the two galaxies closest to us, Andromeda and Triangulum, are the ones you can view.

How we test binoculars for stars and planets

Before observing stars and other astronomical objects, make sure the binoculars are properly aligned.

  • First, you must check that the binoculars are properly aligned. This can be done by looking through the eyepieces and making sure that the two images are in line with each other. If this is not the case, the eyepieces need to be adjusted.
  • Next, you need to make sure that the binoculars are correctly focused. This can be done by looking through the device at a distant object and adjusting the focus until the object is clear.
  • Finally, it is very important to ensure that the binoculars do not provide additional magnification. This can be done by looking at a bright star or planet and comparing it to the same object viewed with the naked eye. If the binoculars provide additional magnification, the object will appear larger than it would without them.

Binoculars for stargazing

Scope of application

Binoculars can be used for astronomy in two ways:

  1. As a viewfinder.
  2. As a primary spotting scope.

A finder scope is a low-powered device used to find objects in the night sky. It is usually mounted on the side of the main sight, and they are aligned so that they are pointing in the same direction.

The main sight is the device that is used to observe objects. It is usually much more powerful than the viewfinder.

Binoculars for the night sky can be used as a primary sight but have some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that they have a narrow field of view. This means that it is difficult to find objects because you can only see a small area at a time.

Binoculars also have limited magnification. This means they can make objects larger but cannot make them closer.

Features of Binoculars to See Stars

They can be an indispensable tool for anyone interested in stargazing. And star binoculars which are suitable for astronomical observation, are characterized by the following features:

  • Large lens: The large front lens of the binoculars plays a crucial role in how much light the binoculars collect. The bigger it is, the brighter and clearer the image will be.
  • Wide field of view: This is the amount of sky you can see through the binoculars at any given time. A wide field of view makes it easier to find and track objects in the sky.
  • High Magnification: This is the degree of magnification of the image in the binoculars. At high magnification, objects appear larger but can also appear more blurry if the binoculars are not of good quality.
  • Good image quality: This is determined by a number of factors, including the quality of the lenses and the coatings applied to them. High-quality optics give a crisper, clearer image.
  • Stable mount: This is important for two reasons. First, it will reduce image shake, which can make observing astronomical objects easier. Second, a stable mount will allow you to easily adjust the position of the binoculars to keep your hands free for other tasks.
  • Comfortable eyepiece: This is the part of the device through which you look. It will allow you to spend long periods of time looking through the binoculars easily.
  • Rugged construction: Binoculars made for observing the planets and stars are made of high-quality materials and have sturdy construction.

How to Choose Binoculars for Astronomy

Choosing the right binoculars for astronomy can be a challenge. There are many different types and brands on the market, and it can be difficult to know which ones are best suited to your needs.

That’s why I’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right binoculars for astronomy so that you can get the most out of your stargazing experience.

The first thing to consider is the type of binoculars you need. There are two basic types: refractor and reflector. Refractor ones use lenses to magnify the image, and refractor ones use mirrors. Both of these types have their advantages and disadvantages.

Refractor binoculars tend to be smaller and lighter than reflector binoculars, making them more portable. They also tend to be less expensive. However, refractor binoculars can give a distorted image, and they don’t collect light as well as refractor binoculars.

Refractor binoculars are larger and heavier than refractor binoculars, but they collect light better and give a less distorted image. They are also more expensive.

The next thing you should consider when choosing a device is:

  • aperture;
  • magnification;
  • field of view;
  • weight;
  • cost.

Aperture

This is the diameter of the lens or mirror of a telescope or binoculars. It is measured in millimeters or inches.

The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope or binoculars can collect and the better the image will be. However, larger apertures have several disadvantages.

First, they are more expensive. Second, they are heavier, which can make them difficult to mount on a tripod. And third, they require more care and cleaning.

Magnification

This is a number that is usually printed on the side of the instrument, such as “10×50.” It says two things: in a telescope or binoculars, the object will appear 10 times larger than it might appear to the naked eye, and the diameter of the exit pupil is 50 millimeters.

The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light coming out of the eyepiece of the telescope or binoculars. It is important because it determines how much light enters the eye.

The human eye can only use a certain amount of light at any given time, and that amount is determined by the size of the eye’s pupil.

In general, the maximum pupil diameter of the human eye is about 7 millimeters. This means that for most people, a telescope or binoculars with an exit pupil larger than 7 millimeters will not be better than binoculars with a smaller exit pupil.

But, in fact, it will probably be worse because a large exit pupil will cause the image to appear dim and fuzzy.

Field of View

This is the size of the area you can see through the instrument. It is usually measured in degrees, arcminutes, or arcseconds. A degree is 1/360th of a circle, an arc minute is 1/60th of a degree, and an arc second is 1/60th of an arc minute.

The field of view of a telescope or binoculars is determined by the focal length of the instrument and the eyepiece used. As a general rule, the longer the focal length, the smaller the field of view.

For example, a telescope with a 1000mm focal length will have a much narrower field of view than a telescope with a 200mm focal length.

The field of view is also affected by the eyepiece. A telescope or binoculars can have a very wide field of view if used with a wide-angle eyepiece.

Weight

The weight of the telescope or binoculars is important to consider because it determines how easy the instrument is to transport and adjust.

Generally, the larger the aperture, the heavier the binoculars. For example, a device with a 6-inch aperture can weigh up to 30 pounds, while one with a 4-inch aperture can weigh only 10 pounds.

Cost

The cost of a telescope or binoculars is, of course, an important factor. Generally, the larger the aperture, the more expensive the telescope or binoculars.

However, many quality and inexpensive instruments are available, so you can get started in astronomy without breaking your budget.

Best-size binoculars for astronomy

Most people think that the bigger the binoculars, the better they are for astronomy. This is not always true. The optimal size depends on several factors, such as the amount of light available, the size of the object you are trying to view, and the distance to the object.

The amount of available light is the most important factor when choosing a device. If you are trying to view an object in a dark place, such as the night sky, you will need a larger binocular. This is because the larger the binoculars, the more light they can collect.

If you want to view a small object, such as a star, you will need smaller binoculars. The smaller they are, the more magnification they can provide.

If you are trying to view an object that is a long distance away, you will need larger binoculars. Because the bigger they are, the more light they can gather and the more magnification they can provide.

Now that you know the factors that determine the best-size binoculars for astronomy, you can choose the right size for your needs.

FAQ

Stargazing Binoculars

Which are the best binoculars for astronomy?

The best binoculars for observing astronomical objects have these characteristics: they have a large lens and high magnification, a wide field of view, and optimal eye distance. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars meet all these requirements.

What is the best magnification for binoculars for astronomy?

Higher magnification will allow you to see more detail but will make it more difficult to hold the object in your field of view. For this reason, binoculars with magnifications between 7x and 10x are often considered the best choice for astronomy.

What are the best binoculars for planets?

The best binoculars for planets have high magnification. This allows you to see more clearly the features of its topography. They should also have a large aperture in order to let more light through the lenses. This will make the image of the planet brighter and more easily discernible.

Are 12×50 binoculars good for astronomy?

They are a great choice for astronomy because they provide a high level of magnification yet a wide field of view. This makes them ideal for scanning the night sky and finding distant objects. However, they are more difficult to hold steady.

Bottom Line

Use my manual to choose the best binoculars for astronomy to save you time and money and to find the perfect device for your needs. With this guide, you can easily compare different models and brands and find the ones that offer the features you need at the best price.

Best Binoculars for Astronomy – Comparison Table

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The guide will also help you avoid common mistakes when choosing a device, such as choosing the wrong size or magnification.

If you still have questions about choosing binoculars for looking at stars, leave them below in the comments.

References:

  • Astronomy Binocular Guide (David Moutard, WSU Planetarium Staff): https://planetarium.wayne.edu/documents/astronomy_binocular_guide.pdf
  • Grab your binoculars: 5 planets are lined up nicely for you to see at dawn this month (WUSF Public Media): https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2022-06-03/grab-your-binoculars-5-planets-are-lined-up-nicely-for-you-to-see-at-dawn-this-month
  • Stargazing (National Park Service): https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm

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About Valery Johnson

Hi, I am Valery and I love nature, the universe and the starry sky. Together with my friend Michael we share our practical knowledge in the field of astronomy and nature observation. We also test different optical instruments to see the strengths and weaknesses of different models. Very often we travel around our country, so we have the opportunity to test optics in different conditions and different seasons. Welcome to Michael's and my blog and we hope you find useful and practical information for yourself.

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