Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Binoculars are versatile instruments with many benefits. They have a wide field of view and what you see through them is right-side up, making objects easy to find. They require no expertise to set up — just sling them around your neck and you’re ready to go.
That portability also makes binoculars ideal for nights when you might not have the time to set up a telescope. And for most people, observing with two eyes rather than one is more natural and comfortable. Most binoculars also are relatively inexpensive.
For stargazing, the size of the front lenses is the most important thing. Generally, the larger they are, the brighter the image will be. You can find the lens size by looking at the two numbers on every binocular: 7×35 or 10×50, for example. The second of those numbers refers to the size (in millimeters) of each front lens. So the front lenses of 7x35s have a diameter of 35mm, and 10x50s have a 50mm diameter. Binoculars with 50mm lenses gather twice as much light as 35mm binoculars.
Astronomy binoculars should have lenses at least 40 millimeters across. Smaller ones may work in the daytime, but they won’t gather enough light to give good views of most night sky objects.
When choosing binoculars for astronomy, it’s important to consider factors like aperture size (which determines light-gathering ability), magnification, field of view, and build quality. Here’s a list of 10 highly recommended binoculars for astronomy:
Celestron SkyMaster 25×70
Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 25x
Features: Great for deep-sky observation with a large aperture for light gathering. It’s a popular choice for beginners.
- Celestron SkyMaster 25×70
Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 25x
Features: Great for deep-sky observation with a large aperture for light gathering. It’s a popular choice for beginners. - Nikon 10×50 Aculon A211
Aperture: 50mm
Magnification: 10x
Features: Offers a wide field of view, sharp optics, and comfortable viewing. It’s a versatile option for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. - Orion 15×70 Astronomy Binoculars
Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 15x
Features: Designed specifically for astronomy, it offers high magnification and excellent light-gathering capabilities. - Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×50
Aperture: 50mm
Magnification: 10x
Features: Premium optics with HD glass, providing sharp and bright images. It’s rugged and waterproof, ideal for outdoor use. - Celestron SkyMaster 20×80
Aperture: 80mm
Magnification: 20x
Features: Large aperture for excellent light gathering and high magnification for detailed observations of celestial objects. - Fujinon 10×70 FMT-SX
Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 10x
Features: Known for its superior build quality, exceptional optics, and flat-field view, making it a top choice for serious astronomers. - Oberwerk Ultra 15×70
Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 15x
Features: Offers a balance of magnification and light-gathering power, with high-quality optics and rugged construction. - Bushnell Legacy WP 10×50
Aperture: 50mm
Magnification: 10x
Features: Waterproof and fog-proof, with a wide field of view and fully multi-coated optics for bright, clear images. - Pentax SP 20×60 WP
Aperture: 60mm
Magnification: 20x
Features: High magnification with waterproof construction, offering clear and bright images ideal for stargazing. - Celestron Nature DX 12×56
Aperture: 56mm
Magnification: 12x
Features: Lightweight and portable, with fully multi-coated optics and phase-coated prisms, providing high-contrast and bright images.
These binoculars vary in price and features, catering to both beginners and experienced astronomers. When choosing the best pair, consider what you prioritize most, whether it’s portability, magnification, or the ability to gather light for viewing faint objects.
