1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best optical performance
4. Best for affordable stargazing
5. Best binoculars under $300
6. Best budget binoculars
7. Best for moon views
8. Best mid range model
9. Best family binoculars
10. Best for magnification
11. Best for entry level astronomy
12. Best for beginners
13. Best for low light
14. Best for reliability
15. Best for daytime use
16. Binoculars FAQ
17. How we test
The best binoculars should provide users with bright, sharp views, be comfortable to use and appropriately priced for your budget, and be reliable to use in all weather and temperatures. No matter what you use them for — stargazing, tracking wildlife or even spotting planes and other vehicles during sporting events, the best binoculars should always deliver exceptional viewing quality in any situation.
When selecting binoculars for stargazing, there are key features to consider. They should have large objective lenses (the ones facing the stars) to capture enough faint starlight. Additionally, they need to have strong magnification to make those specks of light from deep space look much larger than they are.
Some binoculars are so good for astronomy that they can be a budget-friendly alternative to the best telescopes and still provide excellent night sky views. For this guide, we've searched through our extensive range of binocular reviews from our expert panel, where we've thoroughly tested and rated models based on their performance and real-world use, not just ranked them based on the binoculars' numbers and specifications.
But if you need something more specific check out the best compact binoculars guide for something smaller or our best binoculars for kids page. Alternatively, if you need something to photograph the night sky be sure to read our best cameras for photos and videos or best cameras for astrophotography pages.
Gemma is a contributing writer to Space.com, Live Science, science and space magazines How It Works and All About Space, history magazines All About History and History of War as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) kids education brand Future Genius. She is the author of several books including 'Quantum Physics in Minutes', 'Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual to the Large Hadron Collider' and 'Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual to the Milky Way'. She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master's in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics. She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011. Previously, she worked for Nature's journal, Scientific Reports, and created scientific industry reports for the Institute of Physics and the British Antarctic Survey.
The quick list
Best binoculars overall
Best binoculars overall
The finest stargazing binoculars money can buy with in-built stabilization. As close to perfection as you’ll get for handheld astronomy.
Best optical performance
Best optical performance
Some of the best optics on the market in an easily transportable roof prism design. A premium product at a premium price.
Best for affordable stargazing
Best for affordable stargazing
They offer bright and clear views, with a wide aperture for gathering light and magnification that is excellent for stargazing and wildlife spotting.
Best binoculars under $300
Best binoculars under $300
The TrailSeeker 8x42’s minimalist design makes them a hugely more attractive option than large and heavy deep-sky astronomy-centric binoculars.
Best budget binoculars
Best budget binoculars
Best thought of as a great value pair of entry-level binoculars for all-round use and for occasional night sky views.
Best for moon views
Best for moon views
These binoculars give a superb stargazing experience at a reasonable price. Fantastic magnification for lunar viewing.
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Best mid-range model
Best mid-range model
The pair you need if a wide field of view and a good sturdy build quality top your brief.
Best family binoculars
Best family binoculars
Surprisingly good optics make these attractive to adults and kids alike. Considering what and who they're for, for the price, they're hard to beat.
Best for magnification
Best for magnification
See the universe close up and in stereo, but don’t plan to hike with them as they're big and heavy.
Best for entry-level astronomy
Best for entry-level astronomy
Ideal for anyone just starting out in stargazing. A sleek and well made binocular model with optics to boot.
Best for beginners
Best for beginners
Slender and lightweight, these are ideal for beginners and hobbyists who need a 'go-anywhere' binocular.
Best for low light
Best for low light
They're brilliant for astronomy but also perform well across a wide range of observation environments.
Best binoculars we recommend in 2023
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Best overall
✅ You want the best of the best: Other than price and size, we really couldn't find major fault with these binoculars — we gave them 5 stars in our review.
❌ You're a casual user: These are an expensive pair of powerful binos, so if you only ever do casual stargazing or wildlife spotting, they'll be overkill.
❌ You want a lightweight binocular: These are undeniably heavy and bulky, so if weight is important to you, we'd suggest looking elsewhere.
🔎 Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars: They're not perfect, but they’re as close as you’ll get for hand-held astronomy. They're an outstanding choice for super-steady stargazing thanks to their image stabilization, waterproof design and large objective lenses. ★★★★★
These binoculars are the top pick for stargazing, although they come with a higher cost. They feature exceptional optics and incorporate optical stabilization technology, similar to what you find in Canon's expensive camera lenses. The stabilization is particularly useful when using them handheld, especially with their potent 10x magnification. It effectively reduces shakiness, providing a stable viewing experience that feels like you're using an invisible tripod.
The glass is identical to those used in Canon camera lenses, and it has the 'L' designation that distinguishes some of the best and most expensive lenses ever to be used with a digital sensor. You can expect sharp, bright and stable views through these excellent binos.
Despite their impressive features, these binoculars have a couple of minor drawbacks. Firstly, due to the stabilization technology and the added weight of the battery, they are on the heavy side, weighing 39.2 oz (1.1kg). Secondly, their top-notch quality comes at a higher cost, which might be a concern for some stargazers. While we've picked out the 10x42 pair as ideal for astronomy, there are alternatives in the range, including Canon 18x50 IS AW and Canon 15x50 IS AW models that are not quite as painful on the wallet.
In our Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review, we thought that even though they are pricey, they are almost perfect for hand-held astronomy, so we believe the cost is justified if you can afford it.
- Read our Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Rugged build quality, but bulky. |
Performance | Produce bright and colorful images. |
Functionality | Optical image stabilization. |
Best optical performance
✅ You want some of the best on the market: If you're prepared to pay for them, these binoculars will last you for years to come and provide stunning optical performance and a premium finish.
❌ You specifically want image stabilization: This may be the only thing missing from this pair of binos, so if that's important to you, there are other options out there that do have it.
🔎 Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 A premium package that comes at a premium price — though not ideal for beginner binocular users unless you have deep pockets or a real passion for wildlife or a similar interest that you plan on pursuing for years to come. ★★★★½
In our Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 review, we loved these so much that we found them hard to fault. The optics are top-quality and we found almost zero chromatic aberration. This is thanks to Nikon's multilayer coatings on all glass elements and the included Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements. Because of their wide field of view and excellent inbuilt field-flattened technology, wildlife observers notably benefit from the image being sharp from edge to edge.
Thanks to their slim roof prism design, these binoculars have a sleek profile, making them convenient to carry in an overcoat pocket or around the neck. Despite weighing 680g, they are comfortable for extended use, thanks to the plush and comfortable neck strap.
These binoculars are completely waterproof and fog-resistant due to their sealed design and nitrogen purging. You can use them with confidence in any weather conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, making them especially useful for stargazing.
While they do come with a higher price tag because of their exceptional optics and quality finish, we believe they provide excellent value for those who can afford them.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Premium finish all over. |
Performance | Razor sharp views from edge to edge. |
Functionality | Only way to improve would be inclusion of image stabilization. |
Best for affordable stargazing
✅ You want to take them anywhere in any weather: They were created with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, and they're waterproof and fogproof so you can use them anywhere.
❌ You want to use them for prolonged periods: They may become quite heavy if you plan on using them for long periods handheld, so we'd opt for a more lightweight pair.
🔎 Celestron Nature DX 12x56 They offer bright and clear views, with a wide aperture for gathering light and magnification that is excellent for stargazing and wildlife spotting. ★★★★½
The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars are an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like wildlife observation, bird watching and astronomy. They provide mid-range optics performance at a budget-friendly price, making them affordable and suitable for stargazing with their 12x magnification and wide 56mm objective lenses. Plus, these binoculars offer 16mm of eye relief, making them comfortable for people who need to wear glasses.
You can use these binoculars in any weather or location, thanks to their complete weather sealing. They are also fog-proof due to being nitrogen-purged. With BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated lenses, you can expect good optics that are similar to more expensive models.
In our Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review, we especially liked the close (10 feet) focus on these binoculars, allowing for backyard bird spotting and up-close wildlife watching. Binoculars without close focus wouldn't allow for this type of use. We even liked them so much, we bought ourselves a pair.
- Read our Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Fogproof and waterproof. |
Performance | Bright images even when observing in low light. |
Functionality | A little heavy for prolonged use. |
Best binoculars under $300
✅ You want to travel with them: We found they were lightweight enough to travel with them easily, although perhaps not the best for prolonged periods of handheld use.
❌ You're serious about astro: For dedicated astro use, particularly for deep sky objects, they lack the magnification needed.
🔎 Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binocular: Traveling stargazers will love them as they work well after dark and strike a balance between quality, affordability and portability. The TrailSeeker 8x42’s minimalist design makes them a hugely more attractive option than large and heavy deep-sky astronomy-centric binoculars ★★★★½
In our full Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars review, we thought the binoculars struck a great balance between quality, affordability and portability — especially for skywatchers.
The TrailSeeker 8x42 from Celestron offers a slightly different view from the norm due to the amount of light their 42mm apertures collect. Their slightly lower magnification also gives you a wider field of view. The Earth's moon will appear slightly smaller when compared with 10x50 binoculars. But compared to other binoculars we've tested, this optical system and lens multi-coatings offer a sharper, brighter view.
The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars are perfect for moving between contrasting temperatures, like transitioning from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors on a chilly night. Thanks to their nitrogen purging and waterproof design, they won't fog up, allowing you to use them comfortably for extended periods during observations without any problems.
When using the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars, you'll notice minimal false color. False color, which appears as a purple or blue halo around bright objects (also known as chromatic aberration), was hardly noticed in our review, especially when we were looking at the lunar limb.
Although the TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars only weigh 23.1 oz (655g), we found that during long periods of observation, our arms started to shake, making it difficult to maintain a steady hand-held view. If you're prone to trembling arms or will be using these binos for long sessions, we advise pairing them with one of the best tripods for astrophotography or the best travel tripod.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Fogproof and waterproof. |
Performance | Good quality optics, slight color fringing. |
Functionality | Wide field of view. |
Best budget binoculars
✅ You're a beginner: If you've used binoculars before, then these are unlikely to impress you, so they're best suited to beginners.
❌ You specialize in astro: While they do give decent views of the night sky, anyone focusing solely on astronomy usage would likely want to go for a better pair.
🔎 Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 Binocular: Best thought of as a great value pair of entry-level binoculars for all-round use and for occasional night sky views. They’re also really easy to set up, adjust and use. As such, there is a reasonably good choice for astronomy groups on a budget (though we do worry about their longevity). ★★★★½
These are affordable skywatching binoculars that would be ideal for anyone just starting out who wants to get the most for their money. While there are some true wins to this model, there are a few reasons why they're on the cheap side, and we discussed them in our Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binocular review.
These binoculars offer a good view, and we managed to spot three stars within the Trapezium Cluster near the center of the Orion Nebula (Messier 42). To see the fourth bright star in this star-forming area, a pair with higher magnification would be needed.
The moon looks absolutely stunning through these binoculars, fitting easily within the field of view with just a slight hint of false color. In July 2020, the UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars were excellent for observing the naked-eye comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE).
In our opinion, these binoculars are an excellent option for those on a budget and starting with stargazing or exploring. They are lightweight and ideal for trekking. However, we did notice a couple of downsides during our review. First, they require collimation, which means adjusting the alignment of the lenses. They are also prone to fogging in certain conditions.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Basic build design and quality. |
Performance | Surprisingly little chromatic aberration. |
Functionality | Needs greater magnification for astro. |
Best for moon views
✅ You want good quality without breaking the bank: Given the high magnification, sturdy build and large objectives, we think they're great quality for the price.
❌ You want to view planets or small distant galaxies: They don't excel in this area, they're more suited to providing dramatic wide-field views or larger objects.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 Binocular These binoculars give a superb stargazing experience at a reasonable price. They won’t give you close-ups of planets or reveal the most distant galaxies, but they make up for it by providing dramatic wide-field views in a good, dark sky. ★★★★½
Celestron is a well-respected brand with a strong reputation in the field of technology, and the SkyMaster binoculars, including the 15x70 'giant' model, deliver excellent views at an affordable price. Despite being a bit on the heavy side, these binoculars are durable and we think they offer impressive quality for their cost.
At 11-inches (280mm) in length and weighing 3 lbs (1.36kg), we found in our Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 binocular review that they certainly have a lot of heft, but using them handheld isn't impossible. You'd be most comfortable if you mounted them to a tripod. However, because of their high magnification, the views of the moon are absolutely breathtaking. We were especially impressed by the stereoscopic viewing of the lunar surface.
Despite the larger 70 mm objective aperture, the higher magnification of 15x reduces the apparent field of view to 4.4 degrees, compared to typical 10x50s or 12x50s that provide a degree more.
The SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars have a notable advantage. They gather more light and provide higher magnification, enhancing the clarity of objects that might appear blurry in less powerful binoculars. While there is some softness and blurring at the edges of the view, a common trait in affordable models, these binoculars offer a comfortable 0.7 inches (18 mm) of eye relief, making them suitable for people who wear glasses.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Robust construction. |
Performance | Optics give good detail. |
Functionality | Excellent for viewing larger deep-sky objects. |
Best mid range model
✅ You want to travel with them: The lightweight design of these binoculars makes them extremely manageable to travel with.
❌ You're on a tight budget: While they're not the most expensive option on this list, anyone on a particularly tight budget could certainly find a more affordable pair.
🔎 Vortex 10x50 Crossfire HD Binocular If you want to move up to the next level with your binocular stargazing, then the roof prisms on these binoculars bring super-sharp views and come with a useful harness and an excellent padded case. ★★★★
Thanks to the wide field of view, you'll be hard-pressed to find better than the reliable and robust Vortex 10x50 Crossfire HD for wildlife watching and occasional stargazing.
The view through the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 binoculars is sharp and clear, with stars appearing as perfect pinpoints of light. While observing brighter objects, you may notice some slight color distortion, but this is common for binoculars in this price range. Nevertheless, the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 offers an excellent balance of brightness and sharpness across the entire field of view. During our Vortex 10x50 Crossfire HD review, we only observed a tiny drop-off towards the very edges of the field of view.
The standout feature of these binoculars is their exceptional build quality. They are expertly crafted with a sturdy and easily adjustable focusing knob, which is useful when you're wearing thick gloves in cold weather. The eyecups are comfortable and twistable, enabling you to adjust the eye relief to 17mm for a personalized viewing experience. If you're a nature explorer and travel enthusiast with a passion for astronomy, you'll also value the lightweight design of these binoculars, weighing only 1.89 lbs (0.86kg).
Although these binoculars come with a harness, we realized during our review that the padded case forms part of the harness so you can't use one without the other which is a little frustrating.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Sturdy, well constructed build. |
Performance | Bright and sharp images. |
Functionality | Excellent padded case and harness. |
Best family binoculars
✅ You're buying for your kids: These make a great inexpensive, 'don't care if they get trashed' pair of binoculars that are great for kids who aren't particularly careful.
❌ You want good quality: They're decent for what they are, but if you want good quality optics we'd recommend spending a bit more on a better pair.
🔎 Celestron Cometron 7x50 Their small size and light weight (1 lb 11 oz) let you use them all day, yet you can still hand-hold them comfortably after sunset and long into your dark night of sky-watching. Considering what and who they're for, for the price, they're hard to beat. ★★★★
The 7x magnification and 50mm objective lenses make the Celestron Cometron 7x50 perfect for kids (see them featured in our best binoculars for kids guide). It is a known fact that children have better night vision than adults, meaning they do not require high-end binoculars to see the same amount of light that an adult would with a more powerful pair.
It's worth remembering that when kids use binoculars, they'll likely have a harder time keeping them still for long periods. So, it's a good idea to choose binoculars that are lightweight and comfortable for them to hold, to make it easier for them to use and prevent them from getting tired quickly. Alternatively, consider mounting them on a tripod.
Having reviewed the specs on paper, we weren't too excited about reviewing this pair of binoculars, but to our pleasant surprise, we ended up loving them in our Celestron Cometron 7x50 review. They are an inexpensive way to enter the world of sky-watching, and if it doesn't work out, the risk you took only ended up costing you $40.
These compact binoculars provide 7x magnification and a generous 50mm objective lens, achieving a good balance between size and light-gathering capability. They are robust, lightweight and easy to carry. However, it's worth mentioning that they lack waterproof features, which is something you'd expect at this price.
- Read our Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Water-resistant, not waterproof. |
Performance | Useful for other subjects in the daytime. |
Functionality | Ideal for use by adults and kids alike. |
Best for magnification
✅ You want more detailed views: The high magnification means you can pick out some incredible details in the vast night sky.
❌ You want to use them handheld: They're big and heavy, so using them handheld would end in arm-ache and you'd have a hard job holding them steady.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 Binocular These heavy-hitters are certainly not for the uninitiated binoculars-users. They're more like two 100mm refractor telescopes glued together and they give enormous reach. They're our favorites for large astronomy binoculars, and with proper care, they could give you decades of joyful stereoscopic star-hopping. ★★★★
Touring the heavens with this pair of telescopes is like using two four-inch (100 mm) refractor telescopes with added 25x magnification as if a mad scientist had blended them using an experimental teleporter.
The Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 binoculars are a worthy investment. Their tough, rugged, reliable build means you'll enjoy many years of stargazing, as shown in our full Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 review.
They're not for everyone and will definitely need support. For optimal stability, a heavy-duty tripod is recommended due to the significant size and weight of 15.3 inches (388.62 mm) in length and 8.75 lbs (almost 4 kg) — check out the Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod. The eye relief is decent at 0.6 inches (15.24 mm), but this may be a little close for glasses wearers.
On a dark and clear night, these binoculars showcase remarkable details. Jupiter's atmospheric belts become visible, and sweeping across the Milky Way, particularly in the Sagittarius region, reveals dense star clusters and the breathtaking Sagittarius Star Cloud (also known as Messier 24). The multi-coated lenses ensure outstanding optics, presenting bright and clear images. In 2015, we chose them as our Editor's Choice for large astronomy binoculars.
- Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Requires tripod to use. |
Performance | Perfect for finding clusters of galaxies. |
Functionality | 450 degree independent eyepiece rotation. |
Best for entry level astronomy
✅ You're looking for your 'first pair' of binoculars: We think they're a great option for anyone starting out in their astronomy journey.
❌ You wear glasses: The eye relief is only 0.46-inch/11.8mm, so they aren't great if you wear glasses.
❌ You need them for travel: We found them a little bulky, so they might not be the best pair to travel with.
🔎 Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 Binocular Ideal for anyone just starting out in stargazing. They're a bit bulky for travel and they don't offer much eye relief, but they're bright and sharp enough for impressive entry-level astronomy. ★★★★
With these Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars, you can easily spot common nighttime objects like Jupiter and the crescent moon, and they also show clear shadows on the moon's surface where the light and dark meet. Plus, the rubber armor on the outside provides a sturdy and shock-resistant grip, making them comfortable to hold. The aspherical eyepiece lens also does a great job of eliminating image distortion.
They have a wide field of view, measuring about 6.5 degrees. This makes them great for observing celestial events like the moon passing through or near a large star cluster, like Pleiades in the Taurus constellation. When you look through these binoculars, you'll see sharp, pinpoint stars throughout the entire view, with great contrast.
The Aculon A211 binoculars have a slight drawback in their limited eye relief, measuring just 0.5 inches (16.51mm). This may pose a bit of a challenge for those who wear glasses, but it's still manageable.
In our hands-on Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars review, our verdict is that while we think they are bulky, if you plan on taking them traveling or backpacking, they are bright and sharp enough to use for entry-level astronomy. They are great value for money with good optical quality.
- Read our full Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | BaK-4 glass optics. |
Performance | Bright and sharp images, some chromatic aberration. |
Functionality | They lack eye relief. |
Best for beginners
✅ You want quality on a budget: Nikon hasn't cut any corners here, and the optics are excellent for the low price point.
❌ You primarily use them for stargazing: While we did find they performed well for stargazing, they're not astro-specialists, so if that's your niche then we think there are better options.
🔎 Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42: Slender and lightweight, these are ideal for beginners and hobbyists who need a 'go-anywhere' binocular, or for those who want a lighter binocular around their neck. ★★★★
These are fantastic entry-level binoculars that punch well above their modest price tag. They are new to the market and hold their own against more expensive binos because, as we found during our Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binocular review, the optics are fantastic for the price. The eye relief is very long at 20.2mm and the eyecups are adjustable — this is excellent news for anyone who wears glasses and makes for a comfortable viewing experience for all.
These binoculars are designed to be both lightweight and durable. Constructed from sturdy fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin, their non-slip rubber coating ensures that they're comfortable to grip during extended use. The shockproof design adds resilience, minimizing the risk of breakage in case of accidental drops or bumps. Additionally, they are waterproof, allowing use in wet conditions, and fog-proof — an impressive feature given their budget-friendly price.
Turning the focus wheel on these binoculars is effortless and provides just the right level of resistance, even if you're wearing thick gloves. While these binoculars don't come with a tripod adaptor, their 8x magnification and lightweight design (weighing just 572g) make them easy to handle without one. They are excellent for casual nature observation or travel, without worrying about exceeding your luggage weight limit. However, for long nights of extended stargazing sessions, they may not be the best choice.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Waterproof and fogproof. |
Performance | Sharp and bright views. |
Functionality | Solid polycarbonate fiberglass-reinforced body. |
Best for low light
✅ You do a lot of stargazing: The large objective lenses let a lot of light in, so they're brilliant in low light observing situations.
❌ You want something travel-friendly: They are on the heavy side (though not unbearably so), so they're not the best option if you need something super lightweight and portable.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 8x56 binoculars: They're brilliant for astronomy, but also perform well across a wide range of observation environments such as looking for birds, other wildlife and spotting athletes at the sports game. ★★★★
The Celestron Skymaster 8x56 binoculars won Space.com's Editor's Choice award for Best Medium Binoculars for Astronomy way back in 2014, thanks to their affordability and versatility. However, we still think they are worth the cash today. You can get yourself a pair for around $220. They weigh slightly over 1kg, so while they are not the lightest, they are still manageable to hold for extended periods without being too heavy. If you want to mount them on a tripod, you need a tripod adaptor.
These binoculars are designed to withstand diverse weather conditions effortlessly. Nitrogen-filled and sealed, they prevent condensation or fogging, ensuring prolonged use without issues, and with a generous eye relief of 18mm, they provide comfort for glasses wearers. While the field of view, representing the width of the area you can see, is decent at 5.8 degrees, it is not extraordinary.
During our hands-on Celestron SkyMaster 8x56 review, we thought they were suitable for astronomy and performed well across a wide range of observation environments, such as looking for birds and other wildlife and spotting athletes at the stadium.
- Read our Celestron SkyMaster 8x56 review
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Waterproof and fogproof. |
Performance | They perform well across a wide range of observation environments. |
Functionality | Generous eye relief. |
Best for reliability
✅ You want a long-term pair: If you're looking for a reliable pair of binoculars with high magnification that will last you for years to come, these are a great choice.
❌ You want something lightweight: They're quite heavy and require a tripod in order to hold them steady, so they're not ideal for prolonged handheld use.
🔎 Nikon Action EX 12x50 Binocular A step-up from the mass market with a little extra magnification, excellent light-gathering and rugged construction that extends to waterproofing, comfy rubber grips and a large focus knob. ★★★★
The Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars are a great alternative to the typical 10x50 binoculars because they offer a larger 12x magnification and the same 50mm aperture. The construction is outstanding, with comfy rubber grips and a big focus knob. Eye relief is 0.51-inches (13 mm).
Using a higher magnification like the 12x50s typically results in less bright images because you're magnifying the same amount of collected light. However, the Action EX 12x50 addresses this issue with multi-coated lenses and high-refractive-index prisms, ensuring that the decrease in brightness is not noticeable. In our Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars review, we found that you get great, high-contrast images.
With its rings not resolvable on their own, Saturn was a challenge for this pair of binoculars. However, skywatchers will detect definite ansae, or the extension of the rings at either side of the planet, giving Saturn an oblate shape.
They deliver clear and focused images in the center of your field of view, especially when observing stars. However, there might be some curvature noticeable as you move towards the edges of the 5.5-degree field of view. Overall, we think the Skywatcher Action EX 12x50 provides an excellent observing experience.
The Nikon Action EX 12x50, weighing in at 2.3 lbs (1.04kg), is too heavy for long bouts of stargazing. The higher magnification will enhance any image wobble, so we advise using a tripod.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Tough waterproof rubber armor. |
Performance | Excellent light gathering & sharp optics. |
Functionality | Quite heavy. |
Best for daytime use
✅ You enjoy wildlife spotting: We found these binoculars great for daytime use as well as nighttime stargazing, giving you the best of both worlds.
❌ You wear glasses: There's only 0.-56-inch/14.3mm of eye-relief, so they're not ideal if you wear glasses.
🔎 Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 Binocular One of the best binoculars for stargazing, wildlife observations and more. Their key to flexibility is their use of high-end extra-low dispersion (ED) objective lenses, to create sharp, bright, and aberration-free images within a compact and portable design. ★★★★
These are some of the finest handheld binoculars for stargazing and wildlife observation. The Extra-low dispersion (ED) objective lenses produce aberration-free sharp images.
For our Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 review binoculars, we took them to several events, partly because they are lightweight and compact and they can be carried easily in their padded case. We tested them at a motor race and were delighted with the bright and sharp views, even at dusk.
We were happy with the performance of these binoculars during nighttime use. The Pleiades star cluster looked sharp and clear across the entire view, with only a slight decrease in quality towards the edges, and there was no noticeable color distortion.
The only aspect that didn't quite impress us was the quality of the eyecups, which are average and don't offer much relief, especially for glasses wearers. However, eyecups aside, the Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars are constructed with excellent quality and have durable rubber armor that shields them from water and impacts from being knocked.
They sit just below the $300 mark, which is on the more expensive side, but will keep stargazers and nature spotters entertained for years to come.
Attributes | Notes |
---|---|
Design | Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass. |
Performance | Excellent optics. |
Functionality | Lack of eye relief. |
Best binoculars FAQ
Which binoculars are best?
You may ask yourself which types of binoculars are best and while it's a tricky question to answer, binoculars come in two kinds: Porro-prism and Roof-prism. To look at, the Porro-prism designs have the most common look of any binocular. They feature a gradual and stepped-up appearance, forming part of the housing which includes two exit pupils, eyecups, central focuser, objective lenses and optical system. You’ll find that these designs are best for observing due to their affordability.
Meanwhile, the Roof-prism binocular boasts a “H”-shaped appearance that lends well to a smaller, and lighter-weight design. These instruments have complicated optical designs, which means that observers need to spend a substantial amount of money to own a reliable binocular of this type. Unlike the Porro, a good Roof-prism binocular isn’t ideal for those on a budget, or casual observers.
What do binocular numbers mean?
Examine any binoculars and you’ll discover that one of several combinations of numbers separated by a 'x' will be visible — for example, 7x40, 10x50, 8x40 and so on. These numbers, which are often located close to the eyepieces, tell you the magnification and aperture of the optical system. For example a 10x50 binocular has a magnification, or 'power' of 10x with front lenses with a diameter of 50mm. It’s these numbers that reveal which objects you can observe by telling you how much you can magnify them by and how much light your binoculars can collect.
The larger the aperture, the easier it will be to see fainter night sky targets such as galaxies and nebulae. As a rule of thumb, and under decent observing conditions, 7x35 binoculars will reveal a hundred thousand stars and 10x50s will show the finer details of the Moon, planets, Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) and the Orion Nebula. Larger, heavier binoculars such as 20x80s and 20x100s, will open up a wealth of objects such as the fainter spiral galaxies Messier 65 and NGC 3628 and a selection of globular clusters and star-forming regions.
Some models of binocular will have their field of view printed on the barrels or somewhere close to the magnification and aperture. Given in degrees, this number tells you how wide you can see when peering through the eyepieces. The larger the number, the wider the scene. Ten degrees will allow the Big Dipper’s bowl to fit comfortably in your field of view.
Which is best BaK-4, BK-7 or K9 binoculars?
As you shop around for your next piece of observing kit, you’ll come across the terms BaK-4, BK-7 and K9. These refer to the formulations of glass found in the prisms of spotting scopes, binoculars and monoculars.
BK-7 and K9 glass can be found in cheaper products, and refer to borosilicate formulations. While used across a wide range of brands, this glass is said to lead to problematic exit pupils — in particular the field of view isn’t perfectly round, which can leave the observer with poor clarity around the edges of their chosen target. We must stress that this isn’t true for all pieces of kit, so we advise giving your chosen binoculars a test before parting with your cash.
While a touch more expensive than BK-7 and K9 prisms, the BaK-4 — or barium crown glass — is preferable for binoculars. With this type of prism you’ll achieve a higher quality of image, particularly when combined with a well-made optical system.
Multi-coated vs fully-coated binoculars
Without coatings on the optics of binoculars, images would be blurry and lack contrast since light transmission would be poor, glare would become prevalent and light would be lost through internal reflections. A poor, disappointing view would be had by the observer.
It’s easy to find out if your binocular lenses feature a coating: you’ll see an even dark appearance when you peer through the barrels, while the glass will feature a bluish or greenish tint thanks to a layer of magnesium fluoride. If you see a brownish tint, then your optics are coated with calcium fluoride. Both offer the same outcome — they halt the reflection of some wavelengths, allowing more light to enter your eyes through the exit pupils.
Binoculars largely come in two varieties when it comes to coatings: they’re either fully coated or multi-coated. In both versions, all lenses, glass surfaces and prisms feature at least one layer of magnesium fluoride or calcium fluoride. Binoculars with multi-coated optics are the most superior kind you’ll be able to find on the market, with at least one of the surfaces featuring several layers of anti-reflective compounds.
Which binoculars are best for astronomy?
Comparing binoculars, you’ll discover that those used for traveling and sightseeing will have smaller apertures, are lighter and less expensive than those used for astronomy. This is because for a decent observing experience in the dark, the best binoculars for stargazing must have an optical system that is able to collect as much light as possible to pick out those faint targets. In other words the larger the aperture, the better. We advise purchasing at least 10x50 binoculars for comfortable views of a selection of targets; they’re light enough to hold for long periods of time, while offering good views of a selection of night-sky targets. The larger the binocular, the more you’ll be able to see, but be warned: They’ll also be heavier and will require a tripod for steady sights of the heavens.
It isn’t just the aperture that you need to be mindful of. The quality of the optical system is an essential feature to consider for high-definition, excellent contrast and crystal-clear views. You’ll discover two major kinds of binoculars at reputable stockists: the porro-prism and roof-prism. Choose the Porro-prism design for a reliable and affordable piece of kit, making sure that the lenses feature a coating and the glass is of decent quality (we can vouch for multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms). If you wear spectacles, we advise choosing binoculars that offer eye relief of at least 14 to 15mm.
Whichever model you decide to go for there are plenty on the market to suit a variety of budgets, observing interests and level of skywatcher.
How we test the best binoculars
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best binoculars to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every binocular through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each binocular is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
For example, comparing a pair of 25x100 mammoth binoculars to a compact pair of 8x25s wouldn’t be appropriate though each binocular might be the best pick in their own class.
We look at how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearers, if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and suggest if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.