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 lightweight binoculars
9. Best mid range model
10. Best family binoculars
11. Best for magnification
12. Best for entry level astronomy
13. Best for beginners
14. Best for low light
15. Best for reliability
16. Best for daytime use
17. Best for portability
18. Binoculars FAQ
19. How we test
The best binoculars should provide observers with bright, sharp views, be appropriately priced for your budget and be reliable to use in all weathers and temperatures. No matter what they are used 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 choosing the best binoculars for stargazing, there are some important features to consider. The best stargazing binoculars will have large objective lenses (the ones facing the stars) to let in as much faint starlight as possible. They will also provide strong magnification to make those tiny specks of light from deep space appear larger.
Some binoculars are so good for astronomy 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 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
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
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
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
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 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
These binoculars give a superb stargazing experience at a reasonable price. Fantastic magnification for lunar viewing.
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Best lightweight binoculars
They are light and robust, waterproof, and produce great sights in the night sky.
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
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
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
Ideal for anyone just starting out in stargazing. A sleek and well made binocular model with optics to boot.
Best for beginners
Slender and lightweight, these are ideal for beginners and hobbyists who need a 'go-anywhere' binocular.
Best for low light
They're brilliant for astronomy but also perform well across a wide range of observation environments.
Best for reliability
A step-up from the mass market with a little extra magnification, excellent light-gathering and rugged construction.
Best for daytime use
Guaranteed bright and sharp images through the day and into the night for less than $300.
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 for anyone who only ever does 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. We think they're an outstanding choice for super-steady stargazing thanks to their fabulous image stabilization, waterproof design and large objective lenses. ★★★★★
These binoculars are simply the best choice for skywatching, but they come with a higher price to match. They have excellent optics and feature optical stabilization technology found in Canon's expensive camera lenses. This stabilization is really useful when using them without a tripod, especially with their powerful 10x magnification, as it removes all the shakiness and gives the feeling of being on 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.
As good as they are, these binoculars do have a few minor drawbacks. Due to the stabilization mechanisms and battery, they are quite heavy (1.1kg / 39.2 oz). They also have a premium price tag so will outprice some observers. 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 don't have a big budget: These are not cheap whatsoever, so they're only really accessible to those with a big budget who want the best optical quality.
❌ 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 This premium package comes at a premium price though and is 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.
These binoculars have a slim design due to their roof prism design, making them easy to carry in an overcoat pocket or hang around the neck. Despite weighing 680g, we found them comfortable to use for extended periods, thanks to the plush and comfortable neck strap.
The secure sealing and nitrogen-purging in the binos make them completely waterproof and fog proof, so you won't have to worry when using them in bad weather. That means you can move freely inside and out without missing a beat (or an observation) — especially helpful for stargazing.
They aren't cheap due to their outstanding optics and quality finish, but if you can afford them, we believe they offer excellent value.
| 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 were created with the outdoor enthusiast in mind and are an excellent purchase if you enjoy observing wildlife, bird watching, and astronomy. You essentially get a mid-range pair of binoculars with a beginner price tag. The binoculars are highly affordable and adapt themselves nicely to stargazing thanks to their 12x magnification and wide 56mm objective lenses. Plus, those that wear eyeglasses can take advantage of the 16mm eye relief as well.
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 because of the amount of light their 42mm apertures collect. Their marginally 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 one's optical system and lens multi-coatings offer a sharper, brighter view.
These binoculars are great for moving between different temperatures, like going from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors on a frosty night. They won't fog up, thanks to their nitrogen purging and waterproof design. This means you can use them for a long time without any issues while observing.
When using the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars, you'll notice that there is very little false color. False color, also called chromatic aberration, appears as a purple or blue halo around bright objects. In our review, very little could be seen in the field of view, especially when observing 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 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 cheap, and we discussed them in our Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binocular review.
The view they offer is very reasonable, and we could just make out three stars in the Trapezium Cluster, which is located near the heart of the Orion Nebula (Messier 42). In order to tease out the fourth bright star in this star-forming region, you would need greater magnification.
The moon looks stunning, easily fitting in the field of view and with only a slight degree of false color. In July 2020, the UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars served as an excellent optical aid for studying 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
The Celestron SkyMaster line of binoculars offer superb views for a reasonable price from a trusted brand with a solid reputation. This is the case for the 15x70 'giant' binoculars. They are a sturdy pair of binoculars with a bit of bulk, and users will be pleased with the quality of views provided for the price range.
At 11-inches (280 mm) in length and weighing 3 lbs. (1.36 kilograms), 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 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.
However, the SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars offer a significant advantage. They gather more light and provide higher magnification, making things that appear unclear on weaker binoculars stand out more. Although there is some softness and blurring at the edges of the field, this is common in affordable models. If you wear eyeglasses, you'll be pleased to know that the SkyMaster 15x70 has a comfortable 0.7 inches (18 mm) of eye relief.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Robust construction |
| Performance | Optics give good detail |
| Functionality | Excellent for viewing larger deep-sky objects |
Best lightweight binoculars
✅ You wear glasses: Their excellent eye relief of 0.7 inches (17.78mm) makes them stand out as a great choice for users who wear glasses.
✅ You want to do long nights of stargazing: Their lightweight design makes them perfect for holding for longer periods of time.
❌ You want a wide field of view: They have a fairly narrow field of view (5.5 degrees), so anyone wanting wider views should opt for an alternative pair.
🔎 Opticron Adventurer II WP 10x50 Binocular They are light and robust, waterproof, and produce great sights in the night sky. They are made with the best quality glass and have fully multi-coated optics, combined with the light-gathering power of 50mm objectives and powerful 10x magnification. ★★★★
The Opticron Adventurer II WP 10x50 binoculars stand out as a great choice for people who wear glasses, thanks to their excellent eye relief of 0.7 inches (17.78mm). One common issue for glasses wearers is the difficulty of getting close enough to the eyepieces for a clear view. They might have to remove their glasses, which obviously affects their vision. Fortunately, with these binoculars, you won't face that problem, as the eye relief ensures optimal comfort even while wearing glasses. Additionally, the twistable eyecups can be adjusted to provide even more comfort.
While testing these binoculars in our Opticron Adventurer II WP 10x50 review, we thought that although the binoculars lacked a premium feel to the touch, the optics are excellent and provide excellent contrast, showing all the usual celestial subjects well.
Open star clusters like the Pleiades (Messier 45) in Taurus (the Bull) and the Beehive (Messier 44) in Cancer (the Crab) were picked out easily and could be seen with impressive clarity, while bright double stars — particularly Mizar and Alcor in the constellation of Ursa Major (the Great Bear) — resolve very well under the magnification.
During our hands-on review, we found that these binoculars' light weight of just 1.7 lbs. (0.77 kg) makes them incredibly comfortable to hold for extended periods of time when observing.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tough rubberised coating |
| Performance | Excellent optics for a reasonable price |
| Functionality | Field of view could be wider |
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 image is crisp and clear, with stars appearing as perfect pinpoints of light. It is possible that you might notice some slight color distortion while observing brighter objects, but that's not uncommon for this price range. That being said, the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 produces a great balance between brightness and sharpness across the field of view. In our review, we only noticed a tiny drop-off towards the very edges of the fields of view.
The standout feature of these binoculars is their exceptional build quality. They are expertly crafted with a sturdy focusing knob that can be easily adjusted, even when wearing thick gloves in cold weather. The eyecups are comfortable and twistable, allowing you to adjust the eye relief to 17mm for a personalized viewing experience. If you're an astronomy enthusiast who loves exploring nature and traveling, you'll appreciate the lightweight design of these binoculars, weighing only 1.89 lbs (0.86kg).
Although these binoculars come with a harness, we realized during our Vortex 10x50 Crossfire HD binocular 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.
When it comes to children using binoculars, it's important to remember their limited ability to hold them steady for long periods. That's why opting for a lightweight and comfortable option is best. This will 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 cost $40.
These compact binoculars combine a 7x magnification with a large 50mm objective lens, allowing for a good balance of size and light-gathering capability. While they are strong, durable, lightweight and compact, they aren't waterproof, which is something we would typically expect at this affordable price point.
- 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 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) refractors 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.
Under a dark and clear night sky, these binoculars allow you to see some fantastic details. You can make out the atmospheric belts of Jupiter, and when you sweep through the Milky Way, especially in the Sagittarius region, you'll be in awe of the dense star fields and the impressive Sagittarius Star Cloud (also known as Messier 24). Thanks to their multi-coated lenses, the binoculars have excellent optics with bright and clear images. In 2015, we selected 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. ★★★★
The aspherical eyepiece lens built into the Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars works like a charm and eliminates image distortion. The optical system makes it easy to spot the usual nighttime binocular subjects, such as Jupiter's disk and the crescent moon. The optical system also reveals crisp shadows at our natural satellite's terminator. Meanwhile, the rubber armor on the exterior allows for a firm, shock-resistant grip that makes the binoculars pleasant and comfortable to hold.
The binoculars have a wide field of view, measuring about 6.5 degrees. This makes them great for observing events like the moon passing through or near a large star cluster, such as the Pleiades in the Taurus constellation. When looking through these binoculars, you'll see sharp, pinpoint stars throughout the entire view, with great contrast.
The Aculon A211s have a minor drawback of having a close eye relief of only 0.5 inches (16.51mm), which could pose a challenge for those who wear glasses, although it is 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 lightweight and durable. They are made from strong fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin, and the non-slip rubber coating makes them comfortable to hold. Thanks to their shockproof design, you don't have to worry about them breaking easily if they are accidentally dropped or knocked. They are also waterproof, so you can use them even in wet conditions, as well as being fog-proof, which is quite impressive considering their affordable price.
Rotating the focus wheel is a breeze, and it offers just the right amount of resistance, even when wearing thick gloves.
Although these binoculars lack a tripod adaptor, their 8x magnification and lightweight body (weighing only 572g) should make them easy to handle without one. They are great for handheld nature spotting or traveling without tipping your luggage allowance over the limit. Still, we wouldn't necessarily recommend them for hours of exploring the night sky.
| 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 $250. 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.
The binoculars are designed to withstand different weather conditions without any issues. They are filled with nitrogen and sealed to prevent condensation or fogging, so you can use them for long periods without any problems. The eye relief is generous, measuring 18mm, which makes them comfortable for people who wear glasses. The field of view, which refers to the width of the area you can see, is satisfactory but not exceptional at 5.8 degrees.
During our hands-on Celestron SkyMaster 8x56 review, we thought they were suitable for astronomy and perform well across a wide range of observation environments, such as looking for birds, 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 an excellent alternative to standard 10x50 binoculars because they have a larger 12x magnification but the same 50 mm aperture. The construction is outstanding, with comfy rubber grips and a big focus knob. Eye relief is 0.51-in (13 mm).
Since you're magnifying the same amount of light collected by 10x50s, a higher magnification usually means images are less bright. Despite the loss of brightness, the Action EX 12x50 is equipped with multi-coated lenses and high-refractive-index prisms to ensure that the decrease in brightness isn't 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.
When looking at stars through these binoculars, the images are sharp and focused in the center of your view. However, as you move towards the edges of the 5.5-degree field of view, some curvature can be a bit distracting when observing the Milky Way or larger star clusters. Nonetheless, overall, the Skywatcher Action EX 12x50 provides a fantastic experience for stargazers.
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're on a budget: They are on the more expensive end of the spectrum, so anyone on a budget might want to consider other options.
❌ 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 Some of the finest handheld binoculars for stargazing, wildlife observations and more. Their key to flexibility is their use of high-end extra-low dispersion (ED) objective lenses, which help 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 impressed with how well they performed when we used these binoculars at night. We didn't see any color distortion, and the Pleiades star cluster looked sharp and clear throughout the entire view, with just a slight decrease in clarity towards the edges.
The only thing we weren't impressed with was the quality of the eyecups, which are just average and don't provide much relief, especially for people who wear glasses. However, eyecups aside, the Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars are built with excellent quality and have durable rubber armor that protects them from water and impacts.
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 for portability
✅ You want to stargaze on-the-go: These binoculars are small and lightweight, so they're great for taking on camping trips to dark sky sites where you want to do a bit of casual stargazing.
❌ You wear glasses: The eye relief on these binoculars are, frankly, disappointing, so if you wear glasses then you'll want to look at other options.
❌ You want to view deep-sky objects: Due to the low magnification, they're not suited to viewing galaxies or giving close-ups of Jupiter's moons.
🔎 Vixen SG 2.1x42: These quirky pocket-sized ‘constellation binoculars’ offer just 2.1x magnification yet with 44 mm objective lenses let a lot of light in. They're quite a niche choice for stargazers after something different. ★★★★½
If you're ready for a completely different kind of binocular experience, put a pair of the Vixen SG 2.1x42 to your eyes. You'll see the same night sky as the naked eye, only zoomed in 2x.
Why would anyone buy a pair of binoculars with such a low magnification? If your goal is to glimpse deep-sky sights such as galaxies or even get a close-up of Jupiter's largest moons, then the Vixen SG 2.1x42 are not for you. However, if identifying constellations and generally getting a really steady, wide-eyed picture of the cosmos is what you're after, you'll love the Vixen SG 2.1x42.
These binoculars have impressive build quality and offer a captivating 3D effect thanks to their five multi-coated lenses. However, there are a couple of downsides to be aware of. First, there can be some blurriness around the edges of the view, which is a result of their basic Galilean design. Additionally, the lens caps can easily come off and may be easily misplaced.
In our Vixen SG 2.1x42 review, we concluded that they are a niche choice for stargazers who are looking for something a little different, they let a lot of light in and have an immersive 3D depth.
Due to their lack of eye relief and rubber eyecups, we wouldn't necessarily recommend them for people who use glasses, but if you're looking for a set of low-power, highly portable and simple-to-adjust binoculars, these could become your new best friend.
Note: The Vixen's are currently out of stock in the US, but in the meantime a virtually identical design the SVBONY 2.1x42 binoculars are available
- Read our Vixen SG 2.1x42 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lack of eye relief and rubber eyecups |
| Performance | Easy to adjust & super steady views |
| Functionality | Immersive 3D depth |
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.
