Best Binoculars for Astronomy and Stargazing in 2023

If you’re interested in exploring the night sky then it’s likely you’ve considered buying a telescope for stargazing, but have you ever thought about opting for stargazing binoculars instead? If not, then this buying guide for astronomy binoculars is for you. Here, we’ll consider why binoculars can be ideal for astronomy, whether you’re a beginner or serious enthusiast, and take a look at the the best binoculars for stargazing in 2023.

Binoculars are a great way of getting into astronomy and stargazing as they’re usually a more affordable piece of equipment to get started with. A good quality, powerful model will allow you to examine the moon, planets, stars and deep-sky objects among other celestial objects. In addition, if you’re a keen observer in other areas of life, such as birding and animal watching, then along with viewing the night sky, you can also use them for day time use. But using binoculars for astronomy by no means has to be a stopgap and only something that beginners do until they buy a telescope. On the contrary, some dedicated astronomers choose to use binoculars for stargazing even when they own a telescope and that’s down to a couple of reasons. Firstly, binoculars are a very easy grab-and-go option and all you have to do is grab them and put them to your eyes to enjoy the view rather than spend ages setting up your telescope. Second, and more importantly, the field of view offered by binoculars is often just the right size to perfectly frame certain clusters of stars that would not fit in the view provided by a telescope.

Now that we’ve discussed why binocular stargazing can be a great idea for both beginners and more experienced astronomers, let’s jump right in and take a look at the best astronomy binoculars from our range. We’ve chosen models that have large front objective lenses, have good quality glass and offer enough magnification for closer up viewing. In addition, some of our binoculars have image stabilisation which is a game changer when it comes to binoculars for stargazing.

Top 10 Stargazing Binoculars

• Kowa BD-56 XD 10X56 Prominar Binoculars
• Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 Binoculars
• Bushnell Engage 12x50 Roof Binoculars
• Athlon Midas G2 12x50 UHD Binoculars
• Canon 15x50 IS WP Image Stabilised Binoculars
• Vortex Razor HD 10x50 Binoculars
• Vortex Kaibab HD 18x56 Binoculars
• Konus Giant 20x80 Binoculars
• Nikon Action EX 10x50 ATB CF Binoculars
• Vortex Diamondback HD 12x50 Binoculars

1. Kowa BD-56 XD 10X56 Prominar Binoculars

Designed and manufactured by world leading, Japanese based, brand Kowa, these awesome binoculars feature extra low dispersion glass, large 56mm objective lenses and fully multicoated optics. Their large lenses allow them to let in a fantastic amount of light and produce bright, clear images even in the dark of night. Focusing is easy thanks to the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece.

Key Features:

• 10x magnification
• 56mm lenses
• Extra low dispersion glass
• Fully multicoated lenses
• 104m field of view
• Waterproof
• 1050g

Pros:

• Large objective lenses absorb a good amount of light
• Excellent optical quality and construction
• Extra low dispersion glass and lens coatings allow as much light as possible to reach your eyes for a clear, crisp view
• Good eye relief makes them a good option if you wear glasses
• Wide field of view

Cons:

• Not the lightest binoculars for hand held viewing so may need to use a tripod

2. Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 Binoculars 

Part of Vortex’s entry level line of optics, the Crossfire’s have a low price tag in comparison to the quality they offer. Featuring high definition lenses that are virtually unheard of in their price bracket, these binoculars have 50mm objective lenses that let in plenty of light making them some of the best astronomy binoculars for beginners who want an all round binocular model that can also be a great companion in the day.

Key Features:

• 10x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• Extra low dispersion glass
• Fully multi coated lenses
• 97m field of view
• 861g

Pros:

• Fantastic warranty
• Good weight for their size
• High definition lenses produce bright clear images
• Good all round binoculars
• Great price
• Come with a fantastic quality padded case that attaches on the front of the body for easy access, along with a neck strap
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Not the largest field of view

3. Bushnell Engage 12x50 Roof Binoculars 

The Engage line from Bushnell is a long standing favourite thanks for the quality of the construction and glass. But what makes them one of the best stargazing binoculars in our range? It’s quite simple really. They have good sized 50mm objective lenses and a nice 12x magnification for viewing celestial objects. They produce bright, clear images thanks to their extra low dispersion glass and PC3 phase coatings and dielectric prism coatings. This means that each glass surface of this model has a number of coatings which help to make your views incredible.

Key Features:

• 12x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• High definition lenses
• Extra low dispersion glass
• PC3 phase coatings
• Dielectric prism coatings
• Waterproof
• 830g

Pros:

• High definition glass
• Good weight for their size
• Lots of lens coatings to increase brightness

Cons:

• Eye glass wearers may need more eye relief

4. Athlon Midas G2 12x50 UHD Binoculars 

These ultra high definition binoculars from American brand Athlon are the second generation model which offer a newly improved design on their predecessors. Optical quality is high thanks to a modern design and high definition lenses. Multi layer ESP dielectric prism coatings reflect over 99% of the light producing a clear, bright image. XPL coatings give you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches.

Key Features:

• 12x magnification
• 50mm lenses
• Ultra high definition lenses
• XPL coatings on every exterior surface for protection
• Waterproof
• 907g

Pros:

• Ultra high definition lenses for crisp and clear views
• Lenses have lots of coatings to reduce internal reflection and also to protect them
• Pretty wide field of view for their magnification

Cons:

• Eye relief could be a little longer
• Slightly heavier than some other models

5. Canon 15x50 IS WP Image Stabilised Binoculars

The Canon image stabilised binoculars take observing at high magnifications to the next level. If you want to see celestial objects in greater detail then these are some of the best astronomy binoculars for just that. Built using modern stabilisation technology, this awesome 15x binocular model from Canon allows you to observe in great detail without the pesky image shake that would usually result in blurry images without the use of a tripod. Wide 50mm objective lenses set a new benchmark for image brightness, clarity and design. You can rely on your Canon binoculars to produce bright, clear images even in lower light conditions thanks to their ultra low dispersion glass which gets more light than ever to your eyes.

Key Features:

• 15x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• Image stabilisation technology
• Ultra low dispersion glass
• Waterproof
• 1200g

Pros:

• Can use at a high magnification without the need for a tripod thanks to image stabilisation
• Ultra low dispersion glass produces bright, clear images
• Can be used with or without stabilisation if batteries run out

Cons:

• Pretty heavy so despite not needing a tripod for stable views, you may need one to prevent fatigue

6. Vortex Razor HD 10x50 Binoculars

The Vortex Razor line of binoculars are light, bright, strong, and packed with the best quality, hand-selected prisms and premium HD extra-low dispersion glass available today. These awesome binoculars are constructed with an apochromatic (APO) optical system which is combined with high density (HD) extra low dispersion glass to provide you with unmatched resolution and colour sharpness and fidelity. Offering virtually unmatched optical quality, these awesome binoculars will produce bright, crisp images of the night sky.

Key Features:

• 10x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• HD extra-low dispersion glass
• Waterproof
• Dielectric prism coatings
• Plasma Tech coating for durability and performance
• Phase corrected lenses
• 796g

Pros:

• High definition lenses
• Extremely high quality construction and glass
• A variety of surface lens coatings for brightness and clarity
• Lightweight for their size
• Come with a deluxe padded carry case, tethered lens caps and carry strap

Cons:

• Not the most affordable binoculars on the market

7. Vortex Kaibab HD 18x56 Binoculars

When it comes to high powered, high quality binoculars, the Kaibab from Vortex mean business. If you’re after binoculars for astronomy that you can attach to a tripod for close up, crisp and clear viewing of the night sky, then this model is a great option. Extra low dispersion lenses make for bright and crisp images.

Key Features:

• 18x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• Extra low dispersion, high definition lenses
• Apochromatic optical system
• Plasma Tech coating for durability and performance
• Phase correction coating on roof prism models enhances resolution and contrast
• Waterproof
• Exceptional warranty
• 1233g

Pros:

• Large lenses for light gathering
• High magnification for close up views
• Extremely high quality build and lenses

Cons:

• May need a tripod for comfortable viewing
• Not very lightweight
• Quiet a small field of view

8. Konus Giant 20x80 Binoculars

A great, high powered entry level giant binocular for use with a tripod for close up astronomy and viewing. These affordable binoculars offer extremely large lenses for viewing in low light conditions.

Key Features:

• 20x magnification
• 80mm objective lenses
• Entry level lens quality
• Need to be used with a tripod
• Coated lenses
• 2500g

Pros:

• Large lenses for capturing as much light as possible
• High magnification for close up viewing

Cons:

• Entry level optics
• Certainly not the most compact binoculars and require a tripod for use
• Quite a small field of view

9. Nikon Action EX 10x50 ATB CF Binoculars

The Nikon Action 10x50’s are a great all round binocular that can be used for night time astronomy. The offer a wide field of view and also generous eye relief which makes them ideal for those who wear glasses. They’ll be great for viewing star constellations and more.

Key Features:

• 10x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• Waterproof
• 17mm eye relief
• Bright, fully multicoated optics
• 1021g

Pros:

• Good eye relief so great for those who wear glasses
• Bright images

Cons:

• Pretty heavy for their size

10. Vortex Diamondback HD 12x50 Binoculars

The Vortex Diamondback binoculars offer high quality, extra low dispersion lenses. This model has decent sized 50mm lenses that are great for use either as night time astronomy binoculars or general use nature or bird watching binoculars in the day. The 12x magnification gives a slightly more zoomed in view than other 10x models. Their modern, roof prism design allows them to be as compact as possible. Special coatings are added to the surface of the outside lenses to protect them against dirt and debris build up and scratches.

Pros:

• 12x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• High definition lenses
• Dielectric multi-layer prism coatings
• ArmorTek scratch-resistant coating
• Fully multi coated lenses
• 82m field of view
• Fantastic Vortex warranty
• Waterproof
• 819g

Cons:

• The eye relief isn’t great for those who wear glasses
• Not the widest field of view

What to Consider When Choosing Astronomy Binoculars

Now that we’ve considered some of the best binoculars for astronomy from our range let’s recap on the key features that you should look for when buying stargazing binoculars.

Magnification

In theory, binoculars of any magnification can be used for observing the night sky. That being said, those with a 10x magnification will offer a great balance between magnification and field of view, and those with higher magnifications will let you see in more detail but may need to be used with a tripod. A standard 10x or 12x is always a good starting point. 


Prism types

Binoculars come in either a more traditional porro prism, or a more modern roof prism. Roof prism binoculars are usually lighter but porro prisms may offer brighter images even with the same sized lenses. 


Objective lens diameter

The objective lens diameter, or aperture of a binocular refers to the size; shown in mm, of a binoculars front lens. Larger objective lenses let in more light than smaller ones, but they also weigh more making them harder to hold steady for long periods of time. We’d suggest either a 50mm or 56mm objective lens if you plan on using them without a tripod. Larger models are generally tripod mountable to reduce strain and keep them steady. It’s important to keep in mind that optical quality also plays a key part in how well lenses perform, with a high quality binocular with 50mm lenses often performing better than a lower end model with 80mm lenses. Where possible, opt for quality over size. 


Eye relief

If you wear eye glasses then eye relief is a really important factor to consider. Measured in mm, this factor tells you how far away from your face you can hold the binoculars whilst still seeing the entire image that they produce. If you wear glasses then an eye relief of 17mm or above is important. 


Size and weight

In general, a binoculars size and weight is governed by two things; the size of the objective lens and also the quality of the construction. For example, two 10x50 binoculars may vary in size and weight quite significantly if one has been made with lighter, more expensive materials. If you’re planning on using your astronomy binoculars with a tripod then size and weight aren’t too important, but if you want to use them for long periods of time without one then it’s a key factor for consideration. If you’re not sure what will feel heavy to you, then try to find something of an equal weight around your home and hold them up to your eyes for some time to get a feel for it. 


Durability

Accidents happen so it’s important to try to purchase a good quality astronomy binocular that is durable and has a rubber armour. We’d also suggest getting one with a good strap so that they’ll be safe around your neck. 


Weatherproofing

Unlike binoculars for hunting or bird watching, it’s unlikely you’ll be stargazing on a wet, rainy and cloudy night so your astronomy binoculars won’t be as exposed to the elements as those used for other activities. That being said, if you’re venturing out from the warmth of your home to a cold, crisp and clear night to do some stargazing then the sudden change in temperature can cause condensation to build inside binoculars. To prevent this, we always suggest opting for waterproof and fog proof binoculars. The last thing you need is to miss out on beautiful views due to misty lenses. 


Coating options

Whenever possible, opt for binoculars of as high a quality as you can afford. This means opting for binoculars that have fully multicoated lenses and, if possible those with HD glass and dielectric prism coatings. Lens coatings reduce the amount of light that is reflected internally as it passes through the binoculars, directing more of it to your eyes for brighter, clear views.

Exit pupil size

When it comes to choosing binoculars for astronomy, it’s important to take into account the exit pupil offered by each model. Exit pupil refers to the diameter of the circle of light that emerges from the eyepieces once the light has traveled through to your eye. In general, the exit pupil of astronomy binoculars should be no larger than the dark-dilated pupils of your eyes which is generally between 4-6mm.


Best Binoculars for Astronomy FAQs 


Why would you choose a pair of binoculars over a telescope for visual stargazing?

Telescopes are often large and take a while to set up making it more tricky to stargaze at a moments notice. In addition, an astronomy telescope can only really be used for night sky viewing, whereas binoculars are a great all rounder that can be used for day and night viewing. In some circumstances, even extremely experienced astronomers may opt to use binoculars over a telescope for astronomy as they offer a wider field of view which allows them to view an entire cluster of stars in one view.


What does 30x60 mean in binoculars?

All binoculars have a magnification factor and lenses that are of a certain size. To help users and shoppers to determine these factors, two numbers are used to easily show this. In this case, the 30x refers to the binoculars having a magnification of 30 times that of the naked eye, and the 60 refers to the diameter of each lens in mm, so these binoculars have 60mm lenses. 


What can you see in space with binoculars?

What you can see with your astronomy binoculars is dependant on a range of factors such as their magnification, objective lens size and lens quality. However, in general, binoculars will enable to you see the larger craters on the Moon, the moons of Jupiter and the occasional comet, along with star constellations. 


What is the best magnification power for stargazing binoculars?

The binocular magnification you choose will depend on what you want to see, and in how much detail. In general, a 10x magnification is adequate but a 12x magnification will let you see in a bit more detail. If you want to opt for a higher magnification then you may want to consider a tripod or image stabilised binoculars to prevent image shake inhibiting your view.


How much should you spend on astronomy binoculars?

When it comes to buying sports optics of any kind, including astronomy, you really do get what you pay for. Constructing durable, lightweight and optically high performing binoculars costs money, and the more you can spend on astronomy binoculars, the better the lenses and construction would be. If you want to know what the best value for money binoculars are in your price range then get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.


Why use binoculars for astronomy?

Binoculars are quick and easy to grab at a moments notice if you see something of interest in the night sky. Simply pick them up, head outside and hold them to your eyes. There’s no set up involved and they can also be used in the day for other activities. Binoculars also provide a wider field of view so you can see more of the night sky (in less detail) at once which is great for viewing star clusters.

Enjoy the Night Sky With Stargazing Binoculars From ScopeUout 


We hope that this round up of the best binoculars for stargazing has given you some information, direction and ideas for choosing your next astronomy binoculars. Our range of binoculars all come from the trusted New Zealand authorised importers and have a full New Zealand warranty for peace of mind.

If none of the binoculars above have taken your fancy then browse our full range of astronomy binoculars here, or find our more about choosing a telescope for astronomy here.