Binoculars, Telescopes and Optics Cameras and Optics

The Best Astronomy and Stargazing Binoculars

Last Updated on January 7, 2021

Best Binoculars for Astronomy and Stargazing Quick List

Binoculars are a great tool for astronomy and stargazing.  We have a great selection of handheld and tripod mounted astronomy binoculars that cover a wide range of sizes and types of binoculars for stargazing fans.

Fujinon 10×50 FMTR-SX Polaris Binoculars

It is widely agreed upon that 10x50mm binoculars are the best handheld option for stargazing.  Of all the 10×50 binoculars on the market, we feel the Fujinon 10×50 FMTR-SX Polaris Binoculars are the best astronomy binoculars.

These astronomy binoculars are the pinnacle of performance with a reputation of providing outstanding optics at a reasonable cost. FUJINON POLARIS series binoculars offer superb optical performance and value. The FUJINON POLARIS series binoculars deploy FUJINON’S unique EBC coating, allowing 95% light transmission. With their field flattener lens, they offer edge-to-edge sharpness, free of any discernible astigmatism or distortion.

Unique Light Transmission: FUJINON’S unique EBC coating allows 95% of light to pass through the binocular great for low-light performance.

– FUJINON’S unique EBC coating allows 95% of light to pass through the binocular great for low-light performance.
– Field flattener lens provides sharp images from edge-to-edge, with no distortion.
– Designed with waterproof and fogproof seals (Nitrogen Purged). O ring sealed.
– Rubber armored body allows user to have a firm grip, even with one hand.

– Long eye relief (23mm) is great for those who wear glasses (7×50 & 10×70 models only).
– 7×50 FMTRC-SX model is equipped with a worldwide compass.
– Mil spec shock and impact resistant body construction.
– Polaris binoculars come with FUJIFILM’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. (Warranty does not cover accessories or rubber).rranty does not cover accessories or rubber).

Nikon 10×50 Aculon A211 Binocular

The ACULON A211 10×50 binoculars feature 10-power multicoated lenses and 50mm objectives fabricated with Nikon’s exclusive lead and arsenic free Eco-Glass™.  The BaK4 Porro prism systems within all ACULON A211 binoculars deliver a high quality image under a multitude of lighting conditions, making these binoculars effective from dawn till dusk.  All together the ACULON A211 10×50 binoculars are a quality, cost effective choice.

A triad of optical technology is integrated into the ACULON A211 binoculars.  Aspherical eyepiece lenses aid in delivering a flat field of view, while lens multicoating enhances image brightness.  The environmentally-friendly Nikon Eco-Glass ’ lenses deliver astonishing clarity and precision in a lighter-weight, lead and arsenic-free glass composition.

Durable Rubber-Armored Coating: ACULON A211 10×50 binoculars are built to handle virtually any environment you can bring them into. No matter what the weather conditions may be, you will always have a sure, non-slip grip on your binoculars, making them one piece of equipment you can always count on to perform.
Smooth Central Focus Knob: The fast and smooth range of focus allows for quick viewing in addition to the ACULON A211 line’s comfortable and ergonomic design.

Ergonomic, Lightweight Body Design: The ACULON A211 10×50 binoculars are designed to be as light as possible along with excellent ergonomics. This assures you will be comfortable and steady throughout extended periods of use and makes them extremely easy to carry all day long.
Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups: Facilitates easy positioning of eyes at the correct eye-point and allows for comfortable viewing during extended periods of use.

Nikon 18×70 AstroLuxe XL Astronomy Binoculars

The Nikon 18×70 AstroLuxe Binoculars are specially designed astronomy binoculars.  These are large binoculars that are harder to hand hold and you should consider a tripod when buying these.

Features:
– Wide 64.3° apparent angular field of view
– All lenses are multilayer coated for bright images
– Utilizes Nikon’s high-eyepoint design for a comfortable viewing experience
– Can be attached to a tripod using the optional tripod adaptor
– Fully waterproof/fogproof: Nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed
– Long eye-relief design ensure a clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers

Kowa High Lander 32×82 Prominar Pure Fluorite Binocular

The ultimate large binocular. Featuring large 82mm pure fluorite crystal objective lenses with excellent light gathering power and virtually eliminating all chromatic aberration. Distortion free viewing with edge to edge sharpness. Completely waterproof design filled with dry nitrogen gas and outstanding durability. The PROMINAR High Lander offers a flexible system with the option to change eyepieces, individual focus and interpupillary distance adjustment.Eyepieces for Highlander are supplied with twist-up eye cups, which can be exchanged against optional available fold eye-cups with slim design. (Diameter = 43mm instead of 50mm). Includes 32x wide eyepieces.

At over 13 lbs., again, you’ll want to use a tripod for these binoculars.

Fully Multicoated Optics:  All lenses, prisms, and dustproof glass are fully multicoated, ensuring a clear visual range and sharp images.

High-End “PROMINAR” Model with Fluorite Crystal Lenses:  The PROMINAR model (BL8J3) with pure fluorite crystal objective lenses is available for those seeking the highest optical performance.

Standard 32x Wide Angle Eyepieces:  The eyepieces are designed to provide a wide field of view and long eye relief for comfortable viewing without eye fatigue.

Durable and Functional Body:  The strong yet lightweight die-cast aluminum housing is extremely durable, with a rigid structure that can endure tough use. The built in handle on the body provides an easy means of carrying.

Waterproof and Filled with Dry Nitrogen Gas:  The housing is waterproof to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Protection Class 7 (Not for underwater use) and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent the lens from fogging.

Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42 Binocular

Celestron makes excellent telescopes and optics for astronomy.  Besides stargazing, the 8×42 TrailSeeker binocular provides high-level outdoor performance—a perfect choice for avid birders, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. TrailSeeker is packed with optical, mechanical, and ergonomic features that make it comparable to binoculars costing two to five times as much.

TrailSeeker features a close focus of just 6.5 feet, making it perfect for viewing birds, butterflies, plants, or other nearby subjects. But this 8×42 binocular also offers the magnification needed to get great views of distance subjects, plus a wide field of view so you can easily follow them as they move. No matter how you choose to observe, this versatile binocular is an excellent all-around performer.

Wide Field of View: The larger viewing area allows the subject to quickly acquire subject and move within the viewing area without constant movement of the binocular.

Coatings and Prisms

TrailSeeker features fully broadband multi-coated optics and phase and dielectric-coated BaK-4 prisms. Fully broadband multi-coated is the highest-quality multi-coating available; it extends the range throughout the visual spectrum and enhances the view. It decreases the surface reflectivity therefore allows greater optical through-put across the entire visible light spectrum.

The prism inside TrailSeeker is made of high quality BaK-4 glass with both phase and dielectric coatings so that more light is reflected off the prism and diverted through the eye. Taken together, fully multi-coatings and BaK-4 prisms maximize light transmission for the brightest, most detailed images possible.

The Body

TrailSeeker is composed of lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. Its tough, rigid frame is coated with rubber to stand up to hard use in the field. What’s more, the binocular is fully waterproof and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging of lenses. TrailSeeeker can stand up to even the toughest outdoor conditions.

Viewing through TrailSeeker is comfortable for both eyeglass wearers and non-eyeglass wearers alike, thanks to the durable metal twist-up eyecups. Twist through multiple click stops to find the position that works best for you. The metal twist-up eyecups are more durable with a longer life than plastic eyecups; less susceptible to breaking.