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Best Binoculars for Astronomy (UK) 29
[ Skip the details and just show me the best ones ]
When it comes to looking at the night skies, binoculars can work better than telescopes in some ways. They are more portable, intuitive to use and offer a wider field of view. If you like astronomy, you should have a decent pair of binoculars. Even if you already own a telescope or two, you should still have a minimum of one good pair of binoculars. If you are a beginning astronomer, or if you love to look up at the stars, then you will most likely use your binoculars even more than your telescope. The following is a quick guide on choosing astronomy binoculars. We’ve also listed our Top 2 Astronomy Binoculars for 2023.
The Basics of Choosing Astronomical Binoculars
Like every set of binoculars, astronomy binoculars will have two main features: magnification and the objective lens size. So for example, if the binoculars are 10×50 it means they have 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses. The secret to choosing the perfect night time binoculars is getting the right balance between magnification and lens size that will result in a clear, bright and stable image.
Ideal Magnification for Astronomical Binoculars
As the moon, stars and galaxies are so distant you will obviously want to choose high magnification binoculars for astronomy. But bigger magnification also means an unstable image – this is because every small hand movement is also magnified 10x 15x or 20x times. To avoid image shakiness you will need to either purchase lower magnification binoculars (10x is recommended) or use your binoculars with a tripod.
Note that most 15x, 20x or 25x binoculars can still be used without a tripod for short periods of time. A tripod is recommended if you want to use them for longer periods of time or if you choose to buy the larger and heavier models. Remember that high magnification will allow you to see further and in more detail. The downside is that with higher magnification usually comes a narrower field of view and a less stable image.
Field of View / Angle of View
The field of view relates to the width of your image. For astronomers, this means the amount of sky you can capture when aiming your binoculars to the stars. The wider the field of view the more sky you can cover. Powerful, high magnification, binoculars will often have a narrower field of view and vice versa. Good astronomy binoculars will have both – a good magnification and a wide field of view.
Objective Lens Size
As mentioned before, this is the second number when describing binoculars. Along with magnification, this is the most important feature for astronomical binoculars. The larger the lens is, the more light that gets in, the brighter your image will be. Binoculars for stargazing should be at least 50mm and preferably even 70mm and above. Larger lenses of 50mm to 100mm are very common in astronomy binoculars simply because they can gather more light.
Conclusion
Think about how you will use your binoculars. If you are using them for the occasional stargazing but also want to take them along for trips and events, then you’ll be better off with lighter, more portable models. 10×50 Binoculars are great for watching the stars yet still easily carried around and used without a tripod. You will not have any issues with achieving a stable image. These will also be handy for general viewing, travel, bird watching, hunting, sports etc.
On the other hand, if you are happy to keep your binoculars fixed in one location and used mainly for astronomy and long distance viewing then go with a larger and more powerful model. Remember that the larger the lenses are, the better your binoculars will be for astronomy – as simple as that! It is no surprise that most astronomy binoculars are also referred to as “Giant Binoculars.” Big lenses mean brighter images.
Our Top 2 Night / Astronomy Binoculars for 2023
Here at Procular, we stock over 400 different binoculars. We are also passionate about testing, studying and reviewing every single one of them! Below is a list of our top pick binoculars for stargazing and astronomy:
** Note: The binoculars recommended below are suitable for eyeglasses users **
Celestron SkyMaster 25×70 Binoculars
Current Price: £249
The Celestron SkyMaster 25×70 is a powerful pair of binoculars and a perfect choice for astronomy. These are our best selling astronomical binoculars due to their high quality optics and very affordable price. They are fine to use handheld although a tripod is still recommended for stargazing with this model. The Celestron Skymaster 25×70 are built for night viewing and feature large 70mm lenses. They provide a bright image across the whole field of view, nice vivid colours, solid design and an impressive 25x magnification. The binoculars come with a tripod adapter included and can be used with nearly any standard photographic tripod. They weigh 3.3 pounds so are not difficult to handle at all. They are also very suitable for daytime viewing, especially for long distances where their impressive magnification comes in handy.
The Celestron SkyMaster 25×70 binoculars are currently discounted and available here on Procular for only £249.
Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 Binoculars
Current Price: £599
With astronomical binoculars bigger is definitely better and the Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars are indeed a big player. This is Celestron’s flagship astronomy model and features outstanding optical quality. The oversized 100mm lenses allow for the clearest and brightest night views one can imagine.
The Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 are highly suitable for long-range terrestrial or astronomical viewing. Note that these weigh nearly 10 pounds so should be mounted on a very strong tripod. The recommended tripod for this model is the Avalon Universal PRO Tripod which is also available here on Procular.
In our opinion the SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars are easily comparable with the world’s best astronomy binoculars – But for about half of the price! The Celestron Skymaster 25×100 are available for £599 including free delivery.
Hi Adam
Can you recommend a good tripod for tge Celestron 25×75 sky masters please?
We can recommend the Avalon Universal PRO Tripod below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-universal-pro-tripod/
Hi Adam
As I’m sure you’re aware, astronomical telescopes invert the view, terrestrial telescopes do not. For this reason, moon charts, etc, typically are inverted (and reversed) to reflect this and will often show that south is at the top of the chart and north at the bottom.
Are the images viewed through astronomical binoculars inverted in this way or do they give a terrestrial view, i.e., right way up image? It’s an important point if you are trying to identify seas and craters on the moon.
Thanks
Hi James, 100% correct about the telescopes. Binoculars on the other hand, including astronomical ones i.e. larger models, do not reverse the image. These are designed to be used for land/sea/daytime viewing as well. Therefore the images are in their “right way up”, just magnified. Even better are SPOTTING SCOPES, these are special telescopes which are more portable, much easier to use and excellent for viewing both the moon and the stars as well as daytime use such as looking at nature, scenery, ocean etc. Unlike standard telescopes, their image is not inverted – here’s a good guide about spotting scopes and how to choose one: https://procular.co.uk/choose-spotting-scope/
Hello Adam,
I would like to buy binoculars to observe the spectacle that Jupiter and Saturn will give later this month, but also would like to practice some moongazing. Would you recommend the Celestrion 15×70 over the Nikon Aculon (or even the Action model) 10×50? I’ve read a few reviews and, in theory, the quality of these Nikon binoculars is superb if we talk about materials and durability. Given that I’m very ignorant, I wanted to ask you if either will adapt to my extremely basic needs.
Thanks for your time and, of course, the article!
The size of the lenses is the most important factor here, then some extra magnification allows you to see in more detail. We like the Celestron 25×70 reviewed in the post above best as they offer both. If you do go with Nikon then the best model for astronomy would be the Nikon 16×50 binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-16×50-cf-binoculars/
Hi Adam,
I’ve read that Jupiter and Saturn will be closer together than usual later in Dec and create quite a spectacle!
We are a family with two young kids aged 6 and 9 who are beginning to show an interest in the night sky and we want to get a telescope that would be most suitable.
After reading your column it seems Astronomical Binos may be the better option? Price is not the main driver but it seems logical to me that mid range ie the 25×70 would be a more sensible purchase than the 25×100 @ £500 plus tripod just in case their interest doesn’t take off!
Would the 25×70 be suitable for the kids to hold steady and as complete novices will they likely impress us with what we can see through them?
Seems a daft question but I don’t want to blow my chances of getting them hooked by buying something over complicated or so advanced we don’t know how to use it, or similarly not impressive enough!
Perhaps you could offer me a good starter option ? I’m currently thinking 25x70s with a tripod but would be glad of your advice
Kind regards
Woody
We would go with the 25×70 and definitely mounted on a tripod as the children will not be able to use them otherwise. You’ll be surprised how nice and bright the views these binoculars produce. In many cases even better than a telescope and much easier to use + they can be used during daytime to view other things too.
I want to check out moon, stars and ISS but I also want to use binoculars to look at wildlife. Sounds like the Olympus would be my best bet – I want to be able to carry them around.
Hello
For the amateur star gazer is there really much advantage in buying the 25 X 100 over the 20 X 70? The extra money isn’t really a problem, so is it worth the extra investment. We already have 8 x 42 field glasses for birdwatching and general sight seeing and these seem perfectly adequate so I would use them primarily for astronomical use. Many thanks. Is a Hama tripod adequate? Thanks, John
Hi John, for the amateur star gazer the 25×70 will be more than enough. Your current 8×42 binoculars are designed for general use and are probably great for seeing birds and field use. You can also see the moon with them but you will notice significantly better performance when viewing at night with the 25×70 binoculars thanks to their large objectives. They produce a very bright image which allows you to see better detail on the moon and planets as well as see some stars which will not be visible with your current binoculars.
Hello
I have a general pair of binoculars but mainly just use them for moon gazing.
I want a better pair (more magnification) purposely for looking primarily at the moon. My question is – as its a pretty bright object in the sky…. would there be any real benefit of purchasing the Celestron 25 x 100’s over the cheaper 25 x 70’s? The size and weight is not a problem, as I also intend to also purchase a monopod?… or tripod.
Many thanks
Dom
Hi Dom,
If you already own a pair of binoculars, and your main purpose is looking primarily at the moon, your best tool for the job would be a spotting scope, mounted on a tripod. The scope is best used mounted on a tripod, provides 20-60x magnification and excellent brightness for viewing the moon in detail. The Avalon 80mm Venture HD Spotting Scope would work great for that. Details below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-80mm-venture-hd-spotting-scope/ — also note that sample images of the moon taken with this scope mounted on a tripod.
Hi,
Are Celestron 15X70 ok to use without a tripod?
I’m basically looking to buy binoculars for star gazing and to be able to use them anywhere without a tripod. I’m looking to find the right balance between zoom and stable image. What would you recommend please – 10X50 or 15X70?
Thank you,
Astig
Hi Astig,
Yes, you can use the Celestron 15×70 binoculars without a tripod quite easily for star gazing. A tripod is still highly recommended for use with the Celestron 25×70 model but with the 15×70 you should be 100% fine without it.
Hi, I’m looking to buy my adult son a pair of binoculars this Christmas for star gazing , so please can you advise as to which make/ type/ model etc I should go for? In the past he has used a telescope on a tripod but unfortunately had this stolen. However he has said recently that he believes binoculars would be just as good. I want to give him a surprise so I don’t really want to question him any further! It would be great to receive your input on this matter, and I look forward to hearing your response. I have read all the questions and answers here but as I know absolutely nothing in relation to such equipment I feel I ought to ask for advice in the hope you can reply in a way that is simplified for me personally! THANKYOU in anticipation!
Hi Lesley,
If the main use for the binoculars will be star gazing then you should opt for astronomy binoculars. These basically have larger lenses which take in more light and achieve brighter images when viewing the night skies. Many users rate them much better and easier to use than telescopes! Being quite bulky and powerful it is ideally best to mount them on a tripod. As a good all-around astronomy binoculars, we suggest getting him the Celestron 25×70 binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×70-skymaster-binoculars/
I am an insomiac and love to sit on the edge of my bed gazing at the stars on clear nights! As my hands are arthritic could you recommend binoculars or a monocular to suit please. I sometimes have a good sleep after a gaze!!!
Thanks
Hi Mari,
We can can recommend the Olympus 10×50 binoculars reviewed in the post above. They are quite easy to hold still and produce excellent views of the moon and planets (on clear nights). You can hold them while learning your elbows on the bed to achieve a more stable views and eliminate the shakiness of your hands. You can read more about the Olympus binoculars here: https://procular.co.uk/olympus-10×50-zoom-dps-i-binoculars/
Hi I’m interested in some astronomy binoculars but am looking for light weight as want to take them on holiday thank u.
Hi Jan,
Unfortunately with astronomy binoculars it is essential that the lenses are large enough to take-in and enhance light at night. So compact models simply do not work. The smallest pair we can recommend would be the Olympus 10×50 binoculars reviewed above.
Sir/Madam, Does the Celestron 25X70 SkyMaster come with fitted tripod connector (i.e. what is the difference between and “adaptor” and a connector? Many Thanks.
Hi David,
Yes, the Celestron 25×70 binoculars come with an included tripod adapter in the box. It is a small part that can be mounted on any tripod plate and used to screw the Celestron binoculars to it. Details of the Celeston 25×70 (with the tripod adapter included) below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×70-skymaster-binoculars/
These are very powerful and bright binoculars so perfect for long distance viewing both daytime and night time (star gazing / astronomy).
hello i would like to buy binoculars that are strong i am 52 and decabeld and don t go out ihave been looking out off window at birds and sky i have a 10×50 but not strong anoth for me what do you sagest
Hi Diane,
We have a good guide on choosing high powered binoculars for general viewing. It also lists the most recommended models. Have a read here: https://procular.co.uk/choosing-high-powered-binoculars/
Hello can you assist me, l have a pair of Bushnell 12×60 fullycoated power/binoculars ( correct size) are they good for the night sky star gazing etc,someone suggested to me 10×50,s,but I thought I go up to 12x as I have a tripod to them steady as I have byfocals and I have to have fold down rubbers. Any info would be appreciated we do a lot of camping and love stargazing and moon shots are they good for that,need an honest opinion I hope I can use them for this purpose.thanks for your help. They are 12×60.s,376ft at1000yards,are they good for astronomy. I have a tripod stand to keep them steady ,having to wear glasses. Sorry to put you on the spot my apologies can you give me your opinion on my chioceand would they work,I think _10x was the limit for hand held,12x would have to be maximum wouldn’t? many thanks for time and patience,I am a novice to astronomy.I read books and video,s on it,but when it comes to binoculars I am at a lost.telescopes are not for me refractors or the other, thanks for your input.
It sounds like your binoculars would be suitable for astronomy thanks to their large 60mm objective lenses. Basically the larger the lenses the better for astronomy as you want to increase light intake and show faint stars at night. The 12x magnification is good also – some can stable that kind of power hand held while others require a tripod. So basically – yes. they are just as good as 10×50 if not better..
The numbers and specs are good so now the main question is their quality and therefore actual brightness. This depends on the brand, model and most of all price. For example you mentioned that your binoculars are “fully coated”. The higher end binoculars are “fully multicoated” i.e. their lenses go through a more intensive coating process that increases their light intake capability. When it comes to optics the more you pay the better image you get! But this is something you will only notice when using your binoculars and comparing to other brands of binoculars. That said there are still some good deals to be found if you know which model to go for. Our customers for example like the Olympus 10×50 as entry level astronomy binoculars:
https://procular.co.uk/olympus-10×50-zoom-dps-i-binoculars/
But proper astronomy binoculars would have larger lenses (70mm). for example the Celestron 15×70 or 25×70:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-15×70-skymaster-binoculars/
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×70-skymaster-binoculars/
We understand what you mean about telescopes – MANY people share the same opinion as you. Binoculars are a-lot more “user friendly” and can offer a good wide view of the night sky. They are also a-lot more portable so perfect for camping trips.
Hi,
I’m interested in astronomy binoculars and I’m considering buying either the Celestron SkyMaster 25×70 or the Celestron 20-100x (zoom) x70.
Could you please let me know if you have any of those ready for delivery? I think your website doesn’t mention the one with zoom option. Would you be able to get that model as well?
Also, could you please let me know what guarantees I can have that the order won’t arrive damaged due to transportation?
Hi Alex,
We have a few Celestron binoculars good for astronomy including the 15×70, 25×70 and the variable zoom 20-100×70. Details for these binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-15×70-skymaster-binoculars/
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×70-skymaster-binoculars/
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20-100×70-skymaster-binoculars/
The 15×70 and 25×70 models are in stock. The 20-100×70 and other Celestron models are on backorder but will be arriving in 7 days.
Our best model for astronomy is the Celestron 25×100 as its very large lenses let you see stars that are not visible otherwise. This model is though much larger and heavier:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×100-skymaster-binoculars/
Note that the fixed magnification models (15×70, 25×70, 25×100 etc.) are optically better than the variable zoom Celestron 20-100×70. Variable zoom binoculars, although sounding appealing, provide a significantly inferior image quality. They are therefor not popular and we hardly sell them any longer. If you are using your binoculars for astronomy then the most important feature is actually the size of the objective lenses (70mm in this case). Along with the 25x magnification you pretty much have the strongest binoculars possible. Unless you of course choose the 25×100 or move into the telescope range.
We hope this information assists in understanding the specifications of our Celestron binoculars.
Regarding warranty, we have a 60 days “dead on arrival” warranty that covers any damage relating to transportation. So if anything happened to the item due to bad handling please let us know asap and we will accept the return/exchange/refund according to this policy.