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While telescopes are popular for stargazing, binoculars for astronomy offer a more portable option for gazing into the heavens. Binoculars are extremely versatile, working well for general terrestrial observations as well as more celestial surveying. You can even use them handheld or on a mount. Whether you want to observe the moon or casually stargaze, the best binoculars for astronomy are great to take into nature and bring you closer to the stars.
How we chose the best binoculars for astronomy
Binoculars for astronomy require more specific specs than general-purpose binoculars, so we prioritized options with larger objective lens size and higher magnification. We also aimed to select options at various price points suitable for everyone from beginners to expert stargazers. While binoculars with image stabilization are excellent for astronomy use, they are quite expensive, so we’ve included models both with and without stabilization. In making our selections, we considered optical quality, size and weight, eye relief, and build quality.
The best binoculars for astronomy: Reviews & Recommendations
Binoculars for astronomy will allow you to gaze up at the moon, spot deep space objects, check out planets, and more. While these advanced optics can be used handheld, we’d recommend a tripod or mount of some variety to offer more stable, high-quality night sky views.
Best overall: Canon 12×36 IS III
Specs
- Objective lens diameter: 36mm
- Magnification: 12x
- Field of view: 5 degrees
- Eye relief: 0.57 inches (14mm)
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 5 x 6.85 x 2.76 inches
Pros
- Effective image stabilization
- Relatively lightweight and compact
- Image…
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