Using binoculars for stargazing is becoming increasingly more popular. This is due to the wide range of benefits that they offer to the user. People are moving away from heavy telescopes and are instead choosing a more streamlined approach. These binoculars are able to provide a more convenient and accessible experience in comparison. There are a wealth of benefits available when you make the switch to using binoculars for your stargazing needs.
There are more binoculars available on the market at this time as a result of the ever-increasing popularity. Whilst this is great for choice, it can certainly make finding the right option much harder. However, finding the right binoculars for you is essential to achieve the best results. Now we understand that this can feel overwhelming. Thankfully our team of experts are on hand and we have compiled this handy guide to finding the best binoculars.
This guide aims to answer the important questions you will have when first starting out. There are many accessible options available for these stargazing binoculars which will deliver fantastic results. This guide aims to provide everything you need to know about stargazing binoculars for beginners.
Read More: Top 5 Best Binoculars For Stargazing
Why Choose Binoculars?
There are a wide number of factors which have contributed to the rise of popularity in binoculars for stargazing. The truth is that these binoculars simply offer a more convenient and cost-effective approach in comparison to traditional telescopes. This is especially important for those who are just beginning their stargazing adventures. However, there are many more factors to consider when deciding on which pair of binoculars is best for you.
Cost is a key factor as to why many people are opting for binoculars over a traditional telescope. Binoculars offer a cost-effective approach to achieving high-quality results which is perfect for beginners. This gives you the option to test this out and get comfortable with the mechanics of the binoculars. In fact, many regular binoculars are suitable for use with stargazing and will provide you with solid results. Even many binoculars that you have lying around your house should be suitable for viewing the stars.
There are many affordable models that we currently stock which will optimise your results. For example, the Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars are our current top recommendation for stargazing. These binoculars provide you with everything that you possibly require for achieving excellent results. Furthermore, these binoculars provide a powerful magnification which is essential. This particular model offers a fairly simple build design which is perfect for both intermediate users and beginners.
Binoculars which are suitable for stargazing are all incredibly portable and convenient to carry around. This is another key reason that has seen their popularity spike in recent years. Choosing binoculars which are easy to carry makes all the difference - especially during long-term trips. This also makes binoculars a more popular choice with families thanks to the convenience that they are able to offer.
Many binoculars which are suitable for stargazing also provide a lightweight and compact build design. For example, the Viking Peregrine ED are the top performing binoculars available and weigh in at only 610g. This helps showcase how powerful these binoculars can be despite their compact and lightweight design.
Furthermore, this lightweight design ensures that the user can use these binoculars without restrictions. Many telescopes require a tripod to ensure that you receive consistent results. This simply is not practical for most people to do and certainly takes up more time. However, many binoculars which are suitable for stargazing can be easily stored into a large pocket.
Which Magnification Is Best?
It is essential that the binoculars that you choose for stargazing are the right choice for you. This is something that will vary from person to person depending on your criteria. However, choosing binoculars which provide high-quality results yet are comfortable to hold and use is essential. This will ensure that you receive the best possible results. However, there are a wide variety of other factors which will determine your choice.
Magnification power is a critical factor for binoculars when it comes to stargazing. The magnification of the binoculars determines the overall zoom that these binoculars can offer. Binoculars which are suitable for stargazing will require a 8x or 10x zoom as a minimum. There are many models available which increase this magnification power. For more information regarding this, you can check out our guide to magnification.
Binoculars which offer a 10x magnification with a wide objective lens are definitely the best choice. The Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars are the clear favourite here thanks to these design features. The powerful magnification pairs well with the large lenses that help to make the images appear bright. Even in low-light conditions you can expect these binoculars to deliver fantastic results. Therefore, these binoculars are certainly our top pick for stargazing.
There are certain models such as the Viking Kestrel ED which are worth consideration. These binoculars provide the same 10x magnification though they offer a slightly reduced lens size. This does restrict how bright the images will appear to some extent. However, these binoculars make up for this by offering Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. This glass eliminates any colour fringing on the viewable image and delivers the highest possible quality. Certainly an option that is worth considering.
For those who are just beginning their stargazing journey, then I would recommend opting for a higher magnification power. This provides the closest possible look at any subjects during your stargazing adventures. Both the Viking Badger 10x50 and the Celestron Outland X 10x50 are fantastic options here. In addition to this, these models are arguably the most cost-effective options that we have for stargazing.
Both models provide excellent image quality, powerful magnification, and design features to make them our top choice. These models are simple to use and produce results which are bright and incredibly detailed. The wide lenses ensure that they are able to perform even in low-light conditions which is crucial.
Optics & Design Features
Now that we have established the importance of magnification, it is time to focus on the quality of the optics. Choosing binoculars which offer wide lenses is certainly an important factor. However, there are specific features that you are looking for on these binoculars. These features help to highlight the overall image quality and provide you with a better experience.
We have previously mentioned how certain models utilise ED glass for the highest possible results. Whilst this glass does provide higher quality images, it is not an essential feature to have. The binoculars within our range offer features such as multi-coated lenses as standard. The inclusion of this feature is vital to ensure that the binoculars can process as much light as possible. The binoculars are able to offer a bright image as the rate of light increases. This also allows for the binoculars to perform in low-light conditions.
Thankfully the use of multi-coated optics is available on all of the binoculars which are suitable for stargazing. Furthermore, many models include phase-coated BAK-4 prisms which helps to further increase the processing of light. This is a feature which is present on models such as the Viking Badger. If you want to maximise your results, then this is the way to go. This design feature ensures that the binoculars are able to provide the highest possible image for you.
The majority of the binoculars share a similar build design and provide you with everything you need. Features such as the rubber-armour coating on the binoculars helps to provide some additional protection. This also helps ensure that the binoculars are safe from water damage. This definitely comes in handy when having to deal with the Great British weather.
Each pair of binoculars offers many features for precise focusing to achieve the best result. The large focusing wheel allows for quick and easy adjustments. This is perfect for finding the optimal spot for viewing the stars. Furthermore, features such as the twist-down eyecups which are present help to increase the comfort of the user.
Final Thoughts
The ever-increasing popularity of stargazing has led to an increase in demand for binoculars. As a result, more people are beginning to take this up as a hobby and starting their own stargazing adventures. However, it is important to know exactly what you are looking for when initially making your purchase.
Choosing binoculars as an alternative to a telescope provides more flexibility and convenience to the user. They offer a design which is portable without compromising on the overall quality. These are perfect introductory options for those just beginning their stargazing journey.
When it comes to stargazing, you will want to ensure that the binoculars offer a powerful magnification. Opting for binoculars which provide an 8-10x zoom is essential for clearly viewing the stars. Models such as the Viking Badger 10x50 and the Celestron Outland X have become extremely popular as a result. The combination of the powerful magnification with the wide lenses makes this an optimal choice.
Models which offer a lower magnification (8x) are still perfectly suitable for use with stargazing. Furthermore, many of these binoculars actually offers a higher standard of quality thanks to features such as the ED glass. Both the Viking Kestrel ED and the Viking Peregrine ED are excellent examples of this. The use of the ED glass will provide images of the highest possible quality.
For those just starting out, the Viking Badger or Celestron Outland X binoculars certainly get my recommendation. They provide the most suitable specs for use with stargazing and these are available at an affordable price.
This is really everything you need to begin your stargazing journey.
Read More: Top 5 Best Binoculars For Stargazing