We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Binoculars For Stargazing 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Tripod Adaptable, Rubber Armor, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included GlassPak - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty
The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars are a strong contender for stargazing enthusiasts, thanks to their 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses that deliver excellent light transmission and sharp images. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance visibility in low-light conditions, making them suitable for night sky observations. Their roof prism design contributes to a compact and durable structure, which is beneficial for users looking for portability in the field.
Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Magnification
Field of View
Coatings
Most important from
3570 reviews
#2
15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Low Light Vision - Lightweight Waterproof Binocular for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Cruise
The GIGAPENGUIN 15x52 HD binoculars are a powerful tool for stargazing and other long-distance viewing activities. With a high magnification of 15x, these binoculars allow you to see distant objects in great detail. The large 52mm objective lens and 22mm eyepiece provide a wide and clear field of view, making it easier to see more of the night sky or landscapes. Additionally, the binoculars are designed to perform well in low-light conditions, which is crucial for stargazing and hunting during dusk or dawn.
Rating
9.6
Magnification
Coatings
Weight and Size
Most important from
1421 reviews
#3
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Full-Size Binocular, Wide Field of View & Long Eye Relief | Official Nikon USA Model
The Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 binoculars are well-suited for stargazing enthusiasts, combining a solid 10x magnification with a 42mm objective lens, which allows for good light gathering and a bright view of celestial objects. The 367 ft field of view at 1,000 yards is quite impressive, making it easier to locate and track objects in the night sky. With a relative brightness of 17.6, these binoculars perform well in low-light conditions, crucial for stargazing.
Rating
9.4
Magnification
Field of View
Coatings
Most important from
749 reviews
Top 10 Best Binoculars For Stargazing 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Tripod Adaptable, Rubber Armor, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included GlassPak - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Tripod Adaptable, Rubber Armor, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included GlassPak - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty
Magnification: 10 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Prism Type: Roof
Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Weight and Size: 1.4 pounds
Chosen by 1284 this week
15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Low Light Vision - Lightweight Waterproof Binocular for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Cruise
15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Low Light Vision - Lightweight Waterproof Binocular for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Cruise
Magnification: 15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52mm
Exit Pupil: 22mm
Prism Type: BAK4
Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Weight and Size: 2.18 pounds, 6.5 x 5.4
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Full-Size Binocular, Wide Field of View & Long Eye Relief | Official Nikon USA Model
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Full-Size Binocular, Wide Field of View & Long Eye Relief | Official Nikon USA Model
Magnification: 10
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Field of View: 367 ft at 1,000 yards
Coatings: multilayer lens coatings
Weight and Size: 20.6 oz, 5.91 x 5.12 x 2.13 in
20x50 High Powered Binoculars for Adults, Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Bird Watching Hunting Football Games Travel Stargazing Cruise with Carrying Bag
20x50 High Powered Binoculars for Adults, Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Bird Watching Hunting Football Games Travel Stargazing Cruise with Carrying Bag
Magnification: 20 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Millimeters
Field of View: 168-yard at 1000 yards
Prism Type: BAK4 Porro Prism
Coatings: multilayer-coated, green FMC coating
Weight and Size: 1.96 pounds, 8.07 x 7.83 x 3.19
Celestron – Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-Coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics
Celestron – Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-Coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics
Magnification: 8
Objective Lens Diameter: 42
Prism Type: BaK-4
Coatings: fully multi-coated
Weight and Size: 1.75 pounds, 5.3 x 2 x 4.9
Related Products
Up to 23% off
12x42 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Phone Adapter and Tripod, Super Bright BAK4 Prism Waterproof Binoculars for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Safari Travel Sports
12x42 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Phone Adapter and Tripod, Super Bright BAK4 Prism Waterproof Binoculars for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Safari Travel Sports
Magnification: 12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Field of View: 367/1000 yards
Prism Type: BAK4
Coatings: fully multi-coated
Weight and Size: 1.25 lbs
Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 Binoculars – Powerful Binoculars for Detailed Long-Distance Viewing and Binocular Astronomy – Multi-Coated Optics – Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case
Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 Binoculars – Powerful Binoculars for Detailed Long-Distance Viewing and Binocular Astronomy – Multi-Coated Optics – Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case
Magnification: 25 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 70 mm
Prism Type: BaK-4
Coatings: Multi-coated
Weight and Size: 3.1 pounds, 4.3 x 11 x 8.7
RONHAN Binoculars for Adults High Powered, Military Compact HD Professional/Daily Waterproof 20x50 Binoculars for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Football Games Stargazing with Carrying Case & Strap
RONHAN Binoculars for Adults High Powered, Military Compact HD Professional/Daily Waterproof 20x50 Binoculars for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Football Games Stargazing with Carrying Case & Strap
Magnification: 20 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Field of View: 56 m at 1000 m
Prism Type: Bak-4
Coatings: multilayer-coated lenses
Weight and Size: 1.8 lbs, 7.5 x 2.83 x 0.1 in
Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars – High-Power Binoculars for Astronomy and Long-Range Terrestrial Viewing – Large Aperture with BaK-4 Prisms – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case
Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars – High-Power Binoculars for Astronomy and Long-Range Terrestrial Viewing – Large Aperture with BaK-4 Prisms – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case
Magnification: 20 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
Prism Type: BaK-4
Coatings: multi-coated
Weight and Size: 4.8 lbs, 9 x 4.7 x 12.8 in
How do we rank products for you?
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Buying Guide for the Best Binoculars For Stargazing
Choosing the right binoculars for stargazing can greatly enhance your experience of observing the night sky. Binoculars are a great tool for beginners and experienced stargazers alike, offering a wide field of view and ease of use compared to telescopes. When selecting binoculars for stargazing, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy the wonders of the universe to the fullest.MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the objects will appear through the binoculars compared to the naked eye. For stargazing, a magnification of 7x to 10x is generally recommended. Higher magnification can make it difficult to keep the image steady without a tripod, while lower magnification may not provide enough detail. Choose a magnification that balances detail and stability based on your observing habits and whether you plan to use a tripod.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lenses in millimeters. This spec is crucial because larger lenses gather more light, which is essential for viewing faint celestial objects. For stargazing, an objective lens diameter of 42mm to 50mm is ideal. Larger lenses (e.g., 70mm) can provide even better light-gathering but may be heavier and more cumbersome to handle. Consider your ability to hold the binoculars steady and the portability you need.
Field of ViewField of view indicates the width of the area visible through the binoculars, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards or degrees. A wider field of view is beneficial for stargazing as it allows you to see more of the sky at once, making it easier to locate and track celestial objects. Look for binoculars with a field of view of at least 6 degrees or 315 feet at 1,000 yards. If you enjoy scanning large areas of the sky, prioritize a wider field of view.
Exit PupilThe exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light that exits the eyepiece, calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification. For stargazing, an exit pupil of 5mm to 7mm is ideal, as it matches the dilation of the human eye in low light conditions. This ensures that the maximum amount of light reaches your eyes, providing a brighter and clearer image. Choose an exit pupil size that aligns with your typical observing conditions and eye sensitivity.
Prism TypeBinoculars use prisms to correct the orientation of the image. The two main types are Porro prisms and roof prisms. Porro prism binoculars generally offer better depth perception and a wider field of view, making them a popular choice for stargazing. Roof prism binoculars are more compact and durable but can be more expensive for the same optical quality. Decide based on your preference for image quality versus portability and durability.
CoatingsLens coatings improve light transmission and reduce glare, which is important for clear and bright images. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best option, as they have multiple layers of coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. This ensures maximum light transmission and minimal reflections. For stargazing, prioritize binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses to get the best possible view of faint celestial objects.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of binoculars affect how comfortable they are to use for extended periods. Heavier binoculars can be tiring to hold, especially when looking up at the sky. Look for binoculars that are lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable grip and easy-to-reach focus controls. If you plan to observe for long periods, consider using a tripod or monopod to reduce strain.