Stargazing with Binoculars
Stargazing with binoculars is a great way to explore the universe and get familiar with the night sky.
They’re affordable, portable, and simple to use, making them a great option for beginners. They also let you start observing the sky right away with minimal setup, whether you’re checking out constellations, planets, or star clusters.
In this post, we’ll go over the benefits of using binoculars for stargazing, the different types you can choose from, popular targets to look for, and some tips to help you get started.
The Celestron Sky Master binoculars have been around for a long time and are widely appreciated by the astronomy community. They are a great value and are what I currently use for stargazing in my backyard.
Top Picks
- Best Overall Binoculars for Stargazing: Pentax ZD 8×43 ED Binoculars
- Best Binoculars on a Budget: Vortex Optics Triumph HD 10 x 42 Binoculars
- Best for Viewing the Moon and Planets: Celestron SkyMaster 25 X 70 Binoculars
While the Celestron Sky Master series is a great option for beginners, we found that the optical quality and ease of use of the Pentax ZD 8×43 models couldn’t be beat. We purchased these binoculars for our birding adventures and found them to be an exquisite choice for astronomy as well.
Ultimately, almost any pair of binoculars can make astronomy more enjoyable and provide a memorable 3D view of space. However, binoculars with a larger aperture (the diameter of the lenses) will collect more light and show fainter objects in the night sky.
The Pentax ZD 8×43 ED binoculars are our top choice for stargazing.
Why Choose Binoculars for Stargazing?
Stargazing with binoculars is a great option for anyone starting out in astronomy because they are so simple to use.
They offer a quick way to explore the night sky without needing a complex setup. The wide field of view lets you take in more of the night sky at once, which is perfect for viewing constellations, star clusters, certain deep-sky objects, and the Milky Way.
Compared to using even a small telescope, binoculars are typically more cost-effective, making them an affordable entry point into the hobby. For a fraction of the cost of a Dobsonian telescope, you can experience clear, detailed views of objects like the Moon.
Thanks to their portability and lightweight design, they are great for the backyard or traveling to a dedicated dark sky site.
For the best experience, bring your binoculars to a dark sky location.
Choosing the Right Binoculars for Stargazing
If you have ever considered purchasing binoculars for another hobby (for us, it was birdwatching), you will know there is a huge variety to choose from. Consider some of these factors when choosing your pair of binoculars.
Magnification, Aperture, and Field of View
Magnification, aperture, and field of view in binoculars will affect how well you can observe the night sky.
- Magnification: This is how large an object appears through the binoculars. For example, binoculars labeled 10×50 have a magnification of 10x, meaning objects will look 10 times closer. However, this higher magnification tends to narrow the field of view, meaning you’ll see less of the sky at once. This makes it harder to find and track objects in the sky, though you’ll get more detail on what you’re looking at.
- Aperture: This is the second number in binocular specifications (like the “50” in 10×50) and represents the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. A larger aperture allows more light to enter the binoculars, making objects appear brighter and clearer, especially in low-light conditions like stargazing. Larger apertures are better for seeing faint objects like star clusters and galaxies, but tend to make the binoculars heavier.
- Field of View (FOV): The field of view is how much of the sky you can see at once through the binoculars. Lower magnification binoculars give you a wider field of view, allowing you to see more of the sky. This makes it easier to find objects like constellations. Higher magnification binoculars provide a smaller, zoomed-in view, but you’ll see less of the sky around the object.
In summary: Higher magnification gives you more detail but narrows the field of view. Larger aperture gives you brighter images but may make the binoculars heavier. Lower magnification and a wider field of view are ideal for beginners, helping you scan the night sky more easily.
Type of Binoculars
Without getting too technical, there are two types of binoculars: porro prism and roof prism.
Porro prism binoculars: use a traditional prism design where the eyepieces and objective lenses are offset, creating a wider, bulkier shape. This design typically provides a brighter image and greater depth perception, making porro prisms ideal for low-light viewing, like stargazing.
Roof prism binoculars: align the eyepiece and objective lens in a straight line, resulting in a more compact binoculars and streamlined body. While often more expensive, roof prism binoculars are durable and lightweight, making them easier to handle for extended stargazing sessions.
Porro Prism vs Roof Prism | REI
We tend to use the roof prism type of binoculars more than the porro prism, simply because we have several pairs of this type. We used these as birding binoculars for many years.
Weight and Comfort
The weight of your binoculars can affect how long you can comfortably hold them steady for viewing.
Larger binoculars with higher magnification offer impressive views, but they can be tiring to hold over extended periods of time. However, not all lightweight binoculars are created equal—cheaper models may cut down on weight by using cheap plastic parts. Binoculars made for nature viewing are typically designed to be lightweight yet high-quality, often using durable, waterproof materials. The trade-off for the higher price tag is having a longer-lasting, more reliable pair.
Ultimately, finding the right binoculars is about balancing magnification, weight, and budget to meet your stargazing needs.
Optical Quality
Similar to a telescope, good-quality optics and lens coatings are important for stargazing binoculars. They help to enhance image clarity, brightness, and contrast, especially in low-light conditions.
High-quality optics also reduce distortions and chromatic aberrations, allowing you to see sharp images of deep sky objects. Lens coatings further improve light transmission and minimize glare, offering a clearer and more immersive night-sky experience.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece and your eye, and it plays an important role in your comfort while stargazing with binoculars.
A longer eye relief means you don’t need to press your eye as close to the eyepiece, which is especially beneficial for people who wear glasses. With more eye relief, glasses-wearers can maintain a comfortable distance from the eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view.
Eye relief varies across different models. For stargazing, an eye relief of at least 15mm is usually recommended, especially if you wear glasses. Binoculars with adjustable eye cups can also help accommodate different needs, allowing you to fine-tune the eye relief for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Recommendations for Beginners
Like a telescope, the best binoculars are the ones you use most often. If you are new to astronomy and want a quality pair of binoculars to see the moon, planets, stars, and even the brightest deep-sky objects, the Celestron SkyMaster 25 x 70 binoculars will serve you well.
I purchased these binoculars in 2012 and haven’t looked back. Because they are pretty heavy (especially when held up to the sky for long periods of time), I recommend mounting them to a tripod for a steady, hands-free view.
The Celestron SkyMaster 25 x 70 binoculars mounted to a tripod for a steady view.
Thankfully, the Celestron Sky Master binoculars include a tripod adapter, so you can easily attach them to your existing photography tripod. Celestron also offers an even larger model, the enormous Sky Master 20 x 80.
Image Stabilization
If you prefer an ultra-steady view while maintaining your freedom to pan across the sky at will, image-stabilized (IS) binoculars may be for you. While they are expensive, they employ the same technology found in today’s photography cameras and lenses.
Many options are available in this category, including the Canon ‘IS’ models. To keep your view of the stars in place, simply press the image stabilization button, and the ‘wobble’ disappears.
Binoculars with IS are helpful for astronomy, but remember that they require batteries and are much more expensive than traditional binoculars.
Space.com rated the Canon 10×42 L IS WP Image Stabilized Binoculars as their top pick for stargazing. While they are quite expensive (over $1000), the image stabilization is a dream when soaking in a section of the night sky.
What to Look For in the Night Sky
There are a variety of different types of objects to observe with your binoculars.
The Moon
Viewing the Moon through binoculars is the easiest and most accessible experience for beginner stargazers. Even with a modest pair of binoculars, you can observe the details and contrast between the dark lunar plains and the brighter highlands.
For the best viewing experience, binoculars with a magnification of 7×50 or 10×50 are ideal. These sizes provide a stable, wide view of the Moon while gathering enough light to see finer details. The large objective lenses allow for clearer images, even in low light conditions, which is perfect for nighttime viewing.
Some of the most interesting features to observe on the Moon include the prominent craters like Tycho and Copernicus, as well as the Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 landed.
Pro tip: Don’t just observe the Moon when it’s full, be sure to view it during the different Moon phases. The change in shadows reveals new details along the terminator line (the line separating the light and dark portions) and offers a different perspective.
Simulated binocular view of the crescent moon with ‘earthshine’ visible.
Planets
Mercury: this planet is elusive, as it can only be seen for a short time low on the horizon before sunrise or after sunset for a few days. This is referred to as greatest elongation, when the planet is farthest from the Sun. Due to it’s size, you will only see a star-like object in the sky, but it is still neat to observe a planet in our solar system.
Venus: this planet is unique in that it can be seen going through phases, similar to the moon. It will transition from full disk to crescent shape based on its position relative to Earth and the Sun. Though you won’t see any details on the planet itself, it is an interesting and identifiable object in the early morning or evening sky.
Jupiter: an exciting planet to view through binoculars, since you can easily identify its four largest moon (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), appearing as tiny points of light. With steady binoculars, it’s also possible to see the cloud bands of this gas giant.
Saturn: I am fascinated with Saturn and every time I look at it, my excitement is like the first time all over again. Viewing Saturn through binoculars will reveal its golden hue, and with a steady hand, maybe even a glimpse of its largest moon, Titan. However, Saturn’s rings may not be clearly defined, you can often discern the planet’s oval shape.
Star Clusters/Nebulae/Galaxies
The Pleiades Star Cluster: bright and compact, this star cluster is visible from anywhere in the world. Like many of the targets on this list, it is visible with the naked eye. You can find double stars and star chains within the cluster, and if you have dark skies, maybe even nebulosity.
Orion Nebula (M42): a popular deep-sky winter object, that is one of the few visible to the naked eye. It is the brightest part of a huge cloud of gas that covers nearly the entire Orion constellation. Under dark skies using 10 x 50 binoculars, it is possible to see the distinct extensions on each side of the nebula. With a larger zoom and even darker skies, you may even be able to see the fainter M43.
Beehive Cluster (M44): this is a great target for any size binoculars, and can even be seen in the presence of light pollution. It’s sixth magnitude stars, when viewed together, are enough to see a distinct fuzzy patch in the night sky.
Andromeda Galaxy (M31): it’s hard to believe that we can easily locate and view this galaxy which is located 2.5 million light-years away. It can be seen using the naked eye, though you may have to avert your vision if you are in the city. It also makes a great target for any size of binoculars.
Comets
Every amateur astronomer dreams of spotting a bright comet, and they’re perfect targets for binocular stargazing. With binoculars, you can really appreciate the comet’s glowing core and its sweeping tail. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the latest comet, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), as well as Comet C/2020 F3 (Neowise) back in 2021 with our Pentax binoculars.
Observing Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with Pentax ZD 8×43 ED roof prism binoculars
Constellations
Orion: this might be the easiest constellation to make out in the night sky, thanks to the number of bright stars and its distinct shape. Most of its stars are noticeably blue in color; you can use binoculars to enhance your view by looking at certain areas within the constellation, such as Orion’s Belt or the individual star colors.
Ursa Major: viewing this constellation through binoculars enhances its most famous feature, the Big Dipper, allowing you to see fainter stars that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Be sure to explore the double star system Mizar and Alcor, located in the handle.
Cassiopeia: Find its distinctive “W” shape in the night sky and view its fainter stars. Scanning this area also reveals the rich star field of the Milky Way and nearby open clusters, such as the stunning Messier 52.
The Cassiopeia Constellation
Dark Skies for Stargazing
Nothing compares to stargazing under truly dark skies. Escaping light-polluted skies transforms the experience, offering clearer, more detailed views.
Under dark skies, you’ll have the chance to observe dimmer objects that are often invisible in cities, where nearby lights wash out the night sky. You can also view more objects with the unaided eye.
You can use a light pollution map to help you find the nearest areas with darker skies for the best stargazing experience.
Dark skies reveal greater detail than stargazing from the city.
Tips for Stargazing with Binoculars
Steadying Your View
As mentioned above, if you choose a larger pair of binoculars, you may need to invest in a mount or tripod to support your binoculars to maintain steady views and avoid tired arms.
The connection point for most binoculars is on the front between the lenses, usually with a cap. Since this connection point is at a right angle, you will need a tripod adapter (and maybe a ball head) to tilt the binoculars toward the sky.
If you don’t have a spot to connect an adaptor, you will need to consider alternative mounting options for your binoculars.
Adapting to the Dark
Since most people rarely experience true darkness, they can overlook the importance of letting their eyes adapt to the darkness. It can take up to 45 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust after exposure to white light. Once your night vision kicks in, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in seeing dimmer objects in the sky.
To preserve your night vision, avoid white light—including your phone’s screen. Red light is ideal for maintaining night vision, so if you need to navigate or use your phone, try using a red headlamp and/or enabling a red filter on your phone’s display.
Patience and Practice
As a beginner, it can be difficult to navigate the night sky to find and identify targets. Be patient, as you will get better with more experience. You can also utilize some tools to help you, like sky charts or mobile planetarium apps.
Using Astronomy Apps and Star Maps
There are plenty of fantastic astronomy apps to help you explore the night sky.
Planetarium apps make it easy to locate celestial objects by showing constellation outlines and nearby targets based on where you point your phone. Other apps offer a moon phase calendar, so you’ll know exactly when each phase will occur, helping you plan for the best stargazing view.
Star charts, which are found in many astronomy books and magazines, can also help locate objects in the night sky.
The Stellarium app can help you locate objects in the night sky.
Enhancing Your Stargazing Experience
Recording Observations
Recording your observations is a great way to document your stargazing experience.
Some astronomy clubs, like the RASC, even offer observing certificates, where you can document your sightings over time for an added sense of achievement and gamification.
For an extra creative touch, try sketching what you observe, including details of what you see through your binoculars.
Joining Astronomy Groups
One of the best ways to accelerate your learning and grow your interest in astronomy is to join a local astronomy club. This is where Trevor spent his early years, learning from the experienced members of his club.
Star parties are another great way to learn from and socialize with other like-minded astronomers. These events typically take place under dark skies too, so you get the chance to stargaze under exceptional skies.
Participants at the Okie-Tex Star Party under Bortle 1 skies.
Safety and Care Tips for Binoculars
Investing in a good pair of stargazing binoculars means its important to keep them in good condition. The easiest way to do this is to store your binoculars in the protective case when not in use to shield them from dust, dirt, and moisture.
You’ll also want to keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid internal fogging or mold buildup, especially if you live in a humid environment. Use the lens caps whenever the binoculars are not being used to protect the lenses from scratches and dust.
When cleaning your binoculars, don’t wipe them with anything abrasive to avoid damaging the coatings. A soft microfibre cloth or a lens cleaning brush are good options to remove any dust or smudges gently.
For stubborn marks or grime, a few small drops of lens cleaning solution can help but don’t go overboard.
Conclusion
Stargazing with binoculars is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to begin your journey into astronomy. You don’t need a fancy setup or years of experience—just a good pair of binoculars, a clear night, and some curiosity.
Whether you’re scanning constellations, watching planets, or exploring star clusters, there’s always something new to discover in the night sky. So, grab your binoculars, head outside, and start exploring.
Remember to stay patient and enjoy the process. Don’t worry if you can’t spot everything at once—take your time, let your eyes adjust, and keep learning as you go. To stay inspired, try keeping a journal or log of your observations, or use apps to help guide you through the sky.
The more you practice, the sooner you can spot objects. When you’re ready to take things to the next level, smartphone astrophotography or a smart telescope (like the Seestar S50) could be great options. They allow you to photograph targets and offer more advanced features while keeping things easy to use.
Whether you’re sticking with binoculars or thinking about upgrading later, the night sky always offers something new and exciting.
Ashley is an environmental educator, communication professional, and astrophotographer. She has extensive experience writing for diverse audiences to increase public awareness and engagement. Ashley is an active Advocate and Delegate with DarkSky International, helping to protect the nighttime environment from the harmful effects of light pollution through advocacy and outreach.