Best binoculars for stargazing 2023: Spot stars and galaxies

The best binoculars for stargazing can compete with telescopes when it comes to observation of the heavens. Like two, mini telescopes strapped together, they can give astronomers and hobbyist stargazers solid, stereoscopic views of the stars from millions of light years away.

High-powered binoculars can be a much more sensible purchase for skywatching at night for some because they're also useful during the day. But stargazing binoculars do have specific qualities that make them better for viewing dim stars and galaxies at night, compared with more generalist pairs.

First up, you'll need a binocular with a large objective lens — this is the glass end that points towards the sky. Large objective lenses mean more light particles (photons) heading down the barrel and into your eyes, so you should get bigger, brighter views.

Next, a stargazing binocular should have generous magnification. We'd recommend upwards of 10x and ideally 15x or 20x plus. The greater the magnification the more detail can be observed in smaller constellations, asterisms, galaxies, globular star clusters and other celestial bodies.

These binoculars tend to be heavier and bigger than regular binos so we'd recommend using a binocular adapter and sturdy tripod to keep things steady. Why not take a look at our how we test section to find out about our reviewing policies?

The best binoculars for stargazing also overlap with some more generalist binos that we outline in our guide to the best binoculars. But often they're not ideal for children because they're big and heavy so we'd recommend taking a look at the best binoculars for kids if you're stargazing with a youngster.

Best binoculars for stargazing we recommend in 2023

Premium models

Best premium binos overall

Stargazing binoculars don't come much more perfect than these. The Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 binoculars have huge magnification and massive objective lenses to get you closer to dimmer objects than almost any other binocular in our guide.

These high-powered binoculars also feature fully waterproof housing, interchangeable eyecups, superior wide-angle viewing, and are fogproof to protect against internal fogging in differing ambient temperatures.

What sets these 'Pro' versions apart from their standard 20x80 counterparts down below is that they have Celestron’s proprietary XLT coating technology for clearer views of the cosmos.

They have a built-in standard tripod mount which may be of use for long-term stargazing to accommodate for their heavier weight and size. With 20x magnification and housing filled with dry nitrogen gas, they do not fog up in even the chilliest of foggy nights, damp conditions, or moving between different temperature conditions — even if that is just your backpack to your favorite hilltop stargazing spot! They also have the ability to attach a red dot finder to bring objects into view more quickly.

• Read our full Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 review.

Best for stabilization

Featuring environmentally-friendly materials such as lead-free glass, the Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars (Canon 12x36 IS III) are high in price but also notably high in quality. They will offer the stars crystal clear in viewing at 12x magnification and an image stabilization feature that can help prevent shaky images.

With 12x magnification in a pair of binoculars we'd normally recommend you invest in a good tripod in order to keep views steady but Canon has introduced image stabilization technology here. Up to 12 hours of shake-free operation are up for grabs when viewing the stars at night with these binoculars.

With such long run times, they can last the length of your hike and back (power source is 2 x AA batteries). Due to their bulk and high price point, these binoculars may not be best suited for suitcase travel. They also require a continuous pressing of the anti-shake button which may be of note for those with arthritis or finger joint pain.

Best value premium binos

Featuring a narrower objective lens diameter than their high-powered astronomy cousin (Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Pro), the Celestron TrailSeeker model includes a wider eye relief, higher angle of view, and lower price point. 

They feature fully broadband multi-coated lenses, a twist up eyecup, and the same exceptional waterproof and fogproof housing unit found in many Celestron models. For the specs you get, the Trailseekers are very reasonably priced too.

These lightweight binoculars could accompany you on any hike, whether you want to spend a day birdwatching or an evening of night-time star viewing. They are also adaptable to accommodate a tripod and come with multiple accessories including a carrying case, lens cloth, lens cap, neck strap, harness strap, instruction manual, and eyepiece rainguard.

Best for reliability

Nikon is no stranger to high-quality optics having manufactured them (and some of the best cameras) for over 100 years. The Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 sits near the top of their binocular line-up and this roof prism-type binocular weds a powerful 20x magnification to a relatively gargantuan 56mm objective lens to let in plenty of available light. This makes it another key contender for amateur astronomers as long as your budget will stretch. 

Featuring ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass in its construction to improve contrast and reduce chromatic aberration and multi-coated lenses with it, the result is eye-popping image clarity, particularly when examining closer celestial objects such as the Moon. 

Long eye relief offers a degree of comfort when viewing for prolonged periods, while a sturdy, rubber-armored body and non-slip grip help make for a steadier hold. Judder-free viewing is further aided via a provided strap and the option to tripod mount this binocular if desired, making celestial viewing even more of a breeze. Inclement weather isn’t a problem either, as the 20x56 is waterproofed and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging.

Mid-range models

Best mid-range binos overall

Offering a generous magnification and objective lens size for a reasonable price, the Vortex 10x50 Crossfire HD Binoculars are a great option. It has a non-slip grip with a rubber casing and O-ring seals to prevent water and fog in the optics. The twist-up eyecups offer 17mm of eye relief which is perfect for eyeglasses wearers.

Hike for long distances or just last longer out and about with them round your neck because they weigh-in at less than two pounds. Users indicate that they perform well in low light conditions and are a great performance product for the price. Coming with a chest harness that can be strapped to them, they also can double as great birding binoculars on daytime hikes or be packed for impromptu night-time stargazing.

Best for magnification on a budget

Even though this model was first released way back in 2005, it still contends nicely with its modern Celestron cousins. Coming in at a price point lower than both the Pro version of this same model and the Celestron TrailSeeker version, it offers a happy medium for affordability and astronomy-focused quality.

They are the slightly older, not quite as refined versions of the SkyMaster Pro 20x80 binoculars that sit at the top of this guide. The Pro variant has a few things that push the price up, but the SkyMaster 20x80 variant here still has all the magnification and light-collecting power of its bigger sibling in a much more affordable package.

Key features include the BaK-4 prisms which allow for bright and crisp image quality even in poor, low-light conditions. They come with an integrated tripod attachment for ease of use on long nights of stargazing, a case, lens caps, cleaning cloth, and protective lens covering. Celestron designed this one with more structural reinforcement to the body of the binoculars and the exterior casing is water resistant. Note that some of the fogproof precision found in other higher-priced models may be lost here.

Best build quality

Released somewhat recently in 2018, these mid-range Nikon binoculars feature lower magnification capabilities but have a generous objective lens diameter and roomier eye relief than other models. We reviewed the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 which is very similar to the 3S 10x42 noted here and gave them four out of five stars for their premium-finish and excellent clarity.

It's also noticeably more lightweight and compact than other models which makes it perfect for squeezing into one’s hiking pack or including as part of your camping essentials.

Nikon touts that lead- and arsenic-free glass is used in all the lenses/prisms in the making of the unit, and the body is made from fiberglass and polycarbonate resin. It comes as part of a bundle with a carrying case, lens cap set, carrying strap, lens pen, and keychain light. Other noticeable features include its rubber eyecups which have multi-click adjustments and a turn and slide feature.

Best for durability

Featuring a waterproof rubber casing and the nitrogen gas-filled defogging technique that Celestron does so well, the Celestron Outland 8x42 is one of their less shiny offerings compared to their SkyMaster. However, it still boasts reliability and comes in as a more affordable option. It has twist-up eyecups for fast adjustment catering to spectacles wearers with a generous 18mm of eye relief.

Their 8x magnification is best suited to wider field viewing of constellations and asterisms, rather than galaxies or star clusters.

It also includes a tripod adapter for long-term viewing sessions. Perks of this model include its affordability and ease of use; it may be a great starter binocular that still boasts some of the better quality features.

Best starter pair

Coming in as one of the oldest released models (2005), this version offers affordability and a rugged look. Poised in the middle of the SkyMaster range the 12x magnification is strong enough to get in close without necessarily needing a tripod and the 60mm objective lenses work are advantageous in low light conditions.

These binoculars can be used in inclement weather too being both waterproof and fogproof so observers can move from hot and cold climes (like in and out of vehicles and houses) without the need to wait for the glass to warm or cool.

Users share it can still serve as a great pair of binoculars despite its age, but the lack of some of the updated extras and newer fog-proof capabilities may prove frustrating. Consider buying this one or its counterpart, the Celestron Outland, if you are seeking an affordable yet early features model to use as a starter pair or a first pair for a young adult.

• Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars review.

Budget models

Best budget binos overall

Featuring a rubber casing that helps with wear and tear, these binoculars come in at the lower end of the pricing model scale. Because of this, they are not waterproof and sacrifice a lot of the dim light conditions features you will find in pricier, astronomy-focused models. 

Despite that, these binoculars could serve as a great starter pair for a kid or young adult as they come with a padded carrying case and offer ample magnification at 10x and an objective lens diameter of 50 mm. Eyecups are adjustable and twist up or down. Users report some eye relief adjustments weren’t as easy and some quality control issues may not be noticed due to the lower price point.

How we test the best binoculars for stargazing

Live Science tests a huge and diverse range of products, from Legos to binoculars, and from exercise bikes to dehumidifiers. Depending on just what we're reviewing, a product will be subjected to an array of different tests relevant to its purpose and use. This may include in-lab benchmarks, extensive use in our test centers or thorough road-testing in real-world conditions.

We'll examine performance against the manufacturer's claims and test the accuracy of those claims to the very best of our ability, sourcing input from independent experts where needed. We will also evaluate a product on its ease of use, ergonomic success and performance relative to its competitors. Price will also be a factor with value for money affecting our overall evaluation and review rating.

Through this combination of extensive testing, research and expert consultation, Live Science is confident that it offers readers authoritative advice on all the products it reviews.

If you’re seeking the ability to capture photos and videos of the night sky with it, then also check out our recommendations of the best cameras for astrophotography. For those who want to get a little more serious with a higher powered viewing device, do also have a look at our best telescopes for stargazing guide too – many of these also allow for camera attachment in order to enjoy the art of digiscoping.

Meanwhile, with a look through the below hopefully we’ll find a pair of binoculars for stargazing we’re over the moon about.