6 Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy

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This post covers the best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy.

Using Binoculars is one of the best ways to explore the sky, moon, planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. To achieve this, it is paramount that the binoculars you use are actually made for astronomy, you also don’t have to break the bank to get a quality pair of binoculars.

Gone are the days when binoculars were only available for high-budget fanatics and astronomers. The advancement in technology has made it possible to get a good quality pair of binoculars even if on a budget as low as 100 dollars.

Here are the best budget binoculars for astronomy.

 

Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy-Our Top Picks

 

1) Celestron SkyMaster 20X80 Astro Binoculars

Celestron-SkyMaster 20X80 Astro Binoculars

 

 

If you enjoy astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions, you need a pair of binoculars that is built and engineered to meet your special needs. This Celestron -SkyMaster 20X80 Astro Binoculars ensure you get exactly that at an affordable price.

These binoculars will deliver great performance regardless of the weather condition(water-resistant). They have premium quality BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics to enhance contrast, bright and sharp imaging even in low light conditions.

They also feature a tripod adapter for hands-free usage making them super convenient and stable. Besides that, they have a rugged and armored body for protection and a secure gripping surface making them robust and durable.

The binoculars have soft rubber eyecups that block stray light and ensure comfortability. The eyecups are foldable for a comfortable viewing experience for eyeglass wearers.

Features

  • Multi-coated optics
  • Eyeglass Friendly and Comfortable
  • Bright and Sharp Images even in low light conditions
  • Integrated Tripod Adapter Rod
  • Water-resistant and robust
  • Includes an objective lens cap, rain guard, neck strap, sumptuous carrying case, and instruction manual
  • Folding Eyecups
  • Magnification-20x
  • Objective lens-80mm
  • Field of View -3.7° ,195 feet @ 1000yds
  • BaK4 Prism
  • Porro prism
  • -4 to +8 Diopter Range
  • 108 feet close focus range
  • Eye Relief -18mm
  • 4mm exit pupil

 

2) Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars

Gosky 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars

 

These Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars are made of superior optics with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds for excellent light transmission and the production of a brilliant field of view. They are great for outdoor activities like astronomy, stargazing, climbing, hiking, driving, observing wildlife and scenery thanks to their 307ft/1000yds wide field of view.

These binoculars are waterproof and fog-proof, O-ring seals deter moisture, dust, and debris from getting into the optics. The twist-up eyecups and long eye relief make them great for eyeglass wearers. The eyecups are ergonomically correct for natural and cushy viewing.

These binoculars have a lightweight and elegant design that makes them easy to pack and are trail rough to withstand rough terrains if you are an outdoors person. They have easy-grip surfaces that allow you to grab and lift them fast to the eye. They also have a dielectric coating for high reflectivity providing the brightest and clearest images possible.

Features                                     

  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Durable construction
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic and Comfortable fast focuser
  • Trail tough to withstand harsh terrain
  • Tripod Compatible
  • DIELECTRIC Coated Phase Corrected Prism
  • FMC eyepiece
  • 307ft/1000yds  field of view
  • Light, robust and modern design
  • Twist-Down eyecups
  • 10x power magnification
  • Center Focus

 

3) ESSLNB Astronomy Binoculars

ESSLNB Astronomy Binoculars

 

 

These ESSLNB Astronomy Binoculars are not affordable but also deliver exceptional performance. Their 70mm objective lenses and the potent magnification make them perfect for astronomy or long-range terrestrial viewing even in dim conditions. This zoom magnification comes in handy and is easy to change using the fingertip zoom control knob that is easy to reach.

They have fully multi-coated optics for optimal light transmission and high-resolution images. This reduces the loss of light from reflection for a natural and clearer view. The FMC prism also contributes greatly to bright and quality images.

The eyepieces have eyecups that prevent light strays and provide a wide field of view. They have a built-in tripod adapter making viewing hands-free convenient. These binoculars are perfect for sports, sightseeing, bird watching, and astronomy.

Features

  • Center Focus
  • Porro Prism
  • 70mm fully multi-coated lenses
  • Great for low-light and long-range conditions
  • Smartphone and Tripod Adapter
  • Long eye relief makes it ideal for the eyeglass wearers
  • 288ft field of view at 1000 yards
  • Magnification- 13-39X70 /15X70
  • Easy Operation System for Focusing
  • Wide-angle Lens

 

4) Celestron 20×80 SkyMaster Pro High Power Astronomy Binoculars

Celestron 20x80 SkyMaster Pro High Power Astronomy Binoculars

 

 

As one of the best budget binoculars for astronomy, this Celestron 20×80 SkyMaster Pro High Power Astronomy Binoculars comes packed with goodies. The large 80 mm objective lens offers optimal image brightness in dim conditions. All air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated with XLT coating technology for outstanding views. With these coatings and the Bak 4 prisms, these binoculars deliver remarkable resolution.

Made with durability in mind, these binoculars have a robust yet exquisite design that offers tough protection and a professional premium quality look that you will absolutely love.

The eyecups are cushy and can be folded for eyeglass wearers.  Better yet, they have an in-built tripod adapter for extra stability and also act as a balance rail by sliding along the center support rod.

Their lightweight design makes them easy to pack and carry. They are also waterproof so that you have peace of mind even when caught up in the rain unexpectedly. Their 20x magnification makes them suitable for observing celestial objects in more detail, and searching for wildlife in the bush among other uses.

Features

  • Waterproof and fogproof
  • Lightweight yet durable
  • BaK4 Prism
  • Huge 80mm objective lenses
  • Rubber armor enhances ergonomics and protection
  • Multi and XLT coatings
  • Eyecups are foldable comfortable to use
  • In-built tripod adapter
  • Perfect for dusk, dawn, and astronomical viewing at night
  • 20x magnification
  • 15.5mm Eye Relief
  • Tripod Adaptable
  • Field of View – 3.2°,168 feet@ 1000yds
  • -4 to +8  Diopter Range
  • 66.3  feet Close Focus
  • Standard and Flared Interchangeable Eyecups

 

5) Zhumell 20×80 Giant Astronomical Binoculars

Zhumell 20x80 Giant Astronomical Binoculars

 

These Zhumell 20×80 Giant Astronomical Binoculars are designed and engineered for seamless astronomical performance. They are equipped with a large objective lens and a big magnification making them great for long-range and astronomy binoculars.

The 20x magnification is perfect for terrestrial and astronomical viewing. The exterior is robust and armored for protection and a firm gripping surface. Optics are fully multi-coated and combined with Bak4 prisms, you get nothing but outstanding light transmission. They also have an extra huge field of view with crystal clarity.

They are also lightweight, easy to carry, and packable. They are expedient to focus with the huge center wheel that effortlessly and quickly adjusts focus for pinpoint accuracy. These binoculars have rubber eyecups that are soft for comfort and foldable for use with eyeglasses. For additional comfort and stability, the binoculars feature an in-built tripod adapter rail.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Bak4 prisms
  • Lightweight design
  • Easy to focus
  • Soft rubber eyecups
  • Large field of view
  • Right diopter adjustment allows you to fine-tune your viewing
  • Giant 20x magnification
  • Field of View- 3.3° ,168 feet @1000yds
  • BaK4 Prism material
  •  -4 to +8 Diopter Range
  • 70 feet Close Focus Distance
  • 17 mm Eye Relief
  • Folding Eyecups
  • Tripod Adaptable

 

6) Orion 15×70 Astronomy Binoculars with Tripod Adapter

Orion 15x70 Astronomy Binoculars with Tripod Adapter

 

These are cost-effective binoculars perfect for viewing the moon, sky objects and chasing open star clusters. The 70mm lenses deliver excellent high-power. Optics are fully multi-coated and of premium quality.Bak4 prisms ensure optimal light transmission for clear and crisp views.

The 18mm long eye relief is comfortable even for eyeglass wearers without removing corrective lenses.Your prolonged stargazing sessions will be comfortable and stable as the tripod L-adapter is included for Tripods.

Features                                                        

  • Top quality BAK-4 porro prisms
  • Big 70mm lenses
  • Long 18mm eye relief
  • Comes with a tripod L-adapter
  • 15-power astronomical binocular
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Great for stargazing sessions
  • Center Focus
  • Magnification 15x
  • Optical diameter 70mm
  • Field of view – angular 4.4° – linear 231.0 ft./1000 yd
  • Exit pupil 4.7mm
  • Near focus 30 ft.
  • Interpupillary distance range 56mm – 72mm

 

See Also

 

Criteria for Choosing the Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy

  1. Magnification Power

This is represented by a number ending with x. The larger the number, the higher the magnification. For a particular distance, binoculars with higher magnification power bring objects closer compared to those with lower magnification power. Also, higher magnification means higher resolution which results in crispier image details.

  1. Lenses Coating Technology

Lenses on binoculars usually have coatings that help them have minimal reflections, enhanced contrast, and image sharpness. Fully multi-coated lenses are best for optimal performance. Such binoculars have all their lenses coated with anti-reflective compounds for zero loss of light and incomparable image brightness and contrast.

  1. Size of Exit Pupils

Binoculars with larger exit pupils provide you access to images that are larger and clearer. The size of the exit pupils is expressed in millimeters. The higher the number, the larger the exit pupils and the clearer the image.

  1. Objective Lens Aperture

By looking at the name of the binoculars, you can tell the size of the objective lenses. The number that comes after x in the binocular’s name shows the aperture of the objective lens. The larger the number, the larger the aperture. Binoculars with larger apertures work perfectly if you want bright images even in dim conditions. The larger the objective lens the more enhanced light-gathering capabilities for brighter and sharper images.

Weight

A heavy pair of binoculars causes fatigue after extended use. They also make you need the services of a tripod stand for comfort and stability. It is thus paramount to consider the weight before making a purchase decision. Lightweight also means portability which is an important feature especially if you are always on the move.

Binocular Uses

  • Stargazing-Astronomy binoculars have impeccable magnification powers which help bring subjects that are very far away like the moon and stars closer and clearer. They can thus be used to study celestial objects like stars and planets.
  • Spotting wildlife-Binoculars have objective lenses with remarkable aperture sizes. They gather as much light as possible even in dim conditions. They can perfectly pick light rays from further objects. This makes them suitable for spotting wildlife such as bears, elk, deer, and more.
  • Smartphone zooming lens-A smartphone owner who wants to take pictures of an object that is far away can align the camera to one of the eyepieces for superb zooming. Luckily, most binoculars have a smartphone adapter with clamps that hold the smartphone in place. You can then adjust the eyepiece until it excellently focuses on your desired subject for video recording or having photoshoots.
  • Starting a fire-Binoculars have a series of concave or convex lenses in a tube. The lenses can be disassembled in case of an emergency and used to start a fire. Convex lenses are best for focusing solar energy on a single point until fire actually starts.

Why the Above Binoculars for the Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy

  • Ease of use-The above binoculars have a more comfortable and natural feel making them ideal for a wide range of uses. they are easy to focus, carry and operate.
  • Portable-They are easy to pack and carry along without being a pain in the neck. They are lightweight and compact
  • Cost-These binoculars are affordable meaning that you don’t have to break the bank to own a pair.
  • Coated optics-The binoculars are either multi-coated or fully multi-coated ensuring clear and crisp views

Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy FAQs

  1. Are binoculars good for astronomy?

Binoculars are an excellent way of getting into astronomy. Many amateur astronomers prefer binocular observation over any other form of exploring the night sky. Having a good quality and powerful model helps you enjoy the planets, stars, moon, and deep-sky objects for many years to come.

  1. Why are binoculars used in astronomy?

Binoculars are used in astronomy because they are compact and provide a much wider view making celestial objects clearer. They allow the astronomer to use both eyes for surer and more natural views.

  1. Why do some binoculars have green lenses?

Your eyes are more sensitive to green lights. As such, the best binoculars have a green objective lens for improving image clarity.

Conclusion

We hope our Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy review was comprehensive enough and that you got an affordable binocular for your astronomy, stargazing, and other applications.