Popular binoculars suitable for amateur astronomy

Below is a table of popular binoculars suitable for amateur astronomy, available for sale online as of February 22, 2025.

The table includes key metrics relevant to binoculars—objective lens diameter (aperture), magnification, field of view (FOV), prism type, weight, approximate cost in GBP, and unique selling points (USPs)—tailored for stargazing.

These models are selected based on their popularity among amateur astronomers, balancing affordability, portability, and optical performance. Prices are approximate and sourced from typical UK retailers like Amazon UK, First Light Optics, and Harrison Telescopes, reflecting 2025 estimates.

Notes:

1. Objective Lens (Aperture): Larger lenses (50mm+) gather more light, crucial for faint celestial objects like nebulae and galaxies. 70mm–80mm models excel for deep-sky viewing, while 42mm–50mm are more portable.

2. Magnification: Lower magnification (7x–10x) offers a wider FOV and stability for hand-holding, ideal for star fields and constellations. Higher magnification (15x–20x) suits lunar/planetary detail but often requires a tripod.

3. Field of View (FOV): Expressed in degrees; wider FOVs (6°+) are better for scanning large sky areas (e.g., Milky Way), while narrower FOVs (3°–4°) suit detailed views. FOV in degrees can be converted to apparent FOV (magnification × FOV) for comparison.

4. Prism Type: Porro prisms are common in astronomy binoculars for better light transmission and affordability. Roof prisms are more compact but often pricier for equivalent performance.

5. Weight: Lighter models (<1 kg) are easier to hand-hold; heavier ones (>1.5 kg) typically need a tripod for prolonged use, common with larger apertures.

6. Cost: Approximate GBP prices based on 2025 UK market trends from online retailers. Low range: <£150; Mid range: £150–£300.

7. USPs: Emphasize suitability for amateur astronomy—light-gathering power, ease of use, or specific strengths (e.g., wide FOV for clusters, high magnification for planets).

Why These Models?

- Low Range (<£150): SkyMaster 15x70, Skymaster 10x50, Scenix 7x50, Nature DX 8x42—affordable entry points with decent apertures and FOVs for beginners.

- Mid Range (£150–£300): SkyMaster 20x80, Oregon 20x80, Apollo 15x70, Action EX 10x50, Crossfire HD 10x50, Stellar II 7x50—balance cost and performance, offering larger apertures or better optics for intermediates.

- All are tripod-adaptable (except some lightweight models like Nature DX), a key feature for astronomy to reduce hand-shake at higher magnifications.

This table focuses on binoculars practical for amateur astronomy, avoiding high-end models (e.g., £1,000+ image-stabilized options) that may exceed typical hobbyist budgets.

Binocular Model	Objective Lens (mm)	Magnification	Field of View (degrees)	Prism Type	Weight (kg)	Cost (GBP)	Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Sky-Watcher Skymaster 10x50	50	10x	6.5°	Porro	0.82	~100	Wide FOV, lightweight, good for sweeping star fields and clusters
Orion Scenix 7x50	50	7x	7.1°	Porro	0.77	~120	Ultra-wide FOV, easy to hand-hold, excellent for beginners and Milky Way views
Celestron Nature DX 8x42	42	8x	7.4°	Roof	0.63	~140	Compact, lightweight, wide FOV, good for casual stargazing and portability
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70	70	15x	4.4°	Porro	1.36	~150	Affordable large aperture, great for deep-sky objects, tripod-adaptable
Nikon Action EX 10x50	50	10x	6.5°	Porro	1.02	~170	Waterproof, durable, wide FOV, versatile for astronomy and terrestrial use
Opticron Oregon 20x80	80	20x	3.4°	Porro	2.05	~180	Budget-friendly large binoculars, solid build, good for nebula and galaxy observing
Celestron SkyMaster 20x80	80	20x	3.7°	Porro	2.13	~200	High magnification, large aperture, ideal for lunar detail and brighter deep-sky objects
Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50	50	10x	6.1°	Roof	0.85	~200	Roof prism portability, HD glass for crisp stars, great all-rounder for day/night use
Helios Stellar II 7x50	50	7x	6.8°	Porro	1.15	~250	Robust build, wide FOV, excellent light gathering for clusters and constellations
Helios Apollo 15x70	70	15x	4.0°	Porro	1.85	~300	High-quality optics, waterproof, sharp views for intermediate astronomers