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9 Best Orion Astronomy Binoculars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 Binoculars – Giant Aperture Binoculars for Deep-Sky Astronomy & Long-Distance Viewing – Multi-Coated Optics – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Magnification
Field of View
Coatings

Most important from
915 reviews

Magnification
Bright discs of planets like Jupiter and Mars, with a unique telescopic-like view of Jupiter's moons.
Field of View
Expansive field of view offering wide-angle eye candy, perfect for capturing celestial wonders like Orion's belt, the Pleiades, and the Veil Nebula.
Coatings
Extremely clear, bright, and sharp views with no ghosting or chromatic aberration, providing superb viewing every time.
Weight and Ergonomics
Generous eye relief and the ability to fold eyecups back for a comfortable viewing experience.

The Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 binoculars are designed for serious astronomy enthusiasts and long-distance viewing. With a powerful 25x magnification and massive 100mm objective lenses, these binoculars are perfect for stargazing and observing distant terrestrial objects. The large aperture allows for excellent light gathering, making them suitable for low-light conditions like early morning or nighttime viewing. The BaK-4 prisms ensure bright and sharp images, enhancing the viewing experience significantly.

Due to their size and weight, these binoculars must be mounted on a tripod (not included), and they are not practical for handheld use. The built-in tripod adapter makes it easy to attach to any standard photographic tripod. The rubber-armored housing provides durability and a secure grip, while the water-resistant feature offers protection against unexpected weather conditions. Celestron also offers a limited lifetime warranty and US-based tech support, adding to the product's reliability.

The need for a tripod and the XXL size might make these binoculars less convenient for casual users or those looking for portability. These binoculars are best suited for dedicated hobbyists and serious astronomers who require powerful optics and are willing to invest in a tripod setup.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Magnification
Field of View
Coatings

Most important from
915 reviews

Magnification
Bright discs of planets like Jupiter and Mars, with a unique telescopic-like view of Jupiter's moons.
Field of View
Expansive field of view offering wide-angle eye candy, perfect for capturing celestial wonders like Orion's belt, the Pleiades, and the Veil Nebula.
Coatings
Extremely clear, bright, and sharp views with no ghosting or chromatic aberration, providing superb viewing every time.
Weight and Ergonomics
Generous eye relief and the ability to fold eyecups back for a comfortable viewing experience.
#2

Celestron SkyMaster 15-35x70 Zoom Binoculars – Powerful Long-Range Binoculars for Astronomy & Outdoor Use – High Magnification up to 35x – Includes Tripod Adapter & Case

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
9563 reviews

Magnification
High magnifications require a stable tripod for steady viewing, as handheld use is challenging due to the binoculars' weight and zoom power.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 70mm objective lenses deliver bright, clear images that reveal stunning lunar details and even the four major satellites of Jupiter.
Weight and Ergonomics
Their ease of use and portability compared to telescopes make them ideal for casual stargazing and frequent outdoor use.

The Celestron SkyMaster 15-35x70 binoculars are designed for astronomy and long-distance outdoor viewing, offering a strong zoom range from 15x to 35x magnification. Their large 70mm objective lenses gather a lot of light, which is great for seeing faint objects in low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or night sky viewing. The BaK-4 prisms help provide bright and clear images, which is important when stargazing.

These binoculars are quite heavy at around 3.3 pounds and large, so they are best used with a tripod to keep your view steady, especially at higher magnifications. The built-in tripod adapter makes this easy to set up but keep in mind a tripod is not included. Coatings on the lenses and the water-resistant rubber armor improve durability and grip, making them suitable for outdoor use even in less-than-ideal weather. While the zoom feature adds flexibility, very high magnifications like 35x can make it harder to hold the image steady without a tripod.

Due to their size and weight, these binoculars might not be the best choice if you want something very portable or for quick handheld use. However, for those seeking powerful, clear views of the night sky or distant landscapes and who don’t mind using a tripod, these binoculars present a solid option backed by a lifetime warranty and good customer support from a trusted brand.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
9563 reviews

Magnification
High magnifications require a stable tripod for steady viewing, as handheld use is challenging due to the binoculars' weight and zoom power.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 70mm objective lenses deliver bright, clear images that reveal stunning lunar details and even the four major satellites of Jupiter.
Weight and Ergonomics
Their ease of use and portability compared to telescopes make them ideal for casual stargazing and frequent outdoor use.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Field of View
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
3452 reviews

Magnification
Upgraded to the 20x80 model, which offers a wide-angle, expansive field of view, making it perfect for stargazing.
Field of View
Upgraded to the 20x80 model, which offers a wide-angle, expansive field of view, making it perfect for stargazing.
Weight and Ergonomics
A sturdy tripod is necessary due to the binoculars' significant weight, enhancing stability and viewing quality.

The Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars are a robust option for astronomy enthusiasts and those needing powerful long-distance viewing. With an impressive 20x magnification and 80mm objective lenses, they are designed to capture bright, clear images, even in low-light conditions. The BaK-4 prisms are a significant asset, ensuring maximum light throughput for detailed observations, making them suitable for nighttime and dawn/dusk use. The multi-coated optics enhance image clarity and sharpness, which is crucial for stargazing and detailed terrestrial viewing.

Due to their size and weight (4.8 pounds), these binoculars must be mounted on a tripod for optimal use. Despite the lack of an included tripod, the built-in adapter facilitates easy attachment to most standard tripods. The rubber-armored, water-resistant housing adds durability, making them suitable for outdoor use in varied weather conditions. Some users might find them bulky and less portable due to their size and the need for a tripod. Nevertheless, they come with a carrying case for easier transportation.

Celestron’s reputation and lifetime warranty offer additional peace of mind for buyers. These binoculars are ideal for adults interested in serious astronomy or long-distance terrestrial viewing, but might be less suitable for casual users or those seeking more portability.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Field of View
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
3452 reviews

Magnification
Upgraded to the 20x80 model, which offers a wide-angle, expansive field of view, making it perfect for stargazing.
Field of View
Upgraded to the 20x80 model, which offers a wide-angle, expansive field of view, making it perfect for stargazing.
Weight and Ergonomics
A sturdy tripod is necessary due to the binoculars' significant weight, enhancing stability and viewing quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Orion Astronomy Binoculars

Choosing the right pair of astronomy binoculars can greatly enhance your stargazing experience. Unlike telescopes, binoculars are more portable, easier to use, and provide a wider field of view, making them ideal for beginners and casual observers. When selecting binoculars for astronomy, there are several key specifications to consider to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy the night sky to its fullest.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the binoculars can make objects appear. For astronomy, a magnification of 7x to 10x is generally recommended. Higher magnifications can provide more detail but may also make the image shakier and harder to keep steady without a tripod. If you are a beginner or prefer handheld use, stick to the lower end of this range. If you plan to use a tripod, you can consider higher magnifications.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter, measured in millimeters, determines how much light the binoculars can gather. This is crucial for astronomy because more light means brighter and clearer images of celestial objects. Binoculars with an objective lens diameter of 50mm or more are ideal for stargazing. If you want a balance between portability and performance, 50mm is a good starting point. For more serious observation, consider lenses up to 70mm or even 80mm.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the binoculars, usually measured in degrees or feet at a specific distance. A wider FOV is beneficial for astronomy as it allows you to see more of the sky at once, making it easier to locate and track objects. Look for binoculars with a FOV of at least 5 degrees. If you enjoy scanning the sky and observing larger star clusters or constellations, a wider FOV will be more enjoyable.
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 astronomy, 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 you are getting the maximum amount of light possible. If you are younger or have excellent night vision, aim for the higher end of this range.
Prism TypeBinoculars use prisms to correct the orientation of the image. The two main types are Porro prisms and roof prisms. Porro prisms are generally preferred for astronomy because they provide a wider field of view and better depth perception. They are also usually more affordable. Roof prisms are more compact and durable but can be more expensive. If you prioritize image quality and a wider view, go for Porro prisms. If you need something more compact and rugged, consider roof prisms.
CoatingsLens coatings improve light transmission and reduce reflections, resulting in brighter and clearer images. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best option for astronomy, as they provide the highest level of light transmission. If you are serious about stargazing, look for binoculars with fully multi-coated optics. If you are a casual observer, multi-coated or fully coated lenses can still provide good performance.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of the binoculars affect how comfortable they are to use, especially for extended periods. Heavier binoculars can be tiring to hold, so consider how you plan to use them. If you will be using a tripod, weight is less of an issue. For handheld use, look for binoculars that are lightweight and have a comfortable grip. Adjustable eyecups and a central focus wheel can also enhance comfort and ease of use.

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