Best Binoculars for Stargazing

Your best hunting binoculars might offer a new opportunity for those clear summer nights. Whether you hunt or not, we’ll cover what makes the best binoculars for stargazing.

With little to no opportunity to chase after game like in the fall, winter, and spring, summer leaves many hunters looking for other exciting activities to pursue during the off-season. If you already have a high-powered binocular for spotting and scouting, stargazing might be the new outdoor activity for you to try this summer.

Anyone who has walked outside on a clear night (especially in a rural setting) can probably agree that looking up at the stars is intriguing to the naked eye alone. But stargazing can be an even more fulfilling experience with the right of binocular. However, not all binoculars are created equal.

Stargazing can be an even more fulfilling experience with the right kind of binocular!

They vary in numerous ways, but among the most important factors to consider are magnification, objective lens diameter, and glass. Whether you’re a hunter interested in a new outdoor activity or simply interested in stargazing, we’ll cover some basics about the best binoculars for stargazing so you can take advantage of those clear nights this summer. 

Magnification Magic

 Typically, two numbers follow the model name of a pair of binoculars, and the first number is the magnification/power. When it comes to stargazing, a higher magnification is better. After all, those stars are light-years away. While a standard 8×42 of binocular is great for most hunting scenarios or wildlife watching, consider a higher magnification for stargazing, such as a set of binoculars with a magnification power anywhere from 10 to 15 or even higher. 

It’s important to mention that the higher the magnification, the more likely it will be for the image to become shaky if you’re holding the binoculars with your hands. You might consider using a tripod to stabilize binoculars with a magnification power higher than 10 or 12.

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Lots of Light 

 The second number behind the model name is the objective lens diameter (in millimeters). The objective lens allows light to enter the binocular– the higher the objective lens diameter, the brighter the image. Coupled with higher magnification, a larger objective lens is critical for a clear and bright image. For stargazing, you’ll want as much light entering the binoculars as possible combined with enhanced magnification because of the low-light conditions and the distance of the stars. 

The exit pupil is something to consider when trying to find the best binoculars for stargazing, too. It specifies the brightness of the image or how much light gets delivered to your eye. The exit pupil number is measured by dividing the objective lens number by the magnification number. The higher the exit pupil, the better the binoculars will be for low-light conditions. Our TORIC UHD 10×50 provides a 5mm exit pupil, resulting in great low-light performance, making it an ideal binocular for stargazing.

It’s important also to mention here that when magnification increases but the objective lens diameter remains the same, the exit pupil number will be smaller.

Glass for Glimmer

 There’s a lot to cover when it comes to optic glass, but simply put, glass affects image clarity and brightness as well. Quality glass in binoculars that minimizes the reflection of light, resulting in brightness and image colors, is ideal for stargazing. TRACT Optics uses SCHOTT high transmission (HT) glass and and ED (Extra low Dispersion) lens in our binoculars that offer excellent resolution during nighttime or twilight hours.

Additionally, most of the time, a lens coating is used on binocular glasses to help with light transmission as well. The best binoculars for stargazing will also have a lens coating.

Bottom Line for Looking Up

 Midsize (30 mm-40 mm) or full-size (40mm or more) binoculars are the best binoculars for stargazing. While a standard 8×42 or 10×42 binocular is typically the best options for most hunting scenarios, the best binoculars for stargazing will require slightly higher magnification and objective lens diameter, such as a 10×50 or 12.5×50 pair of binoculars or even the 15×56. However, a standard 10×42 is still a great option for stargazing. Alternatively, a spotting scope that performs well in low-light conditions is another good option for stargazing.

While stargazing might not get some of us as excited as pulling the trigger on a bull elk, it can still be a fulfilling experience, especially with the right optics. Plus, it’s another reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. And isn’t that what it’s all about?