Astronomy Binoculars

Binoculars have long been used for watching birds, looking across landscapes and even for gazing at the stars above. Pretty much any binocular will give you a glimpse of the stars and sky. However, astronomy binoculars are much better suited for seeing a lot more than pinpoints of light in the sky. 

Astronomy binoculars typically feature large light-gathering objectives, such as 50mm and larger. Through these types of binoculars, you'll be able to see comets, galaxies, nebulas, and globular clusters. The Andromeda Galaxy can even be seen through the right pair of astronomy binoculars. 

Telescopes are used by many to view the sky. However, a telescope only affords you one view with one eye. Binoculars will allow you to see up to 40% more detail and with more clarity. When both eyes are used, the brain combines the views see and combines them into one, single, sharp image. Eye strain is reduced when viewing through a binocular as well. 

Astronomy buffs say that using binoculars brings the sky and the objects above to life. Objects seem to have dimension when using binoculars. The Moon and the planet Jupiter appear to be globes suspended in space, rather than flat pancakes against a dark background. Nebulas can appear almost solid. In general, binoculars with apertures of 50mm or larger, and 10x magnifications, are the best choices for observing objects outside the solar system. 

Any binocular with an exit pupil of 5 or more is appropriate for astronomy. If you prefer to hold your binoculars rather than placing them on a tripod, the 7x50 is the perfect size for seeing open clusters and nebulae. In order to see star-fields, clusters and brighter deep sky objects, 15x70 binoculars are a good choice. The larger the aperture of the binocular, the better your chances of spotting comets and other objects in detail. 

The specifications for the higher quality astronomy binoculars should feature Bak-4 prisms rather than Bak-7. Bak-4 prisms allow all of the light rays from the edge of the field to be fully reflected. Higher-quality binoculars are manufactured with Porro prisms rather than roof prisms. Lens coatings should be anti-reflection and have a faint green, blue, or purple tint rather than red or yellow tints. 

Experienced star gazers recommend that you not waste your money on "zoom" style binoculars for astronomical use. The reason is that zoom optics are typically lower quality than an equally priced pair of binoculars with fixed-magnification. 

Astronomy binoculars vary between brands, size, style and design. Zhumell, Oberwerk, Galileo, Barska, Pentax, and Fujinon all manufacture binoculars suitable for astronomical use. It is possible to find any of these brands online, but if it is at all possible to support a local retailer with your binocular purchase, do so. It is important that the binoculars fit your eyes properly and are comfortable for you. 

However, if you don't mind returning a pair of binoculars that aren't suitable, then purchasing them online is okay too. The price range for astronomy binoculars is huge. They can range from $49 at the lower end, all the way up to over $15,000 (one by Fujinon), and that price doesn't include the mounting equipment. The choice you make when it comes to astronomy binoculars depends on several different factors. However, there is a pair to fit the amateur or the most serious of viewers and one to fit every budget. 

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