What To Look For
Look for binoculars with large front lenses, as these allow in more light at night for optimal stargazing, according to Sky and Telescope magazine. Each pair of binoculars has two main numbers, such as "10x50." The first refers to the magnification power, which should be at least 7 for serious stargazing, according to Astronomy magazine. The second number, which refers to the aperture---or the front lens diameter that lets in light---should be at least 40 mm.
Common Pitfalls
Some people fall for binoculars that are too big, especially when shopping online. While these may give excellent views of outer space, they may be too heavy to hold steady. Astronomy magazine recommends avoiding bulky binoculars with magnifications over 10, unless you are willing to use a tripod.
Also take into account the exit pupil, which is found by dividing the aperture by the magnification. For instance, 7x35 binoculars have an exit pupil of 5 mm. Sky and Telescope states that people younger than 30 should look for exit pupils of 7 mm, while older individuals should aim for 6 or 5 mm to match the natural dilation of their pupils.
Where To Buy
Several websites sell astronomy binoculars, including astronomybinoculars.com. Websites tend to have the widest selection and allow shoppers to find the best deals, but at the expense of not being able to feel and test the binoculars firsthand. Canon and Nikon sell astronomy binoculars for people who want guaranteed quality. Chain stores such as Best Buy also sell them, but call ahead to make sure your local outlet has them in stock.
Cost
Basic astronomy binoculars may cost $100 or less, which makes them ideal for the budget-conscious beginner. You can find high quality binoculars with apertures of 40 to 50 mm for $150 to $250. High quality binoculars, such as the Nikon 12x50 Superior E Binocular, cost $600 to $800. Binoculars with apertures over 50 mm tend to be slightly pricier, starting at comparable prices and working up to $1,000 to $5,000 for the largest pairs.
Comparison Shopping
The two main types of binoculars are roof prisms and Porro prisms. Roof prisms have straight designs, with the eye holes aligned behind the front lenses. Their small size makes them lightweight and comfortable for hand-held use, but Sky and Telescope warns that these binoculars tend to be either inexpensive and ineffective or high quality and pricey. Meanwhile, Porro prisms have offset eye holes. In addition to being more user-friendly, they are also more popular for astronomical viewing than roof prisms.
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