5 Best 10×50 Binoculars for Astronomy
If you are a beginner in astronomy or working with a limited budget, a pair of 10×50 astronomy binoculars could be an excellent choice for you. These versatile binoculars are suitable for both terrestrial and celestial observations and occupy minimal space. As the market for binoculars is larger than that for telescopes, and smaller binoculars do not necessitate a mount or tripod, they are incredibly cost-effective. Additionally, the 10x magnification yields a smaller exit pupil than the 7x50s, preventing issues with vignetting during daylight or an overly bright sky background under light-polluted or moonlit skies.
Handheld 10×50 binoculars can replicate the views of a 9×50 or 10×50 finder scope typically used for aiming a large telescope, making them valuable as a reference or for practice when attempting to locate a new celestial object with your telescope for the first time. Moreover, using both eyes is more comfortable and offers a substantial brightness enhancement compared to using a single-eye telescope. This places a pair of 10×50 binoculars on par with a 60-70mm finderscope or telescope in terms of overall light-gathering capacity.
10×50 or 7×50?
10×50 binoculars have a 5mm exit pupil, which produces a darker sky background compared to the 7×50 binoculars and their 7mm exit pupil. This can be important if you are under very light-polluted skies, where a brighter background will lead to a more washed-out view with worse contrast. Likewise, during the daytime, a 7mm exit pupil will vignette, as your eyes cannot dilate to 7mm at night. Older observers’ eyes may never dilate to 7mm, however, and thus the vignetting remains at night in this case, stopping down the aperture. This means that if you are over the age of 60 you probably will get the same view out of a 7×50 as you would with a 42mm or 35mm aperture, albeit with an even brighter sky background.
Furthermore, with 10x magnification, you can observe more objects in closer proximity. For example, when it comes to open clusters—an area where small binoculars excel—a 7x binocular may only separate stars approximately 20-21 arcseconds apart, while a 10x binocular can distinguish stars as close as 15 arcseconds.
Consequently, you will perceive a higher level of resolution with 10x magnification.
However, the increase in magnification of 10×50 binoculars may present stability challenges. While a 7x binocular is easy for almost anyone to use handheld, a 10x model may be more difficult to keep stable, potentially necessitating the use of a monopod or tripod for extended periods of observation. Additionally, in many instances, 7×50 binoculars offer a wider true field of view than 10×50 models, although this is not always the case.
Our general recommendation would be that if you do not have dark skies, you should go with 10x50s over 7x50s unless you have trouble holding them steady or are giving them to a child. The increase in brightness that 7x50s provide on extended objects is negated by the effects of light pollution anyway, while 10x50s are more suited for terrestrial use than 7x50s due to the exit pupil reasons we’ve mentioned in addition to their other benefits.
Related Product Guide: Best 7×50 Binoculars
Recommended Best 10×50 Binoculars
Under $50 – Cheapest – Celestron UpClose G2 10×50
The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50s are certainly compromised in performance on account of their low price, but they do a good job and are inexpensive enough to throw around without much worry.
- Cheap
- Fairly wide field
- Lightweight
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The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars are quite similar to the Cometron 7x50s, with the primary difference being the 10x magnification, which naturally enhances contrast in light-polluted skies. However, there inevitably come compromises in quality due to these binoculars’ low price, such as vignetting of the aperture due to the use of low-cost BK-7 prisms and basic, less efficient coatings on the optics. Additionally, these binoculars lack significant water resistance, and the eyepieces can occasionally tilt if you press your head into them too forcefully.
What we don’t like:
- Cheap, undersized BK7 prisms and simple coatings reduce performance significantly
- Annoying issues with eyepieces shifting around when used
- Generally low build quality
$50-$75 – Best Wide-Field – SVBONY SV206 10×50
The SVBONY SV206 10x50s aren’t perfect, but for a budget binocular, they certainly have some nice features.
- BaK4 prisms and fairly good optical quality
- Very wide field of view
- Lightweight
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The SVBONY SV206 10x50s have a wide 7.5-degree true field, and use BAK-4 prisms, allowing the full aperture to be utilized unlike the cheaper Celestron UpClose G2 and similar 10x50s with BK-7 prisms. The eye relief is a fair bit shorter than the stated 23mm – probably more like 18mm, the edges of the field of view are rather distorted, and you’re certainly getting what you pay for, but the performance of these binoculars is fairly good.
What we don’t like:
- Sharpness drops off towards field of view edges
- Cheap build quality
- Short eye relief
$75-$125 – Best Value – Bushnell Legacy WP 10×50
The Bushnell Legacy WP 10x50s are a high-quality and durable pair of 10x50s and probably the best compromise between performance, durability, and cost among our picks.
- BaK4 prisms
- Sharp optics
- Waterproof, rubberized body
- Comfortable twist-up eyecups and nice leather case
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The Bushnell Legacy WP 10×50 binoculars boast BAK-4 glass prisms, full waterproofing, fog-resistant lenses, and multi-coated glass surfaces for enhanced light transmission. They offer a true field of view of 6.5 degrees and a broad apparent field of 65 degrees. The eyepieces provide 20mm of eye relief and feature twist-up eyecups, while the eyepiece caps remain attached to the neck strap when removed. The Orion UltraView 10x50s are identical to the Legacy WP 10×50 in every way but are often sold at a higher price. These are some of the author’s favorite binoculars, and for good reason.
What we don’t like:
- A wider field of view would be nice
$125-$175 – Best Performance – Nikon Aculon 10×50
The Nikon Aculon 10x50s are one of the top binoculars for both astronomy and general purposes for good reasons – superb optics, build quality, and overall comfort.
- BaK4 prisms
- Great optics
- Waterproof, rubberized body
- Comfortable twist-up eyecups
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The Nikon Aculon 10x50s are very similar to the Bushnell Legacy WP/Orion UltraView 10x50s, and feature basically the same performance, twist-up eyecups, and 6.5-degree field, but the body is textured a little differently with less slippery rubber, with a more comfortable grip. The front caps are also able to be attached to the neck strap like the rear caps, which is not the case with cheaper binoculars, including the Bushnell or Orion models. However, the case isn’t quite as fancy, being made of cheap fabric instead of leather or faux leather.
What we don’t like:
- Not the widest possible field of view
- Rather cheap carrying case
$125-$200 – Most Durable – Nikon Action Extreme 10×50
The Nikon Action Extreme 10x50s are a rugged, if perhaps overkill for astronomy, pair of 10x50s.
- BaK4 prisms
- Very good optics
- Waterproofed polycarbonate body, a bit more durable than the usual
- Comfortable twist-up eyecups
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The Nikon Action Extreme 10x50s are identical to the Aculon 10x50s in optics, features, specs, and performance. The only difference is that these binoculars feature a polycarbonate body that is easy to hold and offers more protection against accidental drops compared to a standard rubber-coated housing, but they’re actually heavier than the Aculon 10x50s.
While you can certainly spend more on 50mm binoculars, for astronomical use most of the features at price ranges above that of the Action Extreme 10x50s are irrelevant, and many premium binoculars have a narrower field of view. Your money is better spent on a good mount/tripod or monopod, or, alternatively, on larger aperture binoculars or a telescope.
What we don’t like:
- Kind of expensive
- Rather cheap carrying case
- Not really any better than cheaper 10x50s other than durability
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 10×50 | Nikon Binoculars
PROSTAFF 5 10×50
Product variations Product variations Product variations Product variations Product variations Product variations
The Newest Workhorse of Nikon Optics
The PROSTAFF 5 binocular is Nikon’s latest addition to its dependable line of PROSTAFF optics.
With four different models to choose from, outdoors enthusiasts can select the magnification and objective lens that makes the most sense for their next adventure.
Multilayer-coated lenses for brighter images
Multilayer coatings, which provide higher light transmittance across the entire visible light spectrum, are applied to the lens and prism surfaces that transmit light. This minimizes the loss of light due to reflection, thereby ensuring a more natural, clearer view.
Lightweight and Durable Body
Thanks to a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin, the PROSTAFF 5 is light enough to take anywhere and strong enough to be trusted on even the more extreme adventures.
Enjoy Comfortable Viewing
Nikon has manufactured the PROSTAFF 5 binoculars, as well as many other of its optics, with a high-eyepoint design. This provides a clear field of view for everyone, even when the user is wearing eyeglasses, with sufficient space between the user’s eye and the eyepiece lens.
Turn-and-Slide Multi-Click Rubber Eyecups
The turn-and-slide multi-click rubber eyecups allow users to adjust the eye-relief for a custom fit – providing a full field of view and maximum comfort during extended periods of use.
Smooth Central Focus Knob
This intuitive design allows fast, detailed focus on subjects close-in or at a distance.
Waterproof and Fogproof
PROSTAFF 5 binoculars are Nitrogen filled and O-Ring sealed for complete waterproof and fogproof performance.
LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only.
Tech Specs
Specifications
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Focusing System
Central Focus
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Magnification
-
Objective Diameter
-
Angular Field of View (Real)
-
Angular Field of View (Apparent)
-
FOV at 1000 yds
293 ft.
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Close Focus Distance
16.4 ft.
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Exit Pupil
-
Eye Relief
19.6mm
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Size (Length x Width)
7.4
x 5.5 in.
-
Weight
28.7 oz.
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Waterproof/Fogproof
-
Prism
For a full list of the technical specifications please refer to the product manual.
Accessories
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Learn more about the Window Mount
$49.95
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Learn more about the Lenspen
$11.95
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Learn more about the Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth
$5.
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Learn more about the Fog Klear
$7.95
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Learn more about the Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth Large
$8.95
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Learn more about the Compact Outdoor Tripod
$99.95
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Learn more about the Neoprene Binocular Strap
$29.95
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Product Forum
Binoculars PENTAX SP 10×50 WP
Binoculars SP 10×50 WP
A classic is something that never fails.
The PENTAX SP 10×50 WP binoculars fully correspond to this statement. At the same time, having outstanding optical properties, PENTAX binoculars of classical design with a PORRO prism traditionally have a very affordable price.
Made of lightweight aluminum alloy, this model’s body is very strong, sealed and lightweight. According to the international JIS waterproof standard, it meets the high class 6.* The reliable rubber coating of the body will protect the high-end optics from minor impacts and ensure a secure hold of the instrument in your hands. The binoculars are ideal for use during boat trips and recreation near the water, in bad weather and in extreme climatic conditions.
The optical system of the SP 10×50 WP combines high refractive BaK4 glass prisms with special multi-coated optics and an aspheric eyepiece design. This binocular is equipped with a focusing system, the entire mechanism of which is inside the body and is equipped with a locking function.
Such a system has increased reliability, provides operational focusing and eliminates its accidental failure during use.
Multi-coated all optical elements
Multilayer coating on the optics improves light transmission and eliminates ghost reflections, increasing image brightness, clarity and contrast. Pentax adds a sophisticated multi-layer coating to every lens and prism surface on all Sport Optics binoculars to give you bright, crisp, clear images.
BaK4 glass prism
High-quality BaK4 optical glass prism with high refractive index is used in all Pentax binoculars, which makes it possible to obtain a perfectly even and clean image without darkening (vignetting) at the edges.
Waterproof
Waterproof Pentax binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled to help you observe in difficult weather conditions. JIS Class 6 waterproof Pentax binoculars can be briefly submerged under water to a maximum depth of 1 meter*.
* Pentax products are not intended for underwater use.
Protective lens coating
Binoculars, like any optical instrument, must be handled with care. However, it is often operated in very difficult conditions, which leads to the inevitable contamination of the objective lenses. In the Z and S* series, a selection of binoculars use a special protective coating made using nanotechnology that literally repels water, dirt and dust. Small drops do not affect the quality of the image, easily sliding off the surface, and serious dirt can be cleaned off very easily.
*Models: ZD-ED, ZD-WP and SP-WP.
Large eyepiece distance
Eyepiece distance is the maximum distance from the eye to the binocular eyepiece lens at which the eye can still see the entire image field. It is especially important for the convenience of the user – the larger the segment, the more comfortable it is to observe. Pentax binoculars, thanks to the large working distance of the eyepiece, provide the possibility of observing without pressing the binoculars to the eyes, which is especially important for those who wear glasses.
Aspherical lenses
Aspherical lenses, which are used in the construction of binocular eyepieces, provide a sharp image from the center to the edge of the image field. These are specially shaped lenses designed to keep aberrations to a minimum.
Filling with nitrogen
Nitrogen is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that contains very little moisture compared to air. Filling binoculars and spotting scopes with nitrogen prevents moisture from condensing on the inner surfaces of the lenses in the event of sudden temperature changes. And due to the fact that the nitrogen pressure in optical instruments is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, dust and other small particles do not penetrate inside.
Ultra-rugged housing
Ultra-rugged, lightweight magnesium alloy housing protects high-end optics from damage under the most extreme operating conditions. The rubber coating provides additional shock resistance and the possibility of a secure grip even when the binoculars are wet.
Model Features:
- Classic design.
- Proprietary SMC multi-coated main lenses.
- Porro prisms made of high quality BAK-4 glass.
- Extended exit pupil (possible to observe with glasses).
- Rubberized splash-proof housing.
- High aperture.
- Tripod mountable.
- High aperture due to large lens diameter.
- Very robust central focus mechanism with lock.
- Extended eyepiece 20 mm.
- Retractable eyepiece rings for comfortable viewing.
- Handy cap to protect eyepieces from rain and dirt, attached to binocular strap.
- Company warranty period – 30 years.
Ref. No.
Ref. No.
S0065872
Specifications
Lens construction
2 elements in 1 group
Eyepiece design
3 elements in 2 groups
Magnification (power)
10x
Objective diameter
50 mm
90 002 Field of view from 1000 m
87 m
Exit pupil diameter
5 mm
Eye relief
20 mm
Relative brightness (aperture)
25
Diopter adjustment range
+/- 2 D
Color
Black
Eyecups
Retractable
Height
79 mm
Dimensions in mm (WxHxD)
183x79x178 mm 9000 5
Width
183 mm
Depth
178 mm
Scope of supply
Eyepiece covers , lens caps, case, strap, warranty card
Weight
1060g
Water Resistant
Water Resistant JIS Class 6: Extremely resistant to heavy rain, dust, fog caused by rapid temperature changes.
These binoculars and spotting scopes have an O-ring and are nitrogen-filled. They can be briefly submerged under water to a depth of no more than 1 meter. * PENTAX products are not designed for underwater use
Accessories
Tripod adapter N (art. 69553)
Prism coating
BaK4
Lens coating
Multi-coated all optical elements
Minimum distance focus
5.5 m
Angle of view
5.0°
Twilight Factor
22.4
Eye Center Distance (Pupillary Distance)
57 – 72 mm
Reviews
Impressions from Pentax SP 10×50 WP
binoculars
by Star Hunter
SVBONY SA204 10×50 Porro Binoculars with Neck Strap and Soft Carry Case
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- FAQ
- POLLS
Item Features:
BAK-4 Prism: Delivers crisp, clear images and excellent light transmission.
The combination of BaK-4 Prism and 50mm Large Objective Lens provides amazing concentration ability, which makes its perfect for various applications.
Fully multi-coated: Increased light transmission for brighter, clearer high contrast images.
Twist-up eyecups: Provides a comfortable extended field of view.
Rubber armor and ergonomic design: not only provides strong protection, but also provides a secure and comfortable grip in all conditions.
Smooth Center Focus: Makes the SA204 easy to operate and easy to focus, giving you the precise focus you need to locate any target deep in the mountains or forest.
IPX6 waterproof: this means the SA204 can be used in any environment.
Can be used with tripods: tripods are highly adaptable and offer more opportunities to enjoy beautiful scenery.
Item Display:
The large 50mm diameter lens collects more light for a brighter view and provides a pleasant viewing experience, especially in low light conditions such as dusk or dawn, and for observing night sky.
The 23mm eyepiece causes less eye strain when observing.
Field of view: 342 feet / 1000 yards means that when viewing objects at a distance of 1000 yards, you can see an area 342 feet wide. The viewing angle of 6.5 degrees and the long relief of the eyes make the binoculars comfortable to use.
The eyecup of this binoculars has one more choice than ordinary 2-turn eyecups, so it is easier to adjust the most suitable distance between the eyes and the lenses. People who wear glasses can adjust the glasses up and down to achieve a comfortable distance.
Fully laminated glass means that all lens surfaces and all surfaces between air and glass have a multilayer anti-reflective coating. The 50mm FMC lens increases light transmission, providing clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
BAK4 has a high refractive index and a lower critical angle, which means it transmits light better with less light loss. BAK4 delivers superior brightness, resolution and image clarity.