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
See Amazon Price
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
See Amazon Price
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
See Amazon Price
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
See Amazon Price
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
See Amazon Price
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
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 Binoculars review
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Large objective lenses and 10x magnification on the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 help these affordable binoculars appeal to anyone wanting to start stargazing.
(Image: © Jamie Carter)
Space Verdict
You’ll struggle to find a more affordable pair of roof prism binoculars for viewing the night sky with the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50’s 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses. They’re the perfect entry-level product, though they come with caveats.
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Why you can trust Space.com
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.
How much should you pay for a pair of binoculars? Though some of the best binoculars go for low prices, you would do well to find many pairs of astronomy-centric binoculars as affordable as the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50.
The pandemic has sparked an interest in home-bound activities like stargazing and there are plenty of reasons why a pair with the exact specifications of the UpClose G2 10×50 are just what the budding amateur astronomer needs.
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50: Key specs
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Angular field of view: 6.8°
Eye relief: 12mm
Weight: 27 oz
- Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars at Amazon for $47.95
All binoculars are a balance between magnification (power) and aperture (the amount of light they collect). The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 boast 10x magnification, which is just about perfect for a wide field of view of the night sky, while their 50 mm diameter objective lenses let in enough light at night.
Whether they actually deliver on those theoretical advantages is down to the optical design, which in the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 consists of a Porro prism (wide with tapered barrels) as opposed to the roof prism (H-shaped with narrow barrels). Porro prisms are generally favored for astronomy because they’re simpler optical systems and are more affordable.
That’s obviously the case with the UpClose G2 10×50, which boast such an aggressively low price that they could be an option for astronomy groups and star parties after several pairs of affordable and dependable binoculars for long-term use. However, since build quality is best described as basic, we’re not convinced the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 will last as long as pricier options.
If you do decide to buy the UpClose G2 10×50, be really careful when choosing because Celestron sells a dizzying array of different products in the UpClose G2 range. There are various magnifications, objective lens sizes and prism types, with even a monocular and zoom lens offered.
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 review: Design
- Aluminum frame
- Water-resistant
- Bk7 Porro prisms
The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars have large 50mm objective lenses that make them ideal in low light and darkness. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
The UpClose G2 10×50’s design and build quality are best described as basic.
Fashioned from aluminum with a matte rubber covering, they’re water-resistant rather than waterproof. They’re not nitrogen-purged, so it’s possible they could get fogged-up on occasion. Such niceties are for higher-end products. We also noticed a slight loose-ness to the eyecups that could easily prove a weak point if these binoculars were to be dropped.
Optically speaking the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 are a compromise – as all binoculars are – with their Porro prisms dove-tailing with Bk7 glass, which plays second fiddle to BaK-4 for light transmission in the world of binoculars. That’s also standard at this very low price.
Additional kit
Carrying case
Objective lens caps
Eyepiece covers
Lens cloth
In practice, there are a few downsides to the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50’s design. They aren’t as light to hold as some roof prism binoculars, and despite the presence of some useful thumb indents and finger ridges, they are noticeably wider, too.
However, in use what the UpClose G2 10×50 mostly lacks is eye-relief. The distance from your eye to the glass of the eyepiece is important to be able to see everything in the field of view, especially if you wear spectacles. That distance is called eye relief and it’s typically between 10mm and 20mm (and often adjustable within that range) in pricier binoculars. Here it’s fixed at just 12mm, while the static eyecups also feel a little narrow. So, if you wear spectacles, avoid the UpClose G2 10×50. However, if you don’t, you’ll see enough of its 6.8° field of view, though the eyecups aren’t particularly comfortable over long periods of time.
The low price also means low-quality accessories, which here comprise very simple (and highly losable) detachable lens caps for both the eyecups and the objective lenses, and a basic carry case that includes a shoulder strap but lacks padding. Overall it’s a very budget-conscious package, but optically speaking, there’s much to like about the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50.
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 review: Performance
- Bright and colorful images
- Slight edge distortion
- Some glare and artifacts from Moon
The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars are wide yet easy to hold, with thumb indents on the undercarriage. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Are the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 the perfect affordable choice of binoculars for observing the night sky? Their 10×50 specification is the sweet spot for astronomy, but a few design and image foibles at night make them less than ideal.
The poor lens caps are to be expected at this low price, while the static eyecup’s lack of eye relief should bother only spectacles-wearers.
The chief issue with the UpClose G2 10×50 is consistent sharpness, which is easy to achieve in the center of the field of view, but less so at the edges. A slight blur is detectable, although it’s not a huge issue when stargazing at celestial objects.
In our tests, they gave us excellent views of the Pleiades star cluster, Jupiter and its giant moons, and the intensely bright red star Aldebaran in Taurus. With the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 on a tripod we even managed to pick out the tiny asteroid Ceres close by, and even the planet Uranus on the night of its annual opposition. On the bridge between the objective lenses, there’s a standard binocular tripod thread, though an L-shaped tripod adapter bracket is also required.
The eyecups on the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars are narrow and offer minimal eye relief. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
What we didn’t notice – and had expected to – was chromatic aberration, which often shows up in affordable binoculars as a purplish line around high-contrast objects like the Moon. Kudos to Celestron and the multi-coated lenses in use here. However, we did notice that a bright Moon – and, indeed, any artificial lights – do tend to cause some glare and artifacts within the prisms.
Although the rubber-armored aluminum housing is water-resistant, the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 aren’t waterproof and haven’t been nitrogen-purged. As a consequence, they could fog up slightly in the cold, though they were fine during a two-hour session in near-freezing conditions.
Their 10x magnification gives a very wide field of view that’s ideal for looking within constellations and scanning the Milky Way without going too deep, but it’s hardly surprising that the UpClose G2 10×50 do feature a few imperfections.
Should you buy the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars?
(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Stargazers just starting out too often overlook binoculars, instead purchasing a telescope as soon as they possibly can. That’s a huge mistake. All experienced amateur astronomers sing the praises of a good pair of binoculars, and though the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 do little more than meet the minimum requirements, they will suit beginners well.
In theory, they’re perfect, with the UpClose G2 10×50’s exact optical specifications favored by amateur astronomers.
The UpClose G2 10×50 are best thought of as a great value pair of entry-level binoculars for all-round use and for occasional night sky views. If you’ve never looked at the night sky through a pair of reasonably powerful binoculars then the UpClose G2 10×50 will give you that ‘wow’ moment as you scan the star fields of the Milky Way. They’re also really easy to set up, adjust and use. As such, there is a reasonably good choice for astronomy groups on a budget (though we do worry about their longevity). However, if you know the night sky well and you’ve used many pairs of binoculars, the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 are unlikely to impress you. Slight foibles include some poor lens caps, a lack of eye relief and some glare from bright light.
If you can live with these slight issues then the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 are worth considering, but don’t expect the ultimate in build quality, comfort and convenience. For those things, you’re going to have to spend a little more; we’ve included other options for different budgets in our best binoculars guide.
If the Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 isn’t for you
The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars use Porro prisms and boast 10x magnification for a wide field of view. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
There’s no doubting that 10×50 binoculars are the ideal specification for stargazing, being both portable and able to let in enough light in the dark, but you can – and maybe should – spend a bit more than Celestron is asking for its UpClose G2 10×50 if the night sky is your primary target.
The Opticron Adventurer II WP 10×50 are roof prism binoculars with higher quality optics, as are the Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42, which offer a slightly wider field of view. For a real treat head straight for with the Canon 10x42L IS WP, which come complete with image stabilization, or the Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars, which need to be mounted on a tripod but will give you exceptional close-ups of deep-sky objects.
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars: Price Comparison
$47.
95
View
$47.95
View
$65.55
View
powered by
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].
Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners, and is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.
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.