Buying Guide for the Best Celestron Binoculars
Choosing the right binoculars can make your outdoor adventures—like birdwatching, stargazing, and hiking—much more enjoyable. Binoculars come in different sizes and types, each suitable for different activities. It's important to consider what you'll use them for most, as this will guide you to the right features. Pay special attention to the main specifications listed on binoculars, as each plays a key role in your viewing experience.Magnification and Objective Lens DiameterMagnification is typically the first number you see (like 8x42) and tells you how many times closer objects will appear. The second number is the diameter of the objective lens (the large lens at the end), measured in millimeters, which determines how much light the binoculars gather. Higher magnification gives a closer view but can make images shakier and reduce the field of view. Larger objective lenses let in more light and are better for low-light situations, but they make the binoculars heavier. For casual use or hiking, something like 8x32 or 8x42 is a good balance. If you'll be stargazing, you might prefer a larger lens (50mm or more) for better brightness.
Field of ViewField of view describes how wide an area you can see through the binoculars, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards or in degrees. A wider field of view helps track moving objects and see more of a landscape at once, which is great for birding or sports. Narrower fields are better for focusing on distant, stationary subjects. If you enjoy watching fast-moving subjects or wide scenes, prioritize a binocular with a wider field of view.
Prism TypeBinoculars use prisms inside to flip the image right-side up. The two most common types are Porro and Roof prisms. Porro prisms are bulkier but often provide brighter and clearer images for less money. Roof prisms are slimmer and more portable but can cost more for the same optical quality. If compactness is most important, look for roof prism models. If image brightness is a priority and size doesn't matter as much, Porro prisms are a solid choice.
Close Focus DistanceClose focus distance is the shortest distance at which binoculars can clearly focus on an object. A shorter close focus is essential if you want to observe nearby objects like butterflies or flowers. If your interests are mostly in distant viewing, such as landscapes or the night sky, a longer close focus is less of a concern.
Eye ReliefEye relief measures how far your eye can be from the eyepiece while still seeing the entire field of view, important for eyeglass wearers. Longer eye relief (usually above 15mm) makes for comfortable viewing with glasses. If you wear glasses, choose binoculars with longer eye relief to ensure you don't lose any part of the image.
Weight and SizeWeight and size affect how easy binoculars are to carry around. Heavier, larger binoculars can get tiring on long hikes but might offer better low-light performance. Compact models are easier to pack and hold for long periods. Consider your main use: for all-day hiking, lighter binoculars are preferable; for stationary use like stargazing, weight is less of an issue.
Waterproof and Fogproof FeaturesThese features protect binoculars from rain, accidental drops in water, and internal fogging caused by temperature changes. They are achieved by sealing the binoculars and filling them with special gases. If you plan to use your binoculars outdoors in varied weather or near water, waterproof and fogproof construction is a good idea.