The Basics of Astronomy Binoculars

Astronomy has some unique requirements for binoculars and binoculars are not as simple as they seem.
In this video I attempt to impart the basics of binoculars and why those things are important in astronomy. I also talk about how binoculars for daytime use differ from those for use with the night skies.
While a little longer than I had hoped I needed the extra time to make sure you had clear and simple explanations for the information you need to select and use binoculars that are right for you.

[@nirbhay_raghav]

Hands down. Best video on youtube for beginners. Period.

[@AllanHall]

Wow, thanks!

[@FromDark2Light-]

I just bought a pair of Celestron Skymaster 15X70 binoculars and a decent semi heavy duty 75" tripod. After doing some research this seemed like my best bet for mid price range binoculars for viewing the sky and looking for UAP's. I was amazed when I looked through them for the first time! I'm yet to be able to veiw the sky tho because of all the rain in Ohio. But I'm extremely exxited to say the least. Great video BTW! Lots of useful info. Thank ypu!

[@MasterKoala777]

Love that you mentioned UAPs 😊. I’m new to binoculars and just ordered a 10x50 for watching the night sky and a bit of bird watching. When I was a kid, my dad and I used to watch for satellites at night. They look just like stars, but move at a constant slow speed in a straight line, usually from east to west. One time, we were tracking a satellite (with our naked eyes), and it stopped in the middle of the sky, then went back the way it came, also in a straight line. It was definitely a UAP. I looked at my dad and he looked just as confused as I was. Whether I’ll see one again or not, I don’t know. But I’m excited to look at the night sky again, this time with bins.

[@Gave-rf1hr]

Bought the same pair some years ago but after doing some research it seems that the knowledgeable people are not fond on them . I mean if one has never experienced another pair they will blow anyone away . But it is true they suffer a bit of collimation problems and I ended up selling them . But this is how one gets going and gain knowledge

[@geoffreyevans1549]

Thankyou so much for the video.i've had my binoculars for 53 years and never knew about that system of focusing.Geoff from Ainsdale,England.

[@lakelanddentalarts]

Excellent video. You covered a lot of ground, yet made it easy to understand. I especially appreciated the tutorial on how to properly focus binoculars.

[@chuckjones5775]

This is the best binocular intro I’ve seen. Please discuss specific tripods for binocular astronomy. Thank You. Chuck

[@natem7440]

Using binoculars A LOT over the past 2+ years and owning several types - I really enjoyed this even though i know most of it already. But such a balanced & well explained discussion. Many write in to cloudynights asking about beginner binos - i think would just link to this video. I am a porro fan - but many debate roofs, i think your explanation was very fair - in mirrors my viewpoint.

[@jeffpatterson3018]

Thanks Alan. A wonderful straight forward introduction to Astronomy binoculars. I feel very confident now to purchase my bins. Cheers from down under.

[@Maverick4841]

Fantastic instruction, I will be prepared when I purchase my first pair of Astronomy Binoculars. Thank you for 101.

[@trickster08311]

I'm happy to see you making more vidoes! They've been great and with the long upload gap, I was worried something happened! Welcome back!

[@lornaz1975]

Glad to see that you are back as well. I too worried. I checked out your facebook and found that you were still publishing books so I knew you were ok.

[@12Demus]

@@lornaz1975 Really I enjoyed the video thank you. i would like to know yr opinion I would like to buy binocular for astronomy Nikon 12x50 or 16xx50 compare with Celestron 15x70 or 25x70 all of them with Tripod ?

[@shrimfuni843]

Great video! Im looking to buy my first binoculars for night sky viewing and this really helps beginners like me. Keep it coming!

[@dcobbism]

What an informative & detailed video. Thank you!

[@williamdiffin28]

Really great video; all the important points, clearly elucidated. Quality content.

[@SpetsnazH]

Amazing explanations‼️ Thank you so much 👏🏾

[@janmcgill1784]

Thank you so much. Fantastic video. Really appreciate the clear explanations of every part and measurement, and especially the focus directions. So helpful.

[@henrikpettersson2886]

Thanks for this info on astronlmy binoculars. Been thknking about buying a pair but had absolutely no idea about what to look for. This was a great video for me.

[@johnrobertson-dwyer4809]

Thank you, really helpful and clearly explained.

[@singhmahima1]

Thanks for the explanation, Allan. Wonderfully thorough and understandable!

[@BasilBear]

Thanks, Allan! I found your video very helpful and interesting.

[@olliet9986]

Can you make a video on what to look for when purchasing telescopes, binoculars and accessories used? Your videos are great! Very informative and thorough. Thank you, sir!

[@AllanHall]

That is an excellent idea, sorry I missed your comment.

[@roymineards2910]

Excellent...learnt a lot, look forward to more

[@steveh.3370]

Excellent information. Thanks.

[@laurentbarre7887]

One word, brillant ! And of course, thank you.

[@tristanleport3580]

Thank you, this was very useful!

[@lornaz1975]

About 10 years ago I found a man named Professor EdZ on cloudy nights to be a valuable resource about binoculars.

[@Snowflake3006]

Amazing video, thank you so much

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

Great review, very well presented. I wonder what your thoughts are on Image Stabilized (IS) binoculars. I own two of these, by Canon. The advantage of IS binoculars is that you can use higher powers and see more compared with non-IS binoculars. The disadvantage is the somewhat higher weight that Image Stabilization involves, but this is more than compensated by the views. For example, I used my 18x50 pair recently to see the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Eighteen times magnification worked well: leaning on the roof of my car, I saw one or two of Jupiter's moons and I saw Saturn's rings as "ears" on each side of the planet. On a previous occasion I was able to see cluster M41 in Canis Major, which some believe Aristotle saw in the 4th century BCE. My other IS binocular is 10X42. This is lighter and more all around, for terrestrial uses like birding as well as astronomy. I'm sold on Image Stabilization, even though it costs more money.

[@AllanHall]

I really like them but I could not afford to have IS binos that collect the same amount of light as my 9x63s so I stick with the old traditional ones. They are really nice though!

[@sudeeprao]

This video helped me understand everything technical that I need to look for while comparing binoculars! thank you ! Quick question - I just saw this video 1 day after I ordered the New Olympus Explorer 10x50 and now I think Nikon were a far better option and at a much lower price! Can you tell me anything about the single coated, possibly non BAK4, Olympus ? :/

[@fotiskoutsou2089]

Great video! Thanks!

[@chinthakaindikadahena9951]

Thanks, I learnt a lot.

[@RalphPacheco2]

Thanks for the information

[@trochartist]

Thanks for this video👍great info

[@proverbs9103]

This was very informative I just bought my first pair of astrology binoculars and your video has helped me immensely thank you

[@hawkrider88]

Congrats on your first pair of serious binos. However, I presume you meant "astronomy"...not "astrology". Good luck, have fun.

[@catscratchfever7540]

Thank you, I have learnt so much from watching your video.

[@randomescu]

great video! i just bought 10-22x50 Nikon, 1st i wanted 16x50 Action Ex. but even 10x50 Action Ex are same dimensions as Aculon with zoom. And i felt like zoom binoculars are more versatile and more fun. i must stress that im not into bird watching, hunting or astronomy. ill use it for gun as field binoculars,maybe tactical sometimes. ofc ill use for moon watching and very amateur astronomy. for the last 3 days since i bought it the sky was completely clouded... for the price 10-22x50 Nikon seems to be decent quality. the only other decent binoculars i ever used were those in the army, long time ago.

[@robertgrimsted877]

Really helpful thanks 😊

[@pmay222]

i have just ordered the 10-22-50 nikons... i quite enjoy catching the space station when it passes.. and a bit of moonwatching...... nikon sit perfectly in the mix pricewise.... i dont have the need for expensive top quality... but this fella seems to love his 10x50 nikons.. maybee i should have gotten those... time will tell

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Much Appreciated... Very Informative... Enjoy The Stars! ✨ ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨

[@EarlWallaceNYC]

Very helpful review. Thx

[@richardashman3129]

I have watched a few of your videos & they are very helpful. I do need guidance if possible. My viewing needs are 2 fold, my primary focus is plane spotting and this is seeing planes from afar at cruising altitude with a relatively high detail, additionally I do find astronomy fascinating and so I'd like the secondary function to view the night sky. What kind of size binocular are ideal for planes & would it be compatible with the astronomy. I don't have any concern over the size as I do intend getting a mount, that said, my primary function is watching planes cruising by. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[@smaganas]

Best tutorial

[@gtavtheavengergunnerlegend3340]

wow a good video for once

[@paulmitchell5349]

BAK4 and BAK 7 differences a revelation,thanks.

[@dolan4709]

Hi Allan. Will you please review 20x magnification? Pro's and cons.

[@jennybh08]

Is there a video, as you mentioned, on recommendations for binoculars? I couldn’t find it. Thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@AllanHall]

When I saw your question I went looking for it because I know I shot it. I finally found it unfinished on my hard drive. Sorry about that. I had some new info so I redid it and should have it uploaded in the next couple of days. Thanks for asking!

[@ManishFrenchStudio]

Amazing video 🇮🇳💖💖...

[@spyroskappa7]

Very informative, great video, congrats from Greece. I am about to buy binoculars for observing the stars at all and i am thinking of buying the nikon 11-22 x 50. Should I prefer the nikon or olympus 10 x 50?I live in an urban area with a bit of light pollution and i have a manfroto tripod which i want to use. Should i go for a telescope better?I want to stargaze with my childs aged 4 the older one. Any other suggestion at that budget?

[@natem7440]

i would not suggest either of them. Get the Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 or 12x50

[@AliKhan-1966]

Excellent excellent

[@thespeedofchillax]

you know, I have found that in general, the rules of bak4 and non-zoom binos being the way to go are correct, with one exception: my favorite pair of binos I've owned and used for astronomy are the barska Colorado reverse porro prism binos, which are bak7 and also are 10-30x zoom....despite those last two aspects being true and the fact they are on the less expensive side of things, as mentioned, i just haven't found a better pair of binos I've enjoyed using more for viewing than these, so I guess the idea there being an exception to every rule holds true in this case.....anyway, nice video, very informative, even for folks like myself who have been using binos for a number of years for viewing already....so yeah, nicely done indeed. peec. 🤙🏼

[@SpaceFactsWax]

Thank you for uploading. I had the opportunity to see a rocket launch in 2018. Amazing experience. I uploaded a pretty fun video of the trip to my page.

[@charlessands6933]

I never have been able to focus the barrels indipendently and have it come out right. I have always had to do it with both eyes at once.

[@cosma7415]

Please we want a nies video ! ^^ ur channel is rly good ans u make great content ! I subscribe 😄

[@Sandap91]

25x100 celestron any opinion? Thanks

[@apodis4900]

I fixed my colimation problem by unscrewing the end lens piece on the right. When it’s loose you look through and turn it until the double image has gone. Then dab on some loctite and you’re done.

[@Omkar1mir21_]

Are bigger binoculars good when used with a tripod Like 20x80 celestron or 10x50 ones?

[@Virchencia]

Hi Allan, you indicated that 9 x 63 is perfect for Astronomy can you tell me what brand you use. I bought the Nikon 10 x 50 a year ago and it's great but want to see if the 9 x 63 gives me an even better view. Also, does it make a difference where you are located on the planet to the view you get? Thank you for any assistance.

[@julianp9628]

The background image do you have a link for the photo?. I'm an artist who likes to paint night sky scenes. Thank you

[@fadelannaba3066]

مرحباً شكرا لك على هذه المعلومات القيمة سؤال انا احب رؤية النجوم والفلك ما هو المنضار المناسب وقوة التكبير وشكرا الرد من فضلك

[@arshadrhematally6060]

Hi, i ordered a saxon 8 inch dobsonian telescope. Is this any good??

[@cannonball5515]

Hello Arshand. Greetings Maryland U.S.A. I think a 8 inch dob is great, I have a 5 inch table top dob and I really enjoy the views, I also use binoculars very often. Just my thoughts. Take care my friend and clear skies.

[@guitaristxcore]

Does anyone make some kind of eye shield that blocks out light from the sides as you're viewing through binos?

[@stevenkelby2169]

Search for BinoBandits

[@ricardoernestosotobarrios9519]

Alpine Technoligies Bino Bandits.

[@StagnantMizu]

i found an old Habicht SLC 8x30W will it be good enough for astronomy?

[@somdeb1977]

Hi Allan, this was a great video, very informative for a budding amateur like myself. Would like your suggestion as to which binoculars to get. I'm from India

[@noahm4503]

Hey sir how are you I want to buy a telescope for beginners should I buy a saxon 767AZ Reflector Telescope or Celestron Powerseeker 60AZ Refractor telescope. If neither what would you recommend?

[@1maticsports675]

Nice, I got 10x50 pair today.

[@1maticsports675]

What do you use sir? I love 10x50 I think it's a sweet spot.

[@AllanHall]

It depends (I have too many toys, ask my wife) but the binoculars I reach for whenever I can are the amzn.to/3CEzqGQ Orion 9x63 Mini Giants.

[@explorelonelyplanet3696]

Subscribed

[@bobbillings]

Someone please tell me best brand and model to get for stargazing, up to $400 budget??

[@Revelation13-8]

I have a 15 year old mercury 705 and a new bresser solarix az 114/500 , i bought the skymaster 15x70 and im little bit disappointed compered to those...

[@timkelly6496]

Condensed your content to the facts with no monitiation

[@yaddahaysmarmalite4059]

Aperture isn't always everything, My 10x42 roof prism binoculars have much better contrast than the 9x50 finderscope on my telescope. Its easier for me to find star clusters with my binoculars than my finderscope. Interesting huh? Binoculars are definitely a worthy tool to have. Even in my Bortle7 skies here in town, its amazing what all I can actually see with my binoculars.

[@AllanHall]

Aperture is absolutely everything, If everything else is equal. Unfortunately that is rarely the case as you have noticed. I would take a really good pair of 10x50 binoculars over a cheap pair of 12x70 any day of the week.

[@Sir-Kay]

I have the 16 x 50 version of those Nikon Action EX, went out today for the first time to observe building and birds etc on a hill but, the amount of chromatic aberration my lord! I was like is this normal or is it just me? I mean, everybody only said good things about eh Action EX series before I got them. Even my Skymaster 25 x 70 had waaaaay less chromatic abberation for just $80 - 1/3rd the price of the Nikons.

[@palmharbor6317]

Awesomr@

[@jacekniec762]

Rare 15x60 Pentax I would like to have but 20x60 Pentax are only available

[@stevenkelby2169]

From the thumbnail I thought that Ricky Gervais was into astronomy!

[@clockworkdave9850]

Ikr.

[@MrJdsenior]

I hope that Nikonsat 21:34 was junk before you did that, because they almost certainly were afterward. If there are coatings out there that can survive that without damage I would be very surprised.

[@AllanHall]

LOL! You would be amazed at how many people tell me things like that. That was my Nikon D7000 and although it is a really old body now, it is still used in studio at least every week for product shots and some extra video. Other than using the built in sensor cleaning a couple of times in its life, never had a problem. Clear skies!

[@ericfrizzell2450]

Great video Alan but you didn't cover field of view through them. I love my 7 x 50 celestron cometrons. Clear skys

[@davidperetz2772]

Great video! Thanks Of i want to see stars like jupiter, saturn... is it possible? I saw that there are zoom binoculars that get to 120x magnification are they any good?

[@helthuismartin]

Why are there no aperture blades in a binocular??

[@AllanHall]

Because binoculars generally do not have adjustable apertures.

[@gsr4535]

Thanks for a nice video. Yes, I bought Celestron 25x70's. I see two images of everything, at night, which is what I bought them for, in daytime, they work fine. Very frustrating. I resolved to simply keep one eye closed and use my binoculars as a mini telescope. On the positive side, I did see Jupiter and it's moons and the rings of Saturn this past summer! But still frustrated .... ☹️

[@geoffreyevans1549]

Thanks for telling us.i was thinking about getting a pair of these.

[@robbenmitchell7949]

Tell that to my Swarovski 10x56 slc

[@user-bq3jt2gb8l]

Мне одному кажется что это человек родом из России , по лицу так кажется

[@simonboev]

Привет, где можно заказать БПЦ 15×60 ?

[@user-bq3jt2gb8l]

@@simonboev здравствуйте , можно на сайтах искать

[@simonboev]

@@user-bq3jt2gb8l какой сайт, как он назьйвает ?

[@user-bq3jt2gb8l]

Вы что интернет вообще не юзаете ?

[@user-bq3jt2gb8l]

Ладно извините за мое высокомерие

[@thestellarcorpse]

why should i listen to you? no offense but are a astronomer?

[@natem7440]

are you kidding? look at Allan's other videos. He has lots of experience with equipment, using many types and and various budget ranges. I would take his advice seriously. An astronomer who uses a 20 million dollar telescope only twice per year might have absolutely no CLUE what is a solid recommendation for a beginner. Someone who has used many brands and types will have better advice. An astronomer could just tell you to buy an APM ED 100 Binocular Telescope - but so can I. However most would not be willing to purchase that if they are just starting.

[@luispatricio5919]

Eu quero uma opinião sua, please ? Já tenho um par de binóculos, Celestron Skymaster 15×70. Outros Levenhuk Sherman Base 12×50. Agora estou a pensar comprar ums Pentax Júpiter 16×50. Acha que é uma boa compra os Pentax Júpiter 16×50 ??? 🤔🧐🙄🥸