If you're looking for a hobby for your children that is equal parts fun and educational, stargazing may be a winning choice. This activity is accessible for the whole family - and a great way to introduce children to astronomy. Thankfully, it doesn't require a lot of equipment to get started. You just need a good pair of binoculars and you're ready to start exploring.
Deciding on which binoculars are best for your children can be challenging. There are so many different options available which offer a variety of designs and features. That's why our team of experts have compiled this list to help you pick the most suitable pair.
Important factors to consider would be:
- Size
- Weight
- Durability
- Magnification
The size and weight are the most vital aspects to check, as you'll need to consider your child's own ability to hold and use the binoculars without any strain. Ensuring the binoculars are robust is key, as we know that children, and even adults, can drop things occasionally. Choosing binoculars with fantastic durability will ensure that they last for longer.
Finally, the magnification of the binoculars is crucial when using them for stargazing. As the magnification power increases, then you're able to see further and observe more. However, striking a balance between the magnification and the size of the binoculars is essential when dealing with children. There are different requirements here in comparison to our guide on children's birdwatching binoculars.
Read More: Top 5 Best Binoculars for Stargazing
1. Viking Badger 8x32 Binoculars (£88.95)
Key Features:
- Powerful 8x magnification
- Multi-coated optics to increase the brightness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Rubber-armoured for protection
The Viking Badger strikes the perfect balance between convenience and high-performance. The powerful multi-coated optics are available with a compact build design. These binoculars provide you with everything that you need to begin your stargazing adventures.
The Viking Badger are suitable for stargazing thanks to their powerful magnification and wide lenses. The 8x magnification will provide an incredibly detailed image of the night sky for the user. Wide lenses helps increase the light transmission to create an image which is bright and detailed - even in low-light conditions. This is particularly important for stargazing.
Viking Badger 8x32 Binoculars
As mentioned, the Viking Badger range offers a design which is both compact and lightweight. This allows for these binoculars to be easily portable and fairly convenient to use. These binoculars weigh in at a total of 477g with a measured length of 124mm.
Despite being compact and lightweight, these binoculars offer an incredibly durable design. Their rubber-armour coating protects these binoculars from potential damage and make them waterproof. There's also a 5-year warranty for additional security.
The Viking Badger range is available in a 8x42 and 10x42 options too. However, as the power of the binoculars begin to increase, as does the weight and size.
2. Celestron Nature DX 10x32 Binoculars (£119.95)
Key features:
- Fully multi-coated optics provide brighter images
- Phase-coated BAK-4 prisms
- Sturdy twist-down eyecups for optimal positioning
- Compact and lightweight design
The Celestron Nature DX are another fantastic choice to consider when looking for stargazing binoculars. These binoculars offer a powerful 10x magnification zoom which alongside the phase-coated BAK-4 prisms, provides a brilliant clear observation of the stars.
These binoculars perform exceptionally well in all conditions and especially in low-light conditions. This helps cement these binoculars as a fantastic choice for stargazing.
Celestron Nature DX 10x32
These binoculars maintain a compact and lightweight design which makes them perfect for children. The Celestron Nature DX weighs in at 510g which does make them the heaviest option on this list. However, children should still feel that these binoculars are comfortable to hold and use.
This model is rubber armoured which protects from knocks and bumps, as well as offering a level of weatherproofing. The Celestron Nature DX also incorporates twist-down eyecups in the design, to support both those who wear glasses and those who don't.
The Celestron Nature DX range certainly offers excellent value and is a fantastic choice for children. The combination of powerful optics ensures that this is a great choice for starting off your stargazing journey. There are a wide variety of models available within this range, and so there really is an option for everyone.
3. Celestron Outland X 10x25 Binoculars (£49.99)
Key features:
- Powerful 10x magnification zoom
- Multi-coated optics for enhanced colour fidelity
- Protective rubber coating for durability
- Compact and lightweight design
The Celestron Outland X provides fantastic results at a cost-effective price which makes them perfect as an introductory model. These binoculars are perfect for children thanks to the compact and lightweight design. The powerful 10x magnification pairs well with the multi-coated optics to deliver excellent results, perfect for getting started in stargazing.
These binoculars have smaller lenses compared to the Viking Badger, but the Celestron Outland X offers a more powerful zoom for stargazing. They also have multi-coated optics for a brighter image.
The Celestron Outland X 10x25 is slim, compact, and lightweight at 312g, making it easy for children to carry. They can even fit into your pocket when not in use.
These binoculars have a rubber-armour coating that protects them and makes them waterproof, suitable for any environment or weather. The rubber also provides an improved grip.
The Celestron Outland X range includes different options. The 10x42 model is great for older children and teenagers, with larger lenses for a better view. However, note that this increases the size and weight of the binoculars.