5 Best Solar Binoculars (Reviews Updated 2024)

Solar binoculars are becoming increasingly popular for those who enjoy astronomy, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. These binoculars are designed with specialized filters that allow you to safely observe the sun. They provide an exciting way to view solar eclipses or sunspots without damaging your eyes.

When selecting solar binoculars, it’s important to consider the quality of the solar filters. These filters ensure that harmful UV and infrared rays are blocked, allowing only safe, visible light to pass through. You should also look for binoculars that offer a clear and crisp image, with a magnification that suits your needs.

Pay attention to the build quality and weight of the binoculars. A sturdy but lightweight pair will be more comfortable for extended use. The optics’ coatings and lens material will also affect the overall viewing experience. With these factors in mind, you can choose the best solar binoculars for your outdoor adventures.

Best Solar Binoculars

Below is our list of the best solar binoculars. These products are designed for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to observe nature and distant objects with solar-powered convenience.

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Here are our solar binocular reviews.

1. Lunt Solar Systems Sunoculars

These binoculars are a solid choice for anyone serious about safe solar observation.

Pros

• Clear and high-contrast images
• Lightweight and portable
• Safe to use with strong filters

Cons

• Higher cost compared to regular binoculars
• May feel too yellow for some users
• Limited to solar viewing only

Perfect for viewing the sun safely, Lunt Solar Systems Sunoculars offer great clarity and detailed observation. They block ultraviolet and infrared light, making them safe for your eyes. Plus, they are compact, so you can easily bring them along wherever you go.

Even beginners will find these binoculars simple to use. They come with safety-certified front filters and individually adjustable eyepieces. The sun appears in a pleasant orange color, enhancing your viewing experience.

These binoculars are not just for adults; they’re great for kids, too. If you’re looking for a high-quality gift for an aspiring astronomer, these would be a perfect choice.

2. Celestron EclipSmart 10×25 Solar Binocular

An excellent choice for safe and clear solar viewing.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• High-quality solar safe filter technology
• Generous field of view

Cons

• Limited to solar observation
• Higher price point
• Can be tricky to align

Perfect for anyone wanting to safely observe the sun, the Celestron EclipSmart 10×25 Solar Binoculars are compact and easy to carry. They fit in a coat pocket, making them convenient for travel and quick to use.

These binoculars feature advanced solar safe filter technology. This ensures you can safely watch the sun without worrying about harmful solar radiation. Additionally, they are reliable for viewing daily sunspot activity.

Their rugged, rubber-armored aluminum body provides durability and protection. Despite their small size, they offer a generous field of view, allowing you to see the full image of the solar disk.

3. 10″x10″ Solar Filter Sheet

If you need a reliable and affordable solar filter for your telescope or binoculars, this sheet from Thousand Oaks Optical is worth considering.

Pros

• Durable black polymer material.
• Affordable DIY option.
• Natural orange viewing color.

Cons

• Requires precise attachment.
• Might be too dark for small apertures.
• Slightly less detailed than premium films.

This solar filter sheet is a great choice for those who want to observe the sun safely without spending too much money. With over 30 years of experience, Thousand Oaks Optical provides a quality option that you can trust.

One of the key benefits of this sheet is its durability. The black polymer material is strong and will last for years. Additionally, making your own filter can save you a lot of money compared to factory-made options.

On the flip side, you need to be careful when attaching this filter to your telescope or binoculars. If not secured properly, it can fall off, which can be dangerous. Also, some users find it a bit too dark for smaller equipment, reducing the level of detail visible.

4. WARMTUYO 12*52 HD Binoculars

Consider buying these binoculars if you need powerful magnification with a wide field of view.

Pros

• Large eyepiece offers comfort and a bigger view
• Strong 12x magnification with good stability
• Clear vision in low light

Cons

• May feel heavy for long use
• Some might find the price high
• Phone adapter can be tricky to use

The WARMTUYO 12*52 HD Binoculars offer a large 22mm eyepiece, making viewing faraway objects more comfortable. The 12x magnification is powerful and provides a stable image, which is great for adults.

With a 52mm objective lens, these binoculars deliver clear images, even at dusk. The upgraded phone adapter lets you capture distant photos easily, though it can take time to get used to.

Included accessories like the neck strap and storage bag add value. The overall performance makes these binoculars suitable for bird watching, hunting, and travel.

5. Athlon Optics 8×42 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars

These binoculars are a strong choice for anyone needing sharp and clear optics for activities like birdwatching and hunting.

Pros

• Very sharp and clear images
• Great color reproduction and contrast
• Works well in low light

Cons

• Noticeable color fringing in deep shadows
• Heavier than some other models
• Slightly more expensive

These Athlon Optics 8×42 Midas binoculars feature high-quality ED glass for minimal chromatic fringe, providing very clear images. Their advanced fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and true color across the spectrum. The phase-corrected prisms also produce high-resolution images with excellent contrast.

These binoculars are argon-purged for better waterproofing and thermal stability, making them suitable for various weather conditions. Long eye relief is beneficial for eyeglass wearers, allowing them to see the entire field of view. The rugged build, while heavier, is robust and durable.

Solar Binocular Buying Guide

Here’s all you need to know about solar binoculars.

Magnification and Objective Lens

When choosing solar binoculars, check the magnification power. Higher magnification can provide more detailed views. Also, look at the size of the objective lens. Larger lenses let in more light, making images clearer and brighter.

Quality of Glass and Coatings

The type of glass and coatings on the lenses impact image quality. Look for multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses. These coatings reduce glare and improve clarity. ED (extra-low dispersion) glass reduces color fringing.

Field of View

Field of view (FOV) is how wide an area you can see through the binoculars. Wider FOVs are better for tracking moving objects like the sun or stars. Make sure to balance FOV with magnification.

Solar Filters

Solar binoculars must have special filters to protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation. Check if the binoculars have built-in solar filters. These filters should meet ISO standards for safety.

Durability and Waterproofing

Consider the build quality of the binoculars. They should be rugged enough for outdoor use. Waterproof and fog-proof features are important, especially in varying weather conditions.

Weight and Size

The weight and size of binoculars affect comfort during use. Lighter binoculars are easier to handle and transport. Make sure they are neither too heavy nor too bulky for your needs.

Prisms

Prism types can affect image quality and binocular size. Look for Roof prisms for a more compact design or Porro prisms for better depth perception.

These features will help you choose the best solar binoculars for your needs.