Best Solar Binoculars – Sunwatching Made Easy in 2024!

Have you ever wondered what’s happening on the sun’s surface? Imagine witnessing solar flares and prominences with your own eyes. But is it possible to see with your own naked eyes? Absolutely yes, with the best solar binoculars, you can get perfect visuals of the sun, and solar flares with your own.

According to NASA reports, in 2022 alone, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) recorded multiple powerful solar flares. The popularity of solar observation is skyrocketing. It is becoming a hobby for my people. More and more sky enthusiasts are turning their gaze to the sun.

So, these mesmerizing, eye catchy, and powerful phenomena make solar binoculars a must-have tool for observing the sun safely. In this guide, I will help you in choosing the perfect solar observation binos. So, let’s get started!

Related Article: Best Binoculars for Solar Eclipse

Reviews & Top Pick of Best Solar Viewing Binoculars

I’ve done some research, tested some binoculars, and written this review. My aim was to give you insight into some of the top options available in the market so that you don’t feel confused while buying the best solar binoculars. The binoculars that I am going to review in the section below have been tested – and checked to ensure that they fulfill your needs. So, let’s get started.

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1- Celestron – SkyMaster 15×70 Binoculars

These Celestron SkyMaster 15x70mm Binoculars will take your solar gazing experience to a whole new level. These binoculars are not just a tool; they’re a gateway to allow you to explore distant objects and celestial wonders with astonishing clarity.

While using them, I was very satisfied with the stunning views the SkyMaster binoculars offered. The large 70mm objective lenses live up to their reputation, capturing an impressive amount of light even in low-light conditions. I know you won’t use them in low light conditions as you aim to buy them for sun viewing, but still, it is an additional feature.

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The BaK-4 prisms truly make a difference. The quality of the glass ensures that more light is reflected internally, resulting in images that are incredibly bright and detailed. The multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass material also ensure that you’ll get very good visuals with excellent sharpness.

One concern I had was the weight, but to my surprise, the binoculars were more manageable than I anticipated. The comfortable eye relief will also accommodate your glasses without any hassle, making extended viewing sessions a pleasure. 

I opted to invest in a tripod and adaptor, and I’m so glad I did. While the binoculars are hand-holdable, the tripod brought a whole new level of stability, especially at higher magnifications. I highly recommend you to buy a tripod stand, so that you get perfectly stable visuals.

I had a bit of a heart-stopping moment when my new binoculars accidentally took a tumble from a not-so-friendly height. But guess what? They survived the fall with just a few scratches! This gives a sense of reassurance, and now I feel more confident taking them on various outdoor adventures.

Final Verdict

Look, these binoculars offer remarkable views, reliable performance, and a sense of awe-inspiring wonder every time you peer through the lenses. However, there are a few bands that you must look at. They are available at very affordable pricing which make them a suitable option.

2- Orion 51464 20×80 Astronomy Binoculars

These Orion binoculars are also a very good option for observing the sun as they offer higher magnification levels and bigger-sized objective lenses. Although I have not used them, a few of my friends own them, and I got their views and opinions about these pairs.

These binoculars are very durable and very much capable of bearing shocks, and sudden falls from the height. So, carrying them in your own harsh conditions won’t be an issue at all.

For observing the sun, you usually remain outside and the temperature can be very high. So, you must choose binos that are capable of bearing very high temperatures. And the good thing is that these binos are resistant to high temperatures and you won’t notice any issue at all.

They consist of BAK-4 prisms which ensure that you’ll get clearer, and sharper visuals. I have noticed that there are many Sun gazing binoculars that don’t give optimal color balance, and resolution. I don’t recommend you buy them.

But with these binos, you’ll be able to get perfectly brighter, and sharper visuals. The color contrast will be optimal and you’ll get true images with true colors. This is what makes me say they are the best binoculars for solar observations.

Final Verdict

I believe that they are a suitable option for those people who have tight budgets. They offer nice features that enhance their overall performance. Green signal from my side if you want to get a pair with a tight budget.

3- Celestron – SkyMaster 25X100 Solar Binoculars

In my pursuit of the best solar binoculars, I did research and found these Celestron 25×100 binos that are real beasts. Their 25x magnification power will allow you to get perfectly zoomed visuals.

These binoculars have proven to be a reliable choice for solar observation as they offer impressive features that cater to both casual and advanced users. From clear views of celestial bodies to convenient design elements, I definitely love these binos.

Keep in mind that the tripod attachment uses a smaller screw size (1/4″ instead of 3/8″), which needs careful tightening to prevent damaging the aluminum threads. I initially tried a ball head with a supposed 31 lbs capacity, but it proved inadequate. 

So, the question is: which tripod should you use with these binos? Look I bought a separate Oberwerk tripod, which perfectly complements the binoculars and got me very stable visuals.

Their significant magnification (20x) and weight make handheld viewing nearly impossible. With these binoculars, a sturdy tripod is not just recommended but mandatory for enjoying a clear and stable view.  

Point to Remember: Keep in mind whenever you’ll choose a bino with very high magnification power, you’ll have to buy a tripod stand to get stable visuals. These binos are no exception too.

My Final Verdict

One of my friends has them: and he seemed to be very happy with the performance of these binos. I used them for testing and got excellent results. They offer excellently shiny visuals and provide him with suitable solar observation binoculars. I definitely suggest you give them a try – and you won’t be disappointed. 

4- Zhumell 25×100 Tachyon Solar Binoculars

A few days ago, one of my friends bought these Zhumell binos: and I got an opportunity to check them. Initially, I thought that they were just overpriced, but after using them, I came to realize that these binos are worth the higher prices.

These binoculars have these massive 100mm lenses that just soak in the sunlight. I mean, I could see solar flares and sunspots like never before. The good thing is that you will see all the visuals very clearly. You will also be able to fine-tune the focus for each eyepiece separately.  

One of the most important features that I love is their filters. These binoculars are designed to work with those 1.25-inch threaded astronomical filters. I know it might sound geeky, but these filters not only make the view even more stunning, but they also protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Safety first, right? These binos got you covered!

Now, I’m no bodybuilder, but these binoculars aren’t feather-light as well. They’ve got some weight to them. That’s why I set them up on a tripod using that handy built-in adapter rail. It keeps things steady, and you will be able to observe the sun for as long as you want without getting the shakes.

I consider the best and most premium solar binoculars due to their filters that protect eyes from UV rays coming from the sun. Let’s talk about the comfort, they’ve got these soft rubber eyecups that are a dream to use. You can fold them down if you’re wearing glasses, so no need to compromise on comfort.

Final Verdict

All in all, if you’re serious about solar observation, then these Giant 100mm Solar Binoculars are totally worth the investment. They will take your solar viewing to a whole new level, and I can’t imagine going back to anything else. Despite their higher prices, I still recommend them because they earned their respect.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Choosing Solar Binoculars

In the section above, I have some of the best-performing binoculars that will allow you to observe the sun safely. But if you are going to make a purchase from any physical optical store, then I would like to give you a short guideline so that you don’t end up making a wrong decision. In the section below, I will mention some of the very important factors that you must consider before buying solar binoculars.

1- Solar Viewing Safety First

Your safety always comes first, and I don’t want to make any compromise on this aspect. I would highly suggest you look for solar binoculars equipped with specialized filters that block harmful solar radiation.

Keep in mind that radiation that comes from the sun is very harmful. These filters ensure that you can enjoy a clear view of the sun without putting your eyes at risk. If you choose binos without any filters or coating that filter out UV rays, you’re messing with your help which I never recommend you to do. Your safety comes first!

2- Lens Size and Magnification

The size of the lens and the level of magnification play a significant role in your solar viewing experience. Not to forget, the larger or bigger sized lenses gather more light, which means you’ll have a brighter and more detailed view of solar phenomena like sunspots and solar flares.

But the question is what should be the ideal specification in solar binos? A magnification level between 10 and 20x is ideal for a balanced view that allows you to observe details while minimizing shakiness. I think anything above 50mm of objective lens size is fine.

3- Durability and Portability

Since you might want to take your solar binoculars on various outdoor adventures, durability is essential. So, how would you know if your chosen binos are durable or not? Look, always opt for models with sturdy construction and a rubberized exterior for a comfortable grip. 

Read the specification and you’ll get the construction material there. Make sure that your chosen binos are made with high-class, and solid materials which make them stand out. Aluminum and magnesium materials are the strongest ones.

Let’s talk about the portability of binos. The lightweight and compact designs make portability a breeze. It also ensures that you will be able to easily carry your binoculars wherever you go, from your backyard to your favorite observing spot.

4. Solar Accessories and Extras

Some solar binoculars come with extra features to enhance your experience. Whenever I go out in the market to buy binos for myself or for my family or friend, I always make sure that I choose a bino that comes with some additional accessories as it saves you from buying them separately.

I recommend you look for models that include a tripod mount for steady viewing and smartphone adapters for capturing stunning solar images. Not only this, you must consider getting a carrying case or protective pouch to safeguard your investment when not in use.

5- Comfort of Use

Long hours of sun observation require comfortable binoculars. You must choose a pair with an ergonomic design that fits your hands well. Keep in mind that the rubber coatings provide a non-slip grip, and adjustable eye cups help you find the perfect eye position. Lightweight is a plus for extended sessions, so you can enjoy the sun without straining your arms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I think I have written enough – and now you’ll be able to find a nice pair for yourself. Keep in mind that solar binoculars can be hard to find, but if you find one suitable, you’ll get perfect visuals of the sun safely. I have given you some of the best pairs that won’t disappoint you. You can pick any of them according to your budget, and have a good time. I am signing off! See you with another useful guide.