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With a partialsolar eclipsehappening in our sky on March 29 , now is a good time to get your hands on one of the best pairs of solar field glasses . Viewable from across North America and percentage of Europe and Africa , this event will see the moon partially stuff the sunlight . But to consider it , you need the right equipment to protect your eyes .
look at the Sunday is dangerous business , specially during a partial solar eclipse where the sun ’s rays are more saturated . If you want to get a good look , you ’ll need to view the partial solar eclipse with specialized protective technology . you could opt forsolar occultation glasses , but if you also want to get a closer spirit , solar binoculars are your best stake .
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 binoculars are the best solar binoculars you can buy.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
The dear solar binoculars take issue from the standard range ofbest binocularsbecause they come equip with solar - safe filter . The total frame within the binoculars is darkened , stop out harmful infrared and ultraviolet ray and protect your eyes from retinal harm .
You shouldneveruse regular opera glasses to face at a solar occultation , so if you own a set of thebest binoculars for stargazingor your kids have any of thebest opera glasses for kids , make indisputable they are kept safely stowed away for the duration of this month ’s fond solar occultation .
Quick list
Best overall
Best overall solar binoculars
derive from Celestron , a leading sword in skywatching products , the EclipSmart 10x42 solar binoculars are well made and execute valiantly .
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 binoculars are the best solar binoculars you can buy.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
take more below
Best compact
Best compact solar binoculars
smart , eye - catching and available in four different colors , the Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars are idealistic if you desire something pocket-size enough to fit in your air hole .
in force budget
skilful budget solar binoculars
Available for a bargain price , these EclipSmart solar binoculars are seriously great time value , offering enough protection and doing exactly what you ’d expect from them .
considerably high power
Best high power solar opera glasses
You ’ll get closer to the Sunday than ever with these 20x overstatement field glasses , but you will need to use a tripod to get regular views .
Best for minor
Best solar opera glasses for kids
Made for small hired man and sporting an attractive design , these are the ideal solar field glasses for tiddler .
Best solar binoculars to buy in 2025
Why you’re able to entrust Live ScienceOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and compare products and services so you’re able to opt the best ones for you . Find out more about how we quiz .
Celestron EclipSmart 10x42
Our expert review :
✅ You want to buy from a trusted brand : Celestron is one of the best - known brands in the skywatching space . ✅ You want something work up to last : You wo n’t take solar binoculars all that regularly , but these will last a long time .
❌ You want a higher magnification : If 10x is n’t powerful enough for you , we advocate theEclipsmart 20x50 solar binoculars . ❌ You desire something inexpensive and discarded : Most solar field glasses are build to last , so you ’d be in force off with solar glass . Celestron’sSolar Power Viewersoffer a 2x magnification and be $ 13 for two pairs .
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 binoculars are the best solar binoculars you can buy.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
🔎 Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 : These are substantial , well - made binoculars that are well worth their price . Coming from Celestron , they have the weight of a trusty brand behind them . The filters can not be polish off , however , so they ’re only useful for viewing solar activeness . ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Even if you do n’t know much about skywatching products , there ’s a good hazard you ’ve listen of Celestron . This is a leading brand in the telescope and binoculars space , so when it comes to buy a set of the best solar field glasses , you know Celestron is a sword you could trust . We think the EclipSmart 10x42 solar opera glasses are the unspoilt on the market : They ’re inexpensive , well made and rattling at their job . What more could you want ?
In ourCelestron EclipSmart 10x42 review , we commented on how comfortable these solar binoculars are to apply . They are n’t the small , but weighing 24 oz ( 680 gram ) they ’re perfectly doable , and their all - over rubber casing means they grip well in the hand . There are also two thumb grips on the bottom of the binoculars , which we found peculiarly comfortable .
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 come from a reputable brand that you know you can trust.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
In terms of public presentation , we ’ve been impressed with how well the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 solar binoculars workplace . Unlike steady binoculars , you ca n’t employ these to consider everything — they ’re design specifically for looking at the sunshine , so most light transmissions are jam out . But expect at the sun and not only will your eyes be protected , but you ’ll be able to see details beyond a bright disc in the sky .
turn over the very sane damage of these solar binoculars , we think they are first-class . They are n’t perfect : We see some chromatic aberration while using them , and we found that the eyepiece genus Lens would easy mist up due to our eyebrow sweat under the passion of the Dominicus . These are finally small issues , though , and they do n’t put us off heartily commend these solar binoculars .
Attribute
Made to Celestron’s usual high standards, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 binoculars have an easy to use focus wheel.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
line
Design
Rubberized body provides proficient clasp
Performance
Perfect filter intensity level to make views safe but still detail
Functionality
The Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars are available in four different colors: yellow, blue, red and black.(Image credit: Lunt)
conciliatory interpupillary distance so kids and adults can apply them
Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars
✅ You want a fun twosome of solar field glasses : useable in three vivacious colors ( or bootleg ) , the Lunt Sunoculars are a great choice if you want something a little vibrant . ✅ You demand something compact : At only 18 oz , these are low and light enough for easy travel .
❌ You require a more powerful blowup : The Lunt Sunoculars only have 8x exaggeration . We ’d recommend checking out theEclipsmart 20x50 solar binocularsif you require more power . ❌ You ’re on a budget : At $ 129 , these are n’t the cheapest solar field glasses on the marketplace .
🔎 Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars : Available in a kitchen range of smelly people of color , the Lunt Sunoculars are a great choice if you need solar field glasses to fit in your pocket . They can be a little fiddly to focus , but they work nicely once you ’ve adjusted them . ★ ★ ★ ★
We enjoy how eye - catching the Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars are . Along with the yellow soundbox as pictured , they ’re also available in cherry and blue — and there ’s a black interpretation available if you require something a little more unostentatious . Despite their fun - loving colour , however , the Lunt Sunoculars work perfectly .
These opera glasses are no good for day - to - day utilisation but thanks to their filters , you may use them to safely view a solar eclipse ( or the Dominicus in general ) . You wo n’t be able to see anything else through them other than the sunlight , which can make finding the perfect focal place a small dissimilar , but once you get it set up , the Sunoculars work perfectly .
The 8x magnification office in the Lunt Sunoculars is dead adequate for getting a close - up scene of the Sunday , but not so powerful that it ’ll be hard to get a unfluctuating view . Most importantly , these solar opera glasses match all necessary safe requirement , so you may have peace of thinker when using them to view a solar eclipse .
Available at a budget price and frequently on sale, these solar binoculars from market leader Celestron are an absolute steal.(Image credit: Celestron)
The only actual downside of the Lunt 8x32 Sunoculars is their cost tatter . They ’re significantly more expensive than every other hardening of solar binoculars in this pathfinder , and we ’re not totally trusted they ’re worth almost twice the price of the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42s that we ’ve choose as our best overall . in the end , it look on how much you value a fun , colourful consistence and a slightly smaller build that will easily fit in a pouch .
Four unlike colors available
Excellent filters to protect your eyes adequately
focal point can be a little tricky
Celestron EclipSmart 10x25
✅ You ’re on a budget : These solar field glasses be $ 35 normally , but are frequently discounted even further . ✅ You want something stocky : Weighing just 11.05 oz , these binos are seriously lightweight and compact .
❌ You desire something to apply during a full eclipse : The documentary lense diameter does n’t let enough light through to regard sum . Take a expression at theEclipSmart 10x42binos instead . ❌ You need excellent optical quality : Again , theEclipSmart 10x42will offer much practiced detail , but given their price point they ’re perfectly good enough .
🔎 Celestron EclipSmart 10x25 : Don’t expect stunning views through these solar binoculars , but given their grim price they ’re utterly adequate , as long as you ’re not wanting to watch a total eclipse . ★ ★ ★ ★
The Celestron EclipSmart 20x50s are powerful, but you’ll want to use a tripod to ensure a steady view.(Image credit: Celestron)
With the partial solar eclipse come up at the end of the calendar month , these Celestron EclipSmart 10x25 opera glasses are the ideal solar binoculars to pick up . They ’re cheap , they ’re compact , and they ’re idealistic for a partial eclipse . What they ’re not idealistic for , however , is a entire eclipse : The small objective lense diameter just does n’t permit enough light through .
But with the next total solar eclipse not due until August 2026 , that ’s not something you need to worry about just yet . If you do n’t want to expend a destiny and want to be able-bodied to get a near - up view of the upcoming partial occultation , these are a groovy bargain . They offer fair to middling eye protection while still letting you see the sunlight in plenty of item .
Despite their small sizing , they are promiscuous enough to rivet on thanks to a timber stress steering wheel in the center of the field glasses . If you have magnanimous hands , you might encounter their small sizing unmanageable to hold comfortably — but for adults with smaller hands or kid , they are an fantabulous size of it .
Perhaps the biggest ailment about these solar binoculars is that they miss the brightness you ’d get in more expensive set . That ’s mostly due to the small nonsubjective lens of the eye : you ’d want to go for a bigger diam to countenance in more light . But since the lens filter here block out most lighting so as to protect your eyes , it ’s not the biggest issue .
Being budget solar opera glasses , you do n’t get lens system cap include in the box , but you get a carry sack which will keep them safe when not in function . They ’re not perfect , then , but given their seriously low toll , it ’s concentrated to kvetch too much .
Very lightweight and compact
The Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars are the ideal size for smaller hands.(Image credit: Lunt)
Image lack luminousness , some color fringing
Can be hard to hold if you ’ve got larger hands
Celestron EclipSmart 20x50
✅ You require potent solar binoculars : With a massive 20x magnification , these are the most powerful solar binoculars you ’ll find . ✅ You already have a tripod : You’ll need to tripod - mount these binoculars if you want a steady horizon .
❌ You desire something handheld : You’ll fight to get a dear , steady view with just your hands . Consider theEclipSmart 10x42solar binos instead . ❌ You want a light , compendious pair of solar binos : Weighing 892 g , these are far from compendious . TheLunt 8x32 Sunocularsare deserving a look if you need something sack - sized .
🔎 Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 : These binos are exceedingly powerful , although to get the most out of them you ’ll require a tripod . Do n’t have a bun in the oven the sharpest views ever , but for their price , these are a corking selection to look at the solar occultation with . ★ ★ ★ ★
If you want to get closer to the partial solar eclipse than ever , we ’d recommend pick up a dyad of binoculars with a high magnification . For the money , we imagine the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 solar binoculars are the best option on the food market . They ’re relatively inexpensive , have a good body-build quality — they do come from Celestron , after all — and offer up solid views of the Lord’s Day .
Like all solar binoculars , these are design toonlyview the sun . They block out almost all light source in gild to keep your optic dependable from the Sunday ’s flare . That means unless you ’re expect at the sun , all you ’ll see is duskiness . It can be tricky to focus the binos for that reason , but once you get locked on , you ’ll be in for a treat with decipherable , high - magnification scene .
These binos are easy to use . Other than chance your sweet focus spot , there ’s piddling else that need doing . It ’s worth mentioning , however , that these solar binoculars have a very small eye moderation , so if you need to keep your glasses on while using them , it might be a bit of a struggle .
Of course , that 20x exaggeration comes with a problem of its own : It ’s almost impossible to get a regular view with your deal . We ’d highly commend you use these opera glasses with a tripod to tolerate you to get steady , unshaky sight . The binos have a built - in tripod mount , ca-ca it nice and easy to put on them , although if you have n’t already got a tripod we ’d possibly suggest choosing binoculars with a lower enlargement .
If 20x seems a little over - the - top , Celestron also offers a 12x50 versionof these solar binoculars — but we ’d still urge using a tripod with 12x exaggeration . Opt for 8x or 10x if you desire to be able to apply your field glasses handheld .
Solid body , well made
Powerful 20x magnification requires a tripod for steady views
Good solar security , meet all condom standards
Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars
✅ You ’re buying for a child : Super small-scale and lightweight , these are the ideal solar binoculars for small hired man . ✅ You desire something fun and colorful : Like their larger counterparts , the Lunt Mini Sunoculars come in sensationalistic , blue or red .
❌ You require higher overstatement : These solar binoculars offer 6x magnification . If you want to get closer , look at the also - compactCelestron EclipSmart 10x25 . ❌ You want something upstanding and quality - touch : press just 5.6 oz , these binos are rather flimsy .
🔎 Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars : Bold colors and a earnestly small and summary eubstance make these the ideal solar binoculars for untried baby . Do n’t look amazing opinion through them , though , but they do the chore . ★ ★ ★ ½
If you require to be able-bodied to view the forthcoming fond solar occultation with your children , it ’s a good idea to get them their own solar binoculars . Most pairs will adjust to accommodate a smaller font , but binos designed for adult lean to be heavy and awkward for child to hold to their face for elongated period of time . The Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars , on the other script , are plan with modest faces ( and hand ) in idea , make them an idealistic selection for immature kids .
weigh just 5.3 oz ( 160 g ) and measuring 4.1 x 4.3 inch ( 105 x 110 mm ) in diam , these solar field glasses are positively tiny . Children will have no problem manage them by themselves , and their small trunk means they fit comfortably in smaller hands .
The Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars can be tricky to focu ons , though . With no focus rack , you ’ll instead have to line up each heart , which can be fiddly and hard to get right . They also feel a petty slight , but that ’s the price you pay for something so lightweight .
Of of course , these Mini Sunoculars have all the required refuge regulations in place , and do a heavy chore of protecting little eye from the sunlight ’s flares . With 6x magnification , they offer a decent view of the sunlight , and they ’re not so powerful that you need to worry about keep them regular .
Like their larger counterparts , the Lunt 6x30 Mini Sunoculars are uncommitted in multiple colors : yellow-bellied , red and blue ( these ones are n’t available in pitch-dark ) . We think it ’s a swell selection of colors that will invoke to child .
Available in three bright , attractive colors
Offers safe , steady views of the Lord’s Day
No focus rack , can be difficult to focalize each centre
Best solar binoculars: Comparison
Magnification
Objective genus Lens diam
Field of scene
Eye relief
Weight
Dimensions
10x
42 mm
6 degrees
12.7 millimetre
24 oz / 680 gibibyte
6.8 x 2.9 x 5.4 in / 173 x 74 x 137 millimetre
8x
32 mm
5.4 degrees
13.6 mm
18 oz / 510 one thousand
5.5 x 4.3 in / 140 x 110 mm
25 millimeter
5.7 degree
10.5 millimeter
11.5 oz / 326.5 gm
3 x 2.2 x 4.5 in / 76 x 51 x 114 millimetre
20x
50 millimetre
3.4 degrees
8 mm
31.5 oz / 892 gibibyte
7.8 x 2.6 x 7.3 in / 199 x 65 x 186 mm
6x
30 millimetre
7.5 degrees
9 millimetre
5.6 oz / 160 GiB
4.1 x 4.3 in / 105 x 110 mm
Contributing experts
Dr. Ryan French a solar physicist , skill communicator and author , currently pursue the mysteries of the Sun at the head of modern solar physics enquiry in Boulder , CO — using cut border telescopes on the primer coat and in space . In addition to his scientific work , Ryan strives to share the marvel of the Sun and space with the public , through social medium , museums and observatories , and on television system and radio . His first book , ' The Sun : tiro ’s guide to our local star ' , is available everywhere now .
Frequently asked questions
What are solar binoculars?
Solar binoculars are binoculars contrive exclusively for looking at the sunshine and solar events . They feature strong filters in their spyglass which will protect your eyes from the sunlight ’s infrared and ultraviolet radiation sparkle , but this think of they are n’t useful for other types of observations .
How do solar binoculars differ from standard binoculars?
Standard opera glasses have decipherable glass which can be used to view a blanket range of objects . They are design to let as much light in as potential so as to give you a good panorama . Solar binoculars , on the other deal , have special filters in their glass , which is black to block out most light . You ca n’t consider anything other than the sun ( or something with similar smartness ) through solar field glasses .
Can you look at the sun with solar binoculars?
Yes , using solar binoculars that meet the ask safety gadget standard ( ISO 12312 - 2 ) will protect your center from the Sunday ’s flares . Always guarantee that your solar binoculars are in honorable condition and are n’t damage in any way of life before using them to look at the sun .
Can you use regular binoculars to view a solar eclipse?
We asked solar physicist Dr Ryan French , who tell apart Live Science:“Looking at the Sun through binoculars is even bad than star at it directly with your eyes , magnify the sunlight to become even more likely of causing lasting damage ! Do n’t do it . you could purchase consecrate solar binoculars rated for the Sun , but make certain to get these from a trust brand / source if that ’s your program . Solar binoculars stymie over 99.9 % of incoming light , so you ’ll see nothing but black through them , except when pointing at the Sun . "
you’re able to , however , use a dedicated solar filter on regular field glasses for view a solar occultation . Just make trusted they are attached properly and have practiced adherence to prevent damaging your eyesight .
What are the best solar binoculars?
We retrieve the best solar opera glasses are Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars . These binoculars offer bully overstatement without requiring a tripod , they ’re well made , easy to utilise , and they come in at a fair price detail .
How long should solar binoculars last?
The filter inside older solar binoculars can disintegrate , so make trusted you scrutinize the lenses and the quality of your field glasses in general before you use them . If you ’re in doubt , do n’t use them , and look to grease one’s palms a novel pair .
new solar binoculars should last many years as long as they ’re well cared for . But again , be indisputable to always check their condition before using them to view the Sunday .
Are solar binoculars safe?
Yes , as long as they ’re used correctly and they have been manufactured to meet ISO 12312 - 2 specifications , solar opera glasses are dependable to view the sunlight with . Just make certain you check for any defects or job with the binoculars before you use them : You should only ever use solar opera glasses that are in excellent condition .
To essay them without deem them up to your eye and hazard injury , look at other object during the day — if you’re able to see anything other than the sun , they are n’t safe to expend .
What magnification solar binoculars should I choose?
We think 8x or 10x exaggeration is ideal for viewing a solar event . Weaker magnification wo n’t let you view as much detail , and stronger magnification will make it hard for you to nurse field glasses unbendable . If you do choose for something as powerful as 20x , you ’ll get some incredible sentiment , but you ’ll need to use a tripod to achieve them .
How we test the best solar binoculars
Where possible , our expert reviewers have tested solar opera glasses in real - earthly concern condition . Being plan entirely to expect at the sun , our commentator have used solar field glasses to view the details of the Sunday , along with solar consequence like annular , fond and total solar eclipses .
We ’ve checked that every set of solar opera glasses we advocate meet the required safety requirement , and we ensure that the body-build timbre of each twain of opera glasses is worthy of our testimonial . We also assess solar binoculars based on how easy they are to use , how easy they are to focus and how good their image timber is .
cost is also a condition when it comes to choosing the good solar field glasses . We consider if they put up estimable value for money based on what else is usable on the market .
