Best Binoculars for Solar Eclipse Viewing

On April 8, 2024, nature will treat us to a rare and awe-inspiring event: the Great American Eclipse 2024. As the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow across the continent, skygazers will have the opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest sights up close. To make the most of this extraordinary event, it’s essential to have the right equipment on hand, including a pair of reliable binoculars for solar viewing.

When it comes to observing a solar eclipse, safety should always be the top priority. Looking directly at the sun without adequate eye protection can cause serious and permanent damage to your vision. Therefore, it’s crucial to use certified solar filters or eclipse glasses whenever viewing the sun, whether with binoculars or the naked eye.

When selecting binoculars for solar viewing during the Great North American Solar Eclipse, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Solar Filters: Ensure that the binoculars you choose are equipped with built-in solar filters or have the option to attach solar filters securely. These filters are essential for protecting your eyes from the intense brightness of the sun’s rays and allowing for safe observation of solar phenomena such as eclipses.
2. Magnification and Aperture: Opt for binoculars with moderate magnification and aperture to strike the right balance between detail and field of view. A magnification of around 8x to 12x is typically recommended for solar observing, as it provides sufficient zoom without sacrificing image stability. Similarly, an aperture of around 40mm to 50mm is ideal for capturing clear and bright images of the sun.
3. Durability and Portability: Since eclipse viewing often involves outdoor settings, choose binoculars that are ruggedly built and weather-resistant. Look for models with a durable construction and rubber armor coating to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the binoculars, opting for a lightweight and compact design that is easy to carry and handle during extended viewing sessions.
4. Comfort and Ease of Use: Ergonomic features such as adjustable eyecups and a comfortable grip can greatly enhance the usability of binoculars during prolonged observation sessions. Look for models with a smooth focusing mechanism and user-friendly controls for effortless operation. Comfortable eye relief is also important, especially for those who wear glasses, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for all observers.
5. Price and Budget: Binoculars come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to consider your budget when making a purchase. While premium models may offer advanced features and superior optics, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options available that provide adequate performance for solar viewing. Evaluate your needs and priorities to find the right balance between price and performance.

As you prepare to witness the Great American Eclipse 2024, remember to plan ahead and equip yourself with the best binoculars for solar viewing. By prioritizing safety and considering the key factors outlined above, you can ensure a memorable and rewarding viewing experience as you witness one of nature’s most spectacular events unfold before your eyes.

Here you can read guide for buying safe certified solar glasses.

For solar observing by binoculars, you have two options:

1. If you already have binoculars, you should only acquire an appropriate filter for them.
2. If you don’t have binoculars, you can search for solar binoculars with built-in filters, often referred to as “Sunoculars.”

When purchasing a solar filter for binoculars, there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety and optimal viewing experience:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the solar filter is compatible with your specific binocular model. Some filters are designed to fit a range of binocular sizes, while others may be tailored to specific models or brands. Double-check compatibility before purchasing to avoid any issues with fitting or installation.
2. Quality and Certification: Look for solar filters that are made from high-quality, optical-grade materials that provide sufficient protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Ensure that the filter is certified for solar viewing and meets international safety standards, such as the ISO 12312-2 standard for solar filters. Certified filters provide reliable protection for your eyes during solar observation.
3. Solar Attenuation: Check the solar attenuation rating of the filter, which indicates the level of light transmission and reduction of solar brightness. Opt for filters with a high attenuation rating to ensure safe and comfortable viewing of the sun. Filters with a high level of attenuation will effectively reduce the intensity of sunlight without compromising image quality.
4. Type of Filter: Solar filters for binoculars come in different types, including full aperture filters, off-axis filters, and solar film sheets. Full-aperture filters cover the entire aperture of the binoculars and provide uniform solar viewing across the entire field of view. Off-axis filters, on the other hand, are positioned slightly off-center to reduce glare and improve contrast. Solar film sheets can be cut to size and attached directly to the front of the binoculars, providing a customizable and cost-effective solution.
5. Ease of Installation: Choose a solar filter that is easy to install and remove from your binoculars. Look for filters that attach securely to the front of the binoculars without the risk of slipping or falling off during use. Consider whether the filter comes with mounting hardware or attachment mechanisms that make installation straightforward and hassle-free.

By considering these factors when buying a solar filter for binoculars, you can ensure safe and enjoyable solar observation experiences while protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. Always prioritize safety and quality when selecting a solar filter to enhance your observation.

Find a certified solar filter:

Which one to choose?

The choice between using binoculars with a filter and solar binoculars with a built-in filter depends on various factors, including personal preferences, convenience, and intended use. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Binoculars with Filter:

1. Versatility: Binoculars with a filter allow you to use the same binoculars for both solar and terrestrial observation by attaching or removing the filter as needed. This versatility can be advantageous if you also enjoy birdwatching, stargazing, or other outdoor activities.
2. Customization: With binoculars and a separate filter, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of filter options, such as white light filters or specialized narrowband filters for specific solar features like hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha). This allows you to tailor your observing setup to your specific interests and preferences.
3. Cost: Purchasing binoculars and a separate filter may be more cost-effective than investing in dedicated solar binoculars with a built-in filter, especially if you already own binoculars that are suitable for solar observation.

Find the review of the best entry-level binoculars HERE.

Find the review of the best high-quality binoculars HERE.

Solar Binoculars with Built-in Filter:

1. Convenience: Solar binoculars with a built-in filter offer a convenient all-in-one solution for solar observation. There’s no need to worry about attaching or removing a separate filter, making them easy to use, especially for beginners.
2. Optimized Design: Solar binoculars with built-in filters are specifically designed and calibrated for safe solar viewing, ensuring reliable protection for your eyes without the risk of improper filter attachment or misalignment.
3. Peace of Mind: Dedicated solar binoculars with built-in filters provide peace of mind, knowing that the filter is an integral part of the binoculars’ design and construction. This can be reassuring for users concerned about safety and reliability during solar observation.

Built-in Binoculars

Lunt Sunoculars 8×32

Lunt Solar Systems’s sun viewing binoculars is available in regular and mini sizes. These sunoculars offer safe and thrilling views of eclipses, planetary transits, sunspots, and more for the whole family. With 100% safety and higher magnification than eclipse glasses, you and your kids can explore solar details with confidence.

Celestron EclipSmart 12×50

High-performance Celestron EclipSmart 10×25 solar binocular for eclipse and solar observation. ISO 12312-2 compliant non-removable glass solar filters for safe viewing. Compact and lightweight design for easy portability during outdoor activities. Wide 5.7-degree angle of view to fully capture the solar disk. Durable construction by Celestron, a trusted name in optics.

Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 Solar Binoculars

These binoculars ensure safe observation of the sun’s details. With multi-coated optics providing high contrast and true color images, along with powerful 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses for a wide field of view, you’ll capture every detail with clarity. Highly-rated and positively reviewed.

Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 Porro

Enjoy the Sun’s wonders with Celestron EclipSmart binoculars and immerse yourself in safe solar observation adventures.

In summary, both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your individual preferences, budget, and observing requirements. If versatility and customization are important to you, binoculars with a separate filter may be the preferred option. However, if convenience, ease of use, and peace of mind are top priorities, solar binoculars with a built-in filter may be the ideal choice.

Q&A: Using Solar Binoculars for Sun Eclipse Observing

Q: Can I use regular binoculars to view a solar eclipse? A: No, it is not safe to use regular binoculars for observing a solar eclipse without proper solar filters. Regular binoculars can magnify the sun’s intense light and heat, which can cause serious eye damage or even blindness. Always use solar binoculars equipped with certified solar filters for safe solar observation.

Q: How do solar binoculars protect my eyes during a solar eclipse? A: Solar binoculars are equipped with specialized solar filters that block out harmful solar radiation while allowing safe wavelengths of light to pass through. These filters effectively reduce the intensity of the sun’s light to a safe level, protecting your eyes from damage during solar observation.

Q: Can I use eclipse glasses instead of solar binoculars for observing a solar eclipse? A: Eclipse glasses are suitable for direct viewing of the sun during a solar eclipse, but they do not provide magnification or a detailed view of the sun’s features. Solar binoculars, on the other hand, offer magnified views of the sun with enhanced detail and clarity, making them ideal for observing solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar prominences, and the solar corona.

Q: How do I properly attach solar filters to my binoculars for eclipse viewing? A: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching solar filters to your binoculars carefully. Most solar filters are designed to fit securely over the front lenses of the binoculars, covering the entire aperture to ensure full protection. Ensure that the filters are firmly attached and securely fastened to prevent any gaps or slippage during observation.

Q: What should I do if I notice any damage or defects in my solar filters? A: If you notice any damage or defects in your solar filters, such as scratches, tears, or degradation, do not use them for solar observation. Damaged filters may compromise their effectiveness in blocking out harmful solar radiation, putting your eyes at risk. Replace damaged filters with new ones from a reputable manufacturer to ensure safe solar viewing.

Q: Can I share my solar binoculars with others during a solar eclipse? A: While it may be tempting to share the experience of observing a solar eclipse with others, it is essential to exercise caution and responsibility. Ensure that everyone observing through the binoculars is wearing certified eclipse glasses or using their own pair of solar binoculars with proper solar filters. Avoid sharing binoculars without adequate eye protection to prevent accidental exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for observing a solar eclipse with solar binoculars? A: Before observing a solar eclipse with solar binoculars, familiarize yourself with the proper handling and usage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Plan your viewing location, ensuring that you have a clear and unobstructed view of the sun. Practice setting up and aligning your binoculars with the sun ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable observing experience.

Observing a solar eclipse with solar binoculars can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and proper usage to protect your eyes and fully appreciate the wonders of the celestial event.