Nestled in Far North Queensland, Mt Mulligan Lodge has a breathtaking view of the black velvet night sky — and it’s one of the best places for stargazing in the country, free from light pollution. If you’re planning a stay at the secluded luxury outback lodge and want to spend some time exploring the galaxy above, we highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to discover the constellations, stars, and planets of the southern night sky.
Just like cameras, binoculars have specific specs and features that set each pair apart. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best astronomy binoculars.
Table of contents:
- How do binoculars work?
- What to look for in astronomy binoculars
- The best binoculars for stargazing
- 5 stargazing tips for beginners
How do binoculars work?
All binoculars are identified by two numbers with an "x" in between — such as 10x50 or 8x42. The first number refers to the magnification the binoculars offer. So, a pair of 10x50 binoculars will make objects appear 10 times closer than they do with the naked eye.
The second number is the diameter of the objective (front) lens in millimetres. The larger the number, the more light the binoculars gather — producing a brighter, clearer image. Binoculars with large objective lenses perform well in low light, making them ideal for stargazing and other after-dark activities.
Binoculars are also classified by the type of prism used in their design. Porro prism binoculars are the most common — their offset barrel design gathers light effectively and produces a clear, detailed image, though they can be bulky. Roof prism binoculars have a straight-through design that makes them more compact and travel-friendly, with the same optical quality. The trade-off is cost — roof prism designs are more complex to manufacture.
What to look for in astronomy binoculars
When shopping for stargazing binoculars, there are four main specs to consider.
Lens size. Since stargazing is a nighttime activity, you need binoculars that gather plenty of light. Opt for objective lenses of 50mm or larger for the clearest, most detailed views. The most popular sizes for astronomy are 10x50, 12x50, 15x50, and 20x60.
Magnification. The right magnification depends on what you want to see. For wide-field views of large sky regions, 8x is sufficient. For closer looks at stars, planets, and comets, 10x–20x is a better choice. Keep in mind that higher magnification amplifies hand shake, so a tripod becomes increasingly important above 12x.
Field of view (FOV). This is the width of sky visible through your binoculars, measured in degrees. A wider FOV makes it easier to scan the sky and locate objects — particularly useful for beginners.
Other useful features. Look for a tripod mount adapter if you plan to use higher magnifications for extended sessions. If you wear glasses, prioritise binoculars with long eye relief — this ensures you can see the full field of view without removing your glasses.
The best binoculars for stargazing
With those specs in mind, here are our top picks at three price points:
- For the beginner: Bushnell 10x50 Powerview 2.0 Binoculars — an affordable, capable entry point with a large 50mm objective lens and solid light-gathering performance.
- For the seasoned stargazer: Nikon 12x50 Aculon A211 Binoculars — a step up in magnification and optical quality, ideal for those ready to explore deeper into the night sky.
- For the serious observer: Pentax 10x50 SP Binoculars — a premium, phase-corrected roof prism design with exceptional clarity and a robust, weather-resistant build.
5 stargazing tips for beginners
Now that you know what to look for, here’s how to make the most of your stargazing session.
1. Find a good vantage point. Before nightfall, survey your surroundings and find a spot with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky — free from buildings, trees, and power lines. Getting up high helps. Chat to the team at Mt Mulligan Lodge for their recommended stargazing spots on the property.
2. Choose a clear, calm night. Cloud cover and stormy weather will prevent you from seeing the stars clearly. Check the forecast and plan your session around the best conditions — ideally a moonless night for the darkest skies.
3. Download a stargazing app. Apps like Stellarium or SkySafari let you track lunar events, identify constellations in real time, and plan your session around key celestial events like meteor showers or planetary alignments.
4. Set simple goals. Like photography, stargazing takes practice. Start by locating easy targets — the Moon, Jupiter, or the Southern Cross — before working your way to fainter objects. Familiarity with your binoculars will come quickly.
5. Keep your binoculars clean. Pack a lens cleaning kit to safely remove dust and smudges from your optics. A microfibre cloth and a blower brush are the essentials — avoid wiping lenses dry without blowing loose particles off first.
All images copyright © Sean Scott Photography.
Browse our range of astronomy binoculars
Whether you’re heading to the outback or want to appreciate the night sky from your own backyard, a good pair of astronomy binoculars will open up the universe. Shop our full range of binoculars online, or visit your local Ted’s Cameras store and our team will help you find the right pair.