Who doesn’t love a good total solar eclipse, now that we know they’re not a portent of the world ending? The next one is on August 12 and these Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars are just what you need to observe the sun safely.
Get these Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars right now at Amazon for $100.
Our expert, Jamie Carter, awarded them four stars in his Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars review, praising their image quality and ease of use. But if you buy them, don’t put them away post-eclipse. I’ve become addicted to sungazing, zooming into our sun and observing its shifting sunspots. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how our star works and the turmoil going on beneath its visible surface. Pick these binoculars up and you could be as hooked as I am.
Jamie Carter
Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who has written extensively for Space, reviewing skywatching equipment, delving into the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses and much more.
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It doesn’t matter if you’re into regular solar observation, like I am, or just want to get a better view of the next total solar eclipse; safe sun observation is essential. You don’t want to be the one complaining that their eyes hurt after the eclipse, because you can do real permanent damage to them if you view the sun without protection.
These Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars are perfect for watching the sun, offering amazing image quality, thanks in part to their porro prisms. That does, as Jamie remarked in his Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 solar binoculars review, make them heavier, so they’d benefit from a tripod but you’ll still get great views handheld.
The solar filters are permanently attached, an important safety measure, and expert Jamie was able to use them to get clear views of sunspots, proving they have real utility beyond eclipse watching. They come with lens covers and a bag to both protect them and carry them around.
Key features: Porro prisms, 0.13 in / 3.3 mm exit pupil, 0.47 in / 12mm eye relief, 892g weight, 12x magnification, 50mm objective lenses, water resistant
Price history: Amazon hasn’t actually sold these at $130 in a long time, but it’s still a good deal and cheaper than Celestron’s own price.
Price comparison: Amazon: $100 | Celestron: $130
Reviews consensus: In our Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 review, expert Jamie Carter remarked that they were “A wise choice if you’re after something serious that will last beyond the next eclipse,” praising their image quality, though remarking they’d benefit from the addition of a tripod. Its Amazon reviews are similarly positive again, with some remarking on its weight.
Space: ★★★★
Featured in guides: Best solar binoculars
✅ Buy it if: You want a close-up view of the sun, during and after August’s eclipse.
❌ Don’t buy it if: You intend children to use these; they’re too heavy or have little hands. Consider eclipse glasses instead.