The March 29 partial solar eclipse is just days away now, and while viewing an eclipse with solar safe glasses is a great budget option that will protect your eyes, you might want something a little more robust to take a closer look at the sun, and the best solar binoculars are a perfect way to do just that.
We rated Celestron's EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars as one of the best pairs of binoculars for safe solar observing at their usual price of $87.95. Right now, they are even better value as you can pick them up with a $29 saving in this binoculars deal — so a terrific buy for viewing the partial solar eclipse on March 29.
Buy the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar Binoculars for just $58.95 at Amazon.
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Front view of binoculars standing on wooden platform in front of foliage
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 are a fantastic option for safe sun viewing.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Close-up view of eyepieces
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Close-up view of solar safe label
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Close-up view of the filters on the lenses
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
A rear side profile of the binocularsin hand
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Side rear view of binoculars in front of foliage
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
The Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar is a great pair of binoculars for anyone new to sungazing and wanting to get great views of the partial eclipse without shelling out too much. As the name suggests, these are great binoculars for safe observation of the sun and feature Celestron Solar Safe filter technology – which conforms to the ISO international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the Sun, as we mentioned in our full Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 review.
At full price, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 Solar is excellent value, but with 33% off the usual price in this deal, it's hard to beat. The build quality on these binoculars is good too, constructed from a lightweight aluminum frame with a weather-resistant rubber finish that enhances grip and provides protection. There's also a Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty.
Key features: Easy to use, solar-safe tech that meets ISO 12312-2:2015, Lightweight design,
Price history: These binoculars have been as low as $42, but that was in 2018 and this is the lowest price we've seen this year. With only a few days until the partial solar eclipse, we think this is a great time to buy them.
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Reviews consensus: These sun-safe binoculars are easy to get started with, making them a great choice for beginners — especially at this price. Amazon reviewers have been overwhelmingly positive on the Celestron EclipSmart, and they get an aggregate score of 4.1 out of 5 from almost 300 ratings, with 63% of reviewers giving the binoculars top marks.
Live Science:★★★★½ Space:★★★★
Buy them if: You want binoculars, something more substantial than a pair of solar glasses, but don't want to spend too much.
Don't buy them if: You're an experienced sungazer and want something with larger objective lenses and greater magnification. The EclipSmart 12x50 Solar Binoculars would be a great choice for that.