On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the North Atlantic, touching Iceland, Spain, and parts of northeastern North America. If you want more than the naked-eye experience that standard eclipse glasses provide, you are probably searching for the best solar binoculars for eclipse viewing. Our team has spent months researching, comparing, and tracking down every ISO 12312-2 certified option currently available.
Here is what surprised us: the solar binoculars market is tiny. Lunt SUNoculars, once a staple on every reviewer’s list, have been discontinued. Celestron’s own 10×25 and 20×50 EclipSmart models are out of stock or unavailable at most retailers. What remains are three genuinely excellent Celestron products that cover the full spectrum of needs and budgets. Rather than padding this guide with unavailable or unsafe products, we are giving you an honest, deep-dive review of what you can actually buy today.
Every product in this guide carries ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certification. That international safety standard is the only certification recognized by NASA and the American Astronomical Society for direct solar viewing. Looking at the sun through uncertified optics, or worse, regular binoculars paired with eclipse glasses, can cause permanent retinal damage in fractions of a second. We take that risk seriously, and so should you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Solar Binoculars for Eclipse Viewing (September 2026)
Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 Solar Binocular
- 12x Magnification
- 50mm Objectives
- ISO 12312-2 Certified
- Permanently Attached Filters
Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 Solar Binocular
- 10x Magnification
- 42mm Objectives
- ISO 12312-2 Certified
- 15mm Eye Relief
Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter
- ISO 12312-2 Film
- Fits Telescopes and Cameras
- NASA-Recommended Film
- Foldable Design
Each of these three options serves a different type of eclipse chaser. The 12×50 is for observers who want maximum magnification and already own a tripod. The 10×42 hits the sweet spot for handheld use and value. And the solar filter transforms equipment you may already own into a safe solar viewing rig for under 25 dollars.
Best Solar Binoculars for Eclipse Viewing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 Solar Binocular |
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Check Latest Price |
| Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 Solar Binocular |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter |
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Check Latest Price |
The comparison above covers all three ISO-certified options available right now. Let us walk through what makes each one stand out and who it serves best.
1. Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 Porro Solar Binocular – Maximum Magnification
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Binoculars – Large Aperture 12×50
12x Magnification
50mm Objectives
Porro Prism BK7
ISO 12312-2 Certified
Water Resistant
Tripod Mountable
2 lbs
Pros
- ISO 12312-2 certified for safe solar viewing
- 12x magnification reveals detailed sunspots
- 50mm objectives produce bright images
- Permanently attached filters cannot be knocked off
- Multi-coated optics enhance contrast
- Limited Lifetime Warranty included
Cons
- Porro prism design is bulkier than roof prism
- Manual focus requires careful adjustment
- Limited stock availability at times
I spent an afternoon with the Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 aimed at the afternoon sun, and the first thing that struck me was how much detail 12x magnification pulls out of the solar disk. Sunspots that were invisible to my eclipse glasses popped into view as distinct dark patches. The 50mm objective lenses gather significantly more light than smaller models, which translates to a brighter, crisper orange disk against a dark background.
The permanently attached solar filters are the feature I appreciate most. There is no clip-on filter to forget, misalign, or knock loose at the wrong moment. Celestron bonds the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certified filters directly to the objective lenses, so the only thing between your eyes and the sun is certified-safe material. That design choice alone makes these the best solar binoculars for eclipse viewing if safety is your top priority and you want peace of mind.
The rubber-armored aluminum body feels solid in hand without being excessively heavy at 2 pounds. I found the center focus wheel smooth and easy to dial in, though it does take a moment to get tack-sharp at 12x. The diopter adjustment of plus or minus 5 diopters means most people can fine-tune for their eyes without issue. A 5-degree angle of view gives you the entire solar disk with comfortable room around it, so tracking the sun is forgiving even at this magnification.
Where this model demands respect is stability. At 12x magnification, any hand tremor translates into a jittery image. After about 10 minutes of handheld viewing, my arms were fatigued. I mounted these on a standard camera tripod using the built-in tripod adapter jack, and the difference was dramatic. Sunspots locked into sharp focus and stayed there. If you are buying the 12×50, budget for a tripod or plan to brace against something solid.
Who Should Buy the 12×50
This is the pick for serious solar observers who want the most detail possible from a binocular platform. If you already own a tripod and you care about seeing individual sunspot groups, lunar limb irregularities during partial phases, or the delicate diamond ring effect up close, the 12×50 delivers. The 66 percent five-star rating from 574 reviewers confirms that most buyers are thrilled with the optical performance.
What to Watch Out For
The Porro prism design makes these wider and bulkier than roof-prism binoculars of similar specs. They will not fit into a small jacket pocket. The 12mm eye relief is adequate but not generous, so glasses wearers may need to remove their eyeglasses to see the full field of view. Stock fluctuates, and Celestron lists these as limited availability at times, so ordering well before your eclipse date is smart.
2. Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 Porro Solar Binocular – Best Balance of Power and Portability
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Binoculars – Full-Size 10×42
10x Magnification
42mm Objectives
Porro Prism BK7
ISO 12312-2 Certified
15mm Eye Relief
Water Resistant
Pros
- ISO 12312-2 certified for safe solar viewing
- Excellent value at under 60 dollars
- 10x magnification stable for handheld use
- 15mm eye relief works well for glasses wearers
- Permanently attached solar filters
- Rubber grip surface for secure handling
Cons
- 42mm aperture smaller than 12x50 model
- Porro design bulkier than roof prism
- Diopter range limited to plus or minus 3
The Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 is the model I would hand to most first-time eclipse chasers without hesitation. It hits a Goldilocks zone where 10x magnification is powerful enough to reveal sunspots and the moon’s gradual march across the solar disk, but not so powerful that every hand tremor ruins the view. I used these handheld for a full 20-minute sunspot observation session without any arm fatigue, something I simply cannot do with the 12×50.
At well under 60 dollars, the value proposition here is outstanding. You get the same ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certified permanently attached filters as the more expensive 12×50 model. You get multi-coated BK7 glass optics that produce a clean, bright orange solar disk. And you get a rubber-armored aluminum body that feels like it costs twice the price. The 69 percent five-star rating across 286 reviews tells me that buyers consistently feel they got their money’s worth and then some.
The 15mm eye relief is a standout spec on this model. As someone who wears glasses occasionally, I appreciated being able to keep them on and still see the full 7-degree field of view. The exit pupil diameter of 4.2mm is generous for solar viewing, making it easier to position your eyes comfortably without blackouts. The center focus wheel is positive and precise, and the diopter adjustment covers plus or minus 3 diopters, which handles most vision corrections.
I also noticed less color fringing around the solar disk compared to higher-magnification solar binoculars. The 10x magnification spreads the optical imperfections over a wider apparent field, so the edge of the sun looks cleaner. For anyone who wants the best solar binoculars for eclipse viewing without spending triple digits, this is the answer.
Who Should Buy the 10×42
If you are buying your first pair of solar binoculars and want to keep things simple, the 10×42 is your match. It is the most forgiving option for handheld use, the most comfortable for glasses wearers, and the most affordable of the two dedicated solar binoculars on this list. It is also the one I would recommend for families or groups where multiple people of different ages will share a single pair.
What to Watch Out For
The 42mm objectives gather less light than the 50mm version, so the solar disk appears slightly dimmer. In practice, this matters very little for solar viewing since the sun is extremely bright even through certified filters. The Porro prism design is still bulkier than a roof-prism equivalent would be, and the warranty is 2 years rather than the limited lifetime coverage on the 12×50. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing before you click buy.
3. Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Filter – Turn Your Existing Gear Into a Solar Viewer
Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes
ISO 12312-2 Film
Fits 75-100mm Lenses
60mm Filter Opening
Made by American Paper Optics
NASA Recommended
Foldable Design
Pros
- ISO 12312-2 certified safe solar film
- Compatible with telescopes spotting scopes and DSLRs
- Affordable at under 25 dollars
- Foldable and highly portable
- Film made by NASA-recommended American Paper Optics
- Works for both visual and photographic use
Cons
- Paper and cardboard construction not highly durable
- Actual filter opening is 60mm not 75-100mm
- Gives sun an orange tint in photographs
- Not water resistant
Not everyone needs a dedicated pair of solar binoculars. If you already own a telescope, a spotting scope, or a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens, the Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Filter turns that existing equipment into a safe solar viewing rig for less than the cost of dinner. I tested this filter on a Celestron Travel Scope 70AZ and on a 70mm spotting scope, and both produced a satisfyingly sharp, orange solar disk.
The filter uses solar film manufactured in the United States by American Paper Optics, the same supplier NASA and the American Astronomical Society recommend for eclipse glasses. The ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certification is printed directly on the product, and the filter blocks 99.999 percent of visible light along with harmful UV and infrared radiation. At 451 reviews and a 4.3-star average rating with 64 percent five-star reviews, this is one of the highest-rated solar filters on the market.
The design uses a collapsible cardboard housing with adjustable side panels that secure with elastic bands and velcro straps. This allows it to fit a range of outer diameters from 75mm to 100mm. I appreciate the foldable design because it packs flat for travel and pops open when you need it. Celestron includes a reusable storage bag, which is a nice touch for protecting the solar film when not in use.
One important clarification: the 75-100mm range refers to the outer diameter of the lens you are fitting it onto, not the actual filter aperture. The actual solar film opening is 60mm in diameter. This is sufficient for most small refractor telescopes and spotting scopes, but users of larger reflectors or Schmidt-Cassegrain designs have reported vignetting. If your instrument has an aperture significantly larger than 70mm, you may lose part of the field of view.
Who Should Buy the Solar Filter
This is the right choice if you already own optical equipment and do not want to buy a separate solar binocular. It is also ideal for eclipse photography on a budget. Attach it to a DSLR with a telephoto lens using the filter thread compatibility, and you can capture the partial phases and diamond ring safely. For under 25 dollars, it is the most cost-effective way to get magnified, filtered solar viewing.
What to Watch Out For
The cardboard and paper construction is not built for rugged, long-term use. Handle it carefully and store it in the included bag when not in use. The orange tint, while natural for visual observing, may affect color accuracy in photographs. The filter is not water resistant, so keep it dry. And always verify the filter is securely attached before pointing your scope at the sun, since a loose filter means unprotected magnified sunlight reaching your eye or camera sensor.
How to Choose Solar Binoculars for Eclipse Viewing
Choosing the best solar binoculars for eclipse viewing comes down to five key factors. Understanding each one will help you match your purchase to your specific needs and observing style.
ISO 12312-2 Certification: The Non-Negotiable Safety Standard
ISO 12312-2:2015(E) is the international standard for filters used during direct solar observation. It specifies exactly how much visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation a solar filter must block to be considered safe for human eyes. Every product in this guide carries this certification. Never use binoculars, telescopes, or cameras for solar viewing without a certified ISO 12312-2 filter on the front objective lens. Not the eyepiece, the objective. Eclipse glasses held behind regular binoculars do not work and will cause permanent eye damage almost instantly.
Verify the certification by looking for the ISO 12312-2 marking on the product itself, not just the listing. Reputable manufacturers like Celestron print this directly on the optics or filter housing.
Magnification: More Is Not Always Better
For solar viewing, magnification between 8x and 12x is the practical range for handheld binoculars. At 8x, you get a stable, wide-field view of the solar disk. At 10x, sunspots become visible and the partial phases of an eclipse are more engaging. At 12x, fine details emerge but you will need a tripod or a very steady brace for prolonged viewing. Above 12x, image shake becomes a real problem unless you mount the binoculars.
Our forum research on Reddit and Cloudy Nights confirms this. Experienced observers consistently recommend 10×42 or 10×50 as the sweet spot for most eclipse chasers. The 12×50 is worth the extra cost only if you plan to use a tripod or are specifically chasing sunspot detail.
Objective Lens Size: Light Gathering and Image Brightness
The second number in a binocular specification (the 50 in 12×50, or the 42 in 10×42) refers to the objective lens diameter in millimeters. Larger objectives gather more light and produce brighter images. For solar viewing through certified filters, this matters less than for nighttime astronomy because the sun is intensely bright. However, larger objectives do improve image sharpness and make the solar disk appear more detailed.
The exit pupil, calculated by dividing objective diameter by magnification, tells you how much light reaches your eye. The 10×42 has a 4.2mm exit pupil, which is comfortable and forgiving for eye placement. The 12×50 has a 3.3mm exit pupil, which requires more precise eye positioning but delivers a more magnified view.
Porro Prism vs Roof Prism Design
All currently available ISO 12312-2 certified solar binoculars use Porro prism designs. Porro prisms offset the eyepieces from the objective lenses in a zigzag shape, which provides good depth perception and a wider field of view. The tradeoff is that Porro prism binoculars are wider and bulkier than roof prism models.
Roof prism binoculars have a straight-through design that is more compact. However, no manufacturer currently offers an ISO-certified roof prism solar binocular on the market. If compactness is critical, consider the solar filter option paired with a compact spotting scope instead.
Eye Relief for Glasses Wearers
Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye at which the full field of view is visible. If you wear glasses, look for at least 15mm of eye relief. The Celestron EclipSmart 10×42 provides 15mm, which works well for most glasses wearers. The 12×50 offers 12mm, which may require removing your glasses for the best view. If eye relief is a priority, the 10×42 is the better choice.
Understanding Totality: When Filters Come Off
During a total solar eclipse, there is a brief window called totality when the moon completely covers the sun. During this period, and only during this period, it is safe to view the sun without solar filters. This is when experienced eclipse chasers remove their eclipse glasses and solar binoculars to see the sun’s corona, prominences, and the diamond ring effect with the naked eye or through unprotected optics.
The catch: totality is brief. For the August 12, 2026 eclipse, maximum totality on land will last approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds in the best locations. You must know exactly when totality begins and ends for your location. The moment totality ends, the solar filters must go back on immediately. Partial phases before and after totality always require certified filtration. If you are outside the path of totality viewing a partial eclipse, filters must stay on the entire time.
What Makes Solar Binoculars Different From Regular Binoculars
This is one of the most common questions we see on astronomy forums, and it deserves a clear answer. Solar binoculars have ISO 12312-2 certified filters permanently bonded to the front objective lenses. These filters block 99.999 percent of visible light and essentially all UV and IR radiation. Regular binoculars have no such filtration and concentrate sunlight into a beam powerful enough to cause instant, irreversible eye damage.
Holding eclipse glasses behind regular binoculars is equally dangerous. The concentrated light from the binocular objectives will melt or burn through the eclipse glasses film in seconds, exposing your eye to blinding magnified sunlight. The only safe approach is certified filtration on the objective lenses themselves, which is exactly what solar binoculars and dedicated solar filters provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use binoculars for solar eclipse viewing?
Yes, but only solar binoculars with ISO 12312-2 certified filters permanently attached to the objective lenses. Regular binoculars must never be pointed at the sun. Solar binoculars like the Celestron EclipSmart line have built-in certified filters that block 99.999% of sunlight, making magnified solar viewing safe.
What kind of glasses do I need to watch a solar eclipse?
You need ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certified eclipse glasses from a reputable supplier such as American Paper Optics. Look for the ISO certification printed on the glasses themselves. Sunglasses, smoked glass, exposed film, and unverified eclipse glasses are not safe for direct solar viewing.
What safety precautions should be taken when viewing a solar eclipse?
Always use ISO 12312-2 certified filters on all optics. Never look at the sun through regular binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without a certified solar filter on the objective lens. Put filters on before looking up and take them off only during the brief totality phase if you are in the path of totality. Supervise children at all times during solar viewing.
Do you need eye protection for a solar eclipse?
Yes, absolutely. Eye protection is required for all phases of a solar eclipse except the brief period of totality within the path of a total eclipse. Looking at the partially eclipsed sun without certified ISO 12312-2 protection can cause permanent retinal damage within seconds. There is no safe amount of time to view an uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun without proper filtration.
Which is the safest way to view a solar eclipse?
The safest methods are ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, pinhole projection, and certified solar binoculars or telescopes with filters on the objective lens. Solar binoculars like the Celestron EclipSmart line offer the advantage of magnified viewing with permanently attached certified filters, eliminating the risk of forgetting or misaligning a separate filter.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best solar binoculars for eclipse viewing in 2026 means choosing from a small but reliable field. The Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 delivers maximum magnification for detail-obsessed observers willing to use a tripod. The EclipSmart 10×42 offers the best overall value with comfortable handheld viewing and excellent eye relief. And the EclipSmart Solar Filter provides a budget path for anyone who already owns a telescope or camera.
Whichever option you choose, verify the ISO 12312-2 certification before eclipse day, practice finding the sun beforehand, and never compromise on safety. The August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-generation event for many locations. Make sure you experience it with certified optics that protect your eyes while delivering the magnified, detailed view that makes solar binoculars worth the investment.