It’s been less than one week since Elon Musk’s Space X successfully launched its ninth space shuttle, and the event was viewed by hundreds of millions of people from all over the world. However, the people who were there for the launch had the best view. If you love space and you want to make sure that you don’t miss out on any details when the next launch event takes place, then you have arrived at the right website to find the best binoculars for watching a space shuttle launch.
There are a handful of key features that a pair of binoculars need to have in order to work great on space shuttle launches, and today, we are going to show you the top five that meet all the requirements. We are also going to present a detailed buying guide that will teach all you need to know about binocular specs and features. With that said, let’s get right into it.
Best Binoculars for Watching a Space Shuttle Launch of 2020
Vortex Optics Crossfire
We are going to kick it off with a premium pair of binoculars that are renowned for the crystal-clear image clarity that they provide. We are talking about the Vortex Optics Crossfire binoculars that feature a 12x magnification power and a lens diameter of 50mm that presents an exceptional resolution.
Since this is a premium product, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the optics are fully, multi-coated to increase their light transmission. Not just that, but the optics are also equipped with anti-reflective coatings so that you can get a clear view of the space shuttle launch even if the light emitted from the rocket engines is blinding everyone else.
Vortex used Roof prisms in the design of the binoculars, and thanks to this, the image quality of the Vortex Optics Crossfire is always going to be crisp. You also get a center focus wheel that allows you to quickly adjust the focus of both barrels simultaneously so that you can track the space shuttle as it is leaving the atmosphere.
Even though space shuttles are not launched when it rains, it’s still nice to know that the Vortex Optics Crossfire binoculars are fog and waterproof. Therefore, you can use them for various activities.
- Roof prisms;
- High-resolution images;
- Fully, multi-coated optics;
- Rubberized armor;
- Fog and waterproof;
- 12x magnification power;
- Non-slip grip.
Cons:
- The price is quite high.
Nikon Prostaff 3S
If you are searching for binoculars that are perfect for all outdoor activities, including viewing space shuttle launches, then you can’t go wrong with the Nikon Prostaff 3S. What makes these binoculars stand out is their versatility. You can bring them on your next hunting trip or bird watching, and their performance is always going to be excellent.
Nikon has pledged to help protect the environment, and this is why these binoculars use Eco-Friendly glass. The optics are multi-coated to enhance the visible spectrum and take the light transmittance to the next level. Therefore, the binoculars work very well in low light conditions.
Space shuttle launches last for a couple of hours, and thus, a regular pair of binoculars will get uncomfortable, and your hands might get shaky. Fortunately, this is not going to be a problem if you go for the Nikon Prostaff 3S. The reason behind this is that these binoculars are equipped with turn-and-slide rubber eyecups that give you total control over the eye relief.
The ergonomic design feels good, and the 4.8 ounces weight ensures that your hands don’t start hurting on extended viewing sessions. We also want to mention that the magnification power of these binoculars is 10x. This is good news because you will be able to watch the space shuttle right until the moment that it leaves our planet.
Pros:
- 10x magnification power;
- Ergonomic design;
- The binoculars weight in at only 4.8 ounces;
- Multi-coated optics;
- Great image quality;
- The optics are made from Eco-Friendly glass;
- The binoculars are great for all outdoor events.
Cons:
- We didn’t find any.
Stellax Zoom Binoculars
On the third spot, we have the amazing binoculars from Stellax. The image quality offered by this product is the best in its price range, and as proof of that, the optics are fully, multi-coated. This is a feature that you only find on premium binoculars that have double the price of the Stellax Zoom Binoculars.
Nonetheless, these binoculars ship with a rubberized armor that is going to keep the optics safe at all times. Not just that, but the rubberized armor also provides a non-slip grip and makes the binoculars feel comfortable in your hands.
The manufacturers used Roof prisms for the lenses. Therefore, the binoculars provide sharp imagery that is going to show you all the details on the design of SpaceX’s Falcon space shuttles. To make things even better, the binoculars weigh in at only 546 grams. Considering the sturdy and durable design, the weight of these binoculars is quite impressive.
Another useful feature that is worth highlighting is that the Stellax Zoom Binoculars feature a smartphone adapter. You can use the 10X magnification power of the binoculars to snap amazing photos from the next space shuttle launch event and post them on social media.
Pros:
- Great price;
- Rubberized armor;
- Non-slip grip;
- Ergonomic and lightweight design;
- 10x magnification power;
- Waterproof;
- Free smartphone adapter;
- Roof prisms.
Cons:
- We didn’t find any.
Adasion 12×42 Binoculars
The Adasion 12×42 Binoculars prove to us that a product that sells for a budget-friendly price doesn’t need to compromise on features and powerful specifications. These binoculars use Roof prisms that are made from the highest-quality barium crown glass and paired with multi-layer achromatic learning lenses.
Therefore, the optics of the Adasion 12×42 Binoculars are fully, multi-coated, and their performance in low light conditions is excellent. The large 42 lens diameter ensures that your field of view is good enough so that you can enjoy the full space shuttle launch experience from start to finish. In fact, the Adasion 12×42 Binoculars feature a 367 feet field of view at 1,000 yards. If this isn’t impressive enough, then you should know that the magnification power of the binoculars is 12x.
The wide field of view and considerable magnification power of the Adasion 12×42 Binoculars makes them ideal for observing objects at long distances. You will be able to track the rockets through every step of the way. Just like the product featured above, these binoculars are bundled with a free smartphone adapter. The adapter uses a quick alignment system that is compatible with all modern smartphones.
The last thing that we want to highlight is that these binoculars are fog and waterproof. Your view is never going to be hazy, even if it is scorching hot or raining outside.
Pros:
- Great price;
- Fully, multi-coated optics;
- Fog and waterproof;
- Roof prisms;
- 12x magnification power;
- Wide field of view at 1,000 yards;
- Free smartphone adapter.
Cons:
- The binoculars do not include a tripod adapter.
Celstron Outland X
The Celestron Outland X is a fantastic pair of binoculars that stands out from the pack with the premium bundle of features that it offers. The binoculars impress us with the Roof prisms and multi-coated optics that provide an excellent resolution and high contrast view. The color fidelity of the optics is enhanced so that you can observe objects at very far distances. Due to this, the Celestron Outland X binoculars are ideal for space shuttle launches, stargazing, and birdwatching. The eyecups can be adjusted to find the most comfortable position when using prescription glasses or sunglasses. Furthermore, the binoculars are well-protected by a rubberized armor that features a rugged exterior and shock absorption.
These binoculars feature such a high-quality build that the manufacturer is confident enough to offer a lifetime warranty and unlimited access to technical support. Therefore, the Celestron Outland X binoculars are guaranteed to last for the years to come. Moreover, the binoculars are bundled with a neck strap, objective lens cap, eyepiece rain-guard, durable carrying case, dedicated lens cloth, and an instruction manual that will show you how to maximize their efficiency. Additionally, the magnification power of the binoculars is 10x. You can also get them in an 8x version with the same 42mm lens objective.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag;
- Excellent resolution;
- High contrast view;
- Fog and waterproof;
- You get a bunch of extra accessories;
- Lifetime warranty;
- Available in 10x or 8x magnification power;
- Premium build;
- Sturdy exterior design.
Cons:
- The binoculars are a bit heavy.
Buying Guide for the Best Binoculars for Watching a Space Shuttle Launch
What makes finding the best binoculars for watching a space shuttle launch is knowing what features and specifications to look for. Here is where our buying guide comes in. Check out the most important features that a pair of binoculars has to feature to be considered a good choice for watching a space shuttle launch.
- The Size
One mistake that most people make when buying binoculars is that they go for the biggest products they can find, thinking that the bigger, the better. This is not always the case, especially when watching space shuttle launches that last for quite a while. You should go for a lightweight pair of binoculars that you can hold for extended sessions without having to worry about shaky hands.
- Lens Coating
An essential feature that a good pair of binocular needs to offer in order to work great when watching space shuttle launches is lens coating. This feature enhances image clarity, color fidelity, and also keeps your eyes safe. The best type of coated optics is called fully, multi-coated. Even though this type of binoculars is a bit more expensive, the investment is worth it.
- Magnification Power
You don’t want to miss out on any details when watching rockets leaving the planet, and this is why the magnification power plays such a vital role. Your best bet is to go for a pair of binoculars that feature a mid-range magnification power such as the Stellax Zoom Binoculars that deliver an excellent image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the space shuttle launch?
We think it’s safe to say that witnessing a live space shuttle launch is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. The experience is fantastic, and the view is simply jaw-dropping. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the place that you want to visit to get the closest public viewing of rocket launches.
How do I maintain my binoculars?
Generally, the only thing that you need to do is to keep your binoculars in a carrying pouch or hard case to protect them and to prevent dust from settling on the lenses. However, you also should regularly clean the lenses to make sure that they don’t have any smudges that can ruin your viewing experience. This is best done with a dedicated lens cloth, such as the one offered for free in the Celestron Outland X package.
Do I need to mount my binoculars to a tripod?
The quick answer is no. However, you might want to use a tripod on your next space shuttle launch because it will improve the image stability. Your hands will no longer get tired, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. We do need to mention that not all binoculars feature a free tripod adapter.
What is meant by pocket-size binoculars?
Brands advertise their binoculars are pocket-size when they sport a compact design that is small enough to fit into the pocket of your pants. Pocket-size binoculars are usually light and more affordable because they do not ship with many features or a wide lens diameter.
What binoculars are the strongest?
There are lots of strong binoculars, and all of the ones reviewed above are an excellent choice for watching a space shuttle launch. If you are looking to get the most powerful one, then you should go for the Vortex Optics Crossfire that ships with a 12x magnification power.