Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
4.0
From Bortle 5 Yorkshire: Core and inner halo clearly visible. Less extended than SkyMaster 15x70 but easier to hold steady.
Verdict: Very good — the wider field than a telescope shows the galaxy's true extent.
In-depth review
Olympus 10x50 Binoculars Review 2026: Best All-Round Astronomy Binoculars for UK Buyers?
Updated September 2026 · Written by the TelescopeReviews.co.uk test team
4.4/5 — RECOMMENDED
The Olympus 10x50 binoculars offer an excellent balance of portability and performance for UK astronomy. At 10x magnification, they are comfortable handheld for extended sessions — unlike the heavier 15x70 models. The 50mm aperture delivers bright, sharp views of star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way. An excellent all-round binocular for astronomy and daytime use.
- Buy if: You want comfortable handheld astronomy binoculars that also excel for daytime use
- Skip if: Maximum aperture for astronomy is the priority — the SkyMaster 15x70 gathers more light
Key Specifications
| Magnification | 10x |
|---|---|
| Objective lens | 50mm |
| Field of view | 6.5° |
| Eye relief | 13.5mm |
| Close focus | 5m |
| Coating | Multi-coated |
| Weight | 0.82kg |
| Waterproof | Weather resistant |
| Case | Included |
| UK warranty | 1 year |
Build Quality and Design
The Olympus 10x50 feels premium for its price. At 0.82kg — significantly lighter than the 1.26kg SkyMaster 15x70 — they are genuinely comfortable for 30+ minute handheld sessions. The rubber armoured body is weather resistant, handling UK light rain and dew without issues in our testing.
The 10x magnification is the key practical advantage — hand tremor is far less noticeable at 10x than 15x, making a tripod optional rather than essential for most astronomy sessions.
What We Saw Through the Eyepiece
Pleiades (M45)
5.0
All seven main stars plus dozens of fainter members. Wide field suits this target perfectly.
Verdict: Outstanding — one of the finest binocular targets.
Double Cluster (NGC 869/884)
5.0
Both clusters visible in the same wide field. Hundreds of individual stars visible.
Verdict: Spectacular — best result in our testing.
Milky Way
4.0
From Bortle 4 site: Star fields and dark nebulae visible. Slightly less impressive than 15x70 due to smaller aperture.
Verdict: Very good — still breathtaking from dark sites.
Moon
4.0
Full disc with good crater detail. More comfortable than 15x70 at this magnification.
Verdict: Good — comfortable and detailed.
Olympus 10x50 vs SkyMaster 15x70
| Feature | Olympus 10x50 | SkyMaster 15x70 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Similar | Similar | Draw |
| Aperture | 50mm | 70mm | SkyMaster |
| Magnification | 10x | 15x | SkyMaster (astronomy) |
| Weight | 0.82kg | 1.26kg | Olympus |
| Handheld comfort | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Tiring | Olympus |
| Tripod needed | Optional | Strongly recommended | Olympus |
| Deep-sky brightness | Good | Better | SkyMaster |
| Daytime use | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Heavy | Olympus |
| Versatility | ✅ Outstanding | ⚠️ Astronomy focused | Olympus |
Who Should Buy These Binoculars?
✅ YES — Buy if
- You want astronomy AND daytime versatility
- Handheld comfort is important
- Travel or hiking use intended
- You already have a telescope and want a lightweight companion
- Gift for a stargazer who also birdwatches
❌ NO — Consider alternatives if
- Maximum astronomy aperture → SkyMaster 15x70
- Budget is very tight → SkyMaster 15x70 often cheaper
- Premium optics → Nikon Aculon A211
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
More aperture, brighter astronomy views. Better for dedicated astronomy use with a tripod.
Nikon Aculon A211 10x50
Premium brand, excellent optics, similar specification — worth comparing current prices.