Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars w/Tripod Adapter

Product Description

Celestron's SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the special demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions. The 15x70 version is one of the most popular models in the series. It offers serious large aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration. Protective rubber covering for ultra-firm grip Large center focus know for easy focusing Tripod adapter included Long eye relief ideal for eyeglass wearers Carrying case included for travel and safe storage Celestron No Fault Warranty provides best protection and product support on the market Optical Design - Porro Diameter - 70 mm (2.76 in) Magnification - 15x Angular Field Of View - 4.4 degrees Linear Field Of View at 1000 YDS - 230.41 ft (70.23 m) Exit Pupil - 4.7 mm (0.19 in) Eye Relief - 18 mm (0.71 in) Near Focus (Binoculars) - 43 ft (13.11 m) Prisms - BAK-4 Optical Coatings - Multi-Coated Carrying Case - Nylon / Strap - Yes / Caps - Yes Water Resistant Tripod Adaptable - Yes Weight 48 oz (1360.78 g)

Amazon.com Review

Binoculars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes these days, and an even wider range of prices. It's easy to spend less than $100 or more than $500 for what may appear to be, at least outwardly, comparable models. While they may look the same, they are probably quite different on the inside.

Recently, the binocular market has seen a flood of giant binoculars at prices that were unheard of just a few years ago. In general, giant binoculars are defined as those that magnify the view 10 times or more and have 70-mm or larger front (objective) lenses. It used to be that the least expensive giant binoculars cost in excess of $150, even $200. All that changed not long ago, when the bottom fell out of the price cellar. Now, several companies import giant binoculars that sell for half that, or less.

Celestron's 15x70 SkyMaster binoculars are one of the leaders in the low-price giant binocular arena. They certainly sound good on paper. The SkyMasters include multicoated optics and BaK-4 internal prisms, two features that promise brighter, better images, and key points to look for when judging a pair of binoculars. They also come with an adapter for attaching them to a photo tripod, which is a must to use them to their fullest, and a soft carrying case. But just because they are cheap doesn't always mean they are worth the price. Would it be better to save up for a more expensive pair?

To find the answer, I had an opportunity recently to judge the SkyMasters against a pair of Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX binoculars , one of the finest pairs of giant binoculars sold today. Like the SkyMasters, the Fujinons feature BaK-4 prisms, but also have fully multicoated optics. As a general rule, superior coatings mean superior image sharpness and contrast. But then, that should be expected, given that the Fujinons cost many times more than the Celestrons.

While the Fujinons were clearly the better performer, the Celestron SkyMasters held up admirably. Image brightness, quality, and contrast were all remarkable considering their bargain price. Although images were a little soft across the outer 25% of the Celestron's field, the overall view was impressive nonetheless.

Some inexpensive binoculars have very sloppy focusing, causing the eyepieces to tilt and shift. Not so with the SkyMasters. I found that their center-focusing mechanism worked smoothly, with no apparently backlash or wobble. Eye relief (the distance you hold your eyes away from the eyepieces to see the full field) is stated to be 18 mm, a good distance for higher power binoculars and an important consideration if you must wear glasses when viewing. The SkyMasters are also light enough to support by hand for short periods of time, although buyers would be well advised to mount them on a sturdy photo tripod.

The bottom line is, if you are considering a pair of giant binoculars, whether for bird watching, stargazing, or another recreational use, and have a limited budget, Celestron's giant 15x70 SkyMasters represent an excellent value. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch

Pros:

Exceptional value for the price
Light enough to support by hand
BaK-4 prisms
Multicoated optics

Cons:

Outer 25% of the field is soft and a little blurry
Requires a tripod to use for extended periods

Customer Reviews:

A Good Buy.......2007-12-19

I gave these as a gift last year. Just got some for myself. These are really nice.

Good buy.......2007-12-18

These are a very good pair of binoculars foir this price. One tip: wash your hands after use. The outside coating seems to rub off a bitter tasting material that sticks to your hands after use.

very good binoculars!!.......2007-12-12

These are awesome binoculars! Very clear images of planets and stars. I looked at mars and I could clearly see the roundness of the planet just like the full moon. The only thing is, its hard to hold it steady with your hands. If you want a perfectly still image, you have to use a tripod of some kind.

These are a good bargin.......2007-12-10

I've had these for about 2 weeks. The set I have came undamaged in perfect working condition. The optic barrels seem to be aligned very well. They seem to be ruggedly made. The lens coatings are multi coated but I doubt it is a broad spectrum coating that you find on high end binoculars. But keep in mind these are not high priced high end binoculars.
Overall they give you a nice wide view with good brightness......precise fine adjustments are possible.
You would notice a difference in image quality if you compare these to a 300 dollar binocular.
But I find these are pretty good and well worth the price that Amazon is asking. Especially with Free shipping its a very good bargain.
One reviewer mentioned holding these with one hand on the front of one barrel. Which helps to stabilize the 15x magnification.
These are best used on a tripod. When mounted on a tripod you can get very good stable viewing. For short periods like for bird watching you can view these by hand.
For celestial viewing the tripod is mandatory with the exception of moon viewing.
The tripod adapter that comes with the unit is useable but some people will want to purchase a all metal adapter.
I would recommend these for anyone who just wants some high power binoculars without spending hundreds of dollars.
Even if you only use these for casual all purpose use you really cant go wrong on these. And you wont feel like you've spent a whopping amount of money for something you may not use that often.
As usual Amazon is top notch to buy from.

Spectacular.......2007-12-02

Great buy. Exactly what you want in higher power binos at a great price. Able to see faint Messier objects I have never seen before in a bino.

Average customer rating:

Don't buy this
Too weak for large binoculars
Free with the Skymaster Binoculars I ordered.

Celestron Binocular Tripod Adapter

Manufacturer: Celestron
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Product Features:

L-shaped bracket attaches to the center hinge of most binoculars
Provides stability and ease-of-use for most binoculars
Mounts to .25-inch by 20-inch tripods

ASIN: B0007UQNVS

Product Description

Marketing description is not available.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Celestron 93512 binocular tripod adapter attaches to the center hinge of most high-quality binoculars, allowing you to mount them to any tripod equipped with a standard 1/4 inch x 20 mounting bolt. A must-have for vibration-free viewing, this adapter conveniently sets your hands free for other tasks while observing.

Customer Reviews:

Don't buy this.......2007-09-12

I got this adapter with my Celestron SkyWatch 15 X 70 binoculars and when I mount the binoculars on the tripod with this adapter, it shakes and vibrates quite a bit. Even a small wind causes the binocular to vibrate

Too weak for large binoculars.......2006-12-31

Fits as advertised to my Celestron Binoculars and to my tripod. However, once set up the slightest touch causes severe springy side to side vibration. This product shoud be made out of metal instead of plastic.

Free with the Skymaster Binoculars I ordered........2006-07-09

A tripod adapter is ment to keep binoculars "vibration" free on your tripod as to resolve shakey vision. This adaper apears strong in the hand, but when I attached my 15x70 binoculars to it, I realized that under its weight, the plastic becomes less stern and bends. The slightest touch to the binoculars will send them rotating left and right on the bending adapter. To "resolve" this, you have to keep your zygomatic bone (and the rest of bone surrounding your eyes) on the eye cups to keep the binoculars steady when viewing (or grab the binoculars, which was the tripods purpose). I know this was free, but I now need to go buy another tripod adapter, perhaps one made of metal, to properly support my binoculars.

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