Technology is moving at a rapid pace in the modern era, and it would appear that the revolution train is rolling through binocular town, full speed ahead.
Where binoculars used to have a fixed level of magnification, a variable zoom is beginning to come into prominence.
With the possibility to create a fully multipurpose binocular, that can take you from a wide overview down to the finest element of detail, Celestron have released the 71020 SkyMaster 25-125×80 Binocular.
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Capable of magnifying an image anywhere between 25 and 125 times, the SkyMasters look to set a new benchmark when it comes to magnification.
However, as one of the first models to attempt such a feat, are they impressive pioneers? Or do they fall under the unsuccessful experimentation bracket?
Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars Video Review – Watch Below
Falling not unheard of when trying to accomplish everything, rather than focusing on a few elements and doing them well.
In this review we take a look at Celestron’s attempt to engineer a handheld telescope, and see whether it’s worth avoiding, or climbing aboard the revolution express train.
Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars Specifications
| Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 | Celestron SkyMaster 25-125x80 | Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Size | 20x80 | 25-125x80 | 25x100 |
Lens Coating | Multi-Coated BAK-4 | Multi-Coated BAK-4 | Multi-Coated BAK-4 |
Angular Field of View | 3.7° | 1.25° | 3° |
Close Focus | 108 ft | N/A | 80 ft |
Eye Relief | 18 | 13 | 15 |
Weight | 75 | 76 | 140 |
Dimensions | 12 x 7 x 16 inches | 12 x 8 x 18 inches | 18.2 x 11.6 x 6.7 |
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Celestron SkyMaster Main Usage
With such a massive scope of magnification, the main purpose of this binoculars is undoubtedly to look at the stars.
I mean, the key is in the company’s name. Celestial viewing is a tough nut to crack, with the telescope market really having the field nailed down.
However, being much more portable and flexible in form factor than a telescope, the SkyMaster’s definitely address a niche in the market.
Able to bring star clusters and constellations into your back yard is a unique ability, only achievable with equipment such as this.
However, Celestron have in my opinion, missed a trick here. They have made these binoculars so big and so heavy, they can only be used with a tripod.
Having to use a tripod immediately takes away from the portability factor.
Where they are not as much of an effort to transport as a telescope, they don’t exactly fit in your pocket.
But at a much cheaper cost than a telescope, these binoculars combined with a tripod will make for excellent celestial viewing from the comfort of your own home.
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Glass/Lens
These binoculars feature fully multi-coated optics, to ensure optimum light reaches your eyes to give the best lit image possible.
With a large aperture, these binoculars are the perfect companion for low light conditions, as well as stargazing.
The BaK-4 prisms with phase correction ensure that all wavelengths of light make through the binocs giving the fullest picture possible.
Magnification
The SkyMaster binoculars offer a varying degree of magnification, which is refreshing and practical when it comes to binoculars.
Able to zoom in on your target from any level of magnification from 25 times to 125 times, these binoculars bring telescope esque magnification in a much smaller package.
As a tripod adaptable piece of kit, these binocs can objects into focus when they are as much as six miles away.
Image Quality
Unfortunately, where these binoculars have an incredible level of magnification, they don’t carry the same quality when it comes to the image they display.
Where they are equipped with many beneficial features to optimize image quality, such as a large aperture for low light functioning and phase coated prisms, it doesn’t compensate for the blur presumably introduce by too much focus being paid to the magnification levels.
Images are compressed at the greatest zoom levels, and they are difficult to focus making for a less than ideal viewing experience.
Eye Relief
As per usual, the glasses wearing individual has been considered, with Celestron equipping these SkyMaster binoculars with 13mm of eye relief.
Thats ample space for the thickest of glasses, and also a great length to ensure that the binoculars are comfortable to press to your face.
With well cushioned eyecups, looking through these binocs for long periods of time is not uncomfortable in the slightest.
Pros
To begin with, the SkyMaster from Celestron is very reasonably priced, currently going for under $130 on Amazon, so it’s cheaper than the majority of half decent telescopes.
The magnification is also huge. Users have reported the zoom to fetch up to 6 miles, making these binoculars more of a portable telescope, than something for viewing the bird at the bottom of your garden.
Cons
Where I previously suggested that these binocs were more of a portable telescope than binoculars, I was partly misleading you.
These binoculars really aren’t all that portable.
Weighing in at over 2kg, it’s basically impossible to use these binoculars without a tripod.
Also, a multitude of users have reported difficulties bringing these binocs into focus, with occasions where only one lens is focused at one time, bringing a hell of a lot of blur to your viewing experience.
Conclusions
In short, the main benefits of binoculars are that you can take them places, and they will take you closer to nature.
This isn’t the case with the Celestron SkyMasters, they are heavy, only usable with a tripod and difficult to carry around your neck.
All in all, this basically makes them a static piece of equipment, which begs the question as to why you wouldn’t just buy a telescope?
Well these are much cheaper than a telescope, but from the convoluted reviews and split opinions on image quality, you may be better of spending the extra money and getting a decent telescope.
If you’re not looking to look up at the stars, simply buy a different set of binoculars.
