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.
Product Description
The traveling birder's secret. You"ll see these mounts holding spotting scopes on car windows from Puget Sound to the Everglades. Compact tripod that's easily taken along anywhere and converts to a car window mount. Maxximum height: 8"
Customer Reviews:
Nice, simple........2007-11-10
You can't beat this for the price but I prefer my manfrotto mini 3007 kit for its flexibility
Tabletop/window tripod.......2007-05-13
Solid design, sturdy as a taller tripod but easier to carry. Head swivels in
all directions. Ball joint sticks a little but after time may smooth out.
The handle is on the right and makes it a little hard to adjust camera angle
and tighten the head at the same time due to the ball joint stick.
Bushnell window mount and mini tripod.......2007-03-10
This is a good product for the money. The swival action is a little rough at first but smooths out with use. It seperates into two parts, the window mount/swival head is convienently compact and so is best suited for a small to medium size camera...
Very good buy........2006-10-10
Great tripod to carry around. It is very small but very sturdy.
Tri-pod mount for digital camera.......2006-07-31
Excellent Product----Takes all the smear and blurs out of photo's
without any set-up time. Important for 10x camera's with all that reach.
Product Description
Bushnell offers a complete selection of camera-quality tripods to provide a solid foundation for viewing at higher magnifications. A universal head fits all of the compatible spotting scopes, binoculars and range finders. Quality materials and design assure maximum strength and stability without excess weight. With easily adjustable legs, smooth operation and rugged corrosion-resistant finishes, Bushnell tripods will deliver years of reliable, trouble-free service.
Customer Reviews:
Bushnell Binocular Tripod Adaptor warning.......2007-01-16
Warning! When I first tried to use the adaptor it would not fit into the binoculars. After some research about screw sizes, calling Bushnell, etc., I finally went to a hardware store and found that the adaptor and the binoculars actually were compatible threadwise. It turns out the adaptor threads were too high (poorly milled) and the receiving threads in the binocular were not cut deep enough (poorly cut - both probably due to worn out fabrication equipment). By buying a screw (1/4" 20 threads) and applying some grease, I was able to clear the receiving threads and then work the adapter into the binocular. Now everything works fine.
ok for the price.......2006-10-18
It supports my bushnell natureview roof prisim binocluars very well. However the design of the binocular leaves very little space to screw or unscrew the adapter, so attaching and removing it, is bit of a hassle
Why I don't like buying items through the internet........2006-02-28
Even though the companies involved said their computers verified that this was the right part, the part didn't fit and their was no explanation why. I will now return the product dissaticfied and out the cost of shipping and handling.
Product Description
Gladiator Zoom series offers the added advantage of enjoying multiple magnifications in a single binocular. With variable zoom, you can capture a panoramic view at low power, target in on your object and then zoom in to a higher power to capture the finer details. The zoom mechanism on the binocular is smooth and easy to operate with a flick of the lever. It's like having many binoculars in one! Versatility, convenience and tenacity put Gladiator in an arena by themselves.
Customer Reviews:
gargantuan binoculars.......2007-09-21
These binoculars are heavy and can only be considered useful when mounted to a tripod, which I already had. The optics on my pair do not seem that clear as some of the other types of binoculars that I own. I have had some difficulty trying to get good focus, but keeping them steady is quite a trick especially since the focus wheel does not turn with ease. I originally thought they would be good for casual star gazing but I think a telescope might be better.
Product Description
Gladiator Zoom series offers the added advantage of enjoying multiple magnifications in a single binocular. With variable zoom, you can capture a panoramic view at low power, target in on your object and then zoom in to a higher power to capture the finer details. The zoom mechanism on the binocular is smooth and easy to operate with a flick of the lever. It's like having many binoculars in one! Versatility, convenience and tenacity put Gladiator in an arena by themselves.
Customer Reviews:
what a view.......2007-11-15
great view the zoom feature is very easy to use.i had a problem with the focus when it was delivered.i fixed the unit i had to push up on the eye pieces once that was done the unit worked great.the view that you get is amazing.the focus is very good the field of view is very large.i would highly recomend this product.
Defective out of the Box.......2007-02-09
On paper these seem like a great deal. The ones I received were cross-eyed when delivered rendering them unusable. Amazingly, the Barska warranty does not cover this kind of condition; you have to pay to get them fixed. I simply returned them.
Product Description
The X-trail series is made for the great outdoors! They are not only top-performance and extremely rugged, but offer an amazing value for quality optics and durability. From a wide selection of binoculars featuring wide-angled full size to high-powered large porros and different magnifications, you will find an X-trail to fit your style. Whether you are out in the forest or inside an arena, have them trail along with you.
Product Description
The X-trail series is made for the great outdoors! They are not only top-performance and extremely rugged, but offer an amazing value for quality optics and durability. From a wide selection of binoculars featuring wide-angled full size to high-powered large porros and different magnifications, you will find an X-trail to fit your style. Whether you are out in the forest or inside an arena, have them trail along with you.
Customer Reviews:
Barska X-Trail 15x70 Binoculars.......2007-03-21
I was pleased with the performance, the field of vision, and the light weight. Carrying case leaves a lot to be desired, as does the shoulder strap.
Great for headaches and frustration........2006-05-03
I ordered these binoculars to learn more about the sky. Sure these binoculars are big and impressive looking but that is about the extent of their worth. I ordered the first pair and they provided me with the biggest non-alcohol induced headache I've ever experienced. The images were miles off and when my brain tried to merge them I felt like I just rode space mountain 7 times. I boxed them up and due to Amazon's convenient return policy, I sent them back for a refund.
The next day, against better judgement, I thought that maybe I just had gotten a bad pair and again decided to order this same model. Out of the box, I didn't even have to look through them to see a defect as the part of the plastic body surrounding the eyepiece was cracked. I still gave it the benefit of the doubt and waited until the stars came out only to learn that Jupiter apparently has a twin as does its moons. I had my wife verify this as I thought I was crazy. These were boxed up and sent back for a refund with no intention to order again.
I think part of the reason for the horrible shape of this model is Barska's packaging. The binoculars are in plastic in a soft case in plastic then placed in a flimsy cereal box - no joke! The aluminum tripod is wrapped in bubble wrap and is jammed between the already too tight box and the binoculars. Then the over-stuffed box has plastic on the outside of it. Basically it is 3 plastic bags and a cereal box that house the fragile optics and this makes no sense to me. I wrap my garbage up better than this. Don't risk the frustration - the bargain price just isn't worth it.
good optics & solid construction, but..........2006-04-15
The thread pitch on the focuser is to high so even very light pressure on the eye pieces causes them to rack back in; thus if you let your eyes or glasses touch the eyepieces you need to hold onto the focusing knob. Other than this the closest I could get them to focus was about 3X the specified close fucos distance. Otherwise very little color fringing and good sharpness all the way to the edge of field. Eye relief is nice I can get almost the whole FOV while wearing glasses. and when locked the tabletop tripod is acually quite solid
VERY disappointing to see such an easily corrected mistake in the focuser of a nice pair of binoculars with incredible "bang for the buck"
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.
Product Description
Allows use of binoculars with a tripodHeight: 5"Fits most Vanguard and Winchester full-size binocularsFor BR-1050WR/1250WR/1650R/7350W/7350WR & ZR-71535/82450R/103050R
Product Description
Barska 12-36x70mm Gladiator Zoom Binoculars AB10170
Customer Reviews:
Decent @ low power, mediocre @ mid power, downright crosseyed @ high power........2007-08-18
I bought these binocs because of the price and realized I should have spent the extra money. The low to mid magnification is good to fair, but the full zoom is out of focus and creates double vision and a headache. Maybe I just got a defective pair, but I'm not gonna give them a second chance. I'm going to spend the extra money and get a pair of Oberwerks.
Wow!.......2007-07-05
These are awesome! I bought them for an upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon and didn't want to spend a fortune. I tried them out when I got them and it was raining out, so I looked up at the trees and could see the drops of water falling off the pine needles of a pine about 40 feet from the house and about 70 feet tall. Lots of nice features and mounts very well to my video camera tripod.
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