Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
by Celestron
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List Price: Our Price: $59.95 You Save: $60.00 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
Customer Review: Excellent night sky binoculars
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased these binoculars for night sky viewing. I had a pair of 10X50 Bushnell binoculars and I was impressed with what I was able to see through those so I bought these for even more in depth viewing and they have not let me down. They are ideal as supplements to a telescope or if you don't have a telescope, these are great for your first introduction to optics that will open up the night sky to you. They are much easier to use than a telescope and you can see all kinds of neat things. I viewed such things as the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda galaxy, the Pleiades, and double stars such as Mizar and Alcor in Ursa Major with relative ease and they looked stunning. Focus these binoculars in on the Milky Way and you will tons of stars you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. I was even able to look at Saturn and with some steadying of the binoculars against my chest, could slightly make out the definition of the rings. These binoculars also do a magnificent job of viewing the moon.
I had read some reviews that they are really heavy and bulky, but I found that they were surprisingly light and easy to steady free handed. They are quite large, which means that they will take up more space than a normal binocular, but this is to be expected. Mine did come with a carrying case and a tripod adapter (which I haven't used yet, so I cannot comment on its quality).
Overall, for the price, you can't go wrong. I've used these binoculars in the daytime and they are great--crystal clear optics. They also seem very durable and with some care, will probably last you many many years. If you are new to stargazing and are considering a good pair of binoculars that will show you all kinds of wonderous things, look no further than the Celestron Skymasters--you will not be disappointed.
Customer Review: I can finally see Jupiter & Jovian Moons with Binoculars!
Summary: 5 Stars
While these have some of the chromatic error one would expect from binoculars with a pricetag in the low three figure range, they are of unparalleled quality for the price. The light-gathering capability of these binoculars make it unwise to look at the moon when your eyes are adjusted to the dark, especially if you have sensitive eyes because you're tired.
One thing I noticed for the first time (my previous binoculars were only 10x50) was that you would be well-advised to use a tripod, and the included tripod adapter is functional, thank goodness; I used it multiple times a week, and without it, my viewing experience would definitely be hampered. The magnification is high enough you definitely want to use a tripod (or lie flat on your back if you have rock-steady arms) unless you're bracing them against something. The only way around that is to buy Image Stabilization binoculars for a four-figure price tag.
The quality of the lenses & coatings is superior to my previous 10x50 binoculars; they're of good quality. Really, for the price, and the quality level, there's nothing a rational, objective person has to complain about unless the delivery truck totally abused your pair. These are great, high quality, extremely useful binoculars, from a name you can trust.
And while you can't see the colors of Jupiter at this magnification, you can identify the giant gas planet thanks to the moons (with a tripod or rock-steady hands). What a fun experience! Now my four and eight year old children ask me every night if Jupiter is visible, just before they go to bed. :)
Customer Review: Easiest Way to get into Astronomy
Summary: 5 Stars
Many parents run out and spend hundreds of dollars on a Telescope for their kids only to find out that either the youngster isn't interested or expectations are not met by the product or they were not prepared for the learning curve associated with telescope equipment. I love the hobby and is the reason I have invested over $4000 in telescope equipment.
However, in early December 2004 Amazon had a great deal on this pair of binoculars and I purchased a pair. I have had an absolute great time with these binoculars and the quality of the optics have been excellent. I took them out of the box and walked out onto my deck and swung them up on Orion and the Orion nebula jumped right out at me. I have to say I wasn't prepared for that and it illustrates just how far astronomy binocular technology has come in recent years. For the person wanting to get into backyard astronomy this pair of binoculars would be a very affordable way to get started. It should be noted that these types of binoculars are categorized as Giant Astro binoculars and they are large which also means they are heavier than normal binoculars. These binoculars are great for terestial viewing as well and I have gotten equal satisfaction observing wildlife during the day. I noticed that some other reviewers appear to have had some bad experiences with these but I would almost have to believe that something severe happened in shipping. My experience with Celestron equipment has been nothing but positive and these binoculars fall right inline with all of my other purchases. These are a great buy from Amazon.
Customer Review: Amazing.. Great Purchase !!
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted to get into amateur astronomy since past long time but was not getting time to do the basic research. I finally dived into it by buying my very first astronomical binoculars, the celestron skyquest 15x70. Before buying this product i had read a lot of reviews on Amazon as well as some other places and had also asked questions on astronomy forums.
I agree with all the reviews here and absolutely love the binoculars. My first light was the moon coz its easy to spot :). The moon looks absolutely crisp and i was able to see the craters and shadows very clearly. The image of the moon was that sharp that when you imagine the image in 2D you see that the border of the moon is rough coz of craters. The binoculars has an eye relief of 18 mm and that is very helpful when you are wearing glasses. The focal lenght adjustment is very fine which is a huge plus. The binoculars are bit heavy and at this magnification is difficult to hold it steady with your hands. I sit on a stool and place my elbows on my patio grill and that improves it a lot but again not fun without a tripod. I have already ordered a tripod for it and am egarly waiting.
Another very good plus point i want to point out is the overall finish of the binocular body is sticky. When i say sticky means you can feel the binoculars sticking in your hands so it will never slip out and drop.
The binoculars comes with a carry bag, lens covers, eyepiece covers and a tripod adaptor.
All in all a very good buy, good bang for the buck and very clear crisp images... I would recommend this product.
Customer Review: These are a good bargin
Summary: 5 Stars
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.