Upgraded my SkyMaster 15x70 binos to the 20x80 model. This review concerns astronomical use, especially as it relates to casual observation. I just returned from two evenings with it under the dark skies of WV's Monongahela National Forest
1) Field of view offers wide angle eye candy. 3.7 degrees with the feeling of expansiveness--even at 20x. I could place Orion's belt in one view; Orion's sword in another; The entire Pleiades (M45) in one glimpse; much of Kemble's Cascade; nearly all sections of the Veil Nebula complex; The Lagoon (M8) and Trifid Nebulae in one field; Can almost place M7 with M6 in Scorpius in the same field, also the Coathanger asterism fits nicely into the field of view.
2) Spectacular views offered of M7 near the Scorpion's tail, The Swan nebula (M17), Dumbbell Nebula (M27), a billowing Orion Nebula (M42), Pleiades (M45), Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with companion galaxies...can seem to infer some stars on the outskirts of globular clusters M13 (Hercules) and M22 (Sagittarius). Veil Nebula is breathtaking under dark sky (t5he western side resembles a fuzzy fish hook). Can see North American Nebula near Deneb at top of Cygnus. I returned to several of these again and again--so rewarding were the views. I set it up a week ago for a backyard star party and the Pleiades was really impressive for viewers as was the Perseus Double Cluster and Albireo double star. The Orion nebula is also magnificent.
3) Generous Eye Relief is best utilized by folding the eyecups back
4) Used a 30 year old aluminum camera tripod that is sturdy enough to hold the 20x80 with ease. How I found it effective was to sit in a wooden kitchen table chair with the tripod legs fully extended and tripod close in with bino eye cups folded back. My tripod has a shaft that can rise about 10 inches more so I used that incrementally as viewing angle was increased--not unlike a barber's chair raising or lowering. Ample eye relief coupled with the folded back eye cups and raised tripod slant the bino was attached to meant I could view objects 45 degrees up from the horizontal. Objects near vertical I could manage limited viewing by actually leaning back with binos and tripod legs laying across me. That's how I viewed the Veil Nebula. Be mindful of the weight before trying this!! It was OK for me but may not be for you. Test that carefully. The 20x80 mount is more robust than the attachment I used with the same tripod with the 15x70's.
5) Clarity of image was NOT sharp all the way to the edge. However, for the comparatively low price of the 20x80 I really can't complain about this as I'd pay much more for that level of optics.
6) I have an 11" SCT telescope. The 20x80 is a nice, satisfying casual alternative to setting up my larger scope and I had so much fun with it one evening I never bothered to set up my SCT.
7) These binos are HEAVY so a sturdy tripod is recommended. The 20x80 is significantly heavier than my 15x70 set. I can use each hand held on their own for limited viewing by gripping the large ends with each hand.
8) The moon is not excessively bright as it tends to be telescopically so you need not be overly concerned about temporary "blindness" from viewing the moon then switching to other stellar objects. Eye recovery is but momentary.
9) Did finally view Jupiter. The line up of the moons is more as one sees telescopically rather than with traditional binocular views. Be advised that surface brightness is so great one will likely NOT be able to the bands on Jupiter. Mars and Jupiter are definitely bright discs. haven't yet had a good look at Saturn as its currently near the sun in the sky.
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This item: Celestron – SkyMaster 20x80 Binocular – Large Aperture Outdoor & Astronomy Binoculars – for Long Distance Tripod Viewing – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case – Multi-Coated Optics
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From the manufacturer
SkyMaster 20x80 Binocular
Award-winning XL binocular perfect for tripod-based viewing.
Works with Standard Tripods
This binocular should be mounted on a tripod (not included). The included ¼”-20 tripod adapter attaches to any standard photographic tripod in seconds.
Huge Objective Lens
Huge 80 mm objective lens offers maximum image brightness in low-light conditions.
20x Magnification
20x magnification! Superb for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing.
Quick & Easy Focusing
The large center focus dial makes sharp focusing quick and easy.
Comfortable & Eyeglass Friendly
Soft, rubber eyecups are comfortable to use and can be folded down for use with eyeglasses.
Durable and Armored
The rugged, armored exterior provides protection as well as a secure gripping surface.
Multiple Accessories Included
Tripod adapter, lens caps, rainguard, carrying case, neck strap, lens cloth, and instructions included.
SkyMaster 12x60 mm Porro Binocular
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SkyMaster 15x70 mm Porro Binocular
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SkyMaster 25x70 mm Porro Binocular
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SkyMaster 20x80 mm Porro Binocular
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| Customer Reviews |
9,362
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9,362
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8,683
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3,403
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| Price | $76.49 | $99.99 | $98.39 | $189.95 |
| Magnification | 12x | 15x | 25x | 20x |
| Field of View (degrees) | 5.3° | 4.4° | 2.7° | 3.7° |
| Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 278 | 230 | 141 | 195 |
| Lens Coatings | Multi-coated | Multi-coated | Multi-coated | Multi-coated |
| Prism Material | BaK4 | BaK4 | BaK4 | BaK4 |
| Diopter Range | -4 to +8 | -4 to +8 | -4 to +8 | -4 to +8 |
| Close Focus Distance (feet) | 47.2 | 52.5 | 102.5 | 106.3 |
| Eye Relief (mm) | 17 | 18 | 13 | 18 |
| Eyecup | Folding | Folding | Folding | Folding |
| Tripod Adaptable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Celestron – SkyMaster 20x80 Binocular – Large Aperture Outdoor & Astronomy Binoculars – for Long Distance Tripod Viewing – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case – Multi-Coated Optics | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -5% $189.95 List: $199.95 | -16% $362.79 List: $429.95 | $188.99 | $169.99 | $149.95 | $449.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 27 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | ZFHUSD | Sogries | LUXUN | Gritr |
| max magnification | 20 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 260 multiplier x | 18 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x |
| field of view | 3.7 degrees celsius | 178 feet | 63 degrees | 216.11 degrees | 3 degrees | 7.2 degrees |
| focus type | — | Center Focus | Fixed Focus, Center Focus | Individual Focus | Fixed Focus | Center Focus |
| apparent angle of view | 3.7 degrees | 3.4 degrees | 0 degrees | — | — | 79.2 degrees |
| lens coating | Multi-Coated | — | Anti-Reflective | Anti-Reflective | Fully Multi-Coated | KR Coating |
| diopter adjust range | — | — | The normal range of eye refraction is between 50 diopters of myopia and 50 diopters of hyperopia. | +-5 diopters | +-5 diopters | ±2 diopters |
| eye relief | 18 millimeters | 15.4 millimeters | 22 millimeters | 29 millimeters | 10 months | 16 millimeters |
| exit pupil diameter | 4 millimeters | 4 millimeters | 4 milliliters | 3.89 millimeters | 4 millimeters | 4.2 millimeters |
| objective lens diameter | 80 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 70 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 42 millimeters |
| binocular prism | Porro Prism | Porro Prism | Porro Prism | Roof Prism with BAK-4 glass | Porro Prism | Roof Prism |
| zoom ratio | 20 multiplier x | 1 | 30-260X | 18x | 20 multiplier x | 10 multiplier x |
Zoom and clarity . Value for money
I like its proper image. Zoom is up to 80x. We can easily see sky and moon. Not perfect for planets but you definitely spot its location. But star clusters can be seen clearly
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2014Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase
- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2019Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
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Brian RibeiroReviewed in Brazil on October 3, 2022
Excelente custo benefício
Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase -
JeffReviewed in France on August 14, 2024
Super jumelles sur bon trépied
Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase - DungeonReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2024
Great Beginnners Sky Searchers. Amazing Powerful general Purpose (Bulky) Binoculars
Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase - alexReviewed in the Netherlands on September 6, 2021
Fun binoculars
Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase -
Alonzo Vega Q.Reviewed in Mexico on December 14, 2019
Esencial para observación astronómica amateur.
Style: SkyMaster 20x80 BinocularSet: BinocularsVerified Purchase
Excelente producto. La calidad es impresionante; las imagen nítida y fácil de maniobrar. La foto fue tomada con la cámara de celular, a medio zoom.Alonzo Vega Q.Esencial para observación astronómica amateur.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 14, 2019
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