Celestron 15X70 Skymaster

July 10, 2011 in Celestron | No comments

A lot of persons find buying binoculars confusing. When you undertake to make a buy you are going to be confronted with numbers like 7×35 which you need to be clear on in order to get the right pair. There are likewise a lot of specialized features like compact binoculars or stabilized binoculars that you will have to consider. If you think in regards to what you want to use the binoculars for everything will fall into place rather nicely, so this is something you will need to think when it comes to before you start out looking.

Magnification and lens diameter are far and away the most primary things that you are going to want to keep in mind when you are choosing binoculars. These are distinctly labeled on all binoculars with a number like 7×35 or whatever. Magnification is determined by the firstborn number and that is not one thing more than how galore times closer an object will seem. The diameter of the lens will be the number you see second and it is shown in millimeters. The field of view is going to be larger if you use a larger lens diameter.Unfortunately it’s not just a matter of buying the binoculars that have greatest numbers, that would be much too straightforward. For example choosing a high exposure will make it difficult to pick up things that are moving, not in truth a good choice for something like bird watching. Having a big lens diameter will concede you an splendid field of view but it will likewise result in big and heavy binoculars, not something you want if you have to carry them a long way.

The luminance of a pair of binoculars is determined by the size of the exit pupil and this is another major thing that will need to be kept in mind. If you divide the lens diameter by the exposure you will find the size of the exit pupil. The more prominent the exit pupil is the more light will get to your eye. This may be a problem in bright sunshine but is almost a requisite if you use your binoculars when it is dark. For daytime use or frequent aim binoculars an exit pupil size of 3 to 5 mm is a good choice but for use at night you are going to want at least 7 mm.

There are a few other constituents that you are going to have to keep in mind but they are for the most share just down to what you feel comfortable with. Factors like how you focus the binoculars or what kind of prism is employed may be essential to a good deal of buyers while others aren’t going to care. You are likewise going to want to keep in mind any of the specialized types of binoculars that are available like water proof binoculars or stabilized binoculars. Keeping how you want to use the binoculars in mind ought to help to make sure that you make the right choice for your needs.

Celestron 15×70 Skymaster

Celestron and ;s SkyMaster Series of huge aperture binoculars are a extraordinary value for high performance binoculars idealisti for astronomical watching or for terrestrial (land) use – specially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for heightened contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the particular demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial watching sessions. The 15×70 version is one of the most general models in the series. It offers severe big aperture light gathering in an lowcost and reasonably lightweight configuration.

ReviewBinoculars 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 in all probability rather dissimilar 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 specified 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 costly 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, various companies import giant binoculars that trade for half that, or less.

Celestron’s 15×70 SkyMaster binoculars are one of the leaders in the low-price giant binocular arena. They surely 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 ought to 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 costly pair?

To find the answer, I had an probability not long back to judge the SkyMasters versus a pair of Fujinon 16×70 FMT-SX binoculars , one of the finest pairs of giant binoculars sold today. Like the SkyMasters, the Fujinons feature BaK-4 prisms, but likewise have completely multicoated optics. As a popular rule, superior coatings mean superior effigy sharpness and contrast. But then, that will have to be expected, given that the Fujinons cost numerous times more than the Celestrons.

While the Fujinons were distinctly the better performer, the Celestron SkyMasters kept up admirably. Image brightness, quality, and contrast were all noteworthy giving careful consideration to their bargain price. Although images were a little soft throughout 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 crucial thoughtfulness if you will have to wear glasses when viewing. The SkyMasters are also light sufficient to aid by hand for short periods of time, though buyers would be well advised to mount them on a sturdy photo tripod.

The bottom line is, if you are giving careful consideration to a pair of giant binoculars, whether for bird watching, stargazing, or another recreational use, and have a fixed budget, Celestron’s giant 15×70 SkyMasters represent an splendid value. –Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch

Pros:

Exceptional value for the price
Light sufficient 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

SkyMaster 15x70 Binocular Photo SkyMaster 15×70 – General Features

15x exposure porro prism binocular
Large 70 mm goal to be attained lens offers greatest or most complete or best possible effigy luminance in low-light and long-range conditions
Ultra sharp focus throughout the field of view
Multi-Coated optics for sharp, clear views
Suitable for terrestrial or astronomical viewing
Protective rubber covering for ultra-firm grip
Large center focus knob for easy focusing
Tripod adapter included
Long eye relief idealisti for eyeglass wearers
Carrying case included for travel and safe storage
No Fault Warranty provides best shelter and product aid on the market

Details
Celestron’s SkyMaster Series of big aperture binoculars are a extraordinary value for high performance binoculars idealisti for astronomical observing or for terrestrial (land) use – in particular over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for intensified contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the more prominent SkyMaster models to meet the particular demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial looking at sessions.

The 15×70 version is one of the most general models in the series. It offers severe huge aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration.

Specs

Optical Design: Porro
Diameter: 70 mm (2.76 in)
Magnification: 15 x
Angular Field of View: 4.4 °
Linear Field of View (@1000 yds): 230 ft (70.1 m)
Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm (0.19 in)
Eye Relief: 18 mm (0.71 in)
IPD Min: 56 mm (2.2 in)
IPD Max: 72 mm (2.83 in)
Near Focus (Binoculars): 43 ft (13.11 m)
Prisms: BAK4
Optical Coatings: Multi-Coated
Caps: Yes
Strap: Yes
Carrying Case: Nylon
Weather Proof: Water Resistant
Tripod Adaptable: Yes
Weight: 48 oz (1360.78 g)

NO FAULT Binocular Warranty Icon

NO FAULT Binocular Warranty

The No-Fault warranty is applicable to all Celestron binoculars.
(excluding the VistaPix digital camera/binoculars which feature a 2-year warranty)

A. Celestron warrantees this binocular to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for it is usable lifetime. Celestron will repair or replace such product or percentage thereof which, upon inspection by Celestron, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of Celestron to fix or replace such product, the product must be returned to Celestron prepaid together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to Celestron. The proper Return Authorization Number must be received from Celestron in advance of return. Call Celestron at (310) 803-5955 to receive the number to be displayed on the outside of your shipping container. You may also send an email for this number from the aid section of the Celestron website.

B. The NO FAULT provision of this warranty means that disregarding of how the binoculars may have been damaged or rendered unusable (fully or partially) by the
Owner of the binocular, Celestron will fix or replace the binocular without any questions being asked.

To take vantage of this provision, enclose a check or cash order for $ 25.00 (U.S. dollars) with the binocular to cover inspection, handling, and shipping.

All returns will have to be accompanied by a written statement setting forth the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the owner, together with a brief description of any claimed defects. Parts or product for which substitute is made shall become the property of Celestron.

Celestron shall use reasonable attempts to repair or replace any binocular covered by this fixed warranty within thirty days of receipt. In the event repair or alternate shall require more than thirty days, Celestron shall notify the client accordingly. Celestron reserves the right to replace any product which has been discontinued from it is product line with a new product of comparable value and function.

CELESTRON DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN.

THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF CELESTRON UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN. CELESTRON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY CELESTRON PRODUCT. ANY WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED AND WHICH CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO A TERM OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE.

Some states do not grant the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations and exclusions may not utilize to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may likewise have other rights which vary from state to state.

Celestron reserves the right to alter or discontinue, without prior observe to you, any model or style binocular.

If warranty troubles arise, or if you need assistance in using your binocular contact:

Celestron
Customer Service Department
2835 Columbia Street
Torrance, CA 90503 U.S.A.
Tel. (310) 328-9560
Fax. (310) 212-5835
Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST

NOTE: This warranty is valid to U.S.A. and Canadian clients who have purchased this product from an Authorized Celestron Dealer in the U.S.A. or Canada. Warranty outside the U.S.A. and Canada is valid only to clients purchased from a Celestron Distributor or Authorized Celestron Dealer in the specific country and please contact them for any warranty service.