Steve Ringwood writing for Astronomy Now Magazine.
"What I was looking forward to was a shot at the Moon. Like a backlit tree, there is no more fearsome challenge to a pair of binoculars than the blinding contrast of the lunar surface. Uncompromising weather thwarted my attempts at this, the final challenge, until quite late in the review, when at last a fine, deep-blue evening revealed a five-day old crescent.
Deploying the 20 ×80mm, the view was simply mind-blowing, once my eyes had become accustomed to the blinding light (note to self, need two ND filters!). Careful focusing elicited incredible resolution as the Moon swam within its generous 3.4-degree field.
Near the centre of the Moon, abutting the terminator, the walls of the crater Theophilus appeared to rise high above the surrounding terrain. Astonishingly, I could even make out the broken peak at its centre. Not far away, sunlight grazing the coastline' of Sinus Asperitatis could be made out, snaking its way deep into the unlit hemisphere.
Great colour-free definition was also evidenced by the horns of the crescent, each piercing the darkness down to the finest point without a glimmer of false colour.
Moving away from the terminator to the sunward hemisphere, the glaring smooth arc of the globe was a scimitar sharp curve that met the dark background sky with nothing in between. I have expensive eyepieces that can't even do that!"
Read the full review (pdf)
About this product
Model: cel_skymstr_pro_ed_20x80
Part Number: 72035-CGL
Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED binoculars are ideal for astronomers or anyone who observes at great distances.
The SkyMaster Pro ED uses superior optics, coatings, internal parts, and housing materials. With large objective lenses, BaK-4 prisms, ED glass, and fully multi-coated optics utilising Celestron’s proprietary XLT coating technology, the view through a SkyMaster Pro ED sets the standard for astronomy binoculars.
ED Objective Lenses
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, also known as colour fringing, a visual phenomenon common in magnified optical systems. SkyMaster Pro ED delivers edge-to-edge sharpness with excellent colour correction and razor-sharp images.
Not all ED glass is created equal. Celestron’s high-quality ED glass delivers brighter, sharper images than non-ED binoculars. The difference is especially apparent in low-light conditions.
Coatings and Prisms
All of Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED’s lens surfaces are fully multi-coated and feature Celestron’s proprietary XLT optical coating technology. These coatings, similar to those on our observatory-grade telescopes, decrease reflectivity for higher optical throughput across a broad visible light spectrum range. What’s more, the prisms inside the binoculars are made of high-quality BaK-4 glass, further boosting light transmission. Working together, the fully multi-coated lenses and BaK-4 prisms deliver more light from your target to your eye for brighter, more detailed views.
Objective Lenses
The 50mm objective lenses offer plenty of light-gathering ability for superior low-light performance. The objective diameter-to-magnification ratio is ideal for scanning the skies, observing the Moon and planets, and exploring all the best deep-sky objects. Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED also makes an excellent choice for long-distance land-based viewing—especially at dawn or dusk.
The Body
Custom-designed rubber armour and a durable chassis protect your SkyMaster Pro ED binoculars from damage without weighing you down. Viewing through SkyMaster Pro ED binoculars is comfortable for eyeglass and non-eyeglass wearers, thanks to the retractable eyecups and nearly 21mm eye relief. Eyeglass wearers can see the entire field of view while looking through the eyepiece with their glasses by twisting the eyecups down. For those who do not wear eyeglasses, the eyecups position the user’s eye behind the eyepieces at the correct distance for optimal viewing.
Ways to Observe
The Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED binocular is tripod-adaptable. Use the built-in tripod adapter on the balance compensation rail to mount it on any standard photographic tripod or monopod for extended viewing or digiscoping (photography through the eyepiece).
SkyMaster Pro ED’s eyepieces are threaded to accept standard 1.25” astronomical eyepiece filters. Adding the right filter can deliver game-changing views for terrestrial and celestial observing. For terrestrial observation, filters can reduce the brightness of sand, snow, and water. For nighttime viewing, filters can cut glare, minimise eye strain, increase contrast, and even combat the effects of light pollution. Remember, the binoculars have two eyepieces, so you need a set of two filters.
Share your greatest discoveries with friends and family! Pair your SkyMaster Pro ED binocular with a smartphone adapter to capture images and video through the eyepiece.
FEATURES
- ED objective lenses for images virtually free of chromatic aberration, with lifelike colour, increased resolution, and enhanced contrast
- Large 80mm objectives provide excellent light-gathering ability—perfect for astronomy
- Threaded eyepieces accept standard 1.25” astronomy eyepiece filters to enhance detail or reduce the effects of light pollution
- BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics with XLT coatings boost light transmission through the optical path for brighter, more detailed images
- The widely spaced objective lenses of the Porro prism optical design provide an enhanced 3-D view
- Eyeglass-friendly with generous eye relief and padded twist-up eyecups
- Durable rubber-armored housing with improved ergonomics for comfortable use in the field
- Tripod-adaptable for extended viewing sessions
What's in the box
- Skymaster Pro ED Binoculars
- Objective Lens Caps
- Eyepiece Covers
- Rainguard
- Carry Case
- Neck Strap
- Lens Cloth
- Instruction Manual
Specifications
| Magnification | 20x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 80 mm |
| Lens Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated - XLT Coatings |
| Angular Field of View | 3.4° |
| Linear Field of View | 178 ft (59 m) |
| Close Focus | 98.4 ft (30 m) |
| Eye Relief | 15.4mm (.61") |
| Exit Pupil | 4.0mm (.16") |
| Prism Type | BaK-4 |
| Waterproof | Yes. (IPX7) |
| Fogproof | Yes. Nitrogen filled |
| Relative Brightness | 16 |
| Twilight Factor | 40 |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude | Ideal: 12.02 | Moderate: 11.02 | Poor: 10.02 |
| Interpupillary Distance (mm) | 56-72 mm (2.2-2.83") |
| Diopter Adjustment Range | ±3 |
| Size (LxWxH) | 335mm x 230mm x 94mm (13.2" x 9.1" x 3.7") |
| Weight | 123.2 oz (3,492g) |
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