Live Science Verdict
If you want bright , sharp lunar prospect coupled with a utile overstatement for stargazing and terrestrial observation without breaking the camber , the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 is a great position to start . They ’re not free from opthalmic defects , and their size intend you ’ll require a tripod , but we had hour of fun exploring the night sky and blot star bunch , galaxies and nebulas .
neat for stargazing
Affordable
Due to their size and weight, these binoculars need to be mounted on a sturdy tripod.
brilliant , sharp sight
Can take in a variety of supernal objects
Comes with a tripod adaptor
The large 70mm objective lenses let in a ton of light for stargazing.
Noticeable chromatic optical aberration
Big and leaden — need a tripod
Stiff focus wheel
We saw six planets with the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 during the planetary parade.
Not desirable for wildlife observation
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Good astronomy binoculars require two things : High magnification to view upstage objects and large nonsubjective lens of the eye that allow enough light through to enable you to see in the dark . The Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 has both of these .
77% waxing gibbous moon through the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70.(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
Design : Porro prismMagnification:15xObjective lens system diameter:70mmExit pupil:0.18 - inches ( 4.7mm)Eye relief:18mmClose focus:43 ft ( 13m)Angular arena of view:4.4 degreesLinear field of purview ( @1,000 yards / m):231 ft ( 77m)Interpupillary distance:2.2 - 2.83 - inch ( 56 - 72mm)Twilight factor:32.4Waterproof : YesFogproof : NoDimensions:8.7 x 4.3 x 11 - column inch ( 220 x 110 x 280mm)Weight:48 oz ( 1.361 kg )
Although they are n’t without their defect , which is mull over in their lower price , they ’re a great entry point into astronomy for beginners who do n’t desire to shell out hundreds for thebest duad of stargazing field glasses . If you want to get a better look at the moon , principal cluster and spot galaxy and nebulas , we think you ’ll be pleased with them . Although field glasses are much more portable than thebest telescope , you ’ll still need a tripod for these hefty 15x70s .
For this review , we ’re aim a look at their real - world treatment and optical execution , and we ’ll give a run - down of the Nox - sky objects we managed to see with them . Thanks to a bit ofdigiscopingwith our smartphone , we ’ve included some photos of the moon as check with these binoculars — and if by the end you ’re not convinced , we ’ve also provided some alternate models to look at .
We observed the full Super Beaver Moon in November 2024 as it was rising — note the chromatic aberration around the edges.(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars review
Design and comfort
Without a doubtfulness , these opera glasses fall into the " you want a tripod " family . This is not only due to their weight and sizing , but the 15x overstatement pee it inconceivable to hold them still enough to get a steady view — peculiarly when you ’re looking at the night sky . You might be able to observe an animal or object in the space for a short while , handheld , but the view will be shaky and it wo n’t be long before your arms start to hurt . ( Although , when we compare them to the Pro ED interlingual rendition , these binos feel as light as a feathering ) .
fortunately , the binocs come with a tripod adapter , neck shoulder strap , cleaning cloth and cushioned base include — although about the only thing the handbag will protect them from is a stiff breeze . But for the toll , we were n’t expecting a protective voiceless pillow slip .
In regard to environmental protection , they are waterproof but not fogproof — which is a little plaguy considering they ’re geared towards uranology . Ideally , we ’d choose it the other way of life around . We noticed them fog up when moving between cold and warm environments , but on night when we were out in the cold for a few hours , they did n’t befog up at all when they had sentence to align their temperature .
We rule the focus wheel and diopter quite stiff , and the high overstatement exaggerate any slight knocks or movements , so we could ’ve done with them being liquid to minimize any wobble . On the plus side , the adjustable eyecup and generous 18 millimeter optic respite make for a comfortable viewing experience if you bear chalk .
Optical performance
For the cost of these binoculars , we were n’t expecting them to have the best optic we ’ve ever seen . They have BaK-4 glass and multi - coated genus Lens , as most binoculars do , although the more expensive Pro example has fully coat lens of the eye with XLT coatings . However , the want of ED ( Extra Dispersion ) glass really shows here in the amount of chromatic aberrancy visible when you look through them . This is especially prevalent at night when looking at bright objects .
That say , we were particularly impressed with the optics when looking at the moonshine . The simulacrum was promising and sharp right on across the frame , and even though the color fringing is very obvious here , we thought the eye were overall very effective for the price .
The oculus are versatile in the sentiency that the opera glasses are usable during the twenty-four hours and at nighttime , with their large 70 millimeter object lens drinking in tons of Inner Light at any minute . The 15x magnification is slightly less virtual for workaday use ( again , because of the tripod requirement ) , but if you may sic them up on a tripod for terrestrial utilization then you ’ll determine the magnification becomes a lot more useful .
With their eminent magnification comes a minute 4.4 - grade angular field of view and 231 ft ( 77 m ) linear field of view of scene , so they ’re not the best option for birdwatching or wildlife observation as you ’ll only see a small portion of a scene at a time .
What we saw
These opera glasses bid many exciting targets for stargazing . The first affair we pointed them towards was the moon , where we were treated to shining , acuate aspect of the lunar surface in all its aura , and it got the " Wow " discussion all around when we show it to family member . As we ’ve mention , there was very noticeable chromatic deviance around the edges of the moon , but frankly , we did n’t mind this opthalmic flaw too much — sometimes it even wait quite pretty .
Planetary view , however , we would describe as irresistibly average . By far the most interesting planetary targets are the four Galilean Moon of Jupiter , but overall the visible planet are bright , star - like blobs , and the chromatic aberration kind of makes them look like they ’re on flaming . We compare them to our otherCelestron UpClose G2 10x50binoculars , where Venus and Mars looked much well .
We went to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales to view theplanetary paradeunder the sorry skies of the new moon , and in improver to being able to see Venus , Saturn , Jupiter and Mars with the bare eye , the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 enable us to take in Uranus and Neptune , too . These binoculars are fine in term of actually being able to see the planets but do n’t expect detailed view — if that ’s what you ’re after , you ’ll necessitate a telescope .
Stargazing , on the other hand , is an absolute wonder . We tested them out during both a full and unexampled moon , and even during a bright , full moonlight , we good enjoyed the lulu of the Pleiades ( Messier 45 ) , the Orion constellation and nebula , and our faithful galax , Andromeda ( Messier 31 ) .
Should you buy the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70?
What we liked:
What we didn’t like:
✅ You want to get a closer look at the star : For stargazing , they ’re excellent . They allow bright , sharp views and have a good middle - ground magnification. ✅ optic defects do n’t rag you : There ’s a fair amount of chromatic aberration around the moon and planets .
❌ You want detailed planetary scene : You’ll want to invest in one of thebest telescopesto see details. ❌ You desire to use them handheld : They’re too big and threatening , plus the magnification is too mellow for handheld utilisation .
" Should you purchase them ? " is a tricksy question to serve . They pose in a very specific place in the market where their sizing and exercising weight largely limit them to astronomy , but we imagine anyone want consecrate uranology field glasses would be better off vest in a salutary pair with ED deoxyephedrine , full - coat optics and N purging , or indeed a scope . ( We ’ll be reviewing the Pro ED reading of these opera glasses soon ) .
Overall, they’re a fantastic pair of binoculars for stargazing for the price.
There are some terrestrial applications for which you might require to apply them on a tripod , like whale - watching from the seashore or flummox a tightlipped looking at at mountain peaks from afar , but using them to observe birds in flight would be a pain in the neck opening — quite literally .
If , however , you ’re buying your first pair of astronomy binoculars and you ’re on a budget , they ’re a great starter duo to dip your toe in the water without having to spend 100 on a high - quality duad . You ’ll be able to woolgather to your heart ’s content and get used to spotting major planet and voyage your mode through the nighttime sky before you advance your attainment and seat in one of thebest telescope .
If the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 isn’t for you
If you want high blowup
We rated these the top pick forbest stargazing field glasses . With brawny 20x enlargement , in full - coated optics and fog - proofing , they ’re worth spend a bit more on if you want a morsel of extra reach and fewer optic defects than the 15x70s .
translate our fullCelestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 review
If you require a more generalist pair
If you desire a pair of thebest binocularsfor world-wide use that can also be used for uranology , these are fantastic all - rounders . They ’re not the sharp we ’ve ever used , but they ’re idealistic for hand-held stargazing and wildlife observance .
Read our fullCelestron Nature DX 12x56 review
If you require a lightweight pair
If you want a lightweight pair of binocs to slip into your backpack when travel or hiking , these furnish splendid optical functioning for the price and give beautiful panoptic view of the night sky . The magnification is n’t as powerful as dedicated uranology field glasses , but for oecumenical stargazing , they ’re swell . They ’d also be a great selection forolder kids and adolescent .
understand our fullNikon Prostaff P7 10x42 review
How we tested the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
Best binocularsBest opera glasses for stargazingBest binoculars for kidsBest telescopesBest astrophotography camerasBest tv camera for wildlife photographyBest virtuoso projectors
While essay the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 we try out to view as many unlike subjects as potential in a motley of environment . For uranology , we test them during both a unexampled moon and full moon , in addition to using them in both a streetlit urban backyard as well as in a dark National Park in Wales . We observed the moon , six planet during the worldwide parade ( Venus , Saturn , Neptune , Uranus , Jupiter and Mars ) , and some deep - sky physical object like Andromeda , the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades .
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