More Information  · Supplied Accessories

At 44 ounces, the binocular is rather heavy. We recommend using it on a camera tripod for the best images, as few people will have the wrist strength needed to hold it steady for extended hand-held use. A tripod adapter comes as standard equipment. The tripod adapter mounts on any standard 1/4”-20 thread 35mm or video tripod. It can be used with many other binoculars, as well as the SkyMaster. The supplied neck strap is very narrow and only acceptable for occasional use. Adding an optional wide padded neck strap would be a comfortable addition for extended use and carrying.

The SkyMaster uses high light transmission BaK-4 prisms and multicoated optics for bright images of faint deep space objects, particularly from a truly dark sky observing site. While it offers quite nice astronomical viewing on its own, it also makes a good wide-field observing complement to the narrower field of a telescope. There is some barrel distortion (straight lines at the edge of the field are curved) and some visible astigmatism and field curvature. However, these flaws are minor considering the SkyMaster’s low price and are relatively unobtrusive for all but the most critical and nitpicky of observers.

The body is armored in black rubber for added protection against unexpected bumps and thumps. Thumb grooves molded into the underside of the prism housings, and a pattern of small raised knobs on the top, provide a sure grip in cold weather. The large ribbed rubber focusing wheel is easy to adjust, even when wearing gloves. The SkyMaster comes with a soft case, an eyepiece rainguard, and objective lens covers.

Eye relief is specified at a very long 18mm. While this is technically correct, the actual usable eye relief typically measures a mm or two less due to the recessing of the eyepieces when the eyecups are in the down position for eyeglass use. A shorter eye relief than specified is typical of all binoculars. There will be some minor vignetting of the field for those who must wear eyeglasses while observing. Soft roll-down eyecups shield the unaided eye from stray light when rolled up, and cushion eyeglass lenses when rolled down. With a close focus of 40 feet, this center-focusing SkyMaster is not a general-purpose binocular. That said, the SkyMaster is a good choice for long distance terrestrial viewing under low light conditions. Nesting eagles or ducks across a lake at dusk are prime candidates for this big binocular. As a first serious astronomical observing tool, as a long distance nature study instrument, or as a highly useful companion to take into the field with your telescope at night, the big Celestron 12 x 60mm SkyMaster is a very worthwhile balance of performance versus price.