REVIEW
CELESTRON SKYMASTER PRO 15x70
This binocular offers an amazing stargazing experience, with a good combination of magnification, aperture and portability
Reviewed by Robin Scagell
BINOCULAR ADVICE
Cost: £189 (approx. $253.50)
From: Celestron
Type: Mirrorless
Optical design: Porro prism
Objective diameter: 70mm
Magnification: 15x
Exit pupil: 4.6mm
Eye relief: 17mm
Weight: 1,575 grams
Actual field of view: 4.4 degrees
Apparent field of view: 66 degrees
Close focus: 15 metres
Construction: Centre focus, nitrogen-filled
Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Best for…
£ Medium budgets
Planets
Deep sky
Lunar
Stars
Star clusters
The binocular features a tripod bush so accessories can be attached
Almost every amateur astronomer has some binoculars – even if they have an impressive array of telescopes as well. Binoculars have qualities that telescopes don’t: they’re instantly available, easy to use, can be pointed at any object in the sky quickly without the need for motors and give a wide field of view. They allow you to use both eyes for observing, which is far more comfortable than using just one eye. They are also comparatively low cost.
Standard everyday binoculars are versatile instruments. The workhorse specification of 10x50 –a magnification of ten and objective lenses of 50mm aperture – is an excellent compromise of usefulness for daytime viewing and night use. At night, stars that are too faint to be seen with the naked eye spring into visibility, while the larger nebulae, galaxies and star clusters become recognisable glows. Just scanning along the Milky Way on a clear night is something that even experienced observers never tire of.