REVIEW

This binocular offers a massive aperture, interchangeable eyecups and incredible deep-sky views

Reviewed by Jamie Carter

The binocular looks sleek and has an impressive build quality

DETAILS

Cost: £279 / £319.95

From: Celestron

Magnification: 20x

Objective lens diameter: 80mm

Angular field of view: 3.2 degrees

Eye relief: 0.61 inches (15.5 millimetres)

Weight: 2,450 grams

Everything about the polycarbonate and aluminium SkyMaster Pro 20x80 screams quality, from the waterproof rubber covering to Celstron’s own XLT multi-coated optics, attached objective lens caps and accessories. As with all large objective binoculars for astronomy, the SkyMaster Pro 20x80 uses a Porro prism design, largely because it allows in the most light possible. That’s critical when going hunting for deep-sky objects. Porro prism binoculars are generally bigger than the rival roof-prism optical design, and their 2,450-gram bulk is not inconsequential.

However, with 80-millimetre objective lenses and 20x magnification, binoculars like this will always need to be mounted on a tripod. To make that easy, Celestron has fitted the SkyMaster Pro 20x80 with a centre support rail. It sits in the gap between the two tubes, stretching from the optical engine to a couple of teardrop-shaped fixings close to the objective lenses that keep it solid and taught. However, it also allows a little movement so you can adjust the position of the tubes to suit your own eyes. On that rod is a tripod adaptor that can be ranged up and down before fixing in place. On the bottom is a quarter-inch tripod thread, which will typically be fitted to the base plate provided with a ball-head or pan-tilt head.