Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 Binoculars Review

I miss visual astronomy sometimes. So I asked the nice people at First Light Optics to send me some. I've had use of the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Binoculars. In this video I'll share my thoughts and feelings about these nice sized binoculars.
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==== My Equipment ====
ZWO ASI 071mc Pro: bit.ly/2RISH0V
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro: bit.ly/2RCrcY9
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro: bit.ly/2L1hyKn
Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED Pro: bit.ly/2qTd55L
Evostar 80ED Field Flattener: bit.ly/2Uuv7qV
Astro Essentials Mini Guide Scope: bit.ly/2S8Y2yn
ZWO ASI 120mm Guide Camera: bit.ly/31j7kfl
Baader Narrowband Filters: bit.ly/2Us7xvA
iOptron SkyGuider Pro: bit.ly/3g7955D
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IDAS NGS1 Filter: bit.ly/3ccajvD
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[@oldebill1807]

A common, and good, recommendation for someone just looking into amateur astronomy is to start with binoculars and stay with them for about a year. This will let you determine whether the hobby is for you before investing in a telescope and will help you learn the night sky. There are many, many targets that are fantastic with binoculars including the Pleiades, the Double Cluster, and Andromeda. I started with 10 x 50s and found that a tripod was pretty much mandatory for 15 x 70s.

[@ronstewtsaw]

I have a pair of Nikon 10x50 binoculars arriving tomorrow. Apparently they come with al least 7 cloudy nights.

[@RSTI191]

Try buying a telescope. Except a free gift of 4 weeks...

[@violian5]

Thanks for the great review. I've been looking up lots of reviews on these Celestron Skymaster Pro binoculars, and your video is by far, the best well-put -together video on these binoculars.

[@Westlake]

Good all round detailed and fair review! Nice job Ruz!

[@LucasHormann]

Man, what a review. Great job, buddy! That was really satisfying

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Good work Ruz! Good suggestions on the bag.

[@enriqueboeneker]

A pair of binoculars makes you a real amateur astronomer. With them you learn the night sky, and you can watch double stars, galaxies and even a couple of DSO’s with them. When you do astrophotography, for purely esthetic or scientific reasons, you can enjoy meanwhile the night sky with a good pair of binoculars. These Celestron look very nice, but for the size, as Ruzeen suggested, you should get a nice tripod to hold them. Thanks for sharing, buddy!

[@AstroFarsography]

Thanks Enrique. Yeah they really made me feel like you see in all them promotion videos 😂 just scouting the sky and enjoying what I saw. Stumbling on double clusters and what not was really fun with the binos. Just definitely need something to hold them for me

[@mrtambourineman6107]

I want some for that reason, you think I'll get away without using a tripod for casual observations whilst doing my subs? Or shall I go for a 12×60 or 10x50 ??

[@enriqueboeneker]

@@mrtambourineman6107 I have the 7x50, and I put them on a regular cheap tripod. Larger ones, I believe, will need a better more sturdy tripod.

[@lukomatico]

Hey Ruz! - Nice job mate - really thorough and insightful review! made me fancy digging out my binos again! :)

[@siegfriednoet]

Nice review Ruz, very thorough

[@chrisvalero1783]

Entertaining and informative video. Really enjoyed, thanks.

[@ronb112]

Thanks, nice review. Very helpful.

[@krazyhartin]

I'm thinking of buying the same binoculars for astronomy use. Many clear nights have passed by, and I just don't have it in me to setup the telescope gear in the late of night, with fewer hours to spare before sunrise. Some binoculars would be great.

[@richardreynolds3597]

Great job, Thank you!

[@avt_astro206]

Great Review!! Looks Like a Pretty Handy Grab and Go Binos To Observe The Sky, I do Like Binocular Astronomy!! Useful For Bird Watching, while the Skies are Cloudy ( which is What I mostly Have Nowadays).

[@AstroFarsography]

Yeah they definitely worked nicely for bird watching. The focuser really was smooth for that purpose and I think as you're moving around a lot and looking closer to the horizon the weight doesn't become too much of an issue too quickly! Thanks for the comment :)

[@94SexyStang]

I have the 25x70, awesome for looking at airplanes too.

[@davidaaaa4611]

I have a pair of those 15 x 70 Binoculars I have had for 3 or more weeks. They are great. Very easy to focus. I would not sell them for 5 times what I paid for them. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.

[@niiights]

what have you seen with them ?

[@davidaaaa4611]

@@niiights I have just been using them to view boats, barges and things at the river. but looked at some wild life on my property like Guineas and squirrels. And looked for deer. I have a pair of 25 x 70 but like the 15 x70 better, because they are easier to focus.

[@niiights]

@@davidaaaa4611 i have a pair and i recommend u use them to look at the night sky when it’s clear and dark. it’s beautiful

[@westlakesteve]

Well done review & “how to”.

[@jonpaul674]

I have a pair and can testify on quality , the 20x80,s are fantastic also try the Orion Nebula.

[@dalebrown4724]

Just brought the 20x70 and trypod for 128 pounds, so looking forward to it

[@cristianoqueirozdealbuquer1156]

Hello my friend, did you use any special equipment to photograph Andromeda and the Flaming star nebula through this binoculars? Those are real images using this binoculars? Thank you!

[@stev6free146]

I have them,images are bright and clear.

[@3DAstroTC]

Excellent review! I just got a pair from ebay. Unfortunately they need recollimating. I'll do a video on that if I'm successful.

[@TheBongokong]

Is the image of the andromeda galaxy shown the same quality as you would see it through these binoculars? If so that’s incredible! Also where can I find a good tripod to go with these beauties?

[@mrtambourineman6107]

I mainly want to use for observation whilst doing my subs, will I be better off with 12x62s ?? I can't be bothered with a tripod, just sky scanning and helping me spot objects for astrophotography with my scope

[@arpadjakab-peter5431]

Nice rev! What would be the difference between celestron skymaster 20x80 and celestron upclose 20x50, i don't find any views on yt, like a comparition test

[@gabolayaz]

I want to buy a binaculars which should be all-rounder, good for astronomy ,birdwatching, traveling and hunting. So should I buy celestron skymaster Pro 15x70 or celestron skymaster 15-35x70? Sir what is your expert opinion? What do you recommend. I thought 15-35x70 is better because it includes lower magnification of 15x to higher magnification of 35x so that way it covers all areas of binaculars' use. Please do suggest your best recommendation sir. Thanks

[@danielkalani3101]

thanks Ruzeen, I would add the word "Pro" in the title of this video, important detail.

[@armandogavilan1815]

My main goal is to watch landscapes, are they good for that? I like to see long away places my house has an amazing panoramical view, but my binoculars still owe me a bit of power.

[@baneverything5580]

I had to rip away the rubber above the right eyepiece and use a small screwdriver to line up the images. They`re well worth the price and gather much more light and more detail than smaller ones when looking at the night sky.

[@StewartL]

I've got the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 binoculars. They are great for moon veiwing. Can also see Saturn and just make out the rings and Jupiter it's four moons. Even seen the glow from the orion nebula. I also own a pair Ts-Optics 25 x 100 Binoculars too.

[@bigdawg8033]

Is the 20x80 better then the 15x70?

[@StewartL]

@@bigdawg8033 Yes. 20 x magnification and 80mm diameter lenses to allow more light in.

[@christinahofmeister3564]

Can you tell me if the larger # binoculars like 25x100 let you see stars & planets more clearly or are the smaller # binoculars like 15x70 better? What do you think about 25x100? Would I need a tripod?

[@StewartL]

@@christinahofmeister3564 the 25 x 100 are better as they are higher magnification at 25 times. And the 100mm larger diameter lenses allow more light to be absorbed to give more detail. But at this magnification and size of binoculars you definitely need to have a tripod mount. I have mine on an orion paragon plus mount.

[@StewartL]

@@christinahofmeister3564 Also the TS Optics 25 x 100 have threaded lense which allow for 1.25inch filters to be attached.

[@Revelation13-8]

Is is true that i need 70 inch tripod for this and never should use 60 inch tripod ?

[@sandeepuniyal6164]

Hi, What is the price for this ? Can you plz share the link for this benecular too?

[@PtakiKujawiaki]

Is it also good for a birdwatcher ?

[@steveststst2968]

My 20x100's had inside condensation which greatly stained it. So, took it apart to clean it and the tiny steel screws rusted out and the collamation got wrecked. Can't refurbish it. Total loss....

[@cjmenagh882]

Nice video and review. I’d wager the tripod socket and adapter are both aluminum and Boy! Can they get tight! A bit of anti seize or a drop of liquid silicone will solve that problem nicely.

[@AstroFarsography]

Yeah I could check if they're aluminium or not but they didn't feel that soft. But definitely tight. Yeah, if these were mine I'd put a drop of slip on them threads just to make life easier.

[@skoal022]

Great video. I just bought a pair of skymaster pro 15x70. Left eye is nice and crisp after adjusting the focus with the right eye cover on. When I replace the left eye cover and adjust the right eye I see milky semicircular regardless off how much I adjust the diaplole. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

[@baneverything5580]

Get them replaced.

[@AstroLaVista]

Hey Ruz, an enjoyable review with your presentation style mate, it can't all be about the imaging hey :) I'm just wondering if you should pop the word 'Pro' in the title because Celestron also do a standard SkyMaster 15x70, and the spec is quite a bit lower! The Standard SkyMax doesn't have the weather sealing, and they also have undersized (non BAK4) prisms which give an effective aperture Just 63mm, rather than 70mm. They also show a slight yellow colour cast, and sharpness falls of at 70% out to the edge if memory serves, (I used to test loads of binoculars). Talking of which, it would be great to find out if the Pro version has full size prisms or not? You can shine a light down an objective lens and measure the diameter of the beam projected out of the eye lens onto a piece of paper (The exit pupil) The exit pupil for a 70x15 binocular should be 4.7mm (aperture divided by mag) if it has full size prisms. Anything less means the prisms are stopping down the aperture. Anyway, it's great using two eyes I think, gives that 3D immersive feel. I've not looked through my bins in a while and you've inspired me to break them out next time it's clear :)

[@AstroFarsography]

Thanks Chris! Yeah good shout I'll adjust the title now :) .that's a cool little test I'll get round to doing sometime and see if they're full size!

[@realmcerono]

they are fullsize on the pro version.

[@marlenewolfram1007]

Which tripod do you use for these?

[@realmcerono]

Get yourself a carbon Monopod and a Action-Grip Ballhead like the Walimex FT-011H or the Mantona ActionShot Grip - perfect match for 70mm binos.

[@microtechmachineshop]

i kind of want a pair

Fantastic review! I’m in doubt between this 15*70 and the 25x70, for amateur sky gazing. I know the first will give me less amplification but better view and clarity, while the 25 is exactly the opposite, besides having a much lower pupil exit (2.8 vs 4.6). So, what do you think? I want my wife and kid to have a more attractive experience, but am worried of losing some magnification. Both cost basically the same, so that’s not an issue. If you had to take one with you, which would you choose? Thanks and cheers from Brazil!

[@ecospider5]

I decided on the 15-30x70. I hope the adjustable zoom doesn’t screw anything up.

[@deepaknanda1113]

@@ecospider5 how is your binocular doing ?

[@VirgilTStone]

In this case, go with what you really want. Make a choice. Want higher magnification? 25x70, no doubt. Want wider field of view? 15x70, plus 15x is about the highest power you may be able to hand hold. Higher magnification usually requires a tripod to hold steady, for better viewing.

[@deepaknanda1113]

Better go for 25x100 with 4 mm exit pupil

[@ecospider5]

The 25x100 will let you see more but they are so heavy they are reasonably impossible to use without a tripod. And it’s a big heavy tripod.

[@pranavbhushan5413]

Can I use it with eyeglasses on? I have very high near-sightedness?

[@taurus7228]

Nice review. I know it is not practical but did you feel like you miss some kind of image stabilisation? I frequently observe birds at a distance with my camera through the optical viewfinder. The optical image stabilisation feature on camera is really a handy feature at higher zoom/focal lengths.. Thank you very much

[@AstroFarsography]

Thanks mate. Yeah some image stabilization would be useful but then again that would make the binos even heavier and then just would defeat its own purpose I reckon! But it would certainly be cool to see!

[@taurus7228]

@@AstroFarsography I realise it is not possible but just thought I might have some trouble looking at something while my hands get a little bit shaky. You made me discover something new. In case I decide on buying, I will surely use your link. Cheers!

[@user-pb3sp6qe2x]

Has it got plastic ditales?

[@fibosxpivots6238]

Thanks a Iot, I have got a 11x 80 mm since about 1990. They,re fantastic ,but my son has got them so I need a similar one .and I think I.ll take this model, which seems quite adequate. With my 11x80 mm, I could even see in Brittany, North West France, the America Nebula !! That was in the 90ies, when skies were still not polluted by overlighting. That's done.I have got them. better than the 11x80...!!! Double open cluster in Perseus, M44 cancer, M45,.Pleiades,...fantastic, you can count the stars ! And so compare one night sky quality with the next one...! So far I counted either 40 or 50 stars in M45. The pleiades were about 40° high.

[@nicomuros]

Hi!!! I have one question, can you really see Andromeda as clear as in the picture in the vid? Im thinking to start watching sky and this binoculars seems to be a good option

[@AstroFarsography]

Hi there. You can see andromeda pretty well, can make out it's shape and it looks impressive but you won't see colour or fine details unfortunately. Those sorts of details are only caught in photography. Thanks for the comment and good luck

[@nigelorr7938]

A plug for good old fashioned astronomy that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (or a marriage) ! Just to note that typically when the magnitude of an object is given it will be the so-called integrated magnitude - ie., that it would have if it was a compact star-like object. As such this is not a good indication as to the ease of visibility of an extended object, such as a nebula or large galaxy etc ... Tripods (at least alone) are not really of great use for astronomy with binoculars as one typically wishes to observe objects high in the sky - think old dslr's without swivel live view screens and trying to work one of those on the end of a refractor. An old trick is lying on a (cheap) pool/garden lounge chair with your elbows resting on the arms of the chair ...

[@AstroLaVista]

I agree with this, a lounger is better on the neck when using binos as you can just let the weight of the binos rest on your eye sockets and your neck is in a more neutral position. If standing a Monopods or an upturned broom (a clean one of course :D ) are handy for 70x15 class binos as well.

[@AstroFarsography]

Thanks! Yeah sometimes budget isn't a bad thing! Thanks for clarifying this about the magnitude with binos. I thought emission would be trickier but I didn't think it related to only stars. Parallel holders and loungers seem to be th consensus for sure then about what's the best way to hold binos. Thanks for your comment

[@pedade02]

just a side note here, you have reviewed the Pro version which is better than the regular medel...

[@technicaltreats2704]

Waterproof?

[@DavesAstrophotography]

Fit like Ruz, how's things? Struggling for clear skies in the UK?

[@AstroFarsography]

Hey Dave. Yep we had a clear night under new moon and since then we've got rain, rain and more rain. How about yourself?

[@DavesAstrophotography]

@@AstroFarsography just got home to Cyprus, been clear skies so far, but socialising and alcohol is getting in the way, managed one video yesterday...

[@Philaron]

Is it possible ot hold it fairly still? im travelling to Norway in the next weeks and want to buy this for the Sky and maybe some Whalewatching. Or is a tripod necessary to hold it still on a cruise ship

[@AstroFarsography]

Depends on your own fitness and strength. They're not TOO heavy, but holding them upwards does make the arms begin to shake. A tripod or monopod would definitely alleviate this issue if you're taking them onto a cruise ship.

[@Philaron]

otherwise can you recommend a pair of Bions that are not too heavy and usefull for Skywatching in the same price range or just buy this and a TriPod? @@AstroFarsography

[@Philaron]

any recommendations for a lighter pair of binos in that price range for Skywatching/nature or just this + tripod? @@AstroFarsography

[@christinahofmeister3564]

Can someone tell that when viewing stars is 15x70 better than a 25x70? Or is a smaller # like an 8x42 better? Can someone tell me please if the magnification gets better seeing stars in a larger # like 25x70? Which is bigger too? And which is best for seeing stars or ufos?

[@freezingicy9457]

25x70

[@campingandgames]

If you do not have a tripod try laying on a blanket on the ground on your back letting your elbows rest on the ground as you use the to look up :)

[@Karrdeh]

What eye caps did you use for this Celestron pro?

[@AstroFarsography]

Just the winged ones and the standard ones thet came with it

[@Karrdeh]

@@AstroFarsography Ah I see, I was looking for some to buy seperately for my binocs, didnt know the SkyMaster came with them. Thanks!

[@Viraj_Kumbhar]

Hello.. Great video. Is this the same one which Is available on Amazon India "Celestron 71009 15x70 Skymaster Binocular"

[@shimankumaheshwari6904]

Looks the same. I also came here after seeing Amazon product.

[@realmcerono]

Its not the same. the review is about the "pro" version of the skymaster 15x70. the lesser ones are not weatherproof, having BAK7 instead of BAK4 prisms etc. go for the Pro version if you can.

[@f16kumargaurav]

Hi, did you buy it? Was looking for binoculars..how did you find it?

[@Goku61001]

Planning on getting the Pro version 20x80. Any recommendations on good tripods?

[@turnerraines1034]

By and chance. I’m thinking about getting theses. Do I need a tripod? Because everyone I see with them say u need a tripod but could u just use your hands?

[@venikody]

Hi….I am fro m India……do we need tripod compulsorily for these…..or just by hand ….

[@turnerraines1034]

@@venikody I got theses. You do not need a tripod. Just get towel or a chair and go outside. And relax and enjoy the few! Just focus them like any pair of binoculars. Just know what you are looking at because you will get lost if you don’t know. But get ready to see the heavens!

[@feeglesnorf9351]

@@turnerraines1034 hey! I'm thinking about getting these but I really Don't want to waste money on bad binoculars, I'm really interested in the stars and especially the planets and I want to see them with my own eyes. How well can you see the moon with these? I've looked up photos of the moon at 15x magnification and it's not very promising, are you able to observe individual craters up close in high detail? Any other info that you feel is worth mentioning would be highly appreciated! Thanks for reading 🌍

[@mdr_random]

These are the PRO version correct?

[@AstroFarsography]

Correct

[@FitnessComedyParodyMEMECentral]

Bro that is the PRO version :) Exellent review though but it is the Pro version, non-pro is lighter and looks different

[@chrisg9602]

There not fully coated

[@claudelebel49]

To disadvantages in my view : the weight and a narrow field of view.

[@tacomaastro7462]

98.6F

[@mrtambourineman6107]

You don't need a tripod with these bad boys?

[@montre-moi]

Should I get the 15x70 or the 20x80? The price difference isnt that big, and I already own nice 10x40 binoculars

[@variszuzans299]

I'd go for the 15x70. Much lighter, nice bright exit pupil of 4.7 mm (good for deep sky). The 20x80 would be bulky, require a mount, and be dimmer (4 mm exit pupil). Bigger is not always better, I've had a 20x80, and did not like it..

[@montre-moi]

@@variszuzans299 Too late! I ordered the 20x80 yesterday... I'm making a mount especially for it. I hope I won't be disappointed

[@variszuzans299]

@@montre-moi Great, I think you will enjoy it. Btw, I ordered the 15x70 version, hope I do not have to send it back. I suggest you test it on the night sky asap, to check if you are able to merge stars (in daylight everything might be ok). These are known to have collimation issues out of the box.

[@montre-moi]

@@variszuzans299 I took an extended 5 year warranty just in case

[@variszuzans299]

@@montre-moi Great then. Be sure to check if everything is alright, Celestron expects their customers to do quality control for them in this price segment.

[@youarebeingliedto9218]

lol, wais... are you saying you can see colorful nebulas with these? ha! haha! ha! what?!

[@AstroFarsography]

No, that isn't what I'm saying, though if that's what it seems I'm implying then I apologise. To say you could see colour would be misleading. What I meant was I couldn't even see the fuzzy speck in the sky where I would expect to see these nebulae

[@stuartmenzies3928]

why are we watching your face and not the product!?

[@NinjaStroll]

Yea bro really needed to show some b rolls, like at least some close up of the actual product

[@hikinvikin]

Great review, and a big help for me. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Dr.Pepper001]

Binoculars on a tripod are useless when it comes to viewing objects above 45 degrees and overhead. You need a parallelogram system mounted on a tripod.

[@pangrac1]

Chromatic aberation junk. Waste of money. 👎