CelestronSkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars – High-Power Binoculars for Astronomy and Long-Range Terrestrial Viewing – Large Aperture with BaK-4 Prisms – Includes Tripod Adapter & Carrying Case

Upgraded my SkyMaster 15x70 binos to the 20x80 model. This review concerns astronomical use, especially as it relates to casual observation. I just returned from two evenings with it under the dark skies of WV's Monongahela National Forest1) Field of view offers wide angle eye candy. 3.7 degrees with the feeling of expansiveness--even at 20x. I could place Orion's belt in one view; Orion's sword in another; The entire Pleiades (M45) in one glimpse; much of Kemble's Cascade; nearly all sections of the Veil Nebula complex; The Lagoon (M8) and Trifid Nebulae in one field; Can almost place M7 with M6 in Scorpius in the same field, also the Coathanger asterism fits nicely into the field of view.2) Spectacular views offered of M7 near the Scorpion's tail, The Swan nebula (M17), Dumbbell Nebula (M27), a billowing Orion Nebula (M42), Pleiades (M45), Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with companion galaxies...can seem to infer some stars on the outskirts of globular clusters M13 (Hercules) and M22 (Sagittarius). Veil Nebula is breathtaking under dark sky (t5he western side resembles a fuzzy fish hook). Can see North American Nebula near Deneb at top of Cygnus. I returned to several of these again and again--so rewarding were the views. I set it up a week ago for a backyard star party and the Pleiades was really impressive for viewers as was the Perseus Double Cluster and Albireo double star. The Orion nebula is also magnificent.3) Generous Eye Relief is best utilized by folding the eyecups back4) Used a 30 year old aluminum camera tripod that is sturdy enough to hold the 20x80 with ease. How I found it effective was to sit in a wooden kitchen table chair with the tripod legs fully extended and tripod close in with bino eye cups folded back. My tripod has a shaft that can rise about 10 inches more so I used that incrementally as viewing angle was increased--not unlike a barber's chair raising or lowering. Ample eye relief coupled with the folded back eye cups and raised tripod slant the bino was attached to meant I could view objects 45 degrees up from the horizontal. Objects near vertical I could manage limited viewing by actually leaning back with binos and tripod legs laying across me. That's how I viewed the Veil Nebula. Be mindful of the weight before trying this!! It was OK for me but may not be for you. Test that carefully. The 20x80 mount is more robust than the attachment I used with the same tripod with the 15x70's.5) Clarity of image was NOT sharp all the way to the edge. However, for the comparatively low price of the 20x80 I really can't complain about this as I'd pay much more for that level of optics.6) I have an 11" SCT telescope. The 20x80 is a nice, satisfying casual alternative to setting up my larger scope and I had so much fun with it one evening I never bothered to set up my SCT.7) These binos are HEAVY so a sturdy tripod is recommended. The 20x80 is significantly heavier than my 15x70 set. I can use each hand held on their own for limited viewing by gripping the large ends with each hand.8) The moon is not excessively bright as it tends to be telescopically so you need not be overly concerned about temporary "blindness" from viewing the moon then switching to other stellar objects. Eye recovery is but momentary.9) Did finally view Jupiter. The line up of the moons is more as one sees telescopically rather than with traditional binocular views. Be advised that surface brightness is so great one will likely NOT be able to the bands on Jupiter. Mars and Jupiter are definitely bright discs. haven't yet had a good look at Saturn as its currently near the sun in the sky.

First, I should mention that this is my first pair of stargazing type of binoculars although I've owned other birding size varieties. I'm by no means a serious user but rather a person that enjoys the ability to get a better look at things now and then. We purchased a telescope awhile back but the size and time consuming process of setting it up means we use it rarely. What we needed was something that was easy to take along, easy to set up and easy to use. This fit the bill perfectly. These are surprisingly large and become a bit tiresome to hold steady...we took turns laying in the hammock to stare up into the night sky. On the first use I was able to get a good view of Jupiter (very bright in the sky right now) and the surrounding moons! Jupiter is easy to see with the naked eye but not the moons. I focused on Jupiter and was very surprised to see the moons right there along side. Next, I looked over at Sirius - blinking red and blue - through the binoculars the colors really stood out. Last but not least, I spent quite a bit of time just looking around the sky - spots that looked "empty" to the naked eye were filled with stars. Other areas that looked like a cluster of five or six stars came alive with dozens and dozens of stars clearly visible with these. Wonderful entry level set of stargazing binoculars that can take camping or just out and about without worry.We have now been using these for a month or so an enjoy them more and more. We use a tripod for stability as they grow heavy even when lying in the hammock to view the stars. In fact, we like these so well that we purchased another set of binoculars by Barska with a 25-125 zoom...what a mistake! We spent a couple hours trying to fiddle with them in order to get a decent view of the moon...while the zoom did make the moon larger, the blur was so bad that it failed to provide even half what this pair was capable of doing in a fraction of the time. Those went back and we intend to purchase another set of these since nobody wants to "share"!!!

Bought the 20 x 80 version, some of the initial reviews I read stated you can see specific planets but I am here to say from Central Florida that's not the case I see. The moon comes into view with great detail but as far as other planets not at all with any real detail, you will need higher power of a refracting telescope I feel. Great for rocket launches, air shows or just far off scenery viewing. You have to have a tripod to keep the viewing steady so you will want a sturdy adjustable tripod, the adapter that comes with the binoculars works well with tripod mount so no need to purchase a separate adapter. The optics I feel are quality, the unit overall weight can be cumbersome but you can use without the use of a tripod but small objects may be difficult to see as the slightest movement you make throws off your viewing. I am satisfied with the purchase!