Customer Reviews

Celestron 71012 SkyMaster 20-100x70 Zoom Binoculars

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For the price I paid (Under $100) I rate these 5 stars. I have had mine for over 2 years and not had any issues with the zoom or focusing the binos. I must say they are heavy and unless laying on your back observing straight up they can become taxing on the arms. I purchased a tripod and mounted mine which seems to be the way to go for these are heavy. I have used them at several National Parks to observe the wildlife and natural attractions as well as astronomical observing of the moon and stars and the star packed areas of the milky way. For these uses they have been outstanding for the price, highly recommended.

The Celestron 71012 SkyMaster 20-100x70 Zoom are OK. Not outstanding or of superior quality. The zoom feature is not as smooth opertaing as the more expensive models but works just fine out of the box. Some folks are complaining of the double vision when you zoom. I think that those folks just don't know how to adjust them properly. They will require some getting used to as the feild of vision is drastically reduced when you zoom. An 80mm objective lens will give you a better field of vision at max zoom, but hey, the PRICE was right for the budget minded consumer like myself. If you want to step on up to the top of the line Nikon you will pay three 0r four times as much. They are adequate for the average user...they are what they are.

I purchased these binoculars as a Christmas gift for my father. He absolutely loves them. Both of my parents have been using them for bird watching and are amazed at the zoom intensity and the amount of detail that they are able to see through the binoculars. Definately a great buy for nature enthusiasts!

If you need to use them with maximum zoom, then do not recommend it, the image is distorted to 100x must be addressed very well to improve the image slightly. For use between 20-70x are very good, the pictures are very clear and striking, these binoculars are made with quality materials, are very nice and is sturdy appearance.
You can not ask much more for the price paid for them. Another drawback is that assets with carrying case.

My purchase of the Celestron Binoculars is for my celestial observation in my retirement. I am satisfied with the purchase transaction.

I read the reviews of similar Celestron binoculars and decided to get the zoom model. I can understand some of the problems people may have with adjustments and use, but with some patience and experimentation I found the binoculars performed well.

With the zoom set at 20 and the eyecups pulled out I can see everything fine with good clarity and an adequate field of view to find objects. When I begin to zoom in (around and over 40) I need to close the eyecups in order to see the entire field of view (possibly due to problems with my eyesight). This is not a problem because it is a quick adjustment. The zoom is more than enough for terrestrial viewing and is a great help. The right index finger is used to adjust the zoom anywhere between 20 and 100 and is easy to find without having to look for it. There are the problems associated with zooming, if a tripod or monopod is not used, as you will have a hard time holding the binoculars steady. For most of my viewing leaning against a tree or propping my elbows on a stationary object will do the trick.

The binoculars are long (11.5 to 12 inches) and heavy (between 5-10 lbs). They can be a bit unwieldy, but with some practice you can get find what you are looking for before your arms get tired. I will b getting a monopod for most of my terrestrial viewing (monopod with an adjustable head). The strap makes it easy to carry if you hang it over the shoulder and allow it to rest on the opposite side of the body.

This is a solid well made product for the price. They are attractive and function as designed without any major design flaws. You must remember that these are not the 'point and see' type of binoculars, these binoculars are a bit more specialized and require a little more experience and patience when using the zoom. Overall I do recommend this model to anyone at the intermediate level looking for more versatile binoculars.

I got a pair of these when I didn't want to shell out a lot on a rifle spotting scope. They work great for the intended purpose. The tripod mount is very useful, as these things are so big you cannot handhold them and keep a steady view on a small area. Optical clarity for the price is quite solid.

For the price I decided why not try them. I have the 15X70 and they are great - super optics. These have great optics - just do not zoom unless you want to go cross-eyed. I know how to adjust the Inter Pupillary Distance and still was not succesful. The Field Of View (fov) is way too small. Spend your money on a small refractor telescope if you want to zoom in on a distant opject.

A solid tripod is a must for this.

FYI - returned this item.

Bought these for two purposes - casual star gazing when I don't want to take my telescope out, and as an alternative to buying a spotting scope for shooting. Took them out the first night and was very pleased, great optics throughout the zoom range. For terrestrial viewing at or near eye level they work fine hand held, if you want to zoom past 30 or 40X you'll want a tripod. Usable hand held at low power for star gazing but you'll probably want a tripod, especially if you want to zoom for higher power. Went through a quick sky tour, the moon looked great throughout the zoom range, fantastic views for binoculars, then went to Jupiter, not enough apperture to show much cloud banding but could clearly see Jupiter as a disk along with the 4 Galilean moons. Then one of my favorite targets the double cluster in Perseus, again a great view resolving more stars than you can count. All in all the optics appear to be great. One point I have seen complaints about, yes these are a little heavy but any quality binoculars of this size are going to be.

The product arrived without problems, focus is clear the Zoom slide works without any hitches. Best used with a tri-pod as these binoculars are quite heavy for stationary viewing. Good buy overall!!!