The Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars have dropped to just $145.29, down from $209.95, and saving you an impressive $64.66 on one of the best-value binoculars for astronomy and stargazing.

The combination of powerful 20x magnification and enormous 80mm objective lenses makes these binoculars particularly well-suited to exploring the night sky. They gather far more light than a typical pair of everyday binoculars, helping reveal brighter, more detailed views of the Moon, star clusters, and other celestial sights.

That high magnification also brings distant subjects considerably closer, making the SkyMaster 20x80 a compelling alternative for anyone who wants to begin exploring astronomy without immediately investing in a telescope. Using both eyes can also create a more natural and immersive viewing experience.

These are substantial binoculars, however, and you will need a sturdy tripod to enjoy them at their best. The powerful magnification exaggerates even the smallest movement, while the large lenses add weight, so trying to hold them steady for long periods is not particularly practical.

Once mounted securely, though, they offer a brilliant way to scan the night sky from your garden or take a closer look at distant landscapes during the day. Their combination of light-gathering ability, reach, and straightforward operation makes them an excellent choice for beginner and enthusiast stargazers alike.

At just $145.29, the Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars offer a huge amount of astronomical viewing power for the money. With a $64.66 saving, this is one of the strongest stargazing deals I have spotted and a brilliant opportunity to bring the night sky considerably closer.

Are you after the best budget binoculars for the total solar eclipse that is coming up this summer? If you've ever seen a solar eclipse, you will know how fiddly solar eclipse glasses can be.

Sure, protecting your eyes from dangerous infrared light, UV light, and bright sunlight is imperative while looking at the sun. However, simple solar eclipse glasses get easily damaged, and they obviously don't offer any magnification.

Cue solar binoculars, which have built-in solar filters on their objective lenses to allow in only safe levels of sunlight so you can observe the sun directly and magnified to a size where you can see it in more detail.

On August 12 this year, parts of Spain, Portugal, Greenland, and Iceland will be able to witness the 'once in a generation' spectacle of a total solar eclipse – the last in continental Europe was back in 1999. But there won't be such a long wait for the next one, which will be visible on August 2, 2027, from countries including Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.

With Lunt having discontinued its SUNoculars range, Celestron is now the only real choice for those who want a safe way to get a magnified view of the sun, without investing in a telescope or a telephoto camera lens, both of which will need to be fitted with a solar filter.

Happily, the products available cover all kinds of magnifications, from portable and pocket-sized 10x25 binoculars (that’s 10x magnification and 25mm aperture objective lenses) to heavier, more powerful 20x50 binoculars.

Within the small range available, you’ll find both roof prism (for small, portable binoculars) and Porro prism (for large yet affordable) designs. Crucially, the solar filters used all conform to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard.

Although solar binoculars make it safe to view the sun, it pays to know an extra safety technique. After all, when bringing solar binoculars up to your face, it’s all too easy to look at the sun – and that goes double if you have problems locating it through the otherwise very dark optics. A good technique here is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, which will instantly block the sun from getting in your eyes while you find the sun and adjust the binoculars.

The best solar eclipse binoculars

Best value

Light enough to hold steady while also offering decent magnification, these binoculars are excellent for watching the progress of an eclipse while also being good for studying the surface of the sun.

Low-priced and with just the right amount of magnification for stunning close-ups of sunspots while also being easy to hold steady, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42mm offers the perfect balance for those wanting something impressive without being too big and bulky. Crucially, it’s easy to find and focus on the sun, with a nice, bright, and sharp view, although we did notice both a blue and yellow line around the limb, telltale signs of color fringing.

Although it’s the most impressive of Celestron’s three Porro prism binoculars in its EclipseSmart range – including a slightly better build quality – the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42mm has a lot in common with both the 12x50 and 20x50 models, both good and bad.

All have thumb pads underneath the barrels that make it easy to grip and offer plenty of eye relief. However, the shoulder case included is of very basic quality, as is the neck strap, while the separate lens caps on both the lens caps and eyecups are easy to lose. What this model does lack is an adaptor for attaching a tripod, though that’s something that simply isn’t required at this easy-to-handhold 10x magnification.

Best portable

If you just want to keep track of the progress of the moon across the sun during an eclipse and you’re not interested in seeing sunspots, then the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25mm roof solar binoculars are for you.

A tiny pair of binoculars not much bigger than the footprint of a smartphone, these roof prism binoculars offer 10x magnification, but only 25mm objective lenses. That means a small bluish-white image of the sun that lacks brightness, though the wide-angle of view makes it very easy to locate the sun quickly. In my test, I could just about see some sunspots, though not nearly as many – and not as clearly – as larger, higher magnification, brighter solar eclipse binoculars.

It’s a no-frills package, with a simple string for a neck strap, but since they’re so lightweight, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25mm roof solar binoculars can hang effortlessly around the neck during an eclipse. Also in the box is a pouch that has a belt loop, but they can just as easily live in a pocket. The only real downside to these travel-friendly solar binoculars is the lack of eye relief.

Best for tripods

Many people find binoculars that magnify 10x or higher quite difficult to hold steady, and that certainly applies here. Although almost identical to the 10x42 and 12x50 Celestron models, this 20x50 binocular is just too heavy to hold for longer periods of time.

What’s more, the narrow field of view makes it very hard to quickly find the sun. This is why the tripod jack between the barrels of this Porro prism binocular is so useful. When held steady on a tripod, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 offers fabulous close-ups of sunspots on the surface of the sun amid a blueish-white view of the solar surface. I also didn’t notice many traces of blue and yellow color fringing around the sun.

Impressive when mounted on a tripod, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 is best thought of as a travel-friendly alternative to taking a small telescope to see an eclipse rather than as solar binoculars for hand-holding.

As with the others in the range, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 comes with thumb pads underneath the barrels and lots of eye relief, but with loose lens caps, a thin neck strap, and a basic shoulder case.

Best high-magnification

If you want as much magnification as possible for finding sunspots on the solar surface, then the Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 is a tempting proposition. With 12x magnification and solar filters permanently attached to its 50mm objective lenses, these Porro prism binoculars offer a bright, blueish-white view of the sun with only a trace of blue and yellow color fringing.

It’s easily possible to find sunspots and even split sunspots in dense areas of activity, but there are some caveats. The main issue is that while it is possible to hold the Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 in the hand to use at an eclipse (or just for sunspot viewing), it’s a wobbly affair.

The weight of these binoculars is such that it’s better to mount them on a tripod (using the built-in tripod jack and an L-shaped binocular adaptor) or, at the very least, sit on a reclining chair when you use them.

By using either a tripod or yourself to support some of the weight, it becomes easier to keep them steady. That’s if you can find the sun with them, something that takes a little practice at this magnification – it’s certainly something you should master before eclipse day.

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Compare prices

There’s something quietly magical about a clear night sky, and every so often, a deal comes along that makes diving into it feel even more irresistible.

Right now, our favourite pair of stargazing binoculars, the Celestron SkyMaster 20x80, has dropped to its lowest-ever price of just £129 at Amazon, down from £199.99, saving you a very tidy £70.99.

I’ve always had a soft spot for these. They’re unapologetically big, properly powerful, and built for one thing: pulling distant celestial detail that little bit closer. With 20x magnification and large 80mm objective lenses, they drink in light, making them ideal for moon watching, star clusters, and even picking out distant landscapes in daylight.

What makes them stand out, especially at this price, is just how immersive they feel. This isn’t casual birdwatching glass; this is the kind of kit that encourages you to slow down, set up properly, and really take in what’s above you. Pair them with a tripod, and you’ve got something that borders on a telescope experience, but with far more flexibility.

At £129, they also shift from being a considered purchase to something far more tempting. For anyone who’s ever looked up and thought about getting into astronomy, this feels like one of the easiest entry points you’ll find without compromising on performance.

It’s rare to see a saving this strong on a pair of binoculars that have such a loyal following, and honestly, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get into stargazing, this might be it.

Also check out our guide to the best binoculars and to the best telescopes

Some of the best binocular deals we have seen this year are now LIVE thanks to the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, which is now in its final day of sale, so look no further in your search for a fantastic deal on your dream pair of binos!

• See all of today's Amazon camera deals

While this is an Amazon Prime special event, many of the other big retailers will also offer great discounts during the sale period – and some will release daily deals, so check back here regularly to bag the best prices!

US: Best Binocular deals

UK: Best Binocular deals

Top retailers

Prime Day is an Amazon-only affair, but other retailers are also likely to reduce prices over the Amazon Prime Dig Deal Days event - and some may have discounts on products not stocked or not discounted at Amazon. Key retailers to check out for binocular deals and photo-related discounts are:

US Top Retailers:

Amazon: Cheap prices on camera gear
Adorama: Big discounts on cameras and tech
Apple: Save on your old iPhone or iPad
Walmart: DSLR, Mirrorless & action cameras
B&H Photo Video: Deals on camera brands
Best Buy: Save on TVs, laptops, appliances
Canon USA: Buy direct to save money

UK Top Retailers:

Amazon: We expect big savings on camera, lenses, memory cards and more Canon UK: Buy direct from the source and tap into Summer Savings
Jessops: Deals from the iconic camera store
John Lewis: The latest deals on electrical equipment
Park Cameras: Amazing Cashback savings on cameras & lenses
Wex Photo Video: Great deals on Canon, Rotolight, Elinchrom & more

Free Amazon Prime trials

How to access Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Sale

Unlike Amazon Prime Day, which usually has a few deals available for non-members to shop, Big Deal Days will be a Prime-member exclusive sale. So if you want to take advantage of these pre-Black Friday deals you must be logged into or set up an Amazon Prime account in order to see and shop all the deals.

Also check out our guides to the best budget binoculars and the best binoculars for kids

The world of microscopy can sometimes seem inaccessible to beginners, who aren't ready for slide preparation, staining and other technical setups. Stereo microscopes (also known as dissecting microscopes) solve this by lowering the magnification and increasing the working distance, meaning you can drop any small object onto the stage and instantly see close up details. 

Celestron has a long-founded association with optics, having started in the 1950s as Valor Electronics, specialising in telescopes. The Celestron Labs S20 is their budget stereo microscope, ideal for observing everyday objects like coins, insects, rocks, leaves and fossils, blurring the line between macrophotography and microscopy.

Celestron S20 specifications

Price

Coming in under a hundred pounds, the Celestron Labs S20 microscope can be seen as a budget microscope. It isn't available on the Celestron website, but you can find it for around $60 / £70. At this price you get a lot of fun for your buck, while you don't have to worry about a child breaking a valuable piece of equipment. 

Building and handling

The Celestron Labs S20 has a durable metal body, with a slight dappled effect, which is pleasing to the touch. Other elements, like the focus knob, are made of a more tactile plastic. As a whole, this microscope is lightweight and on the smaller side, making it easier to carry around and great for kids to store in their backpacks. There is no carrying case, protective cover or caps for the eyepiece tubes, so you may have to be creative to keep it safe and clean. The base is small and doesn’t have any grip, so it isn’t a particularly stable platform.

Two objective lenses are built into the head and the kit comes with two 10X eyepieces, combining to provide the listed 20X magnification. The eyepieces can be removed from the tubes, but do not click back into place, so can easily fall out. The eyepieces can be broken down for cleaning, but I would only recommend doing this if you know what you’re doing as you can easily end up damaging or losing elements. 

The two lens systems are inclined around 15 degrees of each other, retaining stereoscopic vision and rendering the image in three dimensions. The dual eyepieces stand upright, which does not make for the most comfortable viewing position, but they can be adjusted to suit various interpupillary distances.

As a stereo microscope, this model has a lower magnification than might be found on compound microscopes, but has a maximum working distance of just over 10cm, so it’s perfect for large, bulky objects. Because of the low magnification, sizes can be estimated by using a ruler placed alongside a specimen. 

The head is attached to a rack-and-pin spine, which cranks up and down to focus in and out. There is one coarse focusing knob attached to the head and at this lower magnification a finer control is not necessary.

An LED light hangs just behind the two objective lenses, facing down towards the lower plate and producing a bright, cold light. It is battery powered, so you can use this microscope in the field, at school or sat on the sofa, wherever you like. I left the light on for many hours and it didn't get hot, while there was no impact on performance.

There is a button that turns the light on and off, but there is no control to adjust the power. It’s a shame the light source is fixed in place, as a removable light source can sometimes reveal more details when used at a different angle.

Two clips on the base can be used to hold specimens in place, which work well enough, but can also be removed to keep the space clear. The lower plate is removable, revealing a small well beneath that allows you to use additional lighting (if you have a light that fits).

The two insect specimens, provided with the kit, really show off the advantages of this microscope – the Cupreous Chafer glitters with an indescribable iridescence and the hornet's compound eyes are enhanced by the 3D view. It would be nice if there were more examples provided, but you should have no difficulty in finding other objects to try out under the lens.

Performance

This microscope doesn’t come with instructions, which highlights how easy it is to get started. Pop the batteries in (requires a small screwdriver to get inside) and adjust the eyepieces to suit your interpupillary distance – this will ensure you make the most of the 3D compound image – and you’re off. Neither of the eyepieces have a diopter adjustment control, so people with visual impairments might have issues.

The first thing I tried with this microscope were the two insect specimens that came with the pack. Under natural light they were both flat and boring, but the moment you turn on the LED reflecting light source, they are transformed into something spectacular. The beauty of a dissecting microscope like this is that you don’t have to prepare slides, but can grab anything you see and look at it (although some things might try to wriggle away). I took it up to my allotment and tried it with flowers, leaves and grasses. It's amazing what's revealed in the most unassuming objects by even a low magnification.

The lenses are fairly good quality and the image is sharp across the whole view. There is no camera connected to this microscope, so while you can take pictures down the eyepiece with your phone, it's hard to share your discoveries.

The LED provides an intense white light, which can’t be adjusted, losing detail on some specimens. It can help if you add a dark piece of card behind the specimen to reduce the reflection. 

Verdict

There's a lot of fun to be had with this microscope. It's small and portable, making it perfect for taking outside and getting close to nature. You don't need any experience to get going and the results are impressive. The LED provides a constant, bright light that illuminates most specimens well, but you might have to add a darker background for some more reflective objects.

Amazon's spring sale ended yesterday, but we are still spotting some great deals - including this big price drop on one of our favorite beginner telescopes. It's a no-frills device that will give you a powerful view of the night sky thanks to its bright 130mm diameter lens. With an overnight price drop of over £40, this Celestron telescope is now on offer for just £203.

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is a complete kit with an optical tube assembly (OTA), anequatorial mount, two eyepieces – a 20mm and 10mm – which work with the optical system to provide magnifications and 33x and 65x, a red-dot finderscope to help you frame your subject, and a solidly-built stainless steel tripod. Furthermore, the bundle that Amazon has just cut the price on comes with a motorized drive, that allows you to track celestial objects as they appear to move across the night sky.

The supplied motor is good for tracking objects such as the moon, but it does not come with computerized control to guide you to a particular planet or star. However, this telescope is a great starting point for exploring our solar system, and the galaxies beyond.

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Looking out into the stars has its complications, as all amateur astronomers have learned over the years while attempting to align their scopes with distant celestial objects. This has become, if anything, harder in recent years as we have come to depend on apps to act as star charts – something I remember from standing out in my dad's back garden last summer (sadly I live in the city so it's only visiting the countryside in which stargazing becomes possible).

Celestron, which is the biggest brand in telescopes, has created what might be the perfect solution to both parts of the problem my dad and I were having; aiming the telescope and our eyes adjusting to the light. The Celestron Origin, is the company's first smart telescope, and features a 6.4 megapixel Sony IMX178 CMOS sensor so the image can be enjoyed on the smartphone – or indeed tablet/smart TV/projector – rather than through the eyepiece.

The telescope itself is built around a Celestron version of the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) f/2.2 optical system designed for digital optics. That makes it 474-times as able to gather light as the human eye according to Celestron.

The bit of using a tripod which takes longest – aligning, aiming, and focusing – are all handled by the Celestron Origin. StarSense checks the sky and autonomously focuses and aligns once the tripod is set up.

The company has, they tell us, put a user-friendly interface on it (whether it'll be one of the best smart telescopes remains to be seen), though you can already see screenshots at retailers who are offering pre-orders.

Because the smart system can relay images to any smart display, the telescope could have uses in the home and classroom. It is a potential replacement for the best cameras for astrophotography and, by its nature, builds in a star tracker (a device which keeps adjusting your telescope's position to compensate for the planet's motion).

The internals are powered by a battery and can run for up to six hours, with the processing power of a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, and outputting 3096 x 2080 pixel images. That's 1.48 arcsec/pixel resolution. There are USB-A ports and Ethernet for removing the raw files should you want to process them thoroughly, but of course sharing options are all there for app-powered viewing.

As mentioned, you can pre-order now, but don't expect to get your hands on it until Q2 – still not that long to wait.

We keep a guide to the best telescopes for beginners, and the best telescopes for astrophotography.

Save a celestial chunk on one of Celestron's most coveted telescopes for amateur stargazers with this Amazon Prime Day 2023 deal . The Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – clad in its famous orange finery – is a computer-controlled telescope that will delight seasoned amateur astronomers and beginners alike. And now you can save a tidy £225, since the Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope is now just £1274.15. And if you are looking for something less expensive for space exploration, there are some other fantastic Celestron discounts too, over the 48-hour Amazon sale…

If you're looking for a step up from the Celestron NexStar 6SE then the Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope is one of the best Prime Day telescope deals. This extremely popular telescope boasts an 8-inch aperture to gather ample light and allows users to get up close to a variety of celestial objects including various planets and deep-sky objects to boot.  

NexStar's GoTo system can pinpoint and track celestial objects thanks to its huge database, allowing even inexperienced astronomers to navigate the night sky with ease. If you're happy to invest in stargazing equipment that will stand the test of time, check out the NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope, today!

Other Prime Day Celestron deals…

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It’s our experience that the Celestron brand can be relied upon for delivering a good value, quality-made product. And while, when it comes to the best spotting scopes, it may not always offer the sharpest around, it nevertheless hits its intended price point with very little in the way of compromise.

We’d wager the same will prove true of the Celestron Ultima 100, so named because of its generous, class-leading 100mm objective lens. In theory, this not only enables us observers to view wildlife on land but to also reach for the stars and enjoy a spot of astronomy on the side. So, in effect, what we’re getting here is an affordable telescope and spotting scope in one.

Specifications

Magnification: 22x-66x
Objective lens diameter: 100mm
Field of view at 1000 yards: 94-52 feet
Closest focusing distance: 33ft
Eye relief: 18mm
Weight: 2.04 Kg
Dimensions: 22x7x7-inches

Key Features

As we’d expect, given that the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope is intended for both wildlife watching and stargazing at long distances, the construction is both fog-proof and waterproof, while featuring multi-coated optics for optimum light transmission. 

Suggesting itself as a jack of all trades, the magnification range on the provided screw-on eyepiece runs from a respectable 22x, at which it should be possible to achieve wobble-free viewing, to a generous 66x, meaning a tripod will be a must. Given the size of the scope itself, we’d recommend investing in a sturdy tripod – luckily we already owned one that can handle a DSLR and telephoto lenses for photography, and that provided perfectly stable support here.

Build & Handling

The cleverly attractive design of the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope actually makes it look sleek and streamlined, despite being a chunky beast that requires some minor assembly straight out of the box before we can begin using it.

The assembly bit involves attaching the provided extendable tripod adapter, which is simply screwed into place at the base. The 22-inch length of the scope itself, broadly mirroring the distance between our hip bone and our knee cap, means that a tripod is an essential extra purchase if we don’t already own one. There’s no way we’ll be attempting to use the scope handheld this time. 

All that being said the scope is lighter than its solid build and robust looks suggest. A soft carry bag is provided out of the box that allows us to sling the scope over our shoulder. We also get a lens cloth and a printed copy of the manual.

The provided zoom eyepiece is inserted at a standard 45° angle, although a straight eyepiece version of this scope is also available, this eyepiece needs to be fixed into position before we can start using it. This again is simply screwed into place by hand. Markings on the eyepiece barrel reveal the range of magnification settings on offer, which run between a minimum of 22x, at which it’s just about possible to achieve a judder free image without a tripod, and a maximum of 66x. 

A protective slip-on rubber cap is provided for the eyepiece, while a large hard plastic clip-on lens cap protects the lens when the scope’s being transported or is otherwise not in use. It did fall off within the carry bag a couple of times when we were using it, so there’s the likelihood that this and the small eyepiece cap could get misplaced over time.

Performance

The 45° angled eyepiece on our review sample, as opposed to the alternative of a straight eyepiece, proves ideal for those of us who want to comfortably observe from a standing position when the scope is tripod mounted. Altering magnification to suit our intended subject is as simple as a twist of said eyepiece, while the focus knob halfway down the body of the scope is large and obvious enough that adjustments can be made intuitively in real-time while our eye remains glued to the eyepiece so as to not lose our intended visual quarry. 

In terms of sharpness, we’d suggest the Celestron Ultima 100 is sharp enough for keen amateur use, though the optical quality is obviously not up to the level of rival Zeiss and Leica optics costing several times as much. Used to view the Moon at night, we were able to see the grey markings and scars on its surface, while during the daytime we happily did not notice much in the way of chromatic aberration. Viewing birds on the branches of a tree against the sky, our view was free from the normal telltale purple fringing visible in some budget optics where the edges of the branches meet said sky.

Verdict

The Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope may be big, but it’s not without beauty – and, in looking for a scope with plentiful light-gathering capability, we really do feel here that we’re getting a lot for our money. With the ability to achieve close-up details of birds and even pull the Moon closer all within the one device, this is a flexible tool for any wildlife watcher and nature lover who has wanted to expand their horizons, achieve satisfying results, and not have to spend a fortune to do it either. 

Yes, there may be sharper alternatives out there, but they cost many more times the price of this all-encompassing observational tool. Good value, good results – there is very little here we can reasonably take issue with at an amateur or enthusiast level.

Read more:

• The best spotting scopes
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• Best budget binoculars under $100
• The best monoculars in 2021
• The best night vision goggles and binoculars 

If all we’ve been used to in the past is a pair of binoculars or their lighter-weight monocular alternative, then the Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope will feel properly heavy-duty by comparison. The length of our elbow, forearm, and hand combined, it’s a chunky beast, even if it is more compact than the average telescope. 

Intended for wildlife watchers and nature lovers, this heavy-duty scope can be handily fixed to a tripod, which given the size, weight, and magnification on offer here, is an essential extra purchase. Not only does mounting the scope keep both our hands free for adjusting focus and angle of view, but it also helps deliver smooth and judder-free observation towards the maximum magnification setting. The caveat here is that this level of scope specification and build quality is not inexpensive, even if Celestron as a manufacturer is routinely feted for its good value products. 

With first impressions being largely positive, how does the Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope handle in practice?

Specifications

Magnification: 16x-48x
Objective lens diameter: 65mm
Field of view at 1000 meters: 43-23m
Closest focusing distance: 5 metres
Eye relief: 20mm
Weight: 1327g
Dimensions: 332 x 96 x 117mm

Key features

Once again some of the key features of this scope are trumpeted in the model name of the Celestron Regal M2 65ED. As regular readers will know, the ‘ED’ in the model name here refers to the inclusion of high-quality Extra-low Dispersion glass in the scope’s construction to help avoid chromatic aberration, while the ‘65’ refers to its large-ish 65mm objective lens. 

As always, the broad rule of thumb when it comes to objective lenses is the bigger the lens the brighter the view through our eyepiece. As well as the above the construction of this scope further features class-leading BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics. In short, this top-of-the-range device is optimized to deliver the sharpest and hopefully clearest image possible. It’s versatile too, in that its standard 1.25-inch eyepiece mount allows the use of a variety of astronomical eyepieces if star-gazing as well as animal watching is your thing.

As expected at this level, the scope is nitrogen purged to prevent fogging and waterproofed with it. We also get a soft carry case provided out of the box in a good quality woven nylon backpack-like material for transportation and further protection from the elements when out and about.

Build and handling

Roughly the length of a human forearm complete with hand and elbow joints, the magnesium-alloy-bodied Celestron Regal M2 65ED certainly looks, well, a bit posh. Instead of a plastic or rubber slip-on eyepiece cover, we get a metal cylinder that screws into place and covers that whole section, thereby offering maximum protection for the angled eyepiece unit when transporting. 

It does however add to set up time, in that we have to unscrew it before observation can begin. At the other end of the device is a regular clip-on objective lens cap – the kind we’d find supplied with a camera lens.

Halfway down the body of the scope and sitting above the fitted tripod mount is a dual-action focus knob. Here the slightly thicker of the dials is for broadly determining focus, and offers some resistance, while the smaller one that sits just in front of it for fine-tuning is much looser in feel. 

Focus can be adjusted with the right hand while the left-hand turns the magnification ring on the zoom eyepiece, with approximate settings marked on the barrel from minimum 16x to maximum 48x. These are more for show than anything, as with our eye pressed up against the eyepiece, we can’t actually see them when operating the scope.

The Celestron Regal M2 65ED has an attractively tactile feel thanks to its rubber-coated exterior, which also enables a sturdy grip when retrieving it from its box or provided carry bag and placing it on and taking it off the tripod. 

While said tripod feels a must, if pushed it is possible to achieve an acceptably wobble-free image if we do want to use it handheld, provided we’re on the lowest 16x magnification setting. As we progress to a maximum of 48x magnification, however, the image through the eyepiece begins predictably jumping around all over the place – unless we add the suggested and very sensible tripod support.

The Celestron Regal M2 65ED’s build quality is such that it gives us reassurance it will withstand years of use with careful ownership, which is exactly what we’d hope and expect at this price point. Each feature promotes its operation and feels precision engineered, without any corners having been obviously cut to come in at its price point.

Performance

Even on dull days with plenty of cloud cover, the brightness of the lens ensures that we are able to achieve consistently clear results. We deliberately focused the Celestron Regal M2 65ED on more challenging high-contrast subjects, such as the branches of a tree silhouetted against a featureless sky. 

We are happy to report that views were naturalistic and sharp in terms of color and free of tell-tale purple fringing. If we’re nit-picking, at times we did notice a watery halo-like effect towards the edges of our circular frame. 

The manufacturer also claims its dual focus knob setup allows us to find critical focus twice as fast. We’re not sure about that, but in any event, we were able to arrive at a level of sharpness we were happy with via the broader dial, without really needing to utilize the fine-tuning. 

Twiddling the smaller focus dial rarely made much discernable difference. When the weather brightens an adjustable pull-out lens shade at the front and twist-up eyecup for the eyepiece at the rear aids viewing comfort. And, as stated earlier, we really do need to add a tripod to the setup to get the best results and most comfortable observation with the scope.

Verdict

For those who are serious about observing the wonders of nature, whether out in the great outdoors or from the back bedroom window, the waterproof Celestron Regal M2 65ED delivers a sharp, clear, and moreover close-up view of the faraway. A large and bright objective lens that aids low light observation does mean a fairly chunky scope, however, that requires the use of a full-size tripod to deliver judder-free viewing. Still, if we’re going to be observing what’s around us from a fairly static point, and not getting up and moving with our visual quarry, that’s not an issue.

While it’s not inexpensive, pricing here feels fair and the scope’s build and implementation are worthy of the investment being asked. Custom-made extras include an adapter that allows the use of a smartphone to take pictures and video if desired, making this a fairly comprehensive and future-proof option for dedicated birders. 

Read more:

• The best spotting scopes
• Best binoculars
• Best budget binoculars under $100
• The best monoculars
• The best night vision goggles and binoculars 

A spotting scope is something that is in between the best monoculars and best telescopes, with a smaller and more compact size than a telescope, but much more powerful optics than a monocular. The best spotting scopes are used mostly for bird and wildlife watching, as well as hunting, and observing the night sky.

We recently reviewed the Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm monocular and described it as being closer to your typical spotting scope than a regular monocular. Not only did it resemble a spotting scope that had been miniaturized, but that product also offered the ability to vary magnification from 10-30x and all points in between. The step-up product is this physically larger but still relatively compact Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED micro spotting scope, which offers an even bigger, brighter lens for a theoretically clearer view in lower light levels. 

The 56mm objective lens is here married to a marginally less powerful magnification range that runs between a standard monocular-like spec of 9x, thus allowing this to be used as a substitute for a monocular/binocular when we don’t want to carry both, up to a maximum 27x. 

In essence, it’s a spotting scope for bird watchers and nature lovers always on the move; those wanting an observational aid that’s relatively powerful yet lightweight and compact with it. Presumably naming it after this particular small bird is supposed to amplify its compactness and versatility.

For comfort when viewing subjects for prolonged periods of time, we get a screw thread to enable this Celestron to be tripod mounted. As there is no image stabilization built into the scope, investing in a tripod of a similar travel-friendly size would help prevent any visible wobble the more we increase the magnification. Well, that’s the theory at least; let’s see how well this Hummingbird scope pans out in practice.

Specifications

Magnification: 9x-27x
Objective lens diameter: 56mm
Field of view at 1000 yards: 216-98
Closest focusing distance: 3 metres
Eye relief: 15mm
Weight: 590g
Dimensions: 21.3x13x6.1 cm

Key features

As we’d expect, the key features of the angled Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED micro spotting scope are all there in the model name. We have the ability to adjust our magnification from 9x to 27x – and anywhere in between – coupled with a larger-than-average 56mm objective lens. The rough rule of thumb is the bigger the lens the better; after all, the more light allowed in the brighter the view. 

Obviously being able to vary the magnification is helpful for those tracking moving subjects – particularly when our subject is nervous wildlife that would otherwise be disturbed by humans in close proximity. The ‘ED’ part of the name signifies the inclusion of Extra-low Dispersion glass. The construction further includes BaK-4 prisms, along with fully multi-coated optics to aid clarity of view, all features we’d expect to find at this price point.

Offering a degree of flexibility and a 45° viewing angle for comfort, the scope can be used as close as 10ft from our subject.

Unsurprisingly given that most users of this scope will be venturing into the great outdoors, the device is handily waterproofed and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging. For further versatility if required – for example if we want to use the scope for astronomy – there’s the ability to swap out the eyepiece it comes supplied with and substitute a wide range of optional 1.25-inch mount eyepieces, likewise available via Celestron at additional cost.

Build and handling

As usual with this brand, the build quality is good. The design looks slick and the scope has a reassuringly solid feel at 590g when gripped in the palm. While the dimensions are certainly compact enough for this scope to be used handheld, a screw thread for tripod mounting proves a practical necessity. 

When tripod mounting, the 45° angled eyepiece comes in very handy, avoiding the need for us to crouch down, or otherwise have our tripod set to its maximum height to enable a comfortable viewing angle. An actual tripod is an optional extra of course.

In terms of operation and handling, we get two chunky rubberized and ridged control dials on the Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED Micro Spotting Scope – the thinner one nearest the eyepiece with attractively copper-colored rings is for adjusting the magnification from 9x to 27x equivalent, while the thicker one nearest the lens is the manually operated focus dial. 

For protecting the eyepiece and lens we’re provided with slip-on rubber caps and a cheap and cheerful looking carry pouch complete with a shoulder strap for transporting the device itself. However, in a slightly unfortunate manner, it does resemble a gun pouch for an undercover detective when slung across the body. Our review sample box also included a lens cloth in fetching pink as an aid for keeping our glass dust and dirt free.

Performance

With 9x and 27x settings printed on the eyepiece, a small nodule at the base of the zoom ring acts as an indicator of where we are in terms of magnification at any time. In keeping things straightforward and simple there are no further markings showing positions between the two extremities. As expected the eyepiece is of the twist-up variety, allowing for comfortable viewing, whether we’re wearing spectacles or not.

If we’re nitpicking we did notice a slight softening and halo effect toward the edges of the frame at times, but not to an extent that it spoiled our view or detracted from the subject. 

Sticking with the positives, any instances of chromatic aberration seem to be well under control here. Even when we were trying to spot tell-tale instances of purple fringing between areas of high contrast, such as the dark branches of a tree silhouetted against a featureless sky, we failed to find them. 

Generally, the level of sharpness is more than acceptable for the size and versatility of the scope and would suit keen amateurs who can’t quite justify much more expensive optics from the likes of Leica or Zeiss.

The blurb for this product describes it as rubber armored, and while it looks sturdy enough to withstand the odd accidental knock, the surface is actually quite smooth, as opposed to roughened or dimpled for a firmer grip. We found our fingers therefore naturally coming to rest around the magnification dial and the focus dial, both of which are chunky, knurled, and yes, rubbery. This holding position also allows for swift adjustments to magnification and focus when tracking a subject, so makes practical sense.

Verdict

If you’re considering purchasing the travel-friendly Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED Micro Spotting Scope we recommend factoring in the additional purchase of a travel-sized tripod in order to best take advantage of the magnification range on offer and avoid a view marred by judder towards its maximum setting.

That’s not to suggest this scope cannot be readily used handheld as long as we stick to the minimum 9x range; it can. But to limit ourselves to the more modest end of the zoom would mean we’d literally only be getting part of the picture. In conclusion, this is most suited as an option for amateur bird watchers and nature lovers starting out who don’t want the bulk of a full-size scope.

Read more:

• The best spotting scopes
• Best binoculars
• Best budget binoculars under $100
• The best monoculars in 2021
• The best night vision goggles and binoculars 

How well do you know the night sky? The Celestron NexStar 6SE assumes you know nothing, but are capable of finding and pointing the telescope at any three bright stars. If you can do that then this computerized GoTo telescope’s SkyAlign tech automatically aligns itself. It’s clever stuff – and it’s certainly why the Celeston NexStar range feature as some of the best computerized telescopes. 

However, the Celestron NexStar 6SE isn’t aimed at beginners, the high price makes sure of that, though there are few GoTo telescopes this easy to use this side being a fully fledged smart telescope. 

Resplendent in its iconic orange livery, the Celestron NexStar 6SE’s diminutive optical tube is down to its Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system, one of the most popular designs for amateur astronomers. 

But is the Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope a worthy purchase for keen stargazers? Here’s everything you need to know about why to buy – and why not to buy – the Celestron NexStar 6SE.

Specifications

Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector  
Aperture: 5.9”/150mm
Focal length: 59”/1500mm
Focal ratio: f/10
Eyepiece focal length: 1”/25 mm (60x)
Total kit weight: 21 lbs/9.5 kg
Mount type: motorized altazimuth

Key Features

The Celestron NexStar 6SE is a Schmidt–Cassegrain catadioptric telescope of the kind that’s been popular with amateur astronomers for decades. It sits on a single fork arm motorized mount that doubles as the brains behind a computerized GoTo system. If you have little knowledge of the night sky then this is gold dust. 

You select an object from a database on this telescope’s hard-wired NexStar+ hand controller and the Celestron NexStar 6SE slews right to it. Its database has 40,000 objects and you can also go off-catalog and manually enter celestial coordinates if you want to study, say, a passing comet. 

The Celestron NexStar 6SE has a 6-inch aperture and comes with a single 25mm eyepiece. The inclusion of only one optic is a shame, as the telescope's focal length makes high magnifications – as high as 350x – possible and usable if you add your own higher-power eyepieces. The eyepieces sit in a star diagonal at the back of the optical tube, which makes it easier to look at objects without having to be directly behind the telescope. 

While the Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope is not designed to be one of the best telescopes for astrophotography, it is possible to attach a camera to the back of the Celestron NexStar 6SE using a T-adaptor. Images of the lunar surface are the most likely target. 

Build & Handling

The Celestron NexStar 6SE’s fork mount is a simple altazimuth design – as most motorized GoTo telescopes are – so there’s no need to get involved in complicated polar alignments and balancing using counterweights, as is necessary on equatorial mounts. 

Although its aluminum optical tube is lightweight, the Celestron NexStar 6SE is not the easiest telescope you’ll ever maneuver from your house to your backyard. Most of the blame goes to its tripod, which has a very large footprint when set up, though it keeps the Celestron NexStar 6SE stable. Being completely level on a hard surface is equally as important if the Celestron NexStar 6SE’s GoTo system is to work accurately. 

The best advice is to set it up while it’s still light because as well as having to use a spirit level (a small and highly losable one is provided in the box) it’s also necessary to align the Star Pointer red dot finderscope. Once that’s done the StarAlign system works well, though you can prevent time-consuming failures by choosing bright stars that are as far from each other as possible. It takes slightly longer to manually slew between to and fro, but it’s worth it. 

Performance

The Celestron NexStar 6SE is an excellent telescope for observing virtually anything in the night sky. Once you’ve leveled it, aligned it, focused it, and got to know its GoTo system the Celestron NexStar 6SE delivers hit after hit. 

Our first target was Mars, its red hue immediately obvious, with other solar system targets even more impressive. Jupiter’s moons were presented clearly around the giant planet’s bright, happily, optically precise disk. There was no hint of any color fringing around this bright object. Ditto a First Quarter Moon, on which we observed the light and shadow close to the sunset/sunrise line. We could clearly see the magnificent Apennine Mountains, using high-power eyepieces to survey Mare Imbrium and the Archimedes crater in impressive detail. 

We also went off-catalog and went searching the heavens for comet C/2022 E3 as it passed its closest to Earth. Googling then manually entering the RA (right ascension) and Dec (declination) – coordinates on the sky that correspond to longitude and latitude on Earth – was a bit of a pain, but the Celestron NexStar 6SE produced a decent view of this faint and diffuse object. 

However, what really delighted us were tack-sharp views of the reflected starlight on the Orion Nebula’s interstellar cloud. Optically, the Celestron NexStar 6SE is hugely impressive – but you will need to buy some good quality eyepieces to get the best from it. 

Verdict

Sharp, precise, and with impressive StarBright XLT optical coatings that avoid any optical nasties, the Celestron NexStar 6SE is a telescope to save up for and use for many years.

However, it’s not without its foibles and there are some reasons to think that the Celestron NexStar 6SE and its GoTo ilk will soon be in line for a tech refresh because the concept of a wired hand controller is quickly becoming outdated.  

You can find out more about our astronomy coverage at Digital Camera World, with our guides to the sky this month, or get inspired with the latest images from the James Webb Space Telescope.

If you're looking to buy one of the best monoculars for observation rather than binoculars, spotting scopes, or indeed telescopes, it's because you want a compact device to carry about your person. 

While that is still true of the Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm monocular, it is one of the larger examples of its format and, seemingly in acknowledgment, usefully comes with its own mini travel-sized tripod out of the box. 

As well as providing a degree of comfort when viewing subjects for extended periods of time, in that we’re not having to handhold it, in theory, this should also help achieve a steadier image at maximum magnification. 

As the model name indicates, the Celestron features a built-in zoom that, with a quick twist of a dedicated zoom ring, allows its magnification power to be increased from a regular 10x to 30x, at which point it is going to be trickier for us to use the device handheld and still achieve a judder free image. Handily the tripod is simply attached or detached via a standard screw thread at the base of the monocular.

So, as the above suggests, has its maker really thought of everything, how does this relatively powerful monocular handle in practice, and are any areas of possible compromise visible?

Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Specifications

Magnification: 10x-30x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Field of view at 1000m: 57-30.8 metres
Closest focusing distance: 2.5 meters (at 10x)
Eye relief: 16.2 mm - 22.5mm
Weight: 475g
Dimensions: 61x85x193mm

Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Key Features

The key features of the Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Monocular with a tripod are all there in the model name, with the ability to adjust our magnification from 10x to 30x – and anywhere in between – coupled with a larger than average 50mm objective lens, via which to gather light for in theory a brighter view. Obviously, such specification is very much helpful for anyone trying to bring the faraway that bit closer – particularly when our subject is skittish wildlife that would otherwise be disturbed by the closer presence of humans.

As well as magnification being adjustable, so is eye relief, from 16.2-22.5mm. As we’d expect for its class, the monocular is both waterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging in moist/warm conditions. Further aiding clarity of view and transmission of light is the inclusion of multiple lens coatings and BaK4 prisms, both being pretty standard for this class of monoculars but welcoming inclusions nonetheless.

A carry pouch is included out of the box, as well as the mini tripod for this particular bundle. The tripod is sufficiently small and lightweight for it to be carried in a jacket pocket, along with the weightier/bulkier monocular itself. Set up is as simple as pulling out the tripod legs and screwing them into place at the base of the monocular, enabling us to be up and running in a matter of seconds if we choose to use this particular stabilizing option. The head of the tripod is also angle adjustable, with a locking screw holding it in position once the desired angle has been achieved. So far then, so good.

Want a smartphone monocular instead?

Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Build & Handling

Roughly the size of a bottle of water we’d grab as part of a lunchtime sandwich deal, and not that far off in terms of weight, the quality of construction here feels better than the Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Monocular’s relatively modest price tag might otherwise indicate. 

Once again we’re getting a soft black rubberized surface to the device to aid grip, and though it lacks the roughened side strips some competitors include on their own monoculars to avoid fingers slipping in the wet, we found that the overall weight and bulk ensures that the Celestron sits firmly in our palm. 

The size however does mean that it makes sense to use two hands for operation; one holding the front end steady while the other hand adjusts the zoom and/ or focus ring at the rear as desired. And as an alternative, and particularly if we’re going to be observing from one place for extended periods, we have the added advantage of the miniature tripod. 

Front and rear lens and eyepiece covers are also included – with the front tethered and the latter loose, meaning it could well be mislaid in time. No neck or wrist strap is included with this one, and neither does the body of the monocular possess a lug via which a third-party option could obviously be attached, which is a minor disappointment.

The provided pouch/bag does feature a loop at the back for attaching to a belt, so other than in the pocket of our jacket or rucksack, that’s another possible mode of transportation, although carrying a truncheon-like device at our hip may not be comfortable for everyone.

Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Performance

The bonus of having the zoom facility becomes clear when we pinpoint our subject in the wild at 10x magnification, then have the ability, once pinpointed, to zoom in further to check detail – as long as the subject doesn’t move of course. If it does, we have the further ability to zoom out slightly in a slow but deliberate fashion, to keep the subject in sight. 

We found the zoom ring offers sufficient resistance to ensure that adjustment is steady and measured, rather than rapid and sickness-inducing. The focus wheel located atop the monocular is not quite as stiff, but again offers enough resistance to ensure focus is precise.

The eyecup here is once again of the twist-up variety, thereby being adjustable for comfort. We can twist it up to use the monocular without glasses or leave it in the default down position if we’re wearing spectacles. Though having that extra magnification can come in handy – one negative we did notice is visible purple fringing between areas of high contrast such as the branches of a tree silhouetted against the sky, which could prove a bit of a distraction for bird watchers. 

At 10x magnification, it doesn’t look too bad, but it becomes more pronounced at 30x. Detail also appears sharper closer to 10x than 30x, especially if using the device handheld, though being able to get in just that bit closer still to our subject does undoubtedly have its possible advantages.

Celestron Outland X 10-30x50mm Verdict

With a carry case, land yard, lens cloth, and lifetime guarantee included, it feels like Bushnell is doing as much as it can to provide peace of mind as necessary and protect our investment. The construction of the device itself is reassuringly sturdy and tank-like too, while not being prohibitively weighty; after all, we’ll be choosing this monocular over, say, a pair of binoculars for the fact that they are generally a more portable alternative. While removing the bolted-on belt clip would have resulted in an even more svelte appearance to the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42 monocular, we do generally feel it’s a product with very few compromises, and one with quite a few pluses.

If you are interested in finding out more about monoculars, you can read more in our guide about the best monoculars to suit your needs. If you like the style of monoculars but want something more powerful, you might be interested in the best spotting scopes. Or if you prefer to engage both eyes, check out our guide to the best binoculars.

The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars are designed as beginner binoculars for those that want something a bit extra above the normal budget binoculars. That means users that are looking for high-quality glass, good build quality, decent lens coatings and a stylish finish. Fortunately, these binoculars have all this in abundance, making them the best binoculars for outdoor and nature photographers, as well as birding enthusiasts.

With 12x magnification, the binoculars take observers closer to subjects than the lower-powered 10x version and as a result, this produces a more intimate view of subjects like animals, mammals, and other wildlife. There’s a typical loss of light when higher magnifications are concerned but Celestron counteracts this by utilizing a 56mm aperture on the two objective lenses.

The Nature DX 12x56 is built with higher-quality BaK-4 glass and is glazed with phase coatings to help produce flare-free, sharp views. Solid in the hand, the rubber armoring flanking the two optic tubes is sealed around the glass to produce a pair of binoculars that are completely waterproof so there’s no worry about them keeping up with you while you’re out.

Whether you want a pair of inexpensive binoculars to peer at the squirrels in the park or something with a bit more power to spot the wading birds in the nature reserve, these binoculars provide a happy balance between the two.

Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Specifications

Eye relief: 0.63-inch/16mm
Objective lens diameter: 56mm
Angular field of view: 5.5 degrees
Weight: 36.2 oz. (1028g)

Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Key Features

Beginner observers who are coming to birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or automotive viewing fresh will find that the Nature DX 12x56 binoculars have everything you could want. A soft bag to transport the binoculars in when in transit keeps them safe and protected from scratches and scrapes. The eye lens caps are twinned together which makes them harder to lose. The object lens caps are attached to the end of the binoculars with a gripping rubber ring that doesn’t budge when taken out and about, but they easily come off if you need to remove them.

Small details like these make the Nature DX’s a pleasure to use. Hand them to a slightly younger observer and receive them back again to find that all the accessories the older binocular user appreciates (namely, the caps and bag which protect the model) are miraculously still there thanks to clever design.

There’s a deep indentation on the top of the binoculars for ergonomic placement of the fingers while observing. This feels comfortable in the hand and the textured rubber around the holding points makes it hard to drop them even when conditions are wet outside.

Operating the focus wheel is simple and can be felt easily through thick gloves. The same is true of the twistable eyecup adjusters that provide appropriate 16mm eye relief for those that wear spectacles. Twist them all the way out when not using glasses though as they’re still just as usable. One thing we noted while using these binoculars is how reliable the dioptre ring is. On plenty of more affordable binoculars, we found this focusing adjustment to be so loose that it’s easily knocked when removing them from a bag, but we didn’t have this problem with the Natures.

Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Build & Handling

Of course, there comes times when hand-holding the Nature DX’s won’t be enough. Sat in a hide all day, or attending an air show will make short work of your shoulders if you plan to hold them up every time. That’s because they’re over 1kg in weight. 

This will affect young people and those with arm strength/mobility issues the most. Fortunately, that’s why Celestron has fitted a mounting point just at the front of the binocular hinge. Screw off the emerald emblem on the front and you’re met with a quarter-inch mount which, when paired with an appropriate binocular mount, affixes to a tripod to make long-term viewing much easier.

While skywatching isn’t their primary focus, these binoculars allowed us to discern Jupiter while it was out - we even got glimpses of the whispered suggestions of some of Jupiter’s moons. We were impressed by how well these binoculars perform both during the day and occasionally at night. 

The lenses remained clean and free of dirt. Though they caught the rain occasionally their weatherproofing and rain guards protected the glass from the elements. Nitrogen purging on the internals prevented any internal fog build-up as well, so moving from the warm house or car to the colder wintry climes outside had no effect on use - something that even much more expensive binoculars sometimes lack.

Canon 10x32 IS: Performance

The biggest test we’ve found for binoculars is either viewing extremely contrasted edges during the day or trying to see stars in the sky at night. Fortunately, the Nature DX 12x56 performs adequately in both scenarios. 12x magnification really is much more useful than the wider field 10x models available and allowed us to pick out finer details in the feathers of the birds we observed. 

Looking right at the branch edges that jut out into the sky we do notice a certain amount of chromatic aberration (color fringing) but to be honest we’d expect that with binoculars in this price range. It doesn’t spoil the views and beginners need not worry because it’s likely unnoticeable to the untrained eye (unless specifically looking for it).

At night, we observed the moon when it was full and were impressed with just how bright the views were. Almost a little blinding, the full moon was shining brightly through the BaK-4 glass and the binoculars provided a detailed image of the lunar surface. It’s tricky to use them for stargazing (unless in a very dark area) because they’re neither powerful enough nor big enough to let in an appropriate amount of light for dark sky viewing, especially for anyone near towns or cities. But because they are a more generalist binocular we don’t think that should put anyone off.

In fact, birdwatching in the garden at home is ideal because of the Nature DX’s focus down to just 2.9m. Set up a small bird feeding station outside the window as we did and you’ll soon be spotting the whiskers on blackbirds (yes that’s right, whiskers) and discovering a whole host of other features you’ve never noticed before.

Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Competitors

Take a step down in size and you’ll probably be better off with something like the Nikon ProStaff P3 8x42 binoculars. They have a beginner-level price but Nikon spends the money where it counts and has splashed it (seemingly) all into the glass optics, which are beyond what we’d expect for the money.

Need something a bit bigger, and geekier? Want to get a closer look at those night sky objects? Then the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 are for you. Massive 20x magnification takes you right up to the lunar surface of the moon, giving users the ability to identify different seas and areas on its surface. The 80mm objective lenses positively drink in the light (be careful on a full moon) and Jupiter and its moons are clearly visible on a cloudless night.

Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Verdict

A sweet spot for binoculars, the Celestron Nature DX 12x56 pack a heck of a lot of optics into a tidy, affordable package. A close minimum focusing distance and 12x magnification make them ideal beginner wildlife binoculars and their 56mm objective lenses even offer some nighttime views (especially of the moon) an attractive opportunity.

Are they the sharpest? No. Do they have no color fringing? No. But are they one of the best binoculars you can buy for the price? Wholeheartedly, yes we think so. Just big enough to zoom in on far-away subjects without becoming cumbersome, the DX 12x56 is the model of the line-up to get.

You might also like our guides on the:
• Best monoculars • Best spotting scopes • Best night vision goggles

The key reason to buy the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is to get your hands on its impeccable StarSense app-driven goodies. Comprising a StarSense Explorer universal smartphone dock that physically attaches to a computer and the StarSense app for smartphones, this ‘go-to’ system is immense. Once you've entered the code supplied in the box into the app all you do is place your smartphone in the dock. Select an object from the app's vast database and arrows will be presented on the screen to direct you to that object. You have to move the telescope manually – this is not a motorized telescope – but it's incredibly easy to do.

StarSense may be amazing, but it's also worth considering the optics inside the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ. A Newtonian reflector with a 4.5”/114mm aperture, it comes with 1in/25 mm and a 0.4in/10 mm Kellner eyepieces as well as a 2x Barlow lens, which doubles the magnification to 200x. It also comes with an aluminum tripod fitted with vibration suppression pads. 

Specifications

Optical design: Newtonian reflector  

Aperture: 4.5”/114mm

Focal length: 39.3”/1000mm

Focal ratio: f/9

Eyepiece focal length: 1”/25 mm (40x) and 0.4”/10 mm (100x)

Total kit weight: 6.6 lbs/2.99 kg

Mount type: manual altazimuth

 Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ: performance

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is designed for high magnification on bright objects in the night sky. Despite that app being very easy to use it’s difficult to actually get targets into the field of view of the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ. As well as being slightly difficult to move left and right – the whole thing lacks fluidity – its bearing suffers from overreach and recoil, which makes it difficult to get an object into the field of view of the optics. It lacks slow motion hand controls of sufficient quality to cure this. The LT 114AZ is also just too light. It lacks stability – thanks to a flimsy tripod – and its imprecise focuser adds to the wobbles. 

When we did eventually get eyes-on with Jupiter the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ showed a very bright image that was affected somewhat by chromatic aberration. The resulting thick purple line around the giant planet’s bright disc also extended to three of its moons in orbit. It was less of a problem with dimmer Saturn and we did manage to get a great view of the ringed planet using the 2x Barlow lens in the box. The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ’s high focal ratio and low aperture mean that deep sky objects do lack brightness and contrast. 

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ: verdict

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the most affordable and most basic telescope in Celestron’s StarSense range, but it lacks versatility. StarSense is incredible and it puts in a respectable performance with the moon and planets, but there’s little else to like here. Despite StarSense making targets easy to find, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ’s basic build quality makes it difficult to point while its high focal ratio and low aperture ensure that deep sky objects lack brightness and contrast. 

Read more:

• Astrophotography: How-to guides, tips and videos
• Astrophotography tools: the best camera, lenses and gear
• The best lenses for astrophotography
• The best star tracker camera mounts
• Best equatorial mounts
• Best deep-space telescopes
• The best light pollution filters
• The best CCD cameras for astrophotography
• The best spotting scopes
• The best binoculars
• The best microscopes

The SVBONY 501P 70 telescope is a really simple product. A tube with a focal length of 400mm and a small finderscope on top to help you get celestial targets into its field of view, it comes mounted on a small aluminum tripod. Sadly it’s got plastic fixings and an all-around basic build quality. Optically this refractor comes with a 45º image diagonal that hosts a single 20mm eyepiece that achieves 20x magnification.

The telescope, fully kitted out, weighs a mere 1.89 lbs / 858 g while the tripod adds a further 1.96 lbs / 889 g. When it’s all packed up and ready to go in the backpack it weighs 4.6 lbs / 2.1kg. However, it’s important to note that packing it up does require the unscrewing of the eyepiece, image corrector and finderscope, which need to be screwed into place when you get to the destination (so take a flashlight). 

Specifications

Optical design: refractor 

Aperture: 2.75-inch/70 mm

Focal length: 15.74-inch/400 mm

Focal ratio: f/5.7

Eyepiece focal length: 0.78-inch/20 mm (20x)

Total kit weight: 6.5 lbs/2.95 kg 

Mount type: Altazimuth

 SVBONY 501P 70: performance

With an aperture of just 2.75-inches it’s no more capable than a pair of large astronomy binoculars like the Celestron Skymaster 15x70. It has a focal length of 400mm, which is more than enough to get a good view of the moon, but in our tests that’s where it peaks. 

What the SVBONY 501P 70 does have over a pair of binoculars is its tripod. It is therefore technically possible to set up this telescope pointing at, say, the moon and look through the eyepiece without touching the telescope at all. Measuring 19” / 45cm when collapsed, its five-part tripod has three narrow legs, leg locks of the flip-up/flip-down kind, and an extendable central column that takes it from 41.5” / 105cm to 50” /  127cm. 

It’s got rubber feet that grip the surface reasonably well and a small hook on the bottom of the central column, which could be used to hang a bag, therefore increasing the tripod’s stability somewhat. Does all that give it one-up on a pair of binoculars? Not really because the SVBONY 501P 70 needs constant repositioning. The bearings are very loose, even when tightened in position, with the telescope drooping considerably. It’s almost impossible to get anything other than the moon to stay in its field of view.  

Technically the SVBONY 501P 70 can be used for astrophotography merely by attaching a T-adapter to a camera. However, this telescope and its tripod are so flimsy and lightweight that there is no way a DSLR could be comfortably attached without you having to hold it by hand, which defeats the object. 

SVBONY 501P 70: verdict

The SVBONY 501P 70  is easily portable, but there is no convincing reason to take it anywhere. It's really only suitable for looking at the moon and bright planets, which you can see from anywhere without having to go searching for dark skies. It’s a cute design and we can see why some would be attracted to the SVBONY 501P 70’s compact size and apparent ease of use, but underwhelming optics and the need to replace the tripod mean there are better pairs of binoculars available that cost less money than the SVBONY 501P 70. 

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Since it’s a refractor telescope it uses lenses to focus light into the eyepiece, so everything has to be viewed while standing behind its optical tube. That makes it difficult to look at objects at the zenith, so Celestron has supplied a 90º image diagonal with the Inspire 100AZ so that users can stand over the 1.25-inch eyepiece holder rather than kneel under it. A couple of eyepieces are supplied in the box – a 0.8-inch/20 mm (offering 33x magnification) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (for 66x magnification) – and there’s a decent quality StarPointer Pro finderscope to help locate targets.  

The main reason to buy this telescope over others is for its unique lens cap-smartphone mount. It's a simple, clever design that sees the lens cap fitted with elastic straps and to secure a smartphone in position so that its camera is over a small hole. You then simply place an eyepiece in a slot on the back of the lens cap and, hey presto, you have a photographic device to insert into the telescope’s eyepiece holder. 

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor 

Aperture: 3.94-inch/100 mm

Focal length: 25.98-inch/660 mm

Focal ratio: f/6.5

Eyepiece focal length: 0.8-inch/20 mm (33x) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (66x) 

Total kit weight: 20 lbs./9.07 kg 

Mount type: Alt-azimuth

 Celestron Inspire 100AZ: performance

The Inspire 100AZ is manipulated using a simple altazimuth mount, as are almost all beginner’s telescopes. What this telescope has, that many of its ilk lack, is a protruding hand control, which can be used to move the Inspire 100AZ left and right in small movements. However, in practice, the pan bearings are rather tight, which makes precisely positioning this telescope difficult. In effect, it means that there is a slight recoil when it's locked in place. Thankfully, the tilt bearings are both looser and simpler to lock accurately in place. The trick is to get the Inspire 100AZ roughly underneath or above your target using the pan axis and then tweak the tilt axis to get it into the field of view. 

We got some lovely clear and bright views of the gas giant planets, Saturn and Jupiter, through the 20 mm eyepiece, and without much in the way of chromatic aberration (a purple line around bright objects), which is common at this price point. Although it doesn't excel with deep sky objects, we were able to get some good views of the Perseus double cluster and the Andromeda galaxy, with stars sharp through about 75% of the field of view. 

The lens cap-smartphone mount proved very easy to use, though precisely positioning the telescope so that your target is in the telescope’s field of view requires the 20 mm eyepiece. You then have to remove it from the telescope’s eyepiece holder and immediately attach it to the lens cap before Earth’s rotation makes your target drift out of the telescope’s field of view. That’s where the supplied red light torch comes in handy, which can be removed and used in the hand or placed in the tripod’s collar pointing downwards to illuminate a small accessory tray below. 

However, once it’s in position it’s possible not only to take single frame photos, but to image stack by taking a short video of, say, a planet then exporting the individual frames to image-stacking software like Registax. That’s ‘proper’ deep-sky astrophotography. 

At the end of the Inspire 100AZ’s tube is a slight peak to help keep ambient light out of the optics. Sadly that makes it impossible to attach a solar filter, so the Inspire 100AZ is not a good choice for occasionally observing the sun or a solar eclipse.

Celestron Inspire 100AZ: verdict

The reason to buy this telescope over others is for its novel smartphone clamp built into the lens cap. It's an impressive piece of design and relatively easy to use, though it does help enormously if you have a spare 20 mm eyepiece to leave in place. With good, sharp views of the Moon and planets, and worthy observations of deep sky objects, the Inspire 100AZ makes for an interesting first step into the world of astronomical observing and astrophotography. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time getting to know its less-than-perfect bearings.

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As you might expect on a beginner telescope the AstroMaster 70AZ comes with everything you might need to do some simple and easy observing. There are two eyepieces in the box, 20 mm and 10 mm. Both Kellner eyepieces, the former reaches 45x magnification and the latter 90x magnification. 

Since this is a refractor telescope, which uses lenses to form an image, you have to look through the tube from behind it. That can make it very tricky when you're looking at objects directly above you. In practice, that's not really an issue for this telescope because it's designed to get the best possible views of planets and the moon, which tend to be viewed when much closer to the horizon. That said, it's good to see an L-shaped image diagonal in the box, which allows the viewer to see the object in the eyepiece without having to kneel on the floor below the telescope. 

On the front of the tube is a 4.5-inch/11cm dew shield that protects the lens from moisture, but also helps shield the optics from any ambient light – such as streetlight – that might affect its views. 

Telescopes come with all kinds of mounting designs, from equatorial mounts designs that track with the motion of our planet, to motorized telescope mounts that automatically slew to what you select on a smartphone app. The AstroMaster 70AZ does none of these things. Instead it has a rather basic, both solid tripod and a simple panhandle for positioning the telescope using left, right, up and down (alt-azimuth) before fixing the bearings to lock it in place. 

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor 

Aperture: 2.76”/70 mm

Focal length: 35”/900 mm

Focal ratio: f/13

Eyepiece focal length: 0.8”/20 mm (45x) and 0.4”/10 mm (90x)

Total kit weight: 7.6 lbs/3.44 kg 

Mount type: manual altazimuth

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ: performance

With an aperture of just 2.7-inch/70 mm and a focal ratio of f/13 it gives underwhelming views of everything bar planets and the moon. However, it's got deeper problems than that. The tripod is reasonably sturdy and the construction feels a lot more solid than many budget setups, but in practice, there are still significant issues with overreach and droop. The fine controls help a little, but they’re fighting a losing battle. Consequently, the AstroMaster 70AZ is not particularly easy to aim in the first instance nor keep centered on an object as Earth rotates away. It desperately needs slow-motion hand controls to help get and keep targets in its field of view. What we did like about the AstroMaster 70AZ compared to other budget achromatic refracting telescopes was its skill at banishing so-called ‘false color’. While rivals show a purplish line around bright objects the AstroMaster 70AZ shows Jupiter and Saturn (its primary targets given its limited abilities) looking clean and natural. However, they lack sharpness and the image diagonal creates a touch of glare. 

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ: verdict

The AstroMaster 70AZ is designed to be used on planets and the moon. That explains its long length and it also helps the AstroMaster 70AZ show solar system objects without much glare of false color. However clean its images, they’re not particularly sharp and its lack of skill with the deep sky will disappoint some beginners. Add to that bearings that make it difficult to lock in place and we struggle to recommend the AstroMaster 70AZ. 

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If you’ve never thought of getting a Dobsonian telescope it’s probably because they largely fell out of favor a few years ago. Superseded by smaller computerized and motorized ‘Go To’ telescopes that allow beginners to choose targets from a handheld controller, the big and unwieldy – and manual – Dobsonian design just couldn’t keep up. That ends here with the arrival of a Donsonian telescope that’s as easy to align and to move as any telescope we’ve tried.

Add some high-grade optics and a sturdy build quality and the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian impresses on almost all counts – though it’s mostly down to Celestron’s incredible StarSense app.

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian specs

Optical design: Newtonian Reflector

Aperture: 8-inches/203mm

Focal length: 47.24-inches/1200mm

Focal ratio: f/5.9

Optical tube length: 1117.6mm

Mount weight: 22.8 lbs/10.3 kg

Total kit weight: 43.4 lbs/19.68 kg

Includes: 0.98-inch/25 mm Celestron Omni Plossl eyepiece (48x)

Design

A Newtonian reflector Dobsonian telescope with an 8-inch aperture and a smartphone mount attached to its side, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian comes in two parts – telescope tube and base. Both weigh about 10kg and have carry handles to make them easy to move separately. Once they’re fastened together the entire unit isn’t super-easy to move, but it is very easy to manipulate for pointing at celestial targets. 

As well as a code for using StarSense app and a free download of Celestron’s Starry Night Basic Edition Software the box includes a 0.98-inch/25 mm Celestron Omni Plossl eyepiece. It’s excellent quality and offers up to 48x magnification. 

Also in the box is a red dot finder to help you point the telescope at targets without the app (or during the day, or for quick-and-dirty targeting at a planet or the Moon) as well as a smartphone holder. Both attach to the top of the telescope close to the eyepiece. 

The StarSense app also includes spoken word audio commentaries for most of the objects, so it’s worth pairing some wireless earphones with your smartphone while observing. That does, of course, raise a minor issue about battery power. Use a smartphone for a few hours’ star-hopping and you’ll soon be searching for a portable battery. Our advice is to put a 5,000 mAh portable battery in this telescope’s base and trail a long 2m cable to the smartphone holder, whose universal smartphone clamp does have a cut-out for exactly that. 

Performance

Setting-up and alignment is all about Celestron’s magnificent StarSense app. Bypassing the hand controllers in use by ‘Go To’ telescopes, StarSense lives on your smartphone and your smartphone lives on the telescope. 

Although I had no problems while using the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian there are few things to think about that aren’t obvious from the get-go. The first is that while this is as automatic a process as possible, the user does still have to align this telescope with a bright star. This is merely to allow the software to know that what it sees in the centre of the mirror behind the smartphone is aligned with what’s in the centre of the eyepiece. All you need is a clear sky in a deep twilight, an obvious bright star – any one will do – and the confidence to use the red dot finder to achieve a rough alignment. Then you need to get it in the centre of the eyepiece’s field of view. It’s not difficult, but beginners may initially struggle with the first step. 

Once that’s done it’s so, so easy to use. First you choose from a list of objects on the StarSense app (split into both ‘City Viewable’ or ‘Dark Sky Viewable’, with lots more faint targets added especially for the advanced optics of the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian). Directional arrows appear on the app and guide you in the general vicinity of your target. Yes, you have to manually move the telescope. Luckily that’s very easy to do and the control you get is surprisingly precise. As you get close the app zooms-in and you get a bullseye to manually slew to. 

Using the supplied 25mm eyepiece we got some truly excellent views of objects ranging from the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) to the Ring Nebula (M57), the latter of which is normally very difficult to see from our location in a light-polluted city. But the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian managed it, supplying colourful, contrasty views. 

Given its manual alt-azimuth mount the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian is not a good choice for astrophotography. It doesn’t track the movements of the night sky, so your only option is basic afocal astrophotography, which you can do by holding your smartphone’s camera over the eyepiece. Afocal attempts only really work well with the Moon (though given that your smartphone is busy with StarSense you’ll definitely need a second smartphone for that). 

Verdict

Great value, excellent optics and an ease of use some telescopes would die for, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian has very few downsides. Not everyone will want to put their smartphone on a telescope for hours on end, but, crucially, almost everyone will be able to use and enjoy the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian. Just don’t go buying it for astrophotography. 

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Once you start to build up a collection of binoculars it’s hard to know where to stop. With so many different powers available, even a good all-rounder like 10x50 (these numbers refer respectively to the magnification factor and the size of the lenses) or a space-saving 8x42 can feel a little under-powered for ultimate close-ups. 

Cue the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32, which marries a compact and low-cost design with a high-powered 16x magnification that could be ideal for bird-watching and wildlife, alongside the best binoculars. Here’s how the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 perform in the field.

Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 Specifications

Magnification: 16x
Objective diameter: 32mm
Field of view at 1000m: 62m
Closest focusing distance: 8m/26 ft.
Eye relief: 10mm/0.4”
Weight: 369g/13 oz
Dimensions: 91 x 56 x 142mm / 3.6 x 2.2 x 5.6” 

Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 key features

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 is all about getting maximum power for minimum build and spend. Incredibly affordable, it matches a 16x magnification with a 32mm objective lens size. Both specifications bring separate limitations. The former means a focusing distance of 8m/26 ft. A bird just landed just outside your back window You’re out of luck. 

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 is therefore aimed at getting some substantial magnification when objects are between about 10m and 20m from you. They can look much, much farther, of course, but that’s the range they excel with. The size of their objective lenses also brings a limitation in terms of light-gathering. While the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 are fine for use in the day they don’t impress in low-light, and can be completely ruled-out for stargazing. 

Based on the roof prism optical design, what the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 do have is multi-coated lenses, though there’s a reminder at the core of the optical engine that they’re mostly about money-saving; they use BK-7 optical glass prisms, which are only ever used on entry-level products.

Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 build & handling

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 and very well built for their entry-level price. There’s a useful rubber covering on the two aluminum tubes that makes them easy to grip – ditto for some finger-pads on the undercarriage – while the water-resistant design is useful for any binoculars, but especially those aimed at hikers, bird-watchers and sports fans. 

The roof prism design they use not only makes them reasonably lightweight and slim, but enables them to fold-up to a very small size. The hinge that allows them to do that is strong and sturdy, though moves with just enough resistance to stay in place when being adjusted for use. Ditto the focus wheel and the diopter adjuster. 

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 has no fiddly bits to lose. In place of a neck strap that requires tethering to the chassis – as on most binoculars – is a simple cord to go around the wearer’s neck. It does the job. There are also no lens caps, which could be a worry, though since it ships with a petite case we’re not too worried. That case doesn’t offer much padding, but it does have a belt loop

Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 performance

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 does one thing well – great close-ups of objects about 10-20m from the viewer, something most all-round rivals like 8x42 and 10x50 binoculars struggle with. However, we weren’t that impressed with views of anything farther away simply because the images lacked contrast and clarity. 

They’re certainly not bright enough to be used when light levels dips – excelling only on bright, sunny days – but even in good conditions the colors are a little dull. The way the eyecups work, using a 10mm flexible rubber surround, preclude an immersive view, too. 

Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 verdict

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 are not great all-rounders, but they impress at what they’re designed for – high power close-ups. And given that they can generally be picked up for under $50 (like the best budget binoculars under $100) it's hard to be too picky anyway.

Handy, travel-friendly and highly affordable, the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 will suit anyone after close-ups of birds, animals and objects in the middle distance and they’re good enough for occasional use in vast landscapes and at sea, too. 

Their all-in-one design makes them really travel-friendly, too. However, lacking immersive views and without eye-popping color and contrast it’s hard to get excited about the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32.

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If you’re after a pair of step-up binoculars designed for exquisite views while wildlife viewing and more, the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 could be for you. Armed with 12x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 have a slightly higher magnification than most binoculars designed for all-round use, so they’re best considered if you want close-up views of distant subjects. 

That makes them a serious candidate for viewing wildlife from a safari vehicle, and for bird-watching. However, what makes the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 standout is their use of top-notch extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. Let’s take a closer look at the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50…

Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 Specifications

Magnification: 12x
Objective diameter: 50mm
Field of view at 1000m:  129 m
Closest focusing distance:   2m/6.5 feet
Eye relief:   14.3mm/0.56"
Weight: 806g/28.4oz
Dimensions:   163 x 135 x 61mm / 6.4 x 5.3 x 2.4" 

Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 key features

The importance of the quality of glass used in the optical arrangements inside binoculars can’t be overstated. It’s basically what you’re paying for, and what the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 has that others lack is extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. It’s Celestron’s name for high quality glass that eliminates chromatic aberration (which is responsible for a purplish edge around bright objects), accurate color, more brightness and extra sharpness.

It goes without saying that the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 also features fully multi-coated optics to get rid of reflections and to maximize the light that comes through its 50mm objective lenses. Ditto the use of BaK-4 glass prisms, which allows more light through than the more basic BaK-7 glass prisms.  

Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 build & handling

The Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 uses a roof prism design whose primary advantage is a space-efficient, more portable design. Essentially two tubes attached by a hinge (as opposed to the L-shaped optical engine between the tubes on a pair of porro prism binoculars), the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50's tubes are nitrogen-purged to help reduce the threat of internal fogging. 

The Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 boasts an unbeatable build quality amid a highly portable design. Considering the magnification on offer the 806g/28.4oz weight is surprising. They’re not the lightest around, but we found them relatively easy to hold steady for long periods. In the box there’s a good quality neck strap and a small padded nylon bag complete with a handy pocket. There’s also a thread for attaching a L-shaped adaptor just in case you want to attach these binoculars to a tripod.  

In an all-round impressive package, what the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 lacks is eye relief; at just 14.3mm/0.56in it’s going to be tough for anyone wearing glasses to get immersive views. 

Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 performance

Celestron’s ED glass comes in most useful during low-light conditions. Say, for instance, you’re getting up at 4 a.m. to go on a game drive in a safari truck hoping to view the ‘big five’ in the creeping light of dawn – that’s when ED glass comes into its own. 

What the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 can also do – which some of its equally powerful rivals cannot – is to focus on close objects. While primarily ideal for bringing distant objects closer, these binoculars can focus sharply on objects just 2m/6.5 feet from the viewer, which makes a massive difference when viewing birds and wildlife in, say, your back garden. 

The trade-off here is a slightly narrower field of view (of about  4.8°), which makes them slightly less than ideal for using at night to search star-fields and constellations in the night sky. However, in practice the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 performs really well at night, with the Andromeda galaxy looking sharp and well defined. Ditto the crescent Moon, which looked clean with no sign of purplish fringing – thanks to that ED glass. 

Something we found slightly annoying was the objective lens caps, which are attached to the tubes and hang down while you use the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50. That makes them hard to lose, which is a bonus. However, they do tend to flap around a lot, so they’re best removed if you’re using them for a long time. 

Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 verdict

The ability to get a close focus on nearby objects as well as a reasonably wide field of view makes the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 useful for a range of outdoor uses, as does the tough build quality and the ED glass, which gives excellent images that are bright, colorful and sharp. If you're after a mid-range pair of large binoculars ideal for wildlife viewing, the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 fit the bill.

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Go look at any guide to the night sky and we guarantee you will find dozens of celestial sights best viewed through a pair of binoculars. But how big should your binoculars be? Although the 10x50 and 10x42 sizes are thought of as the minimum sizes for astronomy binoculars, it's not until you get to 15x models that you enter the realm of astronomy-only binoculars. Unlike a lot of its rivals, these big binoculars are thoroughly affordable, but are they any good? Here’s what you need to know about the Celestron Skymaster 15x70. 

Celestron Skymaster 15x70

Magnification: 15x
Objective diameter: 70mm
Field of view at 1000m: 77m /231 ft
Closest focusing distance: 13m /43 ftt
Eye relief: 18mm / 0.71”
Weight: 1.36g / 48oz 
Dimensions: 220 x 110 x 280mm /8.7 x 4.3 x 11”

Celestron Skymaster 15x70 key features

The two most important features of the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 are their size and low price. Almost insanely affordable, we can see these large binoculars being purchased for occasional use, perhaps spending most of the year in a cupboard but being brought outside for special astronomical occasions. 

With 15 times magnification and 70mm objective lens diameter, these binoculars are perfect for deep sky observing. Sure, you can get 20x80 models – something Celestron also manufactures – but the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 are far later and can just about be held handheld. What you don't get on these binoculars is the waterproofing, nitrogen-purging and proprietary XLT coatings that Celestron uses on their Skymaster Pro lineup. In the box you'll also find a L-shaped tripod adapter for mounting these binoculars onto a photographic tripod, as well as a simple shoulder bag.

Celestron Skymaster 15x70 build & handling

Can you hold the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 steady enough for stargazing? Just about. Although we wouldn't recommend using them for long periods, or even as your main pair of astronomy binoculars, their 1.36g/48oz bulk is actually remarkably lightweight for a pair of binoculars of this size. Perhaps they’re too light. 

Although we cannot report any issues during our review, we don't fancy their chances if the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 were dropped or bashed. The shoulder bag is just about enough to keep these binoculars away from the elements, but do bear in mind that the binoculars are not waterproof and that the caps on the objective lenses and both flimsy and fall-off too easily. 

Celestron Skymaster 15x70 performance

The Celestron Skymaster 15x70 acts almost as a mini-telescope. There are some parts of the night sky that can only be reached by a good pair of 15x70 binoculars. We pointed the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 at M29/NGC 6913, an open cluster of stars in the summer constellation of Cygnus, the Swan,  and got a good, sharp view of its 50 or so easily visible stars. 

ÒWe then scanned the rich starfields around Cygnus using the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 and got exquisitely close-in views. Pointed north we also managed to glimpse the M81 and M82 galaxies, which are just out of range of smaller binoculars. The field of view is mostly sharp throughout with only a tiny drop-off towards the edge. We also liked the fact that you get lots of eye relief, which makes it easier for wearers of glasses to get a reasonably immersive view.

However, such is the close-up you get with the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 that it’s worth already having at least a basic knowledge of the night sky to lessen the chance of getting completely lost.

Celestron Skymaster 15x70 verdict

The Celestron Skymaster 15x70 have been on sale for over five years and have become a bit of a classic in the world of astronomy binoculars, though they do require careful owners. Their rather flimsy build quality – at least when compared to the step-up SkyMaster Pro binoculars elsewhere in Celestron’s stable – may be a long-term worry, though during our review all we got was dependably sharp and impressive views of open clusters, starfields and galaxies.

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No-frills binoculars boasting decent image quality yet little else are everywhere, but what if you want to buy a pair of step-up binoculars with brilliant optics, a bullet-proof build quality and an excellent design? Cue the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42, a pair of mid-range, full-size binoculars whose compact design and close-up focus make them ideal for travel, birdwatching and safari.

The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 is also available in 8x32, 10x32 and 10x42 variants as well as in versions that use the ‘ED’ moniker, which means ‘extra low dispersion’. That refers to elements within the objective lenses that smooth the way for light to enter the optics more directly, reducing colour fringing, most notably around bright objects like the Moon. 

Given the quality of the standard glass in the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 we’re not convinced the upgrade is worth the considerable extra outlay for most people, though there is a very slight issue with colour fringing on the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 if you use them for astronomy. However, that’s a mere detail on this fabulous pair of binoculars that impress across the board. 

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1000m: 142 metres
Closest focusing distance: 2m/6.5 feet
Eye relief: 17mm/0.67”
Weight: 655g/23.1oz 
Dimensions: 141x130x51mm/5.5x5.1x2 inches

Key features

The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 uses a combination of roof prism optics and multi-coated BaK-4 glass prisms, both of which add slightly to the price when compared to entry-level binoculars. The latter transmits light more directly while the former is why the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 is essentially two tubes (though optically they’re more complicated than they look!). 

The use of roof prisms generally means a more streamlined design and ultimately a more durable product that’s compact and lightweight. That goes double for the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42, which offers just 8x magnification and 42mm objective lenses. That’s about the minimum requirement for full-size binoculars, though on the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 it’s a crowd-pleasing spec. 

For example, those 42mm objective lenses let in just enough light at night to be used for astronomy while also offering a wide field of view. But it’s also worth noting that the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 can close-focus from just 2m/6.5 feet, which is hugely helpful in your backyard or while on safari. 

In case you need it (you likely won’t) there’s a thread for an L-shaped binocular tripod adaptor hiding behind a logo on the bridge between the objective lenses.

Build and handling

The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 has excellent build quality and we have no concerns about their long-term durability. Waterproof and fog-proof (thanks to nitrogen-purging), the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 uses magnesium alloy – a step-up from aluminum – and sports a very slim hinge between the two barrels. That helps create an extraordinarily lightweight and compact design that makes the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 immediately seem ideal for backpacks and car glove-boxes. 

So what about the extras? The lens caps provided with the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 seem really good at first; the objective lens caps are attached to the barrels and simply drop-down for use. So they’re impossible to lose, right? In theory, though during our test they did come loose a few times. Personally we would prefer them to have a more permanent attachment so they cannot ever fall off.

Performance

The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 is perfect for travel. If you’re off hiking then they offer sharp wide-angle views, with their durable and waterproof design adding peace of mind. They lack the light-gathering abilities to be peerless at night, but for casual stargazing, they’re hard to criticize, offering clear views of the Beehive Cluster and the Orion Nebula in our test. Sure, there’s a tiny purple line visible close to the bright side of the Moon, but that’s a mere detail. 

Most importantly the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 impresses in daylight, with clean, clear and colourful views guaranteed. It also proved really useful to be able to focus on birds close to us while using them in a garden. 

In the box is also a neck strap and a fabulous pouch that’s not only got some padding to protect the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42, but even has a small zipped pocket. We also noticed a small stuff sack attached to the pouch that houses a harness. It’s not the best binocular harness around, but it helps avoid neck-pain and proved particularly helpful when out on a nature walk.

Verdict

Offering the perfect balance between portability, durability and image quality, the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 manages to straddle the divide between affordability and quality. They offer good views across the board, with the optical highlight including a wide field of view and a close focus. 

We were also impressed by the extras in the box, particularly a harness housed in a small stuff sack. If you’re after a step-up pair of full-size binoculars with a slice of quality then the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 is a great candidate. 

The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 are about as basic a pair of binoculars as you can get. The Celstron brand makes many different models of binoculars, some exceptionally high-end, but this pair of 10x50’s represent the most affordable available. 

Will they suffice or do you need a more expensive pair? That depends on what you're after. Equipped with 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, the UpClose G2 10x50 are both powerful and fast, offering plenty of magnification and also able to collect a lot of light. 

That makes them theoretically usable in both bright light and in low light conditions, including complete darkness. So why are the UpClose G2 10x50 so affordable? That's partly down to the lack of any niceties, with no quality accessories or coverings.  

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective diameter: 50mm
Field of view at 1000m: 118 metres
Closest focusing distance: 7 metres/23 feet
Eye relief: 12mm/0.47”
Weight: 27 oz/765g 
Dimensions: 185x81x160mm/7.3x3.2x6.3 inches

Key features

It's fair to say that the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 are ultra-low priced, so it's no surprise to see the use of a Porro prism optical system. It's one of the simplest and most affordable optical systems for binocular manufacturers to make, but that doesn't mean you should expect poorer quality images. In fact, Porro prism binoculars are known for their bright, clear images and wider field of view. On the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50, that Porro prism design together with those 50mm objective lenses does mean a rather bulky and wide product.

Optically speaking, a much more significant cost saving feature on the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is its use of BK-7 class for those prisms. It doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, but the way BK-7 prisms transmit light can mean a little blur around the extremities of the image you see.

Another consequence of its optical design means the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 can focus on objects no closer than 7m/23 ft away, which is a little further than you may want in your backyard. 

Despite some slight disadvantages in its design, the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 has most of the usual features you would expect on any type of binoculars. For example, one eyecup features a diopter dial, which is necessary for calibrating the binoculars to your own eyesight. What's more, the dial provided is both tactile and isn’t easily moved if you accidentally knock the binoculars. Look between the eyecups and you will see a small cover, under which lies a thread for an L-shaped adapter, though we’re not convinced anyone is going to be mounting the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 on a tripod.

Build and handling

The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is made of aluminium, which is a definite step down from the magnesium alloys you might find on higher-end products. That's hardly a dealbreaker, though the barrels are covered in a rather cheap-looking faux-rubber. It will protect your binoculars without any issues, but it does lack any kind of texture for grip. 

That said, there are indents for resting your thumbs on the undercarriage. Our biggest concern for the build quality of the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is its eyecups, which to us seemed a little loose. We're not convinced these binoculars would survive a drop or two, so we do have concerns about its longevity.

The extras supplied with the Celestron are pretty basic. The lens caps are completely separate components that are going to be fairly easy to lose, though they do at least fit snugly across the lenses. You also get a rather basic carry case, which doesn't have any padding so will do little else than keep the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 clean. 

Performance

With a fairly basic build quality and a lack of must-have accessories, you might expect the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 to have had too many corners cut on its image quality. You would be wrong. In fact, point the UpClose G2 10x50’s at a bullfinch in your backyard and you'll be treated to sharp and colourful images that are just as impressive as much more expensive binoculars. 

Celestron clearly hasn't compromised on image quality per se, though that Porro prism design does indeed introduce a slight blur around the edge of the image. It’s not enough of an issue to bother 99% of users.

Used at night the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 proved easily good enough for basic astronomy, with an involving image when looking at the Pleiades star cluster, the Beehive Cluster and the Double Cluster in Perseus. When pointed at a First Quarter Moon we were able to see mountains throwing shadows along the terminator line between bright and dark on the lunar surface. However, we did notice some slight chromatic aberration as a purple-ish artefact around the bright side of the Moon.

Verdict

If you’re after the latest and greatest binoculars with a streamlined design and refined features, look away now. The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is none of those things, and yet there's a lot to like about them. Images are bright, colourful and sharp in most scenarios, including at night when they are able to work as good basic astronomy binoculars. 

However, we do have concerns about their rather rudimentary build quality, and wonder how long they will last, particularly if dropped. So although their low price means they may appear to be a good choice for astronomy groups as well as for families, the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 are probably best used at home, and sparingly, where they will be capable of impressing with close-up images of birds and stars without breaking the bank.

Should you pay as much as you can for a pair of binoculars or as little as you can get away with? The Celestron Nature DX 8x42 makes a compelling case for hedging your bets by pairing some decent optics that behave brilliantly in bright light with a build quality that impresses for the money.

You won’t find many binoculars as affordable as the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 that boast a waterproof design, though it's fair to say that these BaK-4 roof prism binoculars aren't the best when it comes to wildlife spotting at dawn or dusk when their limited abilities with low light come to the fore. 

However, if you mainly want an affordable pair of entry level binoculars for wildlife watching by day then the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 are hugely likeable and a great candidate for an excellent first pair of binoculars. 

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1000m: 129 metres
Field of view at 1000 yds: 388 ft
Closest focusing distance: 2 metres/6.5 feet
Eye relief: 17.5mm/0.69”
Weight: 629g/22.2 oz 
Dimensions: 135x126x52mm/5.3”x4.9”x2”

Key features

The Celestron Nature 8x42 offers 8x magnification and has 42mm objective lenses. That makes them less than ideal for stargazing and astronomy, which typically requires binoculars with slightly more magnification and larger objective lenses. 

That's not to say that the Celestron are not well prepared for the outdoors. They’re fully waterproof (something you shouldn't take for granted at this low price) and nitrogen-purged so not likely to fog-up. 

Build and handling

You might expect a highly affordable pair of binoculars like the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 to be very obviously lacking in build quality when compared to pricier rivals. It's true that the Celestron Nature 8x42 has a slightly more plasticky feel than higher-end products, but the faux rubber-coated barrels are reasonably easy to grip. There are a few design flourishes – such as thumb grooves on the undercarriage – and the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 are always easy to hold and feel extremely solid. Nothing is going to snap-off nor get misaligned, which is always a risk at the cheaper end of the market. 

That’s despite the Celestron Nature 8x42 feeling incredibly lightweight. Their 629g/22.2 oz weight instantly makes them a candidate for travel, though that’s largely down to their relatively small barrels and low magnification. 

Something the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 has that many of its pricier rivals don't have is firmly attached lens caps. While the eyecups get a standard figure-of-eight lens cap that can be attached to the neck strap, the objective lenses get lens caps with rubber rings. So when you use the Nature 8x42s the lens caps drop down underneath the lenses. This is a design we like because it makes them hard to lose. 

What the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 does lack is a decent neck strap; the one supplied box is rather basic and uncomfortable, and worth upgrading. However, the small case supplied is of decent quality, boasting a little padding, and also having a pocket for a small notebook. 

Performance

Take the Celestron Nature 8x42 into your garden to look at birds on a bright sunny day and you'll get as good a performance as from almost any pricier rival. While you can get binoculars that offer a slightly closer focus than the two metres/6.5 feet managed by the Celestron Nature 8x42, we were able to get as close to a goldfinch in our garden as we needed to. Taken out on a hike the Celestron Nature 8x42’s field of view also proved ripe for sweeping across mountain vistas. 

One thing we did notice while using the Celestron Nature 8x42 is that although we got incredibly sharp and detailed images – particularly on bright days – there is a tiny amount of blur at the extremities of the field of view. It's hardly a deal breaker and many will not even notice it. However, sharpness throughout the field of view is something reserved for slightly more expensive binoculars. 

For all its quality during the day, the Celestron Nature 8x42 does lack star quality. These are not the binoculars for you if you're after something solely for stargazing and astronomy; they just don't let enough light in. We’ve also seen better binoculars in a deep dusk, though they’ve still usable in low light. 

Something we did love about the Celestron Nature 8x42 was its fast focus knob, which has a little more give in it than most. Here the knob moves quickly and stops very precisely. It means you can quickly focus on an animal before it darts off into the undergrowth or flies away. 

We also like the fact that the eyecups offer a lot of eye relief (good news for wearers of spectacles) and have two settings that are easy and quick to toggle between. The diopter dial is a little stiff, but in our view that's a good thing. After all, you're only going to use this once in a blue moon to calibrate the Nature 8x42 to your own eyesight, so you don’t want it to slip. 

Verdict

If you’re after a pair of binoculars for general use then you’ll love the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. Its design may lack a few niceties – such as thumb grooves and a comfortable neck strap – but its waterproof chassis and faux-rubber jacket impress for the price. 

With detailed images in bright light yet average results in low light the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 doesn't delight in all scenarios. However, a fast-focus knob, a handy lens cap design that makes them hard to lose and a nice carry case makes the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 perfect for using around your garden, or for putting in the glovebox of your car for general travel and touring. 

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The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope isn’t going to do much for your astrophotography ambitions, but it will definitely help you learn to navigate the night sky. Its headline act is surely its clever StarSense app, which is used to align it to objects in the night sky, though that’s only half the story. 

Essentially piggy-backing on the electronics in your smartphone for all ‘the complicated stuff’, the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is actually a fairly simple – if great quality – point-and-shoot telescope, with no motorized and/or equatorial mount and no way of slewing to objects, aside from some elbow grease. 

However, with the StarSense app holding the hand of beginners, the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is easy to use and offers some really sharp views of star clusters, galaxies and the Moon. Since it asks you to do the hard work you may even get an education in navigating the night sky, too. 

Key features

A Newtonian reflector telescope with a 5-inch aperture and a smartphone mount attached to its side, the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ comes with a couple of rather basic and low-power eyepieces in the box; a 25mm wide-angle and a higher power 10mm. Some will want to upgrade them before too long, but they will do the trick for beginners. 

In the box you’ll also find a red dot finder, which once aligned carefully can be used to help you find objects in the night sky during times when you don’t want to use the StarSense app; you just look through its sight and move the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ until the red dot appears on top of your target.

Given its manual alt-azimuth mount the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is not a good choice for astrophotography. After all, it needs repositioning every few minutes to keep the intended target within the crosshairs. However, you're free to indulge in a little casual afocal smartphoneography just by holding your smartphone’s camera over the eyepiece and lining-up a shot of the Moon. There is, of course, a slight issue with that because your smartphone is actually busy being the control hub of the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. 

However impressive its StarSense app is for aligning it, the fact remains that it works better in a dark sky, with light pollution and a bright Moon making it less effective. Telescopes always behave better under dark skies, so we appreciate that the telescope is lightweight enough to be driven out to the countryside and set-up under dark skies, though the tripod doesn’t quite feel as solid as it could do. Still, we like that StarSense lets you know whether an object is ‘City Viewable’ or ‘Dark Sky Viewable’, which helps keep expectations in check and helps beginners in urban areas avoid wasting time. 

Build and handling

It sounds impossible but, yes, the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ can be aligned using a smartphone app. However, it's important to note that it doesn’t align itself. Rather, it aligns the telescope with your smartphone’s GPS and the app’s database of stars and you have to physically align it with the night sky.

Although it’s a manual affair, the app holds your hand, presenting arrows and a ‘bullseye’ in the app to guide you in. You then have to use two fine motor controls to get it dead-on while you look through the eyepiece. It’s not difficult – and it’s much easier than the traditional three-star alignment process that lots of beginners fail with immediately when using entry-level telescopes – but it still requires a little practice and some patience. 

Overall we really enjoyed using the app to align the telescope with object after object, but having to constantly rely on your own smartphone can get a little tiresome.

As well as being slightly annoyed that we couldn’t take it out of the mount to take a quick picture through the eyepiece we also found that the battery drained fairly quickly, particularly on cold nights. There’s another slight complication in that Newtonian reflector telescopes do need to have their optics aligned, something called collimation. That could be a little daunting for beginners. 

Performance

Used initially on a crescent Moon, the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ excelled with sharp views through its 25mm eyepiece. It’s a joy to focus, with a tactile and low-gear focusing knob making it really easy and quick to get some sharp images, in this case using the 25mm eyepiece on the terminator line between light and dark on the lunar surface. Stunning! 

However, as the Moon waxes towards full it becomes too bright to look at; consider buying a ‘moon filter’ to cut out glare. We were able to take a quick image of the Moon through the eyepiece, but that’s about your lot for astrophotography with this telescope. 

Put to work on several deep sky targets – including the M35 open cluster in Gemini, the nearby Orion Nebula and the Beehive Cluster – the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ was equally impressive, with plenty of detail and contrast. 

We also liked the StarSense app not just for its alignment skills, but for its spoken-word audio on hundreds of objects and its astro-centric design. For example, you might think that the white light from an always-on smartphone attached to a telescope would interrupt your night vision. That’s true, but the StarSense app sensibly has a red-light mode to lessen that (though you should also turn down the brightness on your smartphone). 

One thing modern telescopes don’t yet do is appraise your exact position vis-a-vis buildings and trees. However, as well as recommending objects behind houses, the StarSense app did tend to suggest a lot of objects very close to the horizon, which is when they’re at their trickiest to see clearly. 

Verdict

The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a fine telescope for beginners wanting astronomical views. We can see the thinking behind it, and the way it uses its StarSense app to align with the night sky is very clever. However, we do have two concerns. 

The first is that everyone likes to keep their smartphones in their hands or in their pocket; we’re not convinced leaving their beloved phone outside in the cold to (quite quickly) run out of battery is high on most stargazers’ lists. 

Secondly, by using an app for the complicated stuff the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is left entirely bereft of all electronics. So why the high price? The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ has a convincing answer to that second concern in the shape of exceptionally sharp images. 

Without a motorized equatorial mount it’s of little use for astrophotography, but it does give sharp, contrasty views of star clusters, globular clusters and galaxies. Although the eyepieces bundled here aren't the best, this telescope’s core optical quality makes them worth upgrading because the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is definitely a keeper. 

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It's not just cameras and lenses on offer in the Black Friday camera deals – there are some great accessories, including binoculars! These Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster binos are now just $89.95 – and not only do you save $10, you also get a free Night Vision LED flashlight! 

The extra-wide 70mm objective aperture allows huge amounts of light into these Celestron SkyMaster binoculars, offering plenty of illumination and good visibility in low light conditions – making them ideal for night sky gazing. 

On top of that, their 15x magnification delivers powerful close-ups – even when observing the moon and stars. And the ability to behold celestial objects with both eyes gives these a big advantage over telescopes!

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The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is powerful enough to give good views that will both satisfy and leave the skywatcher wanting more, making it an ideal telescope for beginners looking to mix between observing and basic imaging. It's also an affordable piece of kit that boasts a complete package – supplying the observer with everything they need for a successful night of stargazing.

What's more, it doesn’t have a fancy GoTo, nor any complicated electronics, making it easy to use. The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ can be purchased with or without a motor drive, but as we’ll see, neither are entirely suitable for serious long exposure imaging. 

However, given that beginners won’t be launching into such intensive imaging straight away, we're certain that they will be content with taking images of the Moon and bright planets, such as Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. The AstroMaster 130EQ offers an introduction to the hobby, a stepping stone towards more complicated observing and imaging.

The AstroMaster 130EQ is supplied in a single box, which includes the optical tube assembly (OTA), a CG-3 equatorial mount, two eyepieces – a 20mm and 10mm – which work with the optical system to provide magnifications and 33x and 65x, red-dot finderscope and a sturdy stainless steel tripod. A manual is also supplied, ensuring that the skywatcher can set up and collimate the instrument with ease and assembly takes no more than about 20 minutes.

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ: Specifications

Optical design: Newtonian reflector
Aperture: 130mm
Focal length: 650mm
Focal ratio: f/5
Optical tube length: 610mm
Mount weight: 3.44kg
Total kit weight: 12.02 kg
Includes: 20mm (33x) and 10mm (65x) eyepieces, red-dot finderscope, CG-3 equatorial mount 

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ: Design & key specs

The five-inch aperture is a decent size for a beginner’s telescope, giving the user sufficient light grasp and resolving power at their disposal to get good views of the popular targets – the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s atmospheric belts, Saturn’s rings, the bright wisps of the Orion Nebula (Messier 42) or the fuzzy shape of the Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31).

The AstroMaster 130EQ's GC-3 mount is fairly lightweight. It's suitable for supporting the OTA, but will struggle if you add further weighty accessories to your set up, such as a particularly hefty DSLR camera that can piggyback on the telescope via a threaded screw. This in itself limits its use for astrophotography, so users need to choose their additional accessories with care. The AstroMaster 130EQ can carry a smartphone at the eyepiece through the aid of an adaptor with no problem.

Unlike a simple up-down, left-right alt-azimuth mount, the CG-3 is an equatorial mount, meaning that it has to be aligned with the Pole Star, Polaris. Polar alignment is important because without it, you’ll get field rotation – the apparent rotation of objects in the field of view during your viewing session. Once aligned, the telescope then tracks stellar motions in right ascension and declination (the coordinate system used on the celestial sphere) as the sky turns. 

Beginners may initially find manually moving the mount to keep tracking objects, twisting and turning it off-axis, as somewhat counter-intuitive, but newcomers will soon get the knack of it. A niggle is that the mount doesn’t come with a polarscope, meaning you also have to know where Polaris is and manually align the telescope to it. However, we found that the supplied manual guided us through the process with ease.

Once you’ve managed that, there’s a pair of slow-motion control for fine-tuning where the telescope is pointing, to keep your target in view as it drifts through the sky. This in itself makes serious long-exposure astrophotography quite tricky with the AstroMaster 130EQ – you need the image to remain fixed, and even slow-motion controls will incur jerky shifts that will blur your image.

If you choose the version of the AstroMaster with the motorized right-ascension drive, then this will help as it tracks your target in right ascension across the sky. However, it doesn’t track along the declination axis – you will still have to manually adjust the positioning of the telescope, again hampering long-exposure astrophotography. However, for short exposures, say of the Moon or Jupiter, the motor drive suffices, at least at a beginner’s level.

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ: Performance

The views are decent for a five-inch telescope at this price point, but reports are that the quality control is a little sketchy on the AstroMaster, with some buyers getting telescopes with poorer optics, so there seems to be a degree of random luck in which you get. Our unit boasted well-corrected optics at high powers, with stars easily focussed into tiny airy disks.

The eyepieces are average and are to be expected at this price point. The 20mm eyepiece did seem to create internal reflections, marring the narrow true field of view of just 0.9 degrees (the Full Moon’s angular diameter is just 0.5 degrees, for comparison). The 10mm eyepiece is perhaps the best of the two, but the eye relief on both is quite poor - you have to push your eyes right up into the eyepiece cup to see anything, making for uncomfortable viewing, and almost impossible viewing for spectacle wearers.

The CG-3 suffers from vibrations in the tripod legs, symptomatic of being such a lightweight mount, which has the end result of creating shaky images, again no good for serious imaging. However, for basic images of the Moon or even a bright deep-sky object such as the Orion Nebula (Messier 42), the telescope and mount allow for good results a beginner is sure to be pleased with.

Saturn is within grasp through the five-inch aperture, and the gas giant's rings are easily visible in the field of view. Using our own equipment to increase the magnification to roughly 120x, the Cassini Division – the dark gap in Saturn's rings – can be picked out along with atmospheric detailing in the world's atmosphere. An impressive feat with a low-cost telescope. We took simple afocal shots of the planet, achieving a result that's sure to delight beginners.

We also slewed to Jupiter, which dazzled at magnitude -2.34 in the south. We pushed the AstroMaster 130EQ toward our target with ease, and are pleased to discover that   the mount moves quite smoothly, with no drooping or huge amounts of resistance. At a magnification of 33x, a white disk and Galilean moons – Io, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto – is visible, but upping the magnification to 66x brings the storm systems into view.

Sights of fainter targets, particularly of the Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27), are pleasing enough through the AstroMaster 130EQ, offering a clear and bright view that resembles a double-lobed shape. Globular star cluster Messier 13, also known as the Hercules Globular Cluster, is a particularly stunning sight – myriad stars with beautiful contrast and clarity is a standout moment during our observations.

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ: Verdict

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ offers a simple experience of setting up and using a telescope, while getting a taster for what could be accomplished with more complex, more expensive telescopes. However, you will almost certainly want to upgrade on the eyepieces to make the most of the optical system.

Out of the box, this reflector comes with everything the observer needs to shoot pleasing images of the Moon, bright planets and more luminous deep-sky targets. It's not possible to partake in long-exposure images, but as an introduction to astrophotography the AstroMaster 130EQ is certainly worth a look – especially given the very reasonable price tag, clear and crisp views and excellent overall build.

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The Celestron NexStar 5SE follows Celestron's tradition of making exceptional Schmidt-Cassegrains, and is one of the most recent in a long line of five-inch aperture models dating back to the early 1970s. The NexStar 5SE lives up to the reputation of its predecessors, only with added bells and whistles in the form of a motorized GoTo mount that provides access to almost 40,000 moons, planets, stars, nebulae, clusters and galaxies in its database.

As a general rule of thumb, how much you can see with your telescope depends largely on its aperture. Pleasingly, if there were a Venn diagram of telescope aperture and portability, the NexStar 5SE would be in the intersection – compact enough to be transportable, but with enough aperture to resolve small details or drink in enough light to see or image fainter objects well. An excellent offering that's not only suitable for beginners, but also for seasoned astronomers hunting for a "grab and go" instrument that delivers exceptional image quality at the touch of a button.

Celestron NexStar 5SE: Specifications

Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture: 125mm
Focal length: 1250mm
Focal ratio: f/10
Optical tube length: 330mm
Optical tube weight: 2.7kg
Mount weight: 3.2kg
Total kit weight: 8kg
Includes: Optical tube, single-arm fork mount, steel tripod, red-dot finderscope, NexStar+ hand controller, 25mm eyepiece, star diagonal
Database: 38,181 objects
Power: 8xAA batteries, 12V external source

Celestron NexStar 5SE: Design & key features

The Celestron NexStar 5SE is the "special edition" version of the venerable NexStar 5, its optical tube assembly emblazoned in Celestron’s iconic metallic orange. It’s a classy look, complementing the sleek single-arm fork GoTo mount that the NexStar family of telescopes are famed for. 

The optical tube assembly (OTA) attaches to the mount via a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar, which gives the telescope and mount substantial versatility if you want to mix and match for the perfect set up. Beware that the mount's DC servo motors are power hungry and drains the 8 AA batteries very quickly, particularly during the colder months. It can be fixed up to a 12V external power source (we recommend the Celestron Powertank), but this will need to be purchased separately.

Given its price – for which you get the OTA, computerized altitude-azimuth single fork mount, sturdy steel tripod, StarPointer red-dot finder, a 1.25-inch star diagonal and a 25mm eyepiece – and size, the NexStar 5SE makes a perfect telescope for both newcomers to skywatching as well as the travelling astronomer. 

With the NexStar 5SE, everything is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it perfect for taking to a dark-sky site or star party: it's compact enough to transport in the back of your vehicle or even as airplane luggage, given that the total kit weight is just 8 kg (17.6 lbs).

Of course, getting your telescope and setting it up correctly is just half the job – there’s also the task of finding your way around the night sky. The NexStar 5SE offers a neat way of doing this using its SkyAlign technology. It’s all about the telescope figuring out its orientation with respect to the night sky above it. 

It works by simply pointing the telescope towards three bright, naked-eye objects in the sky. They could be a planet, the Moon, or even a bright star. You don’t even need to know what those objects are – once the telescope tube is pointed at these objects, you simply press "align" on the hand controller and the NexStar 5SE's computerized mount and database is able to work this out. Thanks to its built-in database, it then "knows" where everything else is in the sky with respect to those three naked-eye objects that you used to align. 

It’s a perfect system for beginners, who may not know Arcturus from Sirius. Once the telescope is aligned, use the hand controller to ask it to move to the object that you want to observe – the technology is so accurate that, more often than not, you'll find your target at the center of the field of view after you have instructed the NexStar 5SE to slew to it. There are nine different slewing speeds to choose from.

Celestron NexStar 5SE: Performance

As you might expect from a Celestron telescope, the optics are of high quality for the price. Being a Schmidt-Cassegrain, the NexStar 5SE has a corrector plate, concave primary mirror and convex secondary, which allows the user to make use of the compact OTA without compromising focal length. An ordinary mirror reflects only 4-5% of the light that falls on it – that isn’t very helpful when straining to see faint stars and galaxies, so optical coatings on the NexStar 5SE's mirrors maximize the amount of light for breathtaking views.

The StarBright XLT coatings on the NexStar 5SE's mirrors reflect an impressive 95% of the light that’s incident on them, meaning that there is very little light loss as the distant starlight is reflected from the primary to the secondary and then through to your eyepiece. 

The telescope's reasonably long focal length, which results in a f/10 focal ratio, makes this Schmidt-Cassegrain more of a planetary performer. With this in mind, we turned our attention to gas giant Jupiter, which was at a good position in the sky during our observations. The GoTo made short work of locating the Jovian planet and its four largest satellites: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. In the field of view, the gas giant is appears as a bright disk, with faint brown and cream bands visible. The views just improved as we upped the magnification. No color fringing is visible, and images are crisp with a high level of contrast, which is important for seeing details on planets.

With a waning gibbous Moon a few degrees away from Jupiter, we observed the cratered surface with ease. Well-defined crater walls and lunar mare are captured to a very high standard, appearing crystal clear through the modest 5.91-inch aperture.

While we feel this instrument is best for Solar System targets, the NexStar 5SE provides fair views of bright deep-sky targets such as the Orion Nebula (Messier 42). This diffuse fuzzy star-forming region is clear in the field of view, with stars in the Trapezium Cluster at its center sparkling with excellent clarity. 

The 25mm Plössl eyepiece that comes with the NexStar 5SE is of a reasonable quality, offering a magnification of 50x. To make the most of the optical system though, you’ll want to invest in other eyepieces with a variety of magnifications.

The alt-azimuth nature of the mount does work against it a touch if you're looking to partake in serious long-exposure astrophotography. However, given the telescope's versatile Vixen dovetail, there is a work around, and users can still make use of the exquisite optical system using an equatorial mount that's able to track the sky. This will assist with exposures of longer than a minute.

Admittedly, Celestron has attempted to negate this by including a built-in wedge that tips the telescope into equatorial mode, but it’s not as accurate in its tracking as a purpose-built equatorial mount. We did take a step back from the NexStar 5SE's lunar, solar and sidereal tracking a test for a few minutes after positioning the OTA on a lone star. The target hadn't drifted massively at the field of view, but it's worth recognizing this instrument's limitations and choosing your astrophotography targets carefully if you're keen to make use of the computerized mount.

For beginners, it suffices if you’re willing to put up with slightly blurry shots of fainter targets as the tracking tries to keep up with the target as the sky turns. For brighter objects – such as the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn – exposures of less than a minute are fine and we achieved dazzling results.

Celestron NexStar 5SE: Verdict

Overall, for the price, this is an excellent telescope that – absent of a few more eyepieces – has everything you need to get started, whether it be planetary, lunar and bright-deep sky astroimaging or simply a spot of stargazing. More advanced astronomers will love it for its portability, but remember that serious long-exposure imaging won't yield hugely stellar results.

Planetary imagers will get the most out of the NexStar 5SE – surface features on Mars, the belts and Great Red Spot of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn will really pop out through this telescope, and you won’t need hugely long exposures to do it. 

For fainter, more diffuse objects, the long focal length and high focal ratio work against it without the addition of a focal reducer, but that’s to be expected with Schmidt-Cassegrain designs. It’s why some of the world’s top planetary imagers use these catadioptric instruments, while deep-sky observers will opt for short focal length refractors. 

The alt-azimuth mount can be considered a limitation, and you’ll want to upgrade to an equatorial mount at some point if you intend to pursue serious astrophotography. Alternatively, we advise choosing your imaging targets carefully.

The GoTo mount does tend to drain batteries, so we advise investing in a constant power supply like a Celestron Powertank for uninterrupted imaging and observing. 

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Have you ever tried to take a photo through a telescope, a spotting scope, a pair of binoculars or monoculars using your smartphone? It’s not easy, but this digiscoping kit tries to change that. A simple smartphone holder that clamps on to an eyepiece, the Celestron NexGO DX allows the user not only to position a smartphone (or, rather, its camera sensor) in exactly the right position to take a photo using standalone optical devices. 

This technique, known as afocal photography or digiscoping, is all about remaining as hands-free as possible. After all, not only is it important to keep a smartphone very stable while attempting to take a photo, but you also need to fix the exposure and focus in a smartphone’s camera. Cue the Celestron NexGO DX. 

Specifications

Compatibility: telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, monoculars and microscopes
Eyepiece clamp range: 25.4-44.45mm/1.0"-1.75"
Axis: 2
Materials: aluminium frame and polymer body
Dimensions: 196.5x101.6x76.2 mm/7.75”x4”x3”
Weight: 363/12.8oz

Performance

The Celestron NexGO DX makes digiscoping easier by providing, firstly, a simple spring-loaded clip that’s good for smartphones of up to 58-103mm/2.28"4.06" in size (so, most phones, though a small piece of plastic is provided to boost-up anything particularly small). 

Secondly, it provides two axes of movement; V (up and down) and X (left and right). Previous incarnations of astronomy-centric brand Celestron’s digiscoping adaptors – chiefly the Celestron NexYV – also present a Y axis (back and forward), but that’s not much missed here. Not only does its lack of a Y axis make the NexGO as simple to use as possible, but it also reduces the chances of it drooping when holding the weight of a smartphone simply by there being less engineering gubbins hanging off the eyepiece and changing the balance. 

As well as omitting a Y axis, the NexGO also doesn’t include a safety lock for its guest device, where the NexYV does. We didn’t much miss that either, and at no time during our review did we feel that our smartphone was going to fall out of the clamp. 

So why is the Celestron NexGO DX referred to as a ‘kit’? It comes with a Bluetooth remote. That’s it. Rather small and easy to lose, this CR2032 battery-powered thumb-remote does overcome one of the pain-points of afocal astrophotography. Touching the screen of a smartphone to take a photo is to be avoided when focusing on, say, the Moon (which is what we used the NexGO to capture). However, avoiding the inevitable wobble of doing so is actually very easy, the magic words being: “Hey Siri, take a photo.” Almost all smartphone cameras, iOS and Android, include both voice-control and shutter delay options. So the Bluetooth remote probably isn’t required. 

There’s also the issue of smartphones with multi-lens arrays, which account for all flagship smartphones these days. Like most smartphone adaptors, the NexGO’s positioning of the camera’s sensor across the eyepiece still requires the user to zoom in on, say, the Moon, to get a full-screen image. That can mean the smartphone swapping to another lens, which means repositioning the smartphone. It’s a pain, but the NexGO does make it relatively easy and quick to reposition. 

Here are some sample images shot with the NexGO DX:

Although we found the NexGO enjoyable to use, it does come with limitations, chiefly that it attaches only to eyepieces that are 25.4-44.45mm/1.0"-1.75" in size. That should be fine for most optical devices, but in practice it’s not just about the eyepiece size, but the eye relief barrel it uses (if any). That was the case with a (ironically Celestron-made) spotting scope I tried it with, where the rim of the eyepiece was simply too thick for the NexGO’s hexagonal clamp to fix around. I was eventually able to use it, but only after manually removing both the scope’s eyepiece and the fixing buffer within the NexGO’s hexagonal clamp. 

Verdict

The Celestron NexGO is a good adapter to get started with astrophotography. It’s inexpensive and simple to use and will suit most users most of the time. We also liked the way the hexagonal clamp used to fit around a telescope’s eyepiece folds up for easy travel. However, it does come with a few limitations that mean it may not fit the exact piece of optical gear you want to use it for. 

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The Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter fills a real gap, rather literally, between all kinds of optical devices and your smartphone. If you’ve never taken a photo with your smartphone through a telescope you’re missing out. So-called digiscoping or afocal photography – literally, placing your smartphone’s camera in front of the eyepiece of a telescope, a spotting scope, a pair of binoculars or monoculars – is surprisingly effective whether you’re pointed at wildlife or the Moon. However, it always comes with one huge problem; stability, or lack of. 

Cue the Celestron NexYZ, the latest in a long line of smartphone adapters that seek to bring rigid solidity to the art of afocal photography. Essentially a double-clamp that locks onto an eyepiece and also cradles a smartphone, the Celestron NexYZ, is a big-brand entrant to what has been, until now, a commodity market. 

It’s somewhat fitting that smartphones can now easily be used to take images of space. After all, the charged coupled device (CCD) that was integral to the invention of the digital camera was initially dreamed-up by a NASA inventor for imaging planets from spacecraft.

However, the Celestron NexYZ is more advanced than most, bringing to the market a three-axis design that at its best achieves a precise alignment that allows the taking of some impressive images, particularly of the Moon. 

Designed for to clamp around 1.25” or 2” eyepiece barrels and to fit any eyepiece from 35mm to 60mm in, what’s different about the Celestron NexYZ is that once locked around an eyepiece holder there are three knobs to tweak for the X, Y and V axis positions. So as well as being adjustable up and down to align a smartphone camera with the eyepiece, it’s possible to slide it in and out to cater for the thickness of the smartphone you’re using. 

Specifications

Compatibility: telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, monoculars and microscopes
Eyepiece clamp range: 35-60mm/1.37”-2.36”
Eyepiece clamp range: 65-90mm/2.55”-3.54”
Adjustment axes: 3
Materials: cast metal and injection-moulded fiber-reinforced plastic
Dimensions: 165.1x139.7x107.95mm/6.50"x5.50"x4.25"
Weight: 283g/10 oz

Design and performance

The Celestron NexYZ is not exactly small. Weighing 283g when empty, the addition of that third axis makes it something of a handful. It’s not going to be a problem if you plan to use it at home with a telescope, but it’s not going to easily fit into a pocket for travel. 

The smartphone clamp itself is spring-loaded and it can take a smartphone up to about six inches in diameter. However, it's not wise to put a phablet-style device into the Celestron NexYZ because that introduces a distinct wobble that makes the entire structure unstable. That’s despite the Celestron NexYZ including an effective clamp that fits around the eyepiece holder and secured there by a cone-shaped screw nut. It’s a good and reliable fit, but don’t overload it. 

Getting a smartphone in and out of the clamp while the Celestron NexYZ is attached to a telescope was not a problem during our review. Aligning a smartphone’s camera with the sweet spot of an eyepiece also proved relatively trouble-free, at least initially. While pointed at a crescent Moon, it was necessary to slightly pinch to zoom in order to get a whole-screen image with our telescope. That's not a problem per se, but if you zoom just a little too much there’s the risk of a smartphone defaulting to a different camera – this means a scramble to re-align the Celestron NexYZ. So while it’s an impressive device compared to rivals, it struggles to be a truly likeable device simply because smartphones have got more complicated to use for afocal photography. 

Verdict

The Celestron NexYZ is as good a smartphone adapter as exists. Sure, it can droop a little while in use, but it’s more secure and more stable than most, and at no time did we fear our smartphone would fall off and hit the ground. Some pleasing images of the Moon proved possible using the focal photography technique the Celestron NexYZ enables. Attaching a smartphone to a telescope in this way also creates a live view screen that simplifies the sharing of whatever the telescope is pointed at, with no need for anyone to bend and strain to look through the eyepiece. 

However, just as a thoroughly decent smartphone adaptor has arrived the game has changed, with now mainstream quad-camera smartphones presenting another big challenge that the Celestron NexYZ doesn’t quite overcome. 

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The might strike a chord for some – remember those giant coin-operated binoculars affixed to a metal post found at beauty spots to survey the scene for miles around? The Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 binocular, which marries a 20 magnification for long distance viewing to a huge 80mm objective lens, feels a bit like that!

This is a large and chunky pair of rubber armoured binoculars obviously designed for use in conjunction with a tripod, with a centrally located tripod adapter built in for the purpose, along with a rail for attaching an optional red dot finder-scope if so desired. While those with adult sized hands might be able to use them hand held for a very short period of time, we found this quickly becomes impractical and untenable.

Specifications

Magnification: 20x
Objective diameter: 80mm
Field of view at 1000m: 56 metres / 168 ft
Closest focusing distance: 20 metres, 65.6 ft
Eye relief: 15.5mm
Weight: 2,449g
Dimensions: 330.2x241.3x101.6mm

Key features

Suitable for nature lovers and bird watchers operating in the great outdoors, at night as well as during the day, the Skymaster Pro binos are usefully claimed to be both waterproof and fog proof.

Yet, thanks to the huge objective lens and long distance magnification on offer here, the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 binocular is not only suitable for observing skittish wildlife in a variety of lighting conditions in the great outdoors, but potentially can be used for astronomy too. With a 20 metre minimum focus, this isn’t an option for a ramble through the woods or summer music festival; it’s most useful for bringing the very faraway that much closer from a static viewpoint. 

As you heft the device out of the box, in terms of size and weight wise you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a £1,000 pair of binoculars. But no, the retail price is considerably less. So, right from the get go, the Celestron Skymaster is confounding expectations. We were also surprised to find a strap provided, along with the usual lens cleaning cloth. Since it weighs 2.5Kgs, we can’t imagine that strap is going to get used by many observers. The cheap looking carry case provided does however come in handy to keep the binos dust free when not in use.

Build and handling

When choosing any binoculars it’s always a trade off between firepower and overall size. Here, an unusually large objective lens married to a generous 20x magnification has necessitated a physically imposing product. If you’re looking for a pair of binos to stash in the car glove box, keep in your jacket pocket, or even slip into the rucksack occasionally, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. Compact the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 is not, although, thanks to a polycarbonate and aluminium housing, it’s not as hefty as you might first imagine from the size of the box it arrives in.

Essentially, we get the features here that we’d expect to find on any pair of binoculars, only everything has been ‘super sized’. Thus we find a familiar focus wheel located directly between the eye pieces, where it can be twisted via the middle finger while your eyes are pressed up against the eyecups themselves. A dioptre adjustment ring for fine tuning encircles the right eyepiece – so far, so relatively conventional.

Roughly the size of two litre bottles of water stacked side by side, a rubberised feel to the construction of these binos helps prevent slippage, a screw thread is provided via a rod that runs directly between the lenses for attaching to any tripod as discussed, while protective rubber lens caps and eye cups are provided front and back, as one would expect. Winged eyecups for optional attachment, in order to reduce the possibility of stray light affecting viewing, are also included in the box. Although value for money, the overall build of the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 doesn’t feel overtly cheap, which is to be commended.

Performance

If you’re looking to grab the faraway and bring it up close and personal while maintaining clarity of vision and hardly moving from the spot you’re in, because of the size and weight involved, then the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 will be worth considering.

As well as using the device in daylight we used it at 11.30pm at night, which delivered surprisingly sharp and clear results – helped no doubt by a full moon. Training the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80 on the moon itself, however, we were able to pick out the lunar seas on its surface as well as, more clearly, the Tycho crater near its base, plus the various geographical streaks and surface scars leading up to it. While we couldn’t achieve an image that would be described as razor sharp – living in an urban area we also had to factor in a degree of light pollution – the results were pleasingly impressive nonetheless.

Verdict

If you’re considering buying this one then you’ll need to factor in the purchase of a tripod to go with it, if you don’t already happen to own one, as well as a bigger backpack. Though not the most compact or practical ever, with these binos we do however get plenty of bang for our buck in terms of power and visibility. If you need to reach just that bit further, and continue viewing in conditions just that bit darker, then you may find a suitable match in the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20 x 80. A lifetime limited warranty provides added peace of mind for potential purchasers.

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These Celestron Outland X 8x42 binoculars are from one of the biggest brands in the affordable binocular and telescope market. This compact pair of binoculars has 8x magnification power and a large-ish 42mm objective lens – making them suitable for use both in daylight and dimmer conditions too – and offers both convenience and clarity of view. 

Like the majority of their ilk, in being waterproofed and fog-proof, the optics here are encased in a rubberised housing that aids grip and prevents slips and fumbles even if user’s fingers are wet. 

We used the Celestron Outland X 8x42 binoculars we’re featuring here both in light rain and full sunshine, in wooded areas and open fields, and didn’t notice any dip in performance, but more on this later. A soft carry case, lens cloth and neck strap are provided out of the box as standard.

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1000m: 119 metres
Closest focusing distance: 4.5 metres, 14.8 ft
Eye relief: 17.8mm
Weight: 624g
Dimensions: 146x126x53mm

Key features

While the magnification factor and objective lens size as mentioned in our intro are really the key features here, in order to achieve high resolution and high contrast views the lenses feature multi-coated optics to improve light transmission and prevent dirt and grime adhering to any surface.

As is the vogue with compact binos from competing brands, the Celestron Outland X 8x42 likewise features tethered lens caps, which hang loose at the front when removed for viewing. We also get slip-on rubberised eye-cups at the rear, which can be threaded through the provided neck strap to prevent loss.

Focus is adjusted via a large and obvious ridged wheel that sits between the eyepieces, while there is a very stiff dioptric adjustment wheel on the right eyepiece. The binoculars are also foldable, to a degree, which means that the eyepieces can be comfortably lined up to match the distance between the user’s own eyes, so what they are essentially seeing through the lenses is a giant circle. 

We found the action of this folding mechanism slightly stiffer and less fluid than on competing brands, but at least this prevents accidental adjustment when digging the binos out of a backpack or jacket pocket.

Build and handling

Despite the budget price, the sense we get here is that these feel well built and substantial nonetheless – as substantial as binoculars costing much, much more in fact. As well as the central folding mechanism and unusually chunky focus adjustment wheel aiding comfortable and practical viewing, the Celestron Outland X 8x42 binoculars feature twist-up eyecups for adjustment of eye relief, whether you’re wearing spectacles at the time of use or not.

While these binoculars are weighty at 645g, this is not excessive, and of course we wouldn’t want them to feel too lightweight anyway as a certain ‘heft’ enables the binoculars to be held level and steady.

Performance

We took the Celestron Outland X 8x42 binoculars out for a walk in the Chiltern Hills, where Red Kites drifting on the air currents, as well as pheasants on the ground, made for captivating subject matter. While the 8x magnification didn’t allow us to get quite as up close and personal as we might have liked, the power and clarity here proved sufficient to pick out feather detail and markings from several hundred feet away.

As well as using the binoculars in open ground, we made use under a wooded canopy without suffering any noticeable dip in clarity and performance. What we have here, then, is a jack-of-all-trades’ device. Yes, as regards sharpness, the view through the eyepieces may not be a match for a pair of binoculars costing many times the asking price, but that is beside the point. Overall these feel good value for what they are.

Verdict

While not a match for a pair of binoculars costing up to 10x the price in terms of pin sharpness, this general-purpose option in the Celestron Outland X 8x42 will be more than ‘good enough’ for most casual users. Yes, you can spend more if you want to, like always, and get a better result. But before you do so, stop yourself and ask if you actually need to.

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