So, you’re after binoculars that can tackle serious stargazing and long-distance viewing? The Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 really stands out for anyone who loves astronomy or wants to spot wildlife from far away.
These binoculars offer a hefty 20x magnification and big 80mm objective lenses. With BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics, you get bright, sharp images even when the light’s not great.
They’re pretty big and heavy, so you’ll probably want to use a tripod if you’re planning on looking through them for a while. Celestron built in a tripod adapter that fits most standard photo tripods. The rubber-armored housing adds some protection and makes them easier to hold.
You can take these out in the elements thanks to the water-resistant construction, but honestly, they’re too heavy to hold steady for long without support.
Bottom Line
The SkyMaster 20×80 gives you a ton of value if you’re serious about what you want to see.
That powerful magnification and solid optics really suit astronomy or checking out distant landscapes.
Want to start exploring the night sky? Take a look at the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon and see if they’re right for your next adventure.
Overview of the Celestron 71018 SkyMaster 20x80mm Binoculars
These are big astronomy binoculars, no doubt about it. With 80mm objective lenses and 20x magnification, the SkyMaster gives you bright, sharp views, thanks to its BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics.
Key Features:
- 20x magnification with 80mm objective lenses
- BaK-4 prisms for lots of light
- Built-in tripod adapter for stable mounting
- Water-resistant rubber-armored housing
At 4.8 pounds, you really do need a tripod for comfortable viewing. These work for both astronomy and long-distance land viewing. If you wear glasses, the rubber eyecups fold down so you can keep them on.
People like the clear images and solid build. The weight does make handheld use tiring, though. Celestron includes a carrying case and a lifetime warranty, which is a nice touch.
You get a 3.7-degree field of view and a 4mm exit pupil, so they’re great for dawn, dusk, and nighttime observation when you want brighter images.
Curious to check out the night sky? See the SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars on Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Stunning 20x Magnification for Astronomy and Long-Distance Viewing
With 20x magnification, these binoculars pull distant objects in way closer than your average pair. They’re awesome for stargazing or watching wildlife from a distance.
Those big 80mm lenses let in a ton of light, so you get brighter, clearer images, even as the sun goes down. The 4mm exit pupil gives your eyes plenty of light during twilight.
Benefits:
- You can see details on the moon’s surface
- Star clusters appear crisp
- Performs well in low light
Drawbacks:
- Heavy at 4.8 pounds
- Needs a tripod to avoid shaky images
- Hand-holding gets tiring fast
Mounting the SkyMaster on a tripod really makes a difference, and the built-in adapter makes that easy. If you try to use them without a tripod, the weight and high magnification make things pretty wobbly.
A lot of users rave about the sharp images for astronomy, especially at dawn or dusk. Some folks feel the magnification is a bit much for everyday use, though.
Check out the SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars on Amazon if you think this powerful magnification fits your needs.
Exceptional BaK-4 Prisms and Multi-Coated Optics
The optical components here really set these binoculars apart from the cheaper stuff. Celestron uses BaK-4 prism glass—way better than the BaK-7 glass you usually find in budget models.
BaK-4 prisms give you:
- Better light transmission so your eyes get more light
- Sharper images across the field of view
- Fewer internal reflections for better contrast
Multi-coated lenses work with the BaK-4 prisms to boost performance. These coatings cut down on glare and help more light get through the optics. You’ll really notice the difference in low-light conditions—like early morning, dusk, or under the stars.
Some users wish the exterior lens coatings were tougher. The multi-coating helps, but it doesn’t match the fully multi-coated systems on high-end binoculars.
With BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics, you just get brighter, more detailed images than you’d expect at this price.
Want to see the optical quality for yourself? See the current price and availability on Amazon.
Integrated Tripod Adapter for Enhanced Stability
If you want heavy binoculars to work well, you need solid support. The SkyMaster comes ready with a built-in tripod adapter that makes mounting easy.
The ¼”-20 thread adapter fits most standard photo tripods in seconds. You can use tripods you already have, since it’s a universal size. The adapter sits right at the center hinge.
Why bother with a tripod?
- Cuts down hand shake at 20x magnification
- Saves your arms during long viewing sessions
- Keeps images steady for detailed observation
- Really a must for astronomy
The adapter feels sturdy and handles the weight of these big binoculars without wobbling. You’ll need to buy a tripod separately, though—none comes in the box. Trust me, a solid tripod makes a huge difference with these.
Some folks think the adapter could be better balanced, but once you get it set up on a good tripod, it works just fine.
Want to try steady, shake-free viewing? Check out the SkyMaster binoculars on Amazon and see if the tripod adapter makes your viewing better.
Durability and Water Resistance in Challenging Environments
Outdoor viewing can get rough, and the SkyMaster 20×80 is ready for it. The rubber-armored housing protects the binoculars from bumps and drops, and gives you a good grip even when your hands are cold or wet.
The water-resistant exterior handles sudden weather changes. Rain or moisture won’t mess up the inside during your sessions, but keep in mind, they’re water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
Protection Features:
- Rubber armor soaks up shocks from drops
- Water-resistant seals guard the internals
- Grippy surface helps prevent slips
At 4.8 pounds, these feel solid. Users say the construction is sturdy and holds up over years of use. The reinforced main body keeps the optics aligned, even after lots of transport.
Want to try these durable binoculars yourself? Check out the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon for pricing and availability.
Comfortable Viewing with Adjustable Eyecups
Long sessions can wear on your eyes if the eyecups aren’t right. The SkyMaster 20×80 uses soft rubber eyecups that block stray light from your view.
Eyeglass wearers can just fold the eyecups down. You don’t need to take your glasses off to get a clear look through the binoculars. The rubber feels comfortable against your face, even after a while.
The eyecups help seal out light from the sides, so your image doesn’t get washed out. Some users say the rubber can feel a little sticky in humid conditions, though.
Eyecup Features:
- Soft rubber construction
- Foldable design for eyeglass compatibility
- Blocks stray light effectively
The adjustable design fits different face shapes, and you get a stable viewing position with or without glasses.
Want to see how comfortable stargazing can be? Check out the SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars on Amazon and see if these eyecups work for you.
In the Box: Accessories and Extras Provided
When you open the box, you get a pretty basic set of accessories. The SkyMaster 20×80 comes with a padded carrying case to help protect your gear during travel or storage.
What’s Included:
- Binoculars
- Padded carrying case
- Neck strap
- Lens covers (front and rear)
The carrying case does the job, but it feels a bit thin compared to nicer options. It works fine for basic transport.
You won’t find extras like lens cleaning cloths or a tripod in the box. The neck strap is just okay—honestly, it feels a bit flimsy for something this heavy.
Lens covers fit securely and keep the big 80mm lenses safe from dust and scratches. The front covers stay attached with tethers, so you won’t lose them easily.
If you’re serious about astronomy, you’ll probably want to buy a sturdy tripod mount separately.
Want to see what’s included for yourself? Check out the SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon to see the complete package.
Pros and Cons
Big binoculars like the SkyMaster 20×80 bring a lot to the table for astronomy and long-distance viewing, but the size and weight do come with some trade-offs.
Pros
With 20x magnification, you get way closer to distant objects than with standard binoculars. You can spot details on the moon or see star clusters and bright nebulae that smaller optics just can’t show you.
The 80mm lenses gather a ton of light, so the SkyMaster really shines at dawn or dusk when the light is low. The BaK-4 prisms make sure as much light as possible gets to your eyes.
The build feels tough and durable. Rubber armor helps protect against drops and gives you a secure grip. Water resistance means you don’t have to stress about a little rain or dew during your outdoor sessions.
Key Advantages:
- Powerful magnification for detailed views
- Large lenses bring in more light than smaller binoculars
- Sturdy construction stands up to regular use
- Built-in tripod adapter for stable mounting
Cons
The weight really starts to bug you once you try using these by hand. Most folks find them just too heavy to hold steady for more than a few minutes. Honestly, you’ll probably want a tripod if you plan on any comfortable viewing.
High magnification just makes every tiny shake way more obvious. Even the smallest hand movement sends the image jumping all over the place without a tripod. Quick scanning of the sky? That gets tricky.
These binoculars just aren’t as portable as smaller ones. They hog a lot of space in your bag or storage. The carrying case helps, but, let’s be real, it adds even more bulk.
Main Drawbacks:
- Heavy weight makes handheld use tough
- You’ll need a tripod for the best experience
- Large size hurts portability
- High magnification exaggerates every little shake
Curious to see the night sky in more detail? Check out the SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon and see if these powerful binoculars are a good fit for your stargazing plans.
Customer Reviews and Real-World Experiences
Buyers keep praising these binoculars for their clear images and solid build. A lot of people upgrade from smaller models and instantly notice how much more they can spot in the night sky.
What People Love:
- Sharp, clear views thanks to those big 80mm lenses
- Sturdy construction that actually feels durable
- Great value for the price
- Surprisingly easy to handle considering their size
Common Concerns:
- Some folks say the weight gets tiring if you use them for a while
- A few buyers got units needing collimation tweaks
- High magnification means shaky views without a tripod
Astronomy fans often say these make a great step up from smaller binoculars. The 20x magnification gets a lot of love for pulling in distant objects. Many reviewers suggest them as a solid starter pick for sky watching.
Want to see what these binoculars can do? Check out the SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon to read more reviews and see the latest price.
Conclusion
So, after digging through the details, I’d say the SkyMaster 20×80 feels like a pretty solid pick for stargazing on a budget. Those big 80mm lenses pull in a lot of light, making night sky views surprisingly clear. People often mention the sharp image quality and how sturdy these binoculars feel.
Key Strengths:
- Images look clear and bright
- Price feels fair for what you get
- Built to last
Main Drawbacks:
- It’s heavy, so you’ll want a tripod
- Sometimes, alignment isn’t perfect out of the box
These binoculars suit casual astronomy fans. Honestly, if you plan to use them for more than a few minutes, you’ll want to set them up on a tripod—your arms will thank you.
Most folks seem happy with their choice, especially if they’re moving up from something smaller. The SkyMaster gives you decent performance without emptying your wallet.
Curious to see more? Check out the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 on Amazon for current prices and what’s in stock.