SkyMaster 12x60 mm Porro Binocular

I've been an amateur astronomer for about 23 years. I have a broad amount of experience with the kind of optics that are used for astronomy. I have used most every type of instrument and have visited some of the great professional telescopes. I have hand built my own newtonian telescope including machining the german equatorial mount. Soon after completing this instrument I took it to a star party and ended up on my back with a pair of Fujinon SX binoculars. To make a long story short, I preferred the binos to the view in my telescope. Telescopes are expensive, they are big, heavy, hard to move, hard to store, complicated to set up correctly, and the view through the eyepiece can be crowded and dissapointing. For the casual observer binoculars are the superior choice. They are everything that a telescope is not...relatively cheap, light, easy use. And because they are so easy to use, you will end up using them much more often than you would a cumbersome telescope. That aspect of binoculars alone will make them show you much more than a telescope ever would. The Celestron 15X70 Skymasters are by far and away the best amateur astronomy instrument for the money on the market right now. They are truly and incredible value. You could spend $600+ on Fujinon SX binoculars and have a very fine instrument, but after using these, that would be a hard argument to make. Most everyone's eyes are not able to discern the fine differences between the two instuments. Mind you, I am not telling you that these are as good as the Fujinons, but at about a 10th of the price...well you get the idea. My experience with Celestron is that they are a first class operation. And now with their lifetime no-fault warranty, the best in the industry, you can purchase products from them knowing that if anything ever goes wrong for whatever reason, they will always stand behind their product. If you are looking to get started in astronomy or looking for an excuse to leave your telescope in the closet, these binoculars are a great value and with proper care will last a lifetime and show you more wonders than you will ever see frustrating yourself with a high magnification-small field telescope. Get them, take them outside at night with your kids and wonder why.......

I'm a newcomer to backyard astronomy.I have a crummy little telescope that really made me dislike my new hobby.Then I found out about these babies.I haven't used them at night yet, but for daytime terrestrial viewing, these are AMAZING.Crisp, clear optics. No collimation required ( at least for my set, but being a binocular guy, i always have a jewelers screwdriver nearby...)I was instantly able to spot lear-jets at various altitudes, and by spot, I mean count the windows.Tonight we are king to have flawless skies, and I intend to get the fire pit roaring, and stare off into space with the best set of binoculars i've ever owned....Update: One week later....HOT DAMN. I had one good night this week. And I was all over it.Jupiter is resolved as a bright disc. Fine details don't make it through, but a few Jovian moons are Visible.Saturn is seen as an 'Eared' disc, but you can def. tell it's Saturn. No moons are visible now, but Saturn is pretty far away at the moment.M31 eludes me still. But I am confident that under dark enough skies, I'll get her.The Pleiades are explosive.I live at sea level in Central Long Island, so light pollution and sub par skies are the norm.These binoculars are a must for any Astrology or Optics enthusiast. Sturdy, handy and overall one of the most impressive buys I've ever made on Amazon.I intend to get the largest pair of Celestron Skymasters within the next 6 months.Update: 7/14/2016I've had these for a year and a half now. I've taken them to Lake George, NY, many times and have used them extensively for terrestrial and astronomical viewing.With these, I've seen the Triangulum of the Orion Nebula, the moons of Jupiter, the "Ears" of Saturn, the Pleadies, and for the first time just recently (mostly thanks to increased elevation) the Andromeda Galaxy and the amazing clusters around Casseopeia.I would buy again, but they are still like new.Update: 6/07/2017There are certain times in your life when you look back at a purchase and say: "Yup- that was a good one."Let me tell you, this is that purchase. At least for me.I've had these babies since 2014. Travel everywhere with them in all kinds of conditions and they're still like new. I continue to enjoy them, as does the family.If you want a great pie of binoculars for a reasonable price- look no further.