The main data can be found on the Internet.
Of particular interest is the harmonious relationship between the fixed magnification of 15x and the large lenses of 70mm. In an advertising-oriented zoom function would rightly omitted because this is always at the expense of the quality of the image.
(Ie but not waterproof) with Bak-4 glass, Porro design, multi-coated lenses, lifetime warranty and water resistance are all structural features of a good pair of binoculars available. On expensive or luxurious equipment was obviously bewüßt omitted as not to burden unnecessarily to the cost of production.
No evidence of nitrogen filling or O-rings seal but I could find no fogging from the inside in freezing temperatures, and frankly, the Skymaster is not designed for water sports.
Delivery: Binoculars, strap, thin, minimally padded cloth bag, tripod adapter made of plastic and a so-called Instructions.. A heavy center rail for attachment to a stand has also been omitted. That's a good thing, because the Skymaster can very well be used effectively without a tripod and tripod adapter can be installed at any time as needed.
Clean design, very small gaps, black, smooth but grippy rubber. Very large and handy drive wheel with enough resistance, setting the pupil distance a little stiff, but not from the disadvantage of being very generous diopter adjustment right, huge pupil lenses (20mm), large, very soft eyecups. The visuals are very well calibrated. The orange-colored writing on bag and binoculars is a bit flashy and a matter of taste.
Weight ready without a tripod adapter with straps and eyepiece cover: 1.350 gr (kitchen scales).
The binoculars are top-heavy but very well without a tripod for nature observation applicable when held close to the lens, which is very rare for binoculars of this class. Here, the Fokusierrad is not within reach but that is immaterial because the binocular has a very large and very pleasant depth of field. Once set, you can watch for example between 100 and 400 m without readjust or focusing constantly need. The Minimum focusing distance is about 13 m.
For testing, I have built up the binoculars to various tripod (Eschenbach 4680, Slik SL67 (made in Japan), Victory 3010 Pro). And I have both the supplied tripod adapter and adapter von Eschenbach, Nikon and Astroshop used. First of all: The supplied adapter is absolutely useful and more than adequate. A professional tripod is not necessary a good tripod such as the Eschenbach 4680 for 86 euros is quite sufficient.
What becomes immediately apparent is that the Celestron Skymaster from 'cheap' large binoculars is completely different: it provides not only throughout a crisp, sharp image, but it spreads something like a cinema-feeling from. This is partly due to the huge eyepieces, I measured it with 20mm, and at a 15x magnification!. The field of view is extremely wide, the black edges largely and almost vollkommem displaced outwards. After repeated comparison is clear to me: The Skymaster offers a similarly comfortable and generous viewing experience as the Steiner 20x80 LW or Burkhard 25x100 Bak-4 MC, which are more expensive by a few hundred euros. Even with comfortable premium 50mm full-size binoculars like Nikon 16x50 or 10x50 Eschenbach Trophy can keep the Skymaster. There is even the Pentax PCF in the shadows. Remarkable!
On the adjustment there really is not to complain about. Both tube are perfectly matched, no trace of double images, reflections or color fringing.
Due to a strong myopia I can not with any binocular clear because some Dyoptrie-setting should be measured just under. Not so with the Skymaster.
The soft rubber eyecups are not extendable but very comfortable and also generously sized. It is no disturbing light from the side and the shadow of eyelids etc. tretten not on pure viewing pleasure !!! The viewing distance is 18mm and I can use the binoculars similarly comfortable with or without glasses.
So much for comfort.
The visual performance is mE perfectly.
During the day, cloudy weather, light fog and also light frost, I can see a tin can in about 250 m good, but not read the writing. At the same distance, a metal rod is a drying rack: The rust stains and even bird droppings are displayed clearly. At the edge of the forest in about 1,000 m smallest color differences are readily perceptible, despite a slight mist.
In the dark night, overcast sky and Sichweite of approximately 3,000 m, I have observed different reference objects at distances 80-1000 m with the following results: Lantern with saving bulb 80 meters away, clear and precise picture of the rope light bulb and the surface texture of the bricks ,
Roof with chimney in 250 m distance: Despite complete darkness, and smoke einzelze Dachpfannen well recognizable. Edge of the forest in 1000 m: Wherever the eye with a lot of effort perceives only a dark stain reveals the Skymaster the edge of the forest with many details.
All observations are significantly brighter than with the naked eye. The brightness is roughly equivalent to the ones 8x56mm with all the trimmings (aspheric lenses, Bak-4 glass, Fully multicoated) is achieved with a Eschenbach and is head and shoulders above with compact glasses of Buschnell, Minolta or Nikon Travelite.
Astronomissche observations I could not make the Skymaster because of the constantly overcast sky.
The name Bak-4 and is therefore not a publicity stunt or multicoated a fig leaf but clearly evidenced by the practice.
Also handy: The one-piece eyepiece can be attached to the carrying rhymes and does not go at night lost in nature. The lens caps are made of rubber and fit. The Carrying Case is made of very tightly woven and water-repellent nylon, but really minimal padding. The strap with 8 mm width is permanently far from comfortable. In addition, he is such short that the head just barely fit through. Since one can therefore like to spend a few euros for meaningful accessories, but at its core the binoculars is absolutely wholesome and that's what matters.
Overall, the Skymaster is a very powerful and robust binocular that is worth the money and definitely in its class offers the best value for money.
Also in relation to the weight it offers an extraordinary amount of power and is also without a tripod readily usable.
With 1,350 gr the Skymaster is only slightly heavier than a normal 8x56 (1.220 gr), but offers significantly more power and fun. For this reason, it is a real alternative to good hunting glasses, both 56mm and 63mm. It covers an enormous range of applications and has only downward with a slight compact glass (eg for hiking) or up to a high-end astronomy binoculars or a telescope (costing significantly more than 1000 Euro) will be rounded.
It is above all extremely comfortable and is equipped with features that are second to none on this scale in this price range. I would recommend this pair of binoculars that can be more than some that cost many times, definitely recommend and buy myself again without hesitation.
