Question 1

I am trying to decide between this model and the Celestron 25-125x80 which i would use at only the lower magnifications. Which should I get?

Accepted Answer

Hello! In my 50+ years as a user of hundreds of types of lenses, telescopes and binoculars I have found any "ZOOM" product is far less sharp than a fixed millimeter group of lenses. I currently purchased the Celestron 25 X 100 astronomy binoculars and could not be more pleased. Images are all very sharp with excellent contrast - both of which are extremely important when looking at the night sky as well as in terrestrial viewing. I would definitely recommend the 25 X  100 binocs. Hope this helped.   Terry D

Question 2

Would I be able to see the rings of Saturn with the binocs?

Accepted Answer

Just got these in yesterday from another retailer and yes if your steady enough or use tripod you can see saturn's rings. You can see the brightest of jupiters 4 moons as star points too. I also got great views of the Orion Nebula (M42) which was amazing. All objects mention above where seen from the city.

Question 3

With this pair not having focus or zoom lever, would the 25-125x80 be a better pair for astronomy searching?

Accepted Answer

I own the zoom model 25-125×80, and now I wish I had 25 x 100.

Please DONT BE FOOL BY THE ZOOM FUNCTIONILITY. 25 x 100 will definitely give you crisp image because its prime lens. My zoom bino has some soft-image problem at the edges and it seems to be very common issue.

Zoom is just useless. 100 aperture will give you more light and 25x is enough to see planets and stars. Again, having individual focus ring is better that you wont get in 25-125x80 model.

Question 4

Are these suitable for bird watching?  Specificaly birds of prey?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all they are like hand holding a celestial telescope. If rested on a car roof they might work, but they are annoyingly large for transport. They require a tripod and good for the viewing of a fixed object like a pack of wolves at Yellowstone 1 mile out. This much power and the binocular view is just too bouncy. The best bird watchers / NASCAR watching for the money I purchased were the Vortex diamondback 8X42. Waterproof and very clear glass, great in low light and not terribly expensive compared to the competition in this performance range. Don't get me wrong as they are a nice addition for sky watching the moon, rings on Saturn...., but practical for bird watching no.

ASIN	B0007UQNTU
Age Range Description	Adult
Apparent Angle of View	3.7 Degrees
Best Sellers Rank	#154 in Camera & Photo Products ( See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products ) #88 in Binoculars
Brand	Celestron
Built-In Media	Carrying case, Instruction manual, Lens cloth, Neck strap, Objective lens caps, Rainguard
Coating	Multi-Coated
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Tripod, Camera, Smartphone Adapter
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (3,560)
EU Spare Part Availability Duration	10 Years
Enclosure Material	Rubber
Exit-Pupil Diameter	4 Millimeters
Eye Relief	18 Millimeters
Features	Water Resistant
Focus Description	Manual Focus
Focus Type	Center Focus
Global Trade Identification Number	00050234710183
Item Dimensions L x W	9"L x 4.7"W
Item Dimensions L x W x H	9"L x 4.7"W x 12.8"H
Item Weight	4.8 Pounds
Low Light Technology	Yes
Magnification Maximum	20 x
Manufacturer	Celestron
Manufacturer Part Number	71018-CGL
Model Name	SkyMaster 20x80mm Porro Binoculars
Model Number	71018
Mount Type	Tripod Mount
Objective Lens Diameter	80 Millimeters
Prism Type	Porro Prism
Size Map	Giant
Specific Uses	Astronomical viewing or terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances.
UPC	050234710183
Warranty Description	Limited Lifetime Warranty
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	20 multiplier_x

SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars for Deep-Sky Astronomy - 80mm Aperture | Large 80mm Objectives, Bright Deep-Sky Views, Multi-Coated BaK-4 Optics,Tripod Adaptable, Ultra-Stable Mounting, Carry Case

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