Celestron 71007 SkyMaster 12x60mm Porro Prism Binoculars with Multi-Coated Lens, BaK-4 Prism Glass and Carry Case, Black

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One final note was that the weight was not printed on the box. I guess they assume that people are planning to put this model on a mount, so the weight isn't significant enough to put on the box. On paper, the 8x magnification and 25mm objective lenses make the Olympus 8x25 WP II appear less than ideal for stargazing — they just don't have the appropriate light-gathering power to produce bright images. However, when buying a pair of binoculars for a child, you also have to think about weight, size, and image quality (and remember, kids' eyes typically take in more light than adults' eyes do). In terms of light-gathering capability, a pair of 70mm binoculars like these are roughly equivalent to a 4-inch telescope. However, unlike a telescope, they cannot provide high-power views of globular clusters, diminutive galaxies, the moon, or planets. Binoculars of this type are primarily suited for observing open clusters and expansive nebulae. There is a decent amount of chromatic aberration with the SkyMaster 15x70s on bright stars, the moon, and the planets, but it doesn’t hamper views in the slightest.

Moreover, their optics are multi-coated and include a stargazing-centric Porro prism. They also have a large exit pupil, guaranteeing maximum light at night and dawn/dusk. As a bonus, they can are easily adjustable to fit smaller faces. One of the companies newest ranges, the mid-level SkyMaster Pro's are based on, but a step-up from the entry-level and very popular "standard" SkyMaster series. These are lightweight, compact and powerful, kid-friendly binoculars with surprisingly good views. They're excellent value for money as a beginner pair and double up well as a handy portable pair when you don't want to take your more expensivena glass with you. They also have non-slip rubber armor and stippling and an easy-to-hold grip — even for small hands.BaK-4 prisms stand for Baritleichkron, which is a Barium Crown glass. BaK-4 prisms are superior to other types of optical glass as they produce more exact images. The decision to use BaK-4 prisms in the SkyMaster 12x60s allows less peripheral light to be lost through the internal reflection, decreasing light bleeding around the edges and allowing for a higher contrast image. That aperture can make a big difference to the experience of using binoculars, especially in low light and at night, so we recommend using a pair of binoculars with a 40mm or above aperture to let in more light, especially for night-time stargazing. Whether you are gazing at the moon, exploring distant galaxies, or observing the intricacies of nature, these binoculars will not disappoint.

Stars are very small to the naked eye, so you will need a pair with high magnification which means either a long instrument or one that uses mirrors to fold the light path into a more condensed size. Stars are also not very bright so you will need good light gathering which demands a wide front lens or an even wider mirror. The SkyMaster series of binoculars have multi-coated optics and high index BaK-4 prisms for superb light transmission and increased contrast and resolution. Coupled with large objective lenses, BaK-4 prisms offer amazing light gathering capabilities making them ideal for stargazing and other low-light applications. With higher magnifications than standard binoculars, SkyMaster 12x60 brings celestial objects up close, providing images with outstanding detail. View the heavens and the world around you with the SkyMaster Series. These binoculars are tough, small, and easy to carry. They come in bright yellow or green colors, making them hard to misplace! These binoculars are specifically made for very young children and are built with strong polycarbonate housing. They have a roof prism design and use BK7 glass, and also come with a small case and a simple wrist strap, which is important because they are quite small in size. Memory Cards & Storage SD Cards Micro SD cards CFexpress cards Compact Flash and CFast cards Card Readers SSD and USB Drives Scanners Want to know how to tell the difference between Roof prism and Porro prism binoculars? Roof prism models look like two straight monoculars connected together in the middle, while the eyepieces are closer together than the main optics of Porro prism binoculars, angling the light path.I just had my 12x60 Skymasters outside. A half moon was overhead. I gazed at the moon and the craters and terminator looked quite sharp. I also had these bins out about 5 nights ago looking at M-42, The Double Cluster, The Hyades, The Pleiades, M-36, M-37 and M-38 in Auriga, and M-31 all from my mag 4.5 skies in my yard. The difference with these from the 15x70 Skymasters is there, but slight. The trade off is in light gathering, and I would have to say that being able to hand hold the 12x60's is a better trade off then the 15x70's being able to gather more light because you can hold the 12x60's more comfortably and for a longer period of time. It is possible to attach the double eyepiece cap (providing your own material) but not the objective lens caps. Not a deal breaker if you are careful with your binoculars, but something to be aware of if you plan on stuffing them in and out of your bag where they might get scratched. Should you buy the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars?