Binoculars Telescopes Opties: พฤศจิกายน 2010

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 28 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Bushnell PowerView 20x50 Super High-Powered Surveillance Binoculars

Product Details

Bushnell PowerView 20x50 Super High-Powered Surveillance Binoculars
From Bushnell

List Price:	$97.95
Price:	$54.98 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

24 new or used available from $47.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

Super high-powered surveillance binoculars for long-range detailed viewing. Great durability and performance in an attractive ?traditional? porro prism design. Non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock while providing a firm grip. Contemporary styling; includes neck strap and carrying case. Limited lifetime warranty.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #462 in Sports & Outdoors
Size: 7
Brand: Bushnell
Model: 13-2050
Dimensions: 3.60" h x 8.00" w x 8.40" l, 1.88 pounds

Features

Porro-prism binocular with 20x magnification and 50mm objective diameter
Multicoated optics guarantee superior light transmission and brightness
Patented 1-touch InstaFocus system holds your subject in sharp focus
Nonslip rubber armor absorbs shock; 45-foot close focusing distance
170-foot field of view at 1,000 yards; weighs 30 ounces; limited lifetime warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Bushnell PowerView binoculars offer the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. This particular PowerView binocular offers a 20x magnification--among the most powerful in its class--and a 50mm objective diameter. The multicoated optics, meanwhile, guarantee superior light transmission and brightness, helping you see just about any target, whether you're searching for birds or trying to get a better view of the football field. And users will love the patented InstaFocus focusing system, which holds your subject in sharp focus with a touch of the fingertip. Additional features include a porro prism system, a nonslip rubber armor housing that absorbs shock while providing a firm grip, a neck strap, and 9mm of eye relief.
Specifications:

Magnification: 20x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Size class: Standard
Focus system: InstaFocus
Prism system: Porro
Prism glass: BK-7
Lens coating: Multi
Field of view @ 1,000 yards: 170 feet
Close focus distance: 45 feet
Exit pupil: 2.5mm
Eye relief: 9mm
Eyecups: Fold down
Waterproof/fogproof: No
Adapts to tripod: Yes
Weight: 30 ounces
Warranty: Limited lifetime

From the Manufacturer
Travelers, nature observers and concert goers take note: The PowerView series offers the largest line of Bushnell quality, affordable binoculars. No matter what your purpose, you'll find a variety of magnifications, styles and sizes, and fully coated optics for bright, vivid images. Standard-size models feature Insta-Focus for fast and easy focus on moving targets.
The porro prism line-up provides great durability and performance in an attractive "traditional" porro prism design. Compact to full-sized, the contemporary styling houses fully coated optics. Suffice to say, images are crisp, clear and bright - even in low light. Affordable for any and all interested in magnifying life to its fullest.
Specifications for this Bushnell binocular include:

Magnification: 20x
Objective lens: 50mm
Field of view at 1,000 yards: 170 feet

Tech Talk
Objective Lens: The diameter of the objective or front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the binocular, and the brighter the image.
Field of View (F.O.V.): The side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide angle binocular features a wide field of view and is better for following action. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Porro Prism System: In porro prism binoculars the objective or front lens is offset from the eyepiece. Porro prism binoculars provide greater depth perception and generally offer a wider field of view.

Customer Reviews

Great for the Money

This is the first Binoc purchase I have made and I will say I am quite pleased.

I have some outdoor friends that have those higher end models made from camera companies that are a few hundred dollars and in all honesty, I can't tell much of a difference. Just remember, this is coming from a beginner. Obviously experts will point out of the "niddy griddy" flaws, etc. for one reason or other. I do the same in other fields of my expertises. But unlike the typical expert, I throw away my pride and firmly believe in the most bang for your buck.

And these Binocs definitely pull through.

Would have been five stars, but I agree with everyone else; the strap is a piece of crap. Haven't even bothered putting in on.

P.S. remember that these magnify 20x. The average person will find it hard to keep the magnified image stable. Military uses 6-8x binocs for this reason.
Great Fixed Power Binoculars!!!

Greetings,
These binoculars focus great from up-close to far away. The PowerView Zip Focus works great for fast focusing and the views are sharp. This is a great deal for the money. Always set the Bino's on a stationary surface when setting the diopter for matching your eyes the first time. Focus left eye first with PowerZoom focus with right eye shut, then open right eye and close left and adjust the diopter (twist right eyepiece) for right eye focus. Once set, you will experience great performance from your Bushnell Bino's!!!! Enjoy! ...Jamie
Decent optics but focuser is sloppy

Purchased the 16x50 version of these Bushnell binoculars (primarily for star gazing). While the optics seem fine (for the money) the rocker style focuser is easily jarred out of position, even simply by pressing the eyepieces to your eyes when gazing upward or by trying to adjust the diopter.

Probably good for terrestrial use but be prepared to wrestle with the focus when gazing skyward.

Bushnell Powerview 12x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)

Product Details

Bushnell Powerview 12x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)
From Bushnell

List Price:	$29.95
Price:	$19.21 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

48 new or used available from $14.82
Average customer review:

Product Description

Bushnell PowerView binoculars are the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. A variety of styles and features appeals to a wide range of observers from students of nature to concertgoers. Outstanding light transmission through fully coated optics ensures bright, crisp clear viewing. The easy to hold and easy to use aspect of these binoculars also converge to make Bushnell PowerView an excellent value for the general and outdoor use.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #249 in Sports & Outdoors
Color: Black
Brand: Bushnell
Model: 131225CS3
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.70 pounds

Features

Roof-prism binocular with 12x magnification and 25mm objective diameter
Multicoated optics guarantee superior light transmission and brightness
Insta-Focus system makes it easy to sharpen your view
Nonslip rubber armor absorbs shock; 25-foot close focusing distance
240-foot field of view at 1,000 yards; weighs 11.3 ounces; limited lifetime warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Bushnell PowerView binoculars offer the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. This particular PowerView binocular offers a 12x magnification and a 25mm objective diameter. The fully coated optics, meanwhile, guarantee superior light transmission and brightness, helping you see just about any target, whether you're searching for birds or trying to get a better view of the stage. And users will love the easy-to-use Insta-Focus system, which adjusts quickly to keep your mobile subject in sharp view. Additional features include a nonslip rubber armor housing that absorbs shock while providing a firm grip, a neck strap and a carrying case for easy transport, and 9mm of eye relief.
Specifications:

Magnification: 12x
Objective lens diameter: 25mm
Size class: Compact
Focus system: Center
Prism system: Roof
Prism glass: BK-7
Lens coating: Fully
Field of view @ 1,000 yards: 240 feet
Close focus distance: 25 feet
Exit pupil: 2.1mm
Eye relief: 9mm
Eyecups: Fold down
Waterproof/fogproof: No
Adapts to tripod: No
Weight: 11.3 ounces
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Amazon.com Description
Travelers, nature observers and concert goers listen up: the Bushnell Powerview 12x25 is a compact folding roof prism binocular that features fully coated optics for superior light transmission. The non-slip rubber armor body provides firm grip and absorbs shock, while the InstaFocus system helps you maintain fast focus on moving targets. With 12x magnification and a large 25-millimeter objective lens, the binocular also offers a close focus distance of 25 feet, fold-down eyecups, and a 240-foot angle of view at 1,000 yards.

Customer Reviews

Great Binoculars, Great Price

I purchased these binoculars to bring to concerts and plays. The size was perfect for my small evening purse, but I didn't realize just how well they worked. Wish that I would have owned them when I was sitting in the upper stratosphere at the Celine Dion concert in Las Vegas. They go with me to every event now to ensure a "good" seat every time.
lets get it straight

these glasses are small, protable and good for concerts and quick bird work. I keep a set in the car, but they do not replace my larger busnells for birding. please don't expect to do more than a little backyard birding with these, and i am now adjusted to my larger set, so i use those in the yard. You get what you pay for.
Outstanding at twice the price

I have shared a pair with a friend for more than a year and I must say I was amazed the first time I looked through them, having had all my experience with a [$] pair of older compact binoculars. These were nearly as good and a fraction of the price. Highly recommended.

Barska 10-30x50 Zoom Gladiator Binocular

Product Details

Barska 10-30x50 Zoom Gladiator Binocular
From Barska

List Price:	$71.50
Price:	$39.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

6 new or used available from $34.00
Average customer review:

Product Description

The best way to get closer to nature. The Gladiator zoom series offers the added advantage of enjoying multiple magnifications in a single binocular. With variable zoom, you can capture a panoramic view at low power, target in on your object and then zoom in to a higher power to capture the finer details. The zoom mechanism on the binocular is smooth and easy to operate with a flick of the lever. It's like having many binoculars in one! Versatility, convenience and tenacity put Gladiator in an arena by themselves.Backed by Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1227 in Sports & Outdoors
Size: 3
Brand: Barska
Model: AB10168
Dimensions: 7.10" h x 2.60" w x 7.30" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

Powerful zoom with different magnifications ideal for all outdoor activities and sporting events
Fully coated optics for crisp and sharp images with ruby lens to minimize glare
Large objective lens to maximize light transmission
Ergonomic design with shock-absorbing rubber armor
Includes carrying case and neckstrap

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ideal for long distance land or sky viewing, the wide variable magnification range of the Gladiator allows the viewer to target in on an object and then zoom in and magnify it to obtain a closer look and see greater detail. For convenience, a zoom thumb lever for making quick and smooth zoom adjustments as well as fold-down eyecups for viewing with or without eyeglasses. Ruby lens help to minimize UV glare.
Features and Specifications:

Model: AB10168
Magnification: 10-30x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Prism type: Porro
Prism Glass: BK-7
Exit Pupil: 5mm
Optical Coating: Multi Coated
Focusing System: Center
Field of View (ft@1000yds/m@1000m): 195/65@10x
Close Focus (ft/m): 26/8
Eye Relief: 15 mm
Weight: 31.75 ounces
Included Accessories: Carrying case, neck strap, lens cloth
Warranty: Manufacturer's limited lifetime

Customer Reviews

Great Product!

Owned these for a while now, let me tell you they are great! The tint on the lens' (which is amber colored) actually makes everything a hint of green, which makes leaves/grass/trees blend in while wild game (brownish colors) stick out, which is excelent for hunting. If you are not a hunter be aware that these ARE tinted, not clear lens', which isnt a big deal i use them for many things just know that if u zoom in on your friend about 100' away they will look a little off colored. The zooming in/out from 10x-30x is easy you dont have to think about it at all or take your eyes off anything. Overall a great binocular at an awesome price, you will love them just as i do. 5 STARS!
Great product great price

We have really enjoyed these binoculars. They have a great range on them, and we use them often to scope out deer and to plot hiking and climbing paths. They seem to be quite sturdy and of quality materials.
I see you...

Great Binoculars for the price. These Barska binoculars are very powerful, with adjustable distances. I use them at the an open air rang to verify my shots so I don't have to wait until it's safe to walk out and verify it in person.

วันเสาร์ที่ 27 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Product Details

Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope
From Carson Optical

List Price:	$19.00
Price:	$13.24 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

15 new or used available from $11.13
Average customer review:

Product Description

The MM-200 MicroMax LED from Carson Optical is a powerful 60-100x power Magnification Pocket Microscope with an extremely lightweight and portable design. This Pocket Microscope features a built-in LED light that provides a bright, clear image and a rubberized eyepiece for comfortable viewing. The MicroMax LED fits easily in your Pocket so you can bring it with you anywhere.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #221 in Camera & Photo
Color: Clear
Brand: Carson Optical
Model: MM-200
Released on: 2009-05-26
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 3.25" h x .75" w x 1.25" l, .10 pounds

Features

LED lighted
Runs on 3 SG3 Button Cell Batteries (Included)
Power and zoom controls
weighs 7.2 ounce

Customer Reviews

See a whole new world

I use this for checking gold ore samples in the field as well as general looking at the microscopic world.

The LED light is great but I did have one problem. I left it on and the next time I tried to use it the light would not work.... dead batteries. Unfortunately the batteries cost near $5 each times 3= $15.

All is not lost however. The Rite Aid (Pharmacy) had hearing aid batteries that, while not the same type as the listed required batteries, were the same physical size but were 1.4 volts instead of 1.5. I did not feel that this would be an issue and decided to try it. They worked just fine and were $16 for 24 of them, so about $.67 each. Much better and I now have 8 changes in case I forget to turn it off again.

The replacement type I found was Size 312, hearing aid batteries.
Save Your Money

I bought this for checking edges on barber's razors, also known as straight razors. I sharpen them and use them for shaving. The scope is a pain to focus as other reviewers have mentioned and in my opinion the optics are inferior. There is a learning curve with using the tool because of the inverted image and the difficulty in focusing while maintaining the view of the object. Once that is overcome the optical quality falls short. A 30x eye loupe from Widget Supply was a far better investment for my purposes. You pays your money and you takes your chances. In this instance I ended up a loser. So for me it was a waste of money. Your mileage may vary.
Nice bit of kit.

The Carson MM-200 is a fantastic bit of equipment. The size is just slightly larger than what the photo shows on the product page. It is TINY!! The product quality, however, is excellent. It has a great LED lamp, and I haven't had it long enough to comment on the battery life. It is WAY better than the previous ones I have owned with regular little bulbs which gives everything an orange hue, or the LED ones which are flimsy as heck.

I use it for various things: from checking out small bug-things on plants to fine details on stamps or even just my arm (for a laugh!). It really is quite versatile and has great magnification!

Now for the bad. It is TINY!!! The knobs are a bit fiddly specially when you're using one hand and need to adjust the focus. The other pocket scopes I have tried usually have a larger gripping area and larger dials. Hopefully it will loosen up with some use.

Other than its size (which I do very much like for convenience, but is a bit fiddly), it is a great scope.

A good alternative, for those with waning coordination, might be a pocket USB microscope, or even one of the larger varieties from Carson!

Celestron 44302 Handheld Digital Microscope

Product Details

Celestron 44302 Handheld Digital Microscope
From Celestron

List Price:	$99.95
Price:	$39.98 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

16 new or used available from $34.00
Average customer review:

Product Description

Handheld digital microscope. 10x to 40x & 150x digital power. 1.3 amp digital camera for snapshots and video LED illuminator Powered by USB 2.0 cable.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #211 in Camera & Photo
Brand: Celestron
Model: 44302
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 4.00" h x 6.00" w x 7.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

Handheld Digital Microscope.
1.3 mp digital camera for snapshots & video
10x to 40x & 150x digital power
LED illuminator
Photo management software

Customer Reviews

works well, a bit touchy, no linux drivers

works well, takes still and movie images. a little touchy on the focus, a bit like cheap binoculars, but it works once you get the hang of it. I also wanted to setup on Linux, but the imaging chip is not standard. I inquired with Celstron and their technical support line replied that it's proprietary. Oh well, at least it works well under windows. I have example images and movie of insects from my garden at mentalfest dot blogspot dot com. Overall, I feel it's a good value for personal hobby use.
Good deal for quick, basic microscope

I use this microscope in my research work to take a quick look at small features (10's to 100's of micrometers) on micro-milled metal parts. Because the refresh rate of the image is a little slow, it is tricky to get in focus. That said, this camera is useful for quick, basic inspection. Color balance and light levels are not great, but can be adjusted in software if needed.
This would not replace a good microscope with a good camera, but it is a good option if you're on a budget.
Great product for examining coins!!

I purchased this microscope to be able to examine coins a lot closer and take photos. It works just as advertised. Led's reflect in the picture if the coin is inside a reflective surface(plastic case, etc).

Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Product Details

Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
From Nikon

List Price:	$14.31
Price:	$9.10

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by M Z Photo

32 new or used available from $4.10
Average customer review:

Product Details

Brand: Nikon
Model: 8072
Dimensions: .70" h x 2.50" w x 6.20" l, .5 pounds

Features

Perfect way to safely maintain and clean your lenses
Durable, micro-fiber material
Anti-static quality great for cameras and other delicate equipment
Use on any other lens optics such as binoculars, telescopes, and spotting scopes
Comes with clip-on carry case

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Description
The Nikon cleaning cloth is made of micro-fiber material that is also anti-static for easy cleaning and use. It is the perfect way to safely maintain and clean your lenses, camera and binocular optics. Also included is a clip-on carry case.

Customer Reviews

Good, but not size described

2006, Amazon states;
Product Dimensions: 13.0 x 10.0 x 7.0 inches

There was no photo (until I uploaded one) so I thought this was the size stated, but turned out to be one of the little keychain bags with about a 5x5 cloth inside.

Works fine, just not what I thought it was, and didn't want someone else to think it was large also. See my photo for actual size next to some keys.

Update 4/8/2006

I see they added a photo of what I THOUGHT I was getting when I ordered.. see my uploaded photo in "customer" photos to see what they sent.

Edit 03/12/2008

Been used and washed many, many times now and still doing a good job. I keep it on my belt loop every day so outside bag is showing a bit of shine in spots and is a bit lighter in color now, but micro fiber inside is like new. Was a good $5 purchase.

Edit 07/29/2008

Looks like they have the original info problem replaced at this point in time...

Now there are new dimensions listed, but my old cloth still measures
7 x 5.5 inches.
Did they narrow it to 2.5 inches or is it another typo ?
I'd bet on another typo.

and since I'm here... weight on digital postal scale is 0.2 ounces ready to use 8-)

Yes, still working well and washed even more times...
just so you know, I use it for my plastic eye glasses not my camera lenses. Looking through the DSLR view finder in hot weather pushes my glasses into my face and makes a mess.. when shooting, I keep this cloth clipped high on the neck strap ready for fast action before next shot. Needs washing after each day of use in Summer heat.

Quite handy

I bought two of these Nikon keychain microfibre cloths before I realised they were just custom-branded Spudz, but I didn't pay any extra for it with the free shipping so it doesn't matter. It's very handy to have and the cloth is just like any other microfibre one, but it stores inside the attached elasticised cloth pouch. I don't know how useful the fact that it's 18% gray really is...but it'd be perfect if the pouch had a little elastic flap over the opening to keep out the lint from your pocket. If you like Nikon, get the Nikon one...if you like Sigma, get the Sigma one...but they're all Spudz.
Better than I thought this would be.

Good advice from the other reviewer about the picture.
That having been said I have three of these and really wouldn't want to do without them.
These clean my camera's screen and the glass on my lenses without a scratch every time.
In my opinion almost a must have in your bag!
Good luck!

Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars (Black)

Product Details

Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars (Black)
From Bushnell

List Price:	$49.95
Price:	$28.78 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

30 new or used available from $22.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

Features quality Bushnell« fully coated optics for sharp images at an affordable price. Features the patented InstaFocus« system for fast focus so you won't miss any of the action. Rubber armored for comfort and durability.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #151 in Sports & Outdoors
Color: Black
Brand: Bushnell
Model: 13-3450
Dimensions: 4.20" h x 8.20" w x 9.30" l, 1.69 pounds

Features

Great for sports, sightseeing, nature study, backpacking, theater or concerts
Porro prism, fully coated optics for superior light transmission
InstaFocus system for fast focus on moving targets
All-weather, non-slip rubber grip pads
12x magnification, 50-millimeter objective lens

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Great for stadium sports as well as hunting, the Bushnell Falcon is the standard in a wide-angle binocular. The durable design and finish allow for use in harsh conditions and rugged terrain. Coated lenses are helpful to keep fog out of vision and fold-down eyecups protect eyeglass lenses from scratching. The InstaFocus lever functions smoothly with just enough tension to control the magnification properly.
From the Manufacturer
10 x 50mm
A great high-powered, long-range binocular with a 50mm objective for a bright, clear view.
An exceptional go-everywhere binocular, the Falcon is a great companion for sporting events, sightseeing outings, nature study, backpacking, theatre or concerts. Features include Bushnell porro prism coated optics for super sharp images. Affordably priced, these binoculars provide the detail that you would expect from a Bushnell product.
Features:

Fully coated optics for superior light transmission
InstaFocus system for fast focus on moving targets
Non-slip rubber grip pads for secure grip in all weather conditions

Customer Reviews

Excellent inexpensive binocular

These binoculars perform very well during daytime and are good for the occasional birdwatcher or for viewing any outdoor event. The light weight and the insta-focus make them very easy to use. I bought them for stargazing (very tight budget!) and I am very satisfied with them giving what I paid. I have been able to locate and clearly see many Messier objects (ie. M22, M13, M11, M3, M5 and the great Andromeda Galaxy M31, and many star clusters such as M39 and the coathanger) and double stars with the Falcons, and they give a nice view of the summer milky way although the view is not very bright since the Falcons are not multicoated, but for [money] you really can�t ask much. Overall, excellent value. Buy the Falcons and Terence Dickinson�s �Nightwatch� (�Turn Left at Orion� is another good one) and you can get into backyard astronomy ...
Bargain Binocs Get the Job Done

I bought a pair of these on sale (from my "gold box" -- 10x50 is supposed to be the ideal for stargazing. I figured that this might come at the price of some chromatic distortion (tolerable) or difficulty focusing (intolerable). Last night was a "clear" night here in the South Bay. I live about a mile inland, on the coastal edge of Los Angeles' vast light pollution. No marine layer, and I quickly pulled the full moon into focus, then adjusted the other eye-piece. They work for me, but if my eyes get much worse ... I'll have to pass them on to somebody younger.
Enough of the moon, already. I wanna see something I don't see on a regular basis. A quick scan of Orion showed some nebulosity visible, even above city lights. They feel steady. I'm looking forward to more star time.
I didn't notice any chromatic aberation. I have only three minor complaints:
1) No tripod socket for making sure that kids can see what you want them too see. No socket was promised ... so this is not a really fair complaint.
2) Lens caps are cheap and tend to fall off. Watch out for them. It wouldn't have cost that much more to manufacture better lens caps--Bushnell ought to fix this one.
3) I would have designed the adjustable lens with a broader range of diopters for those of us who don't quite see as well as we used to.
All in all, a great pear of binocs for searching the night sky.
Cheaply constructed to barely do the job

These binoculars cost a hair over twenty five bucks on amazon right now - you're not going to beat that deal in terms of value for money anywhere. They have decent optics.

However, don't think you're getting high-quality construction for that money. These literally disintegrated on me on a recent international trip where they were subjected to neglible abuse (they were mostly carried around in a small backpack on long hikes and sometimes tightly packed in my suitcase). The shaft that couples the two eyepieces to the focusing mechanism is held together with flimsy plastic on both ends, and one of the ends simply snapped off, leaving me with an unusable set of binoculars.

The warranty on these is laughable (you have to pay to ship these - at a cost that's well over half the cost of buying a new pair - to Bushnell where they determine whether it's a manufacturer defect and, if so, send you a repaired item in a few weeks), so my options were to buy a new pair or to try to repair these on my own. I opted for the latter.

In so doing, I took a look inside. It looks like Bushnell cut every corner possible when throwing these together. Most metal edges have been poorly milled, resulting in uneven surfaces. A white adhesive substance has unevenly and sloppily been applied inside to hold the optics assembly together. Not encouraging.

That said, I'd buy these again. Even if I burn through one of these every year due to the shoddy construction, I'd have to go a decade of doing so before I'd have spent enough to equal the cost of a well constructed pair of binoculars that gave me 10x50 magnification.

Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter

Product Details

Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
From Celestron

List Price:	$99.99
Price:	$49.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

22 new or used available from $46.99
Average customer review:

Product Description

Celestron and ;s SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the special demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions. The 15x70 version is one of the most popular models in the series. It offers serious large aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration.

Product Details

Brand: Celestron
Model: 71009
Dimensions: 4.90" h x 10.10" w x 12.00" l, 3.28 pounds

Features

Multi-coated optics
Large aperture perfect for low light conditions and stargazing
Tripod adapter
Long eye relief ideal for eyeglass wearers
Diopter adjustment for fine focusing

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Binoculars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes these days, and an even wider range of prices. It's easy to spend less than $100 or more than $500 for what may appear to be, at least outwardly, comparable models. While they may look the same, they are probably quite different on the inside.
Recently, the binocular market has seen a flood of giant binoculars at prices that were unheard of just a few years ago. In general, giant binoculars are defined as those that magnify the view 10 times or more and have 70-mm or larger front (objective) lenses. It used to be that the least expensive giant binoculars cost in excess of $150, even $200. All that changed not long ago, when the bottom fell out of the price cellar. Now, several companies import giant binoculars that sell for half that, or less.
Celestron's 15x70 SkyMaster binoculars are one of the leaders in the low-price giant binocular arena. They certainly sound good on paper. The SkyMasters include multicoated optics and BaK-4 internal prisms, two features that promise brighter, better images, and key points to look for when judging a pair of binoculars. They also come with an adapter for attaching them to a photo tripod, which is a must to use them to their fullest, and a soft carrying case. But just because they are cheap doesn't always mean they are worth the price. Would it be better to save up for a more expensive pair?
To find the answer, I had an opportunity recently to judge the SkyMasters against a pair of Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX binoculars , one of the finest pairs of giant binoculars sold today. Like the SkyMasters, the Fujinons feature BaK-4 prisms, but also have fully multicoated optics. As a general rule, superior coatings mean superior image sharpness and contrast. But then, that should be expected, given that the Fujinons cost many times more than the Celestrons.
While the Fujinons were clearly the better performer, the Celestron SkyMasters held up admirably. Image brightness, quality, and contrast were all remarkable considering their bargain price. Although images were a little soft across the outer 25% of the Celestron's field, the overall view was impressive nonetheless.
Some inexpensive binoculars have very sloppy focusing, causing the eyepieces to tilt and shift. Not so with the SkyMasters. I found that their center-focusing mechanism worked smoothly, with no apparently backlash or wobble. Eye relief (the distance you hold your eyes away from the eyepieces to see the full field) is stated to be 18 mm, a good distance for higher power binoculars and an important consideration if you must wear glasses when viewing. The SkyMasters are also light enough to support by hand for short periods of time, although buyers would be well advised to mount them on a sturdy photo tripod.
The bottom line is, if you are considering a pair of giant binoculars, whether for bird watching, stargazing, or another recreational use, and have a limited budget, Celestron's giant 15x70 SkyMasters represent an excellent value. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch
Pros:

Exceptional value for the price
Light enough to support by hand
BaK-4 prisms
Multicoated optics

Cons:

Outer 25% of the field is soft and a little blurry
Requires a tripod to use for extended periods

From the Manufacturer
SkyMaster 15x70 Binocular Photo

SkyMaster 15x70 - General Features

15x magnification porro prism binocular
Large 70 mm objective lens offers maximum image brightness in low-light and long-range conditions
Ultra sharp focus across the field of view
Multi-Coated optics for sharp, clear views
Suitable for terrestrial or astronomical viewing
Protective rubber covering for ultra-firm grip
Large center focus knob for easy focusing
Tripod adapter included
Long eye relief ideal for eyeglass wearers
Carrying case included for travel and safe storage
No Fault Warranty provides best protection and product support on the market

Details
Celestron's SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the special demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions. The 15x70 version is one of the most popular models in the series. It offers serious large aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration.

Specs

Optical Design: Porro
Diameter: 70 mm (2.76 in)
Magnification: 15 x
Angular Field of View: 4.4 °
Linear Field of View (@1000 yds): 230 ft (70.1 m)
Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm (0.19 in)
Eye Relief: 18 mm (0.71 in)
IPD Min: 56 mm (2.2 in)
IPD Max: 72 mm (2.83 in)
Near Focus (Binoculars): 43 ft (13.11 m)
Prisms: BAK4
Optical Coatings: Multi-Coated
Caps: Yes
Strap: Yes
Carrying Case: Nylon
Weather Proof: Water Resistant
Tripod Adaptable: Yes
Weight: 48 oz (1360.78 g)

NO FAULT Binocular Warranty

The No-Fault warranty is applicable to all Celestron binoculars.
(excluding the VistaPix digital camera/binoculars which feature a 2-year warranty)

A. Celestron warrants this binocular to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for its usable lifetime. Celestron will repair or replace such product or part thereof which, upon inspection by Celestron, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of Celestron to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to Celestron prepaid together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to Celestron. The proper Return Authorization Number must be obtained from Celestron in advance of return. Call Celestron at (310) 803-5955 to receive the number to be displayed on the outside of your shipping container. You can also send an email for this number from the support section of the Celestron website.
B. The NO FAULT provision of this warranty means that regardless of how the binoculars may have been damaged or rendered unusable (fully or partially) by the
Owner of the binocular, Celestron will repair or replace the binocular without any questions being asked.
To take advantage of this provision, enclose a check or money order for $ 25.00 (U.S. dollars) with the binocular to cover inspection, handling, and shipping.
All returns must be accompanied by a written statement setting forth the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the owner, together with a brief description of any claimed defects. Parts or product for which replacement is made shall become the property of Celestron.
Celestron shall use reasonable efforts to repair or replace any binocular covered by this limited warranty within thirty days of receipt. In the event repair or replacement shall require more than thirty days, Celestron shall notify the customer accordingly. Celestron reserves the right to replace any product which has been discontinued from its product line with a new product of comparable value and function.
CELESTRON DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN.
THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF CELESTRON UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN. CELESTRON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY CELESTRON PRODUCT. ANY WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED AND WHICH CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO A TERM OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Celestron reserves the right to modify or discontinue, without prior notice to you, any model or style binocular.
If warranty problems arise, or if you need assistance in using your binocular contact:
Celestron
Customer Service Department
2835 Columbia Street
Torrance, CA 90503 U.S.A.
Tel. (310) 328-9560
Fax. (310) 212-5835
Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST
NOTE: This warranty is valid to U.S.A. and Canadian customers who have purchased this product from an Authorized Celestron Dealer in the U.S.A. or Canada. Warranty outside the U.S.A. and Canada is valid only to customers purchased from a Celestron Distributor or Authorized Celestron Dealer in the specific country and please contact them for any warranty service.

Customer Reviews

Celestron 15X70 Skymasters ROCK!

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.......
More than I hoped for

My first night out under dark skies with these binoculars was a terrific experience. In ninety minutes of observing I had great views of M36, M37, M38, M44, M50, easily saw the Trapizium in Orion's nebula, saw the Andromeda galaxy and it's companions streaching across 75% of my FOV. It had taken me two observing sessions with my 5" reflector to find M33, with the Binoculars I found it in two minutes, M81 and 82 were also easy.
All this and I don't even have a tripod yet. I may well spend more time with the 15 X 70's than I do with my telescope.

They are also great for terrestrial viewing. Contrast and definition are excellent. Best optical value I've ever seen.
Nice All Around Binos

I took these out to some dark skies recently and they were increadible, stars looked like i could touch them, crisp pinpoint stars all around. These were easy to use will laying on my back, however, i must say while standing or sitting up a tripod is recommended to steady the view as they are heavy for hand held observing. I picked up a sturdy but inexpensive tripod with use with these binos which has made it possible to use for birding or bison watching in Yellowstone. The price is terrific i could not find them any cheaper but plenty out there way more expensive. Get these and with the saved cash pick up a tripod and you will be on your way to some great viewing.

Bushnell Powerview 8x21 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)

Bushnell Powerview 8x21 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)
From Bushnell

List Price:	$19.95
Price:	$13.88 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

29 new or used available from $8.83
Average customer review:

Product Description

Bushnell 8X21 Powerview Black Compact Binocular in Clam Shell Blister Package -132514C Case Strap.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #66 in Sports & Outdoors
Color: Black
Brand: Bushnell
Model: 132514CS3
Dimensions: .43 pounds

Features

Roof-prism binocular with 8x magnification and 21mm objective diameter
Multicoated optics guarantee superior light transmission and brightness
Center focus system makes it easy to sharpen your view
Nonslip rubber armor absorbs shock; 21-foot close focusing distance
378-foot field of view at 1,000 yards; weighs 7 ounces; limited lifetime warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Bushnell PowerView binoculars offer the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. This particular PowerView binocular offers an 8x magnification and a 21mm objective diameter. The fully coated optics, meanwhile, guarantee superior light transmission and brightness, helping you see just about any target, whether you're searching for birds or trying to get a better view of the stage. And users will love the easy-to-use center focusing system, which adjusts quickly to keep your subject in sharp view. Additional features include a nonslip rubber armor housing that absorbs shock while providing a firm grip, a neck strap and a carrying case for easy transport, and 9mm of eye relief.
Specifications:

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 21mm
Size class: Compact
Focus system: Center
Prism system: Roof
Prism glass: BK-7
Lens coating: Fully
Field of view @ 1,000 yards: 378 feet
Close focus distance: 21 feet
Exit pupil: 2.6mm
Eye relief: 9mm
Eyecups: Fold down
Waterproof/fogproof: No
Adapts to tripod: No
Weight: 7 ounces
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Tech Talk
Objective Lens: The diameter of the objective or front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the binocular, and the brighter the image.
Field of View (F.O.V.): The side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide angle binocular features a wide field of view and is better for following action. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Roof Prism System: In roof prism binoculars the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses to line up directly with the eyepiece. The result is a slim, stream-lined shape in which the lenses and prisms are in a straight line.

Amazon.com Product Description
The Bushnell 8x21 PowerView FRP compact binoculars combine contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. They are easy to use and economical and feature general-purpose roof prisms. They offer 8x magnification and a field of view of 378 feet at 1,000 yards in a compact 7-ounce body. Their black rubber armoring ensures they can sustain active use. Bushnell's 8x21 PowerView FRP compact binoculars include a carrying case and a neck strap for convenience and comfort on the go.

Customer Reviews

Perfect for back row of auditorium

Talk about a revelation: Why did nobody tell us how much a pair of good binoculars can enhance your enjoyement of concerts and shows? My wife and I warmly recommend these Bushnell 8x21s for such events. You can save money by buying cheap seats in the nosebleed section, because for approx. $20 these binocs give you an amazing close-up view. After carefully reading the online reviews of these and the Bushnell 12x25s, I couldn't decide which would be better for a recent trip to New York, and ended up buying both. My wife and I tried each and agreed these smaller, lighter ones were absolutely perfect for the back row of Carnegie Hall and a Broadway show. The 12x25s have better magnification, but your natural hand/arm shaking is also magnified. Since one can't easily take a tripod into Broadway theaters and such, the lightweight 8x21s are therefore ideal. The perfect compromise between weight and adequate magnification. We liked the handy carrying case and weren't concerned, as others were here, about the thinness of the cord. The overall quality is amazing for such a cheap pair of binocs. We will never go to another concert or play without them. Highly recommended.
Excellent Value and Quality

I recently purchased these binoculars and I also own another pair that I bought at a much higher price. I have to say, these are better than my $50 binocs! Great stability combines with wide viewing area and easy focus to create the best binoculars I've ever used! This is an easy purchase, a must buy!
Wonderful

Amazing binocs for the price.... for 3x the price.... very light, very small, perfect for any events, even indoors since they are the smallest binocs I have ever seen, and I have seen dozens.... well worth the money... easy to focus wheel. Highly recommended. One of my few five-star product reviews.

Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope

Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
From Celestron

List Price:	$49.99
Price:	$29.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

18 new or used available from $27.75
Average customer review:

Product Description

FirstScope Telescope Official Product of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Ideal astronomical entry level telescope. The FirstScope Telescope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and may of history's most notable astronomers and scientists. We honor these men and women for their contributions bringing us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. The compact design makes it easy to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. The FirstScope is also stylish enough to be used as a decorative fixture on your bookshelves or desk.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #66 in Camera & Photo
Brand: Celestron
Model: 21024
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 16.00" h x 9.00" w x 9.00" l, 4.50 pounds

Features

FirstScope Telescope
76mm aperture reflector optical tube
Moveable tube for ease of navigation for viewing
Lightweight, portable
Two eyepieces included

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
FirstScope Telescope Photo

FirstScope Telescope - General Features

High quality Dobsonian style stand with a 76 mm reflector optical tube make FirstScope an ideal entry level astronomical telescope.
Portable and lighweight table-top design makes it easy to store, transport and setup your FirstScope Telescope
FirstScope is very easy to observe with, the user simply navigates the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of their desired object.
Stylish and decorative design makes FirstScope a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy.