If you’re looking for a pair of some of the most powerful Astronomy binoculars, then the Celestron SkyMaster 25×100’s will have come up in your research. But what are these binoculars best for, are they worth their asking price, and what are the pros and cons? This buyer’s guide is here to help cover these topics.
By the end of this guide, you should be able to confirm whether or not to go ahead and purchase them.
When it comes to binoculars, size is very important.
This is because the larger models will be able to collect more light and give you more clarity and views of objects in the sky.
However, despite their powerful performance and superior optics, larger binoculars will obviously have a larger framework, be less portable, and will be heavier in terms of weight.
The good news is when you directly compare the Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 Binoculars to other comparable astronomy binoculars (of equal power and specification) that are available on the market, they generally provide superior performance and a design that is more user friendly.
With a pair of 25×100 binoculars, you are going to get performance comparable to a 6″ plus telescope (a good telescope with this spec will cost you around $500+).
Therefore, getting a pair of 25×100 binoculars will not only give you the added benefit of two eyepieces and 3D views but also can be purchased for half the cost.
Let us know look more closely at the SkyMaster 25×100 model so you can better understand what they are and what they will enable you to see.
Basic Features
- Magnification: 25x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 100mm
- Lens Optical Coatings: Multi-coated
- Prisms glass type: Bak-4
- Weight : 9.75 lbs.
- Eye relief : 15mm
- Angular field of view: 3°
- Environmental Protection: Waterproof
Accessories Included
- Objective Lens Cap
- Rainguard
- Carrying Case
- Neck Strap
- Lens Cloth
- Instruction Manual
Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 Review
Celestron’s SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars are a standout choice is you are looking for long-range binoculars for either Astronomical or Terrestrial viewing.
Although in my opinion they are best for Astronomy due to their relative weight and size.
The first thing to mention is that a pair of binoculars this large and heavy will require a Tripod that you will have to purchase separately.
The Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod is perhaps the best you can get, and is one of the only tripods that will effectively hold the weight of these binoculars).
So why would you opt for a pair of binoculars over a telescope if they both require a solid and specific tripod?
Well, the distinct advantage of binoculars is that they generally will provide more clarity because you can use both of your eyes at the same time.
This means you can enjoy 3D views unlike a telescope (where most models will provide an inverted view – upside down and back to front).
Another interesting fact is that a pair of binoculars with this magnitude will gather up to 30% more light than a telescope of similar specification.
This means you will be able to obverse and uncover more objects in the sky.
The SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars are built with BAK-4 prisms and the lenses have been protected with multiple coatings.
While this should be expected for binoculars in this price range, you’d be surprised that not all models and brands are.
Due to their impressive magnification (25x), you will be able to see in-depth and detailed views of the Moon, Star Clusters, Galaxies and the planets.
Binoculars with this specification will give the best views of the Moon and its detailed stars like Sirius and planets like Jupiter (and all of the four surrounding Moons) and Venus (and its many phases).
Looking at Star Constellations is one of the best uses for the 25×100 SkyMasters and they give impressive starfield views of 2.7 degrees at a time.
Epsilon Lyrae, the Double Double Star System can be seen with ease through these binoculars and is a fascinating object to observe.
Fantastic views of the Milky Way, Messier 24 and 25 can also be expected along with round and symmetric views of Vega, Scorpius and Sagittarius.
Due to their power, these are the type of binoculars that you can get ‘lost in the stars’.
When you order any pair of binoculars, there is a small chance that they can arrive miscollimated. This basically means double images appear when you look through them.
The 25×100’s are renowned for this occurring infrequently and are praised for typically being perfectly aligned.
If they by chance do arrive miscollimated, Celestron will be happy to resolve the issue.
These binoculars come with a lifetime warranty so they will either be repaired or replaced (most likely the latter).
Sometimes simply turning a screw can actually resolve the issue and there are articles online that can help with this.
For the most part it is advised that you speak to Celestron and not try to fix your binoculars as this can indeed break the warranty.
One thing to note with the SkyMasters 25x100s is their relative size and weight 9.75 pounds.
This means they are not really suitable for carrying and you may find them uncomfortable to wear on your neck. So it is advised that you get a solid and sturdy tripod.
Thankfully, these binoculars were designed with a tripod adapter to make this possible.
Plus, you get an easy to use and adjust knob which helps with the mounting process.
A Paragon Mount, like the one provided by Orion, is often recommended by fellow Astronomers as not all tripods are capable or suitable for carrying the weight.
With BAK4 Glass and the Optics being fully multi-coated, you will get clear and sharp views with great contrast and resolution even in ultra low light conditions.
Being designed with 4mm exit pupils and a 15mm eye relief ensures that they are very comfortable to use and look through, even if you wear glasses. (eye relief is basically the amount of space between your eyes and the eyepiece cups)
The eyepieces also can be rotated up to 450 degrees which enables you to focus easier. The 100mm objective lenses enable you to see the most distant, faintest objects.
These binoculars also have rubber placed around the housing which prevents any fog or humidity from ruining your views.
I personally love the texture surface which prevents them from slipping in your hands while setting them up on the tripod, or if you did decide to carry them with your hands.
Pros
- Powerful Optics – High Magnification (25x) and 100mm ensure Crisp, Clear Views particularly of Star Constellations
- Great Light Gathering Ability; Ideal in Low Light Conditions
- Light and Portable – Easy to Hold Steady & Fits in a Backpack
- Easy to Use – No Complicated Setup
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Waterproof
- Range of Additional Accessories
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Too Heavy to Hold. Will Require a Heavy-Duty Tripod & Less Practical for Hunting, Hiking etc.
- Small chance of arriving mis-collimated (but you can get this resolved if occurs).
- Basic Instruction Manual
- No Center Focus Knob to adjust Focus
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a pair of some of the highest-powered astronomy binoculars then get yourself a pair.
These are very well designed, have top-of-the-range optics and they can be purchased for an excellent price.
There are dozens of positive and 5* reviews over at Amazon which are worth a look at if you are still not too sure.
When it comes to purchasing a pair of Astronomical Binoculars, you’re not going to get much better than these.
They are from a highly-respected brand, are competitively priced, and with a lifetime warranty they are going to last you a long time. They’re worth the initial investment.
I would recommend that you also get a Tripod. You’re going to need one that can carry their weight (and you’d be surprised at how many cant).
I would strongly advise a Orion Paragon Tripod appears to be one of the best in this category.
Related Guides
- Celestron SkyMaster 12×60 vs 15×70
- Celestron Skymaster 20×80 vs 25×70
- Celestron Skymaster 15×70 vs 25×70
- Celestron SkyMaster 12×60 Review
- Celestron Skymaster Pro 20×80 Review
Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.