Celestron Skymaster v Skymaster Pro

[mattjanes100]

I've been looking at a couple of pairs of binoculars and see that Celestron offer Skymaster and Pro versions at varying magnifications and diameters.

From what I can tell, the Pro version is a slightly higher spec. I just wondered if anyone had experience of using both versions and if it's worth spending the extra for the Pro version?

Looking at a pair of 20x80's.

Thanks in advance!

[Ships and Stars]

I think the Pros are fully coated optics vs 'multi-coated' for the regular binos. I don't think there's a lot more to them then that, but not 100% sure. The tripod mount and of course rubber outer shell are slightly different. I've only used an older pair of 12x70 Celestrons and a pair of 25x100 Skymaster obsy bins. I find them decent for the money even when compared to higher end binoculars like 15x70 Helios and Pentax, though these do start to pull away in quality. I sold the 25x100s because I couldn't reach focus in one eye due to the limit of dioptre adjustment but it was very close. Still have the 12x70s, great widefield views with tons of eyerelief for glasses.

I'd be happy trying either the standard 20x80s or pros if not a lot more. Hopefully someone on here will provide a direct comparison!

[BinocularSky]

The pro is better. By some margin. My review of the 15x70 is at http://binocularsky.com/binoc_reviews.php and I did the 20x80 for Sky at Night mag in January (you don't need something like the 10 Micron Leonardo to hold it; a trigger-grip head is fine) https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/binoculars/celestron-skymaster-pro-20x80-binoculars-and-10micron-bm100-leonardo-mount-review/

Here's the 20x80 on a cheap trigger-grip:

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by BinocularSky

[mattjanes100]

Thanks @BinocularSky this is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. And thanks for the tip regarding the tripod too, means I won't need to splash out on a new one for these bins. Much appreciated.

[John88]

Sorry to hijack, I was thinking about the 20x80 pros too. Would these be useable on a monopod with a manfrotto 222 that I have or a bit unwieldy and better suited to a tripod? 

Thanks

[BinocularSky]

19 hours ago, John88 said:

Sorry to hijack, I was thinking about the 20x80 pros too. Would these be useable on a monopod with a manfrotto 222 that I have or a bit unwieldy and better suited to a tripod?

I didn't actually try them on a monpod when I had  them for testing, but given that I used to routinely use the Helios Apollo 15x70, which is  about 80g heavier that the SkyMaster Pro 20x80, on a monopod, I'd be surprised if it wasn't OK, especially if you tweak the tensions on the 222 to suit the weight.

Edited June 10, 2020 by BinocularSky
clarification

[John88]

Great Thanks

6 minutes ago, BinocularSky said:

I didn't actually try them on a monpod when I had  them for testing, but given that I used to routinely use the Helios Apollo, which is  about 80g heavier that the SkyMaster Pro 20x80, on a monopod, I'd be surprised if it wasn't OK, especially if you tweak the tensions on the 222 to suit the weight.