The article compares six models of Celestron's 10x42 binoculars, ranging from budget to premium, highlighting differences in coatings, glass quality, build materials, and performance, with the Regal ED emerging as the top choice for serious birders and stargazers due to its edge-to-edge sharpness and advanced features.
With the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse on April 8, a variety of solar viewing equipment including solar glasses, filters, telescopes, and binoculars are recommended for safely observing the event. Products from DayStar, Celestron, iOptron, and Baader Planetarium are highlighted, offering options for different preferences and budgets. The equipment features solar filters that meet safety standards, providing clear views of the sun and its phenomena. Whether for beginners or experienced astronomers, these tools offer a range of magnifications and portability, making them suitable for observing solar events like eclipses.
To safely view the Great American Eclipse of 2024 with devices like phones, cameras, binoculars, or telescopes, it's essential to use solar filters. The American Astronomical Society lists reputable sources for these filters, which are necessary to prevent eye damage. Products like Celestron's filtered telescopes and binoculars, Solar Snap for smartphones, and B&H Photo & Video's camera filters are recommended. These filters allow for the safe observation and photography of the eclipse, enhancing the viewing experience without the need for expensive, specialized equipment.
To safely view the Great American Eclipse of 2024 with devices like phones, cameras, binoculars, or telescopes, it's essential to use solar filters. The American Astronomical Society lists reputable sources for these filters, which are necessary to prevent eye damage. Products like Celestron's filtered telescopes and binoculars, Solar Snap for smartphones, and B&H Photo & Video's camera filters are recommended. These filters allow for the safe observation and photography of the eclipse, enhancing the viewing experience without the need for expensive specialized equipment.
Amazon is offering a $450 discount on the Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 telescope for Black Friday, making it the cheapest price ever seen for this powerful telescope. The NexStar Evolution 9.25 is part of Celestron's signature range and is praised for its crisp views, lack of defects, and easy setup. With a computerized mount and wireless control via smartphone, this GoTo telescope is a great option for experienced skywatchers looking for an upgrade.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ beginner telescope is on sale for over 30% off during Black Friday on Amazon. This highly rated telescope is ideal for new astronomers and comes with a smartphone app for easy navigation of the night sky. It includes a red dot finderscope, eyepieces, smartphone dock, and tripod. While it's great for hobbyists, those interested in astrophotography may need a motorized telescope. The telescope has a 650mm focal length, 130mm aperture, and weighs 18 lbs. Overall, it's a user-friendly and affordable option for beginner skywatchers.
The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is an affordable and travel-friendly solar telescope with a built-in white light filter, making it safe and easy to observe the sun's surface, including sunspots. It comes with a backpack and offers up to 18x magnification. While the tripod is wobbly and the build quality is plastic, it provides crisp images of the solar disk. It is not suitable for photography but is a good option for casual users interested in solar eclipses and sunspot observation.
Amazon is offering a $50 discount on the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ telescope, bringing its price down to $299. This lightweight telescope is ideal for beginners and offers clear views of the night sky with its 130mm wide aperture. While it may not be suitable for more advanced stargazing or astrophotography, it is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly telescope.
The Celestron EclipSmart 12x50mm Porro solar binoculars offer excellent close-up views of sunspots during solar eclipses, but their bulky size and narrow field of view require patience and practice. They are best used when attached to a tripod and are a good choice for serious eclipse enthusiasts.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ refractor telescope, ideal for beginners and skywatching enthusiasts, is currently on sale for over $115 off its regular price. With its user-friendly StarSense app and preassembled mount and tripod, it offers a fun and easy stargazing experience. The telescope features an 80mm aperture, fully coated glass optics, two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, and various accessories. While not suitable for purists or those seeking high-end models, this discounted price makes it a good deal for those looking to explore the cosmos without breaking the bank.
The Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars, ideal for beginners and young astronomers, are currently on sale for just $23.76 on Amazon for Prime Day. These lightweight and portable binoculars provide excellent views of the night sky with their wide field of view and large 50mm objectives. While they are not drop-proof, they come with a carrying case, covers, lens cloth, and instruction manual. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a second pair of binoculars, this deal is worth considering.
Amazon is offering a 55% discount on Celestron's SkyMaster binoculars with 80mm objective lenses and 20x magnification, making them ideal for astronomy and stargazing. Priced at $90.86 during Prime Day, these binoculars provide exceptional light-gathering capability, allowing for brighter and more detailed celestial views. They also come with accessories like a tripod adapter and are suitable for terrestrial viewing, making them versatile for wildlife observation and birdwatching. However, they may not be recommended for beginners due to their high magnification.
The Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ beginner telescope is currently on sale for over 50% off on Amazon Prime Day. This telescope is a great starting point for beginners interested in exploring the stars, moon, galaxies, and nebulas. It comes with two eyepieces, a tripod, and the Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software. The telescope has a focal length of 1000mm and a 90mm aperture, making it suitable for astrophotography. While it may be outgrown as skills improve, it is a solid choice for beginners or as a gift.
The Celestron Outland X 10x42 binoculars are currently available at their lowest-ever price of $48.93 on Amazon Prime Day. These compact and durable binoculars are a great entry-level choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a good-quality, rugged pair without breaking the bank. While they may not be the best for astronomers or skywatchers, the 10x magnification allows for closer views of celestial objects. The binoculars have a few downsides, such as slight yellow fringing, but overall offer excellent value for the price. They are nitrogen-purged, fully water-sealed, and come with a tripod mount.
The Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars are a great option for stargazing and are currently available on Amazon for $127.83, a 36% discount. The binoculars offer 20x magnification, come with a carrying case and tripod adapter, and are durable and waterproof. They are recommended for those looking for an easy-to-use pair of binoculars with plenty of potential at an attractive price point.