Celestron 71018 SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars - High-Power Astronomy BaK-4 Prisms Tripod Adapter Review (2026)

Why 20x80 is a step up from smaller giants

The Celestron 71018 SkyMaster pairs 20x magnification with 80mm objective lenses, a larger aperture than the more common 15x70 or 10x50 astronomy binoculars. B&H's listed specifications put the angular field of view at 3.2 degrees and near focus at 80 feet, both narrower numbers than a 15x70 model, which is the tradeoff that comes with more magnification and a bigger front lens. That narrower view rewards patient, planned sky sweeps of open clusters, the Moon, and bright comets rather than fast, wide scanning of the Milky Way. Optics4Birding and B&H both list this as a Porro prism design, the traditional wide-body shape rather than a slim roof-prism binocular, which suits the large 80mm objectives this model uses.

Prism glass and image quality

Celestron builds the 71018 with BaK-4 glass prisms, which produce a rounder, brighter exit pupil than the BK-7 glass found in cheaper binoculars, according to Celestron's own product materials. The 80mm objectives are multi-coated for better light transmission, and B&H lists an exit pupil of about 4mm with 17mm of eye relief. Together, those specs make this a genuinely bright instrument for its size class, well suited to pulling detail out of open star clusters and giving a wide, bright view of the Moon. It is not immune to the optical quirks common in budget giant binoculars, and Celestron itself sells an upgraded SkyMaster Pro version with better coatings for buyers chasing sharper edge performance.

Weight, handling and mount requirements

B&H lists this binocular at 4.8 pounds, noticeably heavier than a 15x70 pair, and the body is long enough that holding it steady by hand is not realistic for more than a few seconds. Celestron's own description is direct about this, noting the design was never meant to be handheld. The included tripod adapter threads onto a standard photographic tripod, and a fluid pan-tilt head or a dedicated binocular mount makes a real difference when tracking objects that pass overhead, since a basic photo tripod head can be stiff and awkward at steep upward angles. Buyers should plan on a tripod purchase as part of the real cost of owning this binocular if they do not already have a suitable one.

Durability and what is included

One recurring theme across owner discussions and specialty retailer listings is that collimation, the alignment of the internal prisms, can be knocked out of true by a drop or a hard bump, and it is not something most owners can fix at home. That is a common limitation of Porro prism binoculars in this price range generally, not unique to this model, but it is worth handling the unit gently and checking the view carefully after any travel. Celestron includes a carrying case with the 71018 and backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers manufacturing defects, according to Celestron and B&H. The tripod adapter ships in the box as well, so the only major accessory buyers need to add is the tripod itself.

Who this is for

The 71018 suits an observer who wants more aperture and reach than a 15x70 offers and who already has, or is ready to buy, a solid tripod and head to support it. It is a poor match for anyone hoping for a grab-and-go handheld binocular, since the weight and length make that impractical. For comparison, Celestron's own 15x70 SkyMaster models are lighter and easier to aim at objects high overhead, while still gathering substantial light, so buyers unsure about committing to a full tripod setup may be better served starting there before stepping up to the 20x80.

Frequently asked questions