Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Porro Prism Binoculars — A 12×60 large-aperture Porro binocular that balances strong light gathering with a wider 5.3° field, making it a versatile choice for star fields, the Moon, terrestrial viewing and distant wildlife.
A Versatile 60mm Astronomy Binocular
The 60mm objectives gather substantially more light than compact daytime binoculars, while 12× magnification remains less demanding than the larger SkyMaster models. A 5mm exit pupil and 17mm eye relief support extended viewing, although a tripod can improve steadiness.
Optical Design and Focusing
BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics are designed to improve contrast and light transmission. The centre-focus wheel adjusts both barrels, with a right-eyepiece dioptre for balancing differences between the user’s eyes.
The published field of view is 5.3°, equivalent to 92m at 1,000m. Close focus is 18m (59ft), so this model is intended primarily for medium- to long-distance subjects.
Tripod Use and Weather Protection
The binocular is tripod adaptable, but the required binocular tripod adapter and tripod are sold separately. At 1.111kg, support is useful for the steadiest astronomical and long-distance views.
Weather protection: Water resistant. It is not nitrogen filled and should not be treated as fully waterproof.
What Is Included?
- SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars
- Objective lens caps
- Eyepiece rainguard
- Neck strap
- Nylon carrying case
- Lens-cleaning cloth
- Five-language SkyMaster instruction manual
Please note: A tripod and tripod adapter, solar filters and any item not listed above are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optics
| Optical design | Porro prism binocular |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 12× |
| Objective diameter | 60mm |
| Objective focal length | 228.11mm |
| Angular field of view | 5.3° |
| Linear field of view | 92m at 1,000m |
| Exit pupil | 5mm |
| Eye relief | 17mm |
| Close focus | 18m (59ft) |
| Interpupillary distance | 56–72mm |
| Dioptre adjustment | -4 to +8 |
| Focusing system | Centre focus with right-eyepiece dioptre |
| Optical coatings | Multi-coated |
| Prism glass | BaK-4 |
| Twilight factor | 27 |
| Relative brightness | 25 |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 11.39 ideal; 10.39 moderate; 9.39 poor conditions |
Construction and Size
| Weather resistance | Water resistant |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen filled | No |
| Tripod mounting | Tripod adaptable; adapter sold separately |
| Carrying case | Nylon carrying case |
| Dimensions | 210 × 206 × 72mm (8.3 × 8.1 × 2.8 inches) |
| Binocular weight | 1.111kg (39.2oz) |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never look at or near the Sun through these binoculars.
These are not solar binoculars and do not include certified solar filters. Direct or nearby views of the Sun can cause immediate and permanent eye injury.
Do not attempt solar projection and do not attach improvised or eyepiece-mounted filters.
Instruction Manual
The official Celestron documentation is provided in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.