Celestron 9X63mm SkyMaster DX

$289.95

Availability: More on the way

The sharp and bright Celestron 9 x 63mm SkyMaster DX is a smart choice for wide field/low power astronomical views of galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters for those times when you don't have the energy to haul out your telescope for only a half hour or so of observing . . .
Our Product #: C963SM
Celestron Product #: 72023
 

Product Description

Whether you want to do wide field, low power astronomical observing; long distance, low light nature study; or you simply want a highly useful companion to take into the field with your telescope at night - the big Celestron 9 x 63mm SkyMaster DX will do it all. It provides a very worthwhile balance of very big performance versus very little price. The 9 x 63mm SkyMaster DX has a wide 5° field and very bright 7mm exit pupils ideal for serious low power/wide field astronomical viewing. You can sweep the star clouds of Sagittarius or search out the 3° wide Great Galaxy M31 in Andromeda and the Pinwheel Galaxy M33 in Triangulum. The SkyMaster DX uses high light transmission BaK-4 prisms and multicoated optics for bright images of faint deep space objects like these, particularly from a truly dark sky observing site. While it offers exceptional low power astronomical viewing on its own, it also makes a good wide-field observing complement to the narrower field of a higher power telescope.

The optical performance is surprisingly good, particularly in view of its large aperture and very sensible price. The optics are fully multicoated on all air-to-glass surfaces for high light transmission. The field of view is reasonably flat. Astigmatism, distortion, and chromatic aberration at the edges of the field are nicely controlled. This makes for clean and expansive views of the Double Cluster in Perseus as well as globular clusters like M13 and M22. Open clusters like the Beehive and the Wild Duck are cleanly defined, with point-like stars out to the edges of the field.

At 44 ounces, the SkyMaster DX is a handful to hand hold. We recommend using it on a camera tripod for the sharpest images, as few people will have the wrist strength needed to hold it steady for extended hand-held use. A 1/4"-20 thread mounting hole for an optional photo tripod adapter (#1185) is built into the SkyMaster's center hinge, hidden under the removable Celestron logo.

The body is armored in black rubber for a comfortable grip and added protection against unexpected bumps and thumps. Because it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and internally fogproof, there's no need to worry about putting the binocular down in dew-soaked grass or letting dew bead up on it during an evening's observing session. The large ribbed rubber focusing wheel is easy to adjust, even when wearing gloves. P>Eye relief is specified at a long 17mm. Unlike many binoculars, whose actual eye relief typically measures less than that specified, the SkyMaster DX truly has a full 17mm of usable eye relief for virtually unvignetted eyeglass use. It's a refreshing change from the overly optimistic figures quoted by many manufacturers. Rubber-rimmed twist-up eyecups shield the unaided eye from stray light when up, and cushion eyeglass lenses when down.

One and a third turns of the large focus knob moves from a not-very-close 35' near focus out to the far reaches of the Universe. With a 35' close focus, this center-focusing Z-body SkyMaster DX is obviously not designed for close-in nature study. That said, its very bright images and high resolution will do a good job of revealing small details from what would normally be considered an excessively distant vantage point. It is a good choice for long distance terrestrial viewing under low light conditions. The 9 x 63mm is excellent for revealing underwing field markings of raptors in flight, for observing deer feeding in distant meadows early in the morning, or any other twilight nature study activity where close focus is not required - but bright images are essential. Nesting eagles or ducks across a lake at dusk are prime candidates for this big binocular.

As a serious astronomical observing tool, as a long distance nature study instrument, or as a very useful companion to take into the field with your telescope at night, the big Celestron 9 x 63mm SkyMaster DX is a very worthwhile balance of performance versus price. The SkyMaster DX comes with a wide and comfortable woven neck strap, a soft vinyl case, an eyepiece rainguard, and objective lens covers.

Tech Details

Armored Yes
Close Focus 35'
Exit Pupil 7mm
Eye Relief 17mm
Field of view 5
Field of view 1000 yards 262'
Height 8.5"
Interpupillary Distance 58-72mm
Relative Brightness 49
Twilight Factor 23.81
Weight 44 oz
Warranty Limited Lifetime

Reviews

Review by:
These have been my grab and go option for some time. I bought these to get my interest back into astronomy while I was deciding on a telescope to buy. Now I have scope but I still use these a lot on those nights you don't have much time to observe. They are at the limit for me to use as a handheld but I can still hold them steady enough to get good views of many celestial objects. Put these on a camera tripod and you great great views of planets, clusters, and larger nebula. Need dark skies to see galaxies but I have got some to appear using a tripod with inverted vision. Overall I am pleased with this purchase. (Posted on 10/5/2019)
Review by:
These have been my grab and go option for some time. I bought these to get my interest back into astronomy while I was deciding on a telescope to buy. Now I have scope but I still use these a lot on those nights you don't have much time to observe. They are at the limit for me to use as a handheld but I can still hold them steady enough to get good views of many celestial objects. Put these on a camera tripod and you great great views of planets, clusters, and larger nebula. Need dark skies to see galaxies but I have got some to appear using a tripod with inverted vision. Overall I am pleased with this purchase. (Posted on 10/5/2019)
Review by:
I owned a pair of these binoculars for sereral years and was very happy with their optics. I bought them after selling my 8x56 Celestron binoculars because I wanted a pair with more aperature and power. The 9x63 binoculars are excellent for wildlife observation and star gazing. Mounting them on a tripod is a good idea for extended viewing to steady the binoculars. They can be hand held if you are not viewing for a long period of time. (Posted on 10/4/2019)
Review by:
I've owned these about a year now and they are a great quick grab and go option. The stars are nice and sharp and there is not any noticeable false color. Lots of eye relief as advertised. They are right at the fringe of being able to be used handheld. Most of my use is handheld for quick looks but your arms do get tired for extended observation so a tripod or some other type of support is a good idea with these. Overall I'm very pleased with them. (Posted on 10/17/2018)
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Supplied Accessories

  • Neck strap
  • Soft case
  • Eyepiece rainguard
  • Objective lens covers