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The Celestron SkyMaster DX 8×56 is a large-aperture Porro-prism binocular designed for astronomy and long-distance terrestrial viewing. Its published specifications—8× magnification, 56 mm objectives, a 7 mm exit pupil, and a 5.8° field of view—make its intended role clear, while its 38 oz (1,077 g) weight is an important practical consideration. Those figures describe the product on paper; they do not establish how sharp or comfortable it will seem in use.
What is the Celestron SkyMaster 8×56?
Celestron’s current US product listing names this model the SkyMaster DX 8x56mm Porro Binoculars, item 72022. The shorter “SkyMaster 8×56” appears in older material and a past review, but DX is the name to look for when checking the current manufacturer listing. Celestron describes it as “Suitable for terrestrial or astronomical viewing.” That is the manufacturer’s stated use, not an independent optical test.
The 8×56 format means the binocular magnifies a view eight times and uses 56 mm objective lenses. Its Porro-prism layout is distinct from roof-prism designs such as Celestron’s Nature DX 8×56. The larger objectives and low magnification are consistent with the SkyMaster’s stated astronomy and long-distance viewing role, but the specifications alone cannot establish image quality or suitability for every observer.
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| Specification | Current Celestron listing |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 8× |
| Objective lens diameter | 56 mm |
| Prism design | Porro |
| Angular field of view | 5.8° |
| Linear field of view | 305 ft at 1,000 yd (102 m at 1,000 m) |
| Exit pupil | 7 mm |
| Eye relief | 18 mm |
| Close focus | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Interpupillary distance | 58–72 mm |
| Diopter adjustment | ±4 |
| Twilight factor | 21.16 |
| Relative brightness | 49 |
| Optics | Fully multi-coated lenses; BaK-4 prisms |
| Environmental protection | Waterproof; nitrogen filled |
| Tripod support | Tripod adaptable |
| Weight | 38 oz (1,077 g) |
| Dimensions | 180 × 74 × 190 mm (7.1 × 2.9 × 7.5 in) |
These are Celestron’s published specifications, not independently measured results. In particular, terms such as “fully multi-coated” and “BaK-4” identify construction features; they do not by themselves quantify sharpness, contrast, brightness, or edge performance.
#1 Best Overall
- THE PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: Nature DX 8x42 offers sharp, detailed views in a compact, lightweight frame—ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and everyday adventures.
- 8X MAGNIFICATION: Get detailed views of birds, wildlife, and distant landscapes. 8x power strikes the perfect balance between image stability and the ability to spot fine features from afar.
- 42MM OBJECTIVES LENS: Compact yet capable, the 42mm lenses offer a balance of portability and bright, detailed views for outdoor adventures.
- BRIGHT, SHARP, TRUE-TO-LIFE VIEWS: Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, while phase-coated BaK-4 prisms enhance contrast and resolution for crisp, color-accurate images in any lighting.
- RUGGED, WEATHER-READY BUILD: The rubber-armored polycarbonate housing shields against bumps and drops. It’s also waterproof and nitrogen-purged to resist fogging in rain, snow, or humidity.
What the specifications mean for viewing
For astronomy
The 56 mm objectives and 7 mm exit pupil are the defining numbers for a large-aperture, 8× binocular. The low magnification can make it easier to frame broad sections of sky than with a more highly magnifying binocular, while the 5.8° field describes the width of the view. Celestron explicitly lists astronomical viewing as an intended use. The figures do not guarantee a particular view of stars or deep-sky objects; observing conditions, the observer, and the instrument’s real-world optical performance all matter.
For distant terrestrial subjects
Celestron also identifies long-distance terrestrial viewing as a particular use. At 8×, the model offers less magnification than many higher-power options, and its 25 ft (7.6 m) close-focus distance is not suited to nearby subjects. The listed field is 305 ft at 1,000 yd, useful context when considering how much scene fits across the view at distance.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: Nature DX ED 8x42 delivers razor-sharp, true-to-life views in a compact, lightweight frame—ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and everyday exploration.
- HIGH-QUALITY ED OBJECTIVE LENSES: Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration or color fringing, a visual defect common in binoculars. You'll enjoy razor-sharp images with outstanding, true-to-life color.
- 8X MAGNIFICATION: See distant subjects up close—and keep them in your view. 8x magnification helps you find and follow birds and wildlife with ease.
- 42MM OBJECTIVE LENSES: Larger objectives enhance light-gathering ability for brighter views. You’ll spot fine details, even in dim lighting conditions like dawn or dusk.
- PHASE-COATED BaK-4 PRISMS FOR BRIGHTER VIEWS: The prisms inside Nature DX ED feature quality BaK-4 glass with dielectric and phase coatings to maximize light transmission to your eye.
For handheld or extended sessions
At 38 oz (1,077 g), the SkyMaster is a substantial binocular. Weight can affect comfort and steadiness during prolonged handheld viewing, so consider how you plan to use it rather than treating the 8× magnification as the only usability factor. Celestron says it is tripod adaptable, which provides an option for supported viewing; the product page does not list a tripod adapter among included items or specify an adapter model.
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The listed eye relief is 18 mm. Whether that gives an individual eyeglass wearer a full view depends on fit and how the binocular sits at the eyes. The interpupillary adjustment range is 58–72 mm, and the diopter adjustment is ±4. These are adjustment ranges, not a substitute for checking personal fit.
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: Nature DX 8x32 offers sharp, detailed views in a compact, lightweight frame—ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and everyday adventures.
- 8X MAGNIFICATION: Get detailed views of birds, wildlife, and distant landscapes. 8x power strikes the perfect balance between image stability and the ability to spot fine features from afar.
- 32MM OBJECTIVE LENS: Compact yet capable, the 32mm lenses offer a balance of portability and bright, detailed views for outdoor adventures.
- BRIGHT, SHARP, TRUE-TO-LIFE VIEWS: Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, while phase-coated BaK-4 prisms enhance contrast and resolution for crisp, color-accurate images in any lighting.
- RUGGED, WEATHER-READY BUILD: The rubber-armored polycarbonate housing shields against bumps and drops. It’s also waterproof and nitrogen-purged to resist fogging in rain, snow, or humidity.
SkyMaster 8×56 vs. Nature DX 8×56
Celestron’s Nature DX 8×56 is a useful same-brand comparison: both models share 8× magnification, 56 mm objectives, a 7 mm exit pupil, waterproof and nitrogen-filled construction, and tripod adaptability. The SkyMaster is a Porro model; the Nature DX uses roof prisms. The figures below are manufacturer-published specifications, not results from a controlled side-by-side optical test.
| Published specification | SkyMaster DX 8×56 | Nature DX 8×56 |
|---|---|---|
| Prism design | Porro | Roof |
| Weight | 38 oz (1,077 g) | 36.2 oz |
| Eye relief | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Close focus | 25 ft (7.6 m) | 9.8 ft |
| Linear field of view | 305 ft at 1,000 yd | 320 ft at 1,000 yd |
| Magnification / objectives | 8× / 56 mm | 8× / 56 mm |
| Exit pupil | 7 mm | 7 mm |
| Waterproof / nitrogen filled | Yes / yes | Yes / yes |
| Tripod adaptable | Yes | Yes |
The Nature DX’s published figures show lower weight, longer eye relief, closer focus, and a wider linear field. Those differences can guide a choice based on carrying, fit, or subject distance; they do not prove that one model is optically superior. Current prices are not established here, so compare live listings if cost is part of the decision.
Rank #4
- THE PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: Nature DX 8x42 offers sharp, detailed views in a compact, lightweight frame—ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and everyday adventures.
- 8X MAGNIFICATION: Get detailed views of birds, wildlife, and distant landscapes. 8x power strikes the perfect balance between image stability and the ability to spot fine features from afar.
- 42MM OBJECTIVES LENS: Compact yet capable, the 42mm lenses offer a balance of portability and bright, detailed views for outdoor adventures.
- BRIGHT, SHARP, TRUE-TO-LIFE VIEWS: Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, while phase-coated BaK-4 prisms enhance contrast and resolution for crisp, color-accurate images in any lighting.
- RUGGED, WEATHER-READY BUILD: The rubber-armored polycarbonate housing shields against bumps and drops. It’s also waterproof and nitrogen-purged to resist fogging in rain, snow, or humidity.
What comes in the box?
Celestron lists objective lens caps, a rainguard, a Deluxe Nylon carrying case, a neck strap, a lens cloth, and an instruction manual. A tripod adapter is not listed as included, so confirm the attachment requirements and adapter fit separately if you need tripod support.
Why do published figures differ from an older review?
Space.com’s 2014 review reported 35 oz, a field of 303 ft at 1,000 yd, and a review-era street price of $210. Celestron’s current product page lists 38 oz and 305 ft at 1,000 yd. The sources do not establish why the weight and field figures differ, so the current manufacturer listing is the better reference for present-day specifications. The $210 amount is historical, not a current price.
Best Value
- THE PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR DISTANT ADVENTURES: Nature DX 12x56 binoculars deliver powerful magnification and bright views—ideal for long-range birding, wildlife spotting, and low-light observation from dawn to dusk.
- 12X MAGNIFICATION: See farther and in more detail with powerful 12x magnification—perfect for identifying distant birds, wildlife on the horizon, or even targets at the range.
- 56MM OBJECTIVES LENS: Extra-large objectives deliver maximum brightness and detail, making them perfect for low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or dense forests.
- BRIGHT, SHARP, TRUE-TO-LIFE VIEWS: Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, while phase-coated BaK-4 prisms enhance contrast and resolution for crisp, color-accurate images in any lighting.
- RUGGED, WEATHER-READY BUILD: The rubber-armored polycarbonate housing shields against bumps and drops. It’s also waterproof and nitrogen-purged to resist fogging in rain, snow, or humidity.
Space.com also described the binocular as an Editors’ Choice for “Best Medium Binoculars for Astronomy.” That is an award reported in the 2014 review, not evidence of a current ranking or a present-day comparison.
Should you consider the SkyMaster DX 8×56?
It is a plausible candidate if you specifically want an 8×56 binocular for astronomy or long-distance terrestrial viewing and are comfortable with a listed weight of 38 oz. Its stated water protection, nitrogen filling, and tripod adaptability may also matter for your intended setup. Consider another format or compare alternatives if low weight, close focusing, or longer eye relief is a priority. The published specifications support those practical comparisons, but they cannot replace an in-person fit check or an independent assessment of image quality.
Availability and price can change. Celestron’s product page identified Amazon among its retailers but showed the product as out of stock in the page snapshot used for this article. Check a current listing for the DX 8×56 / item 72022 and verify stock and price before buying.
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Quick Recap
Sources
- Celestron: SkyMaster DX 8x56mm Porro Binoculars
- Space.com: Celestron SkyMaster 8×56 binoculars review (2014)
- Celestron: 2018 Optical Catalog
- Celestron: Nature DX 8x56mm Binoculars
- Reddit discussion: “What about Celestron SkyMaster 8×56?”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
