
( Brand: Celestron ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 71239 ), ( Model: 12X50 ), ( Lens Coating: Multi-coated ), ( Size: Full-size ), ( Color: Black ), ( Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Mm ), ( Item Length: 8 In ), ( Type: Binoculars ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: Limited Lifetime ), ( Item Height: 7 In ), ( Features: Solar Safe, Water Resistant ), ( Optical Design: Porro Prism ), ( Application: Astronomy ), ( Item Width: 3 In ), ( Item Weight: 30 Oz )
The **Celestron 71239 EclipseSmart 12x50 Porro Prism Solar Binoculars** are a meticulously engineered pair of optical instruments designed to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience during solar eclipses and other celestial events, all while prioritizing safety and clarity. Engineered with Celestron s signature precision, these binoculars feature a robust **12x magnification** paired with **50mm objective lenses**, creating a wide field of view that captures the grandeur of the sun s corona, sunspots, and partial eclipses with remarkable detail. The **Porro prism optical design** ensures superior image quality, offering crisp, high-contrast visuals with minimal distortion, thanks to fully coated optics that maximize light transmission and reduce glare. Unlike traditional solar viewing glasses, which only allow for a narrow, monochromatic glimpse of the sun, these binoculars provide a **three-dimensional perspective**, immersing the observer in the spectacle of the cosmos with a natural, binocular-like depth that enhances the awe-inspiring experience.
Safety is a cornerstone of the EclipseSmart design, as these binoculars are equipped with **built-in solar filters** that adhere to strict international safety standards, including ISO 12312-2, ensuring that viewers can safely observe the sun without risking eye damage. The filters are permanently integrated into the optical path, eliminating the need for additional accessories and guaranteeing consistent protection during every use. The robust construction includes a **durable rubber-armored body**, providing a secure, non-slip grip even during extended viewing sessions, while the **multi-coated lenses** enhance contrast and color fidelity, making celestial features appear vibrant and lifelike. Whether observing a total solar eclipse, partial eclipse, or simply the sun s surface during daylight hours, these binoculars offer a **versatile and safe alternative** to traditional solar viewing methods, catering to both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike.
Beyond their primary function, the EclipseSmart binoculars are remarkably user-friendly, featuring an **ergonomic design** with adjustable eyecups that accommodate users wearing glasses, ensuring comfort during prolonged observation. The **wide-angle eyepieces** reduce eye strain, while the **compact yet sturdy build** makes them highly portable, ideal for travel, camping, or impromptu celestial events. Celestron s reputation for innovation is evident in the thoughtful inclusion of a **carrying case** (included with some models), which protects the binoculars from dust, scratches, and accidental damage, extending their lifespan for countless future observations. For those seeking a blend of **safety, clarity, and convenience**, the Celestron 71239 EclipseSmart binoculars stand out as an indispensable tool for anyone eager to witness the wonders of the sun with confidence and precision.
The Celestron 71239 EclipSmart 12x50 Porro Prism Solar Binoculars are designed specifically for safe solar viewing, including solar eclipses. Below is a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Solar-Safe Design**: These binoculars are equipped with solar filters that meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards, making them safe for direct viewing of the sun, including during solar eclipses. This eliminates the need for additional filters or risky DIY solutions.
2. **High Magnification and Wide Field of View**: With 12x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, these binoculars provide a clear and detailed view of the sun s surface, including sunspots and solar phenomena. The 50mm aperture also allows for brighter images compared to lower-end binoculars.
3. **Porro Prism Optics**: The Porro prism design offers excellent image quality with a natural, upright view (no inversion). This design is known for producing sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration, making it ideal for both solar and terrestrial viewing.
4. **Durable Construction**: The binoculars feature a robust, weather-resistant design with rubber-armored bodies, which helps protect against moisture, dust, and minor impacts. The eyecups are also adjustable for comfortable viewing, whether wearing glasses or not.
5. **Versatile Use**: While primarily designed for solar viewing, these binoculars can also be used for general astronomy (moon, planets), birdwatching, and terrestrial observation. However, they lack the magnification needed for deep-sky objects like galaxies or nebulae.
6. **Easy to Use**: The binoculars are lightweight (about 2.5 lbs) and have a comfortable grip, making them suitable for extended viewing sessions. The focus wheel is smooth and responsive, allowing for quick adjustments.
7. **Included Accessories**: The package typically includes a protective case, a neck strap, and sometimes a carrying bag, which adds convenience for storage and transport.
8. **No Eye Strain**: The 12x magnification is moderate enough to avoid excessive eye strain during prolonged use, unlike higher-power telescopes that can be tiring.
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### **Cons**
1. **Limited Magnification for Advanced Astronomy**: While 12x magnification is sufficient for solar viewing and basic astronomy, it is insufficient for observing faint deep-sky objects like galaxies or nebulae. For these, a telescope or higher-power binoculars (e.g., 15x or 20x) would be more appropriate.
2. **Narrow Field of View**: The 50mm aperture and 12x magnification result in a relatively narrow field of view, which can make it harder to locate objects quickly compared to wider-field binoculars or telescopes.
3. **Price**: These binoculars are more expensive than standard solar-viewing glasses or lower-end binoculars. For casual solar viewing, a pair of ISO-certified eclipse glasses (around $1 $5) might suffice, though they lack the magnification and detail offered by these binoculars.
4. **Bulky for Travel**: While not overly heavy, the Porro prism design makes the binoculars slightly bulkier than modern roof-prism models. This can be less convenient for compact storage or travel.
5. **No Tripod Mount**: The binoculars do not come with a tripod mount, which could be useful for steady viewing during long eclipses or for astrophotography. A separate tripod would need to be purchased if desired.
6. **Potential for Lens Fogging**: Like all optical instruments, these binoculars can fog up in humid conditions. While they are weather-resistant, they may require occasional cleaning or the use of anti-fog sprays in extreme conditions.
7. **Learning Curve for Solar Viewing**: First-time solar observers might need to adjust to the brightness and contrast of the sun s image. The binoculars do not include a sun-finder, so precise aiming may require practice.
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### **Conclusion**
The Celestron 71239 EclipSmart 12x50 Porro Prism Solar Binoculars are an excellent choice for those seeking a safe, high-quality, and versatile tool for observing solar eclipses and other solar phenomena. Their solar-safe design, excellent optics, and durability make them a reliable investment for both amateur astronomers and enthusiasts. However, they are not ideal for advanced astronomy or deep-sky observation due to their limited magnification and field of view.
If your primary goal is safe solar viewing during eclipses and you appreciate the convenience of binoculars over glasses, these binoculars are highly recommended. For general astronomy or deep-sky viewing, you may need to supplement them with other equipment.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the Celestron 71239 EclipSmart 12x50 Porro Prism Solar Binoculars if:**- You want a safe, high-quality way to observe solar eclipses and the sun s surface without risking eye damage.
- You enjoy the versatility of binoculars for both solar and terrestrial viewing (e.g., birdwatching, landscape observation).
- You prioritize image quality, durability, and comfort over advanced astronomical capabilities.
- You are willing to invest in a specialized but reliable tool for solar events.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You only need solar viewing for occasional eclipses and prefer a cheaper, simpler solution (e.g., ISO-certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter for a telescope).
- You are primarily interested in deep-sky astronomy, in which case a telescope or higher-magnification binoculars (e.g., 15x or 20x) would be more suitable.
- You want a more compact or lightweight option for travel, as Porro prism binoculars are bulkier than some modern alternatives.
Celestron EclipSmart 12X50 Porro Prism Solar Binoculars are a full-size binocular set designed for astronomy with 50mm objective lens diameter and maximum magnification of 12x. The Celestron EclipSmart binoculars offer a high-quality viewing experience for any sky gazing enthusiast. The binoculars feature a Porro prism optical design and are coated with multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity brightness. With a sleek black color these solar binoculars are also solar-safe and water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor observations even in challenging weather conditions.