Celestron 8 X 21mm Upclose G2 Roof Prism Binoculars

The surprising thing about this second generation Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 21mm roof prism is not the price. It's how much you get for how little you spend. Respectable optics, armor, fully coated, water resistant, focuses down to 10' for up-close woodland observing, weighs only 8 ounces, and folds down to a very compact size that's easy to fit in pocket, purse, or car glove compartment.

This Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 21mm is a neat little second or third binocular for traveling or vacations, and makes a very affordable binocular to start a youngster on a birding or nature study lifetime hobby. It costs so little that you won't cry if the youngster uses it to drive tent pegs while on vacation or drops it in the lake.

Its BK-7 roof prism optics are fully antireflection coated for good light transmission and contrast. While the eye relief of 11mm is fine for optically unaided observing, it will somewhat vignette the field for those who must wear eyeglasses while birding.

Overall, this is a quite decent and very compact binocular at an extraordinarily low price. Its optics are more than acceptable, although they won't stun you with their brightness due to the rather small 21mm objective lenses. This is a daytime binocular, not one for late twilight observing. It does not perform up to the standards of a Leica or Zeiss compact, but then again it is not priced like one, either. But as we said at the start, for the price, the performance of this Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 21mm roof prism just might surprise you.

Features of this binocular . . .

Roof prism design. The compact dual hinge roof prism design lets you fold this Celestron down to little more than the size of a pack of cigarettes so it is easy to store in pocket or car glove compartment.

Fully coated optics. Antireflection coatings on all air to glass surfaces for high light transmission, with some critical surfaces multicoated.

Water resistant. While not nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof, this Celestron roof prism will handle most showers and light rain without leaking.

Armor. Ribbed black rubber armor absorbs noise and shock. It has thumb grooves to provide a firm grip in spring and fall's notoriously wet conditions. It also provides a more comfortable grip in the temperature extremes of broiling hot summer and icy cold winter.

Roll-down rubber eyecups. The shallow eyecups roll down for eyeglass or sunglass use and roll back up for use with the unaided eye.

Diopter correction. A diopter ring on the right eyepiece allows you to match the binocular optics precisely to your individual eyesight for a sharp image.

Accessories. Comes with a thin corded neck strap and soft nylon carry/storage case.