This Celestron 16 x32mm UpClose G2 is a high power/medium aperture roof prism binocular with surprising performance at a surprisingly low price . . .
The surprising thing about this high power second generation Celestron UpClose G2 16 x 32mm roof prism is not the amazingly low price. It's how much you get for how little you spend. Respectable optics, armor, fully coated, water resistant, weighs only 13 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 16 x 32mm is a neat little second or third binocular for traveling or vacations, and makes a very affordable binocular to start a youngster on a lifetime birding or nature study 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 32mm BK-7 roof prism optics are a step up in light-gathering and resolution from the more common 21mm and 25mm roof prism binos. The optics are fully antireflection coated for good light transmission and contrast, while critical optical surfaces are multicoated for increased performance. While the eye relief of 10mm is fine for optically unaided observing, it will vignette the field for those who must wear eyeglasses while birding.
Overall, this is an optically quite decent high power binocular at an extraordinarily low price. Its 32mm optics are more than acceptable, although they won't stun you with their brightness, except in comparison with smaller 21mm and 25mm roof prism binos, due to their higher magnification. This is a daytime binocular, not one for late twilight or evening observing. Near focus is a not so close 26', so this is not a binocular for close-in or woodland birding. 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 high power performance of this Celestron UpClose G2 16 x 32mm 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 king-size 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, including multicoatings on some surfaces.
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 provides 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.
Center focus. About one and three-quarters of a turn of the centrally-located focusing knob moves smoothly from one end of the focusing range to the other.
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.
