We were recommended this Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 by a friend several years ago. However, we didn’t try to bring this up soon to save the demand for other more popular options. Personally, after a while using, we still think this Trailseeker deserves to be shared to many binoculars seekers. Therefore, in this Celestron binoculars review, let’s jump into deep analysis of this boy right here.
Overview of Celestron Trailseeker 8×42
Priced at $230, this is classified as a low-medium range segment. We usually see teal green and black types for this model of Trailseeker. This is a terrestrial-use binocular (birding, nature observation, hunting,…) of Celestron. As we know, there are 3 common models of this Celestron Trailseeker: 8×32, 8×42 and 10×42.
Apparently, with this affordable price, you cannot expect this Celestron Trailseeker to be perfect. Therefore, please carefully consider our pros and cons in this Celestron binoculars review below. This Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binocular is not as well-known as the brothers: Outland X, Nature Dx, Granite,… However, we do treat it as a worth-considering option.
Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binocular data
| Specs | Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 | Celestron Trailseeker 10×42 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Objective diameter | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Field of view | 426 ft | 341 ft |
| Exit pupil | 5.25 mm | 4.2 mm |
| Eye relief | 17 mm | 15 mm |
| Close focus distance | 6.5 ft | 6.5 ft |
| Diopter adjustment range | +/- 3 | +/- 3 |
| Twilight factor | 18.33 | 20.49 |
| Prism glass type | Bak-4 | Bak-4 |
| Prism coatings | Phase & dielectric coated | Phase & dielectric coated |
| Lens coating | Fully broadband multi-coated | Fully broadband multi-coated |
| Weight | 23.1 oz | 22.4 oz |
| Dimension | 5.5″ x 5.1″ x 2″ | 5.5″ x 5.1″ x 2″ |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Nitrogen-filled | Yes | Yes |
| Accessories included | Objective lens caps
Rainguard Neck strap Harness strap Carrying case Lens cloth Instruction manual |
Objective lens caps
Rainguard Neck strap Harness strap Carrying case Lens cloth Instruction manual |
| Tripod adaptable | Yes | Yes |
Those are information extracted from Celestron homepage. However, we would like to analyze the 8×42 because we have used it more often. Hence, the conclusion and suggestion would be more precise.
Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 – pros vs concerns vs neutral factor
Pros
Field of view
426 ft is an amazing ability for this criterion. If we look into Vortex Razor 8×42 (390 ft), you would feel the pleasure. We don’t conclude that Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binocular is better. Nevertheless, having a better field of view than another 4-5 times more expensive option shows credibility already. Which in terms of actual performance, this Trailseeker could fulfil your expectation well in this category.
- For this characteristic, we rate 9/10
Optics quality
Absolutely nothing to complain about. Looking into the optics facilities, we see BAK-4 and phase corrected dielectric prism, fully multi-coated lens, they are such strong evidences for this.
Now, talking into real experience. The brightness in general is good, more than enough lights to witness objects. Plus, it is sharp and clean enough to enjoy whatever purposes you are into. Last but not least, the color is so natural. We always want natural color presentation binoculars and this Celestron could please us well.
- For this characteristic, we rate 9/10
Image quality
Contrast is a strength of this Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binocular. We would say that details can be differentiated well enough. Different dark vs bright, light vs strong colors spots are easy to separate. We didn’t test while hunting, but nature observation is not a problem.
Distortion is something you don’t have to be worried about. Both details and general shapes are safely kept while viewing with Celestron Trailseeker 8×42. Please take a look at the picture below to have a clearer view.
As for color fringing (caused by chromatic aberration), we were quite hesitating deciding this. To be honest, we did see a slight bit of them. However, it was hard to recognize that in the Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binoculars. This is the detail that only when you have certain experience using binoculars you would only feel it. Therefore, in the end we decided to put this in pros, not neutral factors. After all, it would please the majority of people.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Close focus distance
Usually, this is not something we would care too much about (even if it’s good or bad). Close focus distance is the key figure to take notice of for purposes as flowers, insects watching (which we are not into). However, 6.5 feet is quite a promising number. If you use this Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binoculars seasonally for any of those purposes, it would satisfy you.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8/10
Eye relief
We wouldn’t say it’s the best option, but it’s good enough for most people wearing glasses. Please consider this if you have to wear glasses for your trip.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8/10
Size
The Nikon Prostaff 7s is our most favorite in terms of product dimension. But this Celestron Trailseeker even fits our luggages better. You could tell from the picture that it’s quite handy already.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Build quality
This 8×42 binocular is covered by rubber. In our personal feeling, the outer cover is thick enough to resist common shocks. The surface of the outer cover is texturized a little bit. These textures are not so much, the grippiness is enough for avoiding slippery possibilities.
What impresses us the most is the magnesium chassis. This material is stronger than polycarbonate, also more premium. We definitely don’t expect to get at this price a magnesium chassis, but Trailseeker shows really serious effort for this.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Waterproof
No need to be worried about bad weather is what you could expect from this. But of course, don’t do such a test as dropping this Celestron into deep water.
- For this characteristic, we rate 9/10
Neutral factors
Low-light conditions performance
There’s nothing special in this criterion. It’s not bad, it’s still ok to use. But to us, we don’t expect this to give you outstanding records or standing out from the crowd in this category.
- For this characteristic, we rate 7/10
Edge-image quality
If this is a cheap (this is a low-medium range bino) option, we wouldn’t bother to put it in the strength part. But at this price, we kind of expected a bit more of quality. However, it’s still fine as a whole viewing experience.
- For this characteristic, we rate 7/10
Weight
Actually, the Celestron Trailseeker binoculars are not heavy at all. Personally, we have no problem carrying it through. If you compare it to Nikon Prostaff or Monarch, it is just a tiny bit heavier. However, we kind of expected the 8×42 model not to be heavier than the 10×42 model (usually larger objective diameter would lead to heavier weight). So that’s why we put it into here.
- For this characteristic, we rate 7.5/10
Concerns
No ED glasses?
Actually, we collected this concern from other reviews rather than our own personal opinion. For more information, Celestron has another version of ED for this Trailseeker (wait until we release the review of it).
In brief, what you could expect from ED glasses is even less color fringing. As stated above, this is not our personal concern, because we find that the color fringing in this model is little enough to enjoy the viewing experience. However, if you really concern about this, or basically just look for a more premium name, then consider.
- For this characteristic, we don’t want to rate as it is very subjective
Neck strap
Don’t get it wrong, the quality of the neck strap is fine. But it was quite hard to attach to the binocular.
- For this characteristic, we rate 5/10
Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 – the verdicts
In general, the best use for these Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binoculars are bird watching. With this ideal field of view and sharp, clear image quality, mostly any kinds of birds could be observed well. Nature observation, hunting, sports watching are good to use either.
If we have to pick the most significant concern about this compared to other similar price range options, it would be low-light performance. The performance is good enough, but it’s not very outstanding. ED glass? Like we said above, don’t have to be so strict about this, the image quality is good enough.
For types of users, beginners are definitely the best fit audience. With this price and performance, attached, it’s an amazing deal you would receive. Even with middle level people, we think that it’s still a good option for your list. After all, what you would get is an affordable price and high-performance 8×42 binoculars.
If you have any further comments, please do below, we would really appreciate that.