Celestron UpClose G2 8x21 Binoculars 71230

Celestron UpClose G2 8x21 Binocular Review

The Celestron UpClose G2 8x21 binocular is tiny.  We're aware of the concept behind compact binoculars, but this is kind of ridiculous. If you've read any of our reviews on compact binoculars, you know that we're not really a fan of the design nor the resulting optical compromises made to fit glass into such a form factor.  But there are some good things in this small package.

First of all, the small size is ideal for situations that a compact binocular is designed for.  A compact binocular is supposed to be small enough to fit anywhere, as long as it doesn't come at the expense of optical performance.  And at less than 8 ounches and 4 square inches, this is about as compact as you can get.  Think of any situation where you'd want a small pair of binoculars "just in case," and this binocular is perfect for it.

The UpClose G2 8x21 is a double hinged compact design, and has a wide range of interpupillary distance.  Not only is this going to fit just about every face out there, it's perfect for kids as well.  A nylon carrying case with belt loop makes it much easier for hikers and hunters to carry these compact binoculars for extended periods with virtually no effort.  The included nylon neck string is quite thin, but functional.

The shortcoming to a lot of compact binoculars is the optics.  It's hard to cram performance into small optical tubes, and tiny objectives usually mean crappy eye relief or exit pupil.  However, when looking through the UpClose G2 8x21, we found the image to be preferable to the one found in its bigger brother, the UpClose G2 10x25.  There is a bit of edge fuzziness, but the wider field of view makes this easier to deal with.  Like the 10x25, chromatic aberration is very well controlled.

We bought 10 of these as Christmas presents for friends and family.  Because you never know when you might need to see just a little bit further.

Bikers, motorcyclists, hikers, hunters, birdwatchers, boaters, vacationers, and casual observers will all find benefit in such an inexpensive and handy pair of compacts.  They will fit just about anywhere, cost little, and can be handy in a pinch.