Stiffdog,
perhaps you'd be interested in the 15x70 version? I can't give you a personal opinion on the 20x80's because I don't own them. But, their reviews pale gravely in comparison with the more popular 15x70 version.
chipdatajeffB:
What was said about the SkyMasters is very true, especially if they'll get knocked about (they can't take rough handling or transport).
I have heard that the Skymasters have had factory issues with the collimation.
However, I highly doubt it's a "50/50 tossup". Here's 145 ratings with an average 4.5 out of 5 possible stars:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN
From personal experience, my pair (15x70) is perfect. This opinion is shared by 90 people out of the 145 reviews. Another 33 have rated this a 4 out of 5. That's more than 120 people out of 145 that have rated this pair of binos either "perfect" (5-stars) or "very good" (4-stars).
...hardly seems "50/50"
Also, note that the very first 5-star rating you see listed is by a guy who obviously knows alot about astronomy. He built his own telescope, down to grinding the gears for the GEM and owns a pair of Fujinons. Read the comparison.
On my own personal experiences, I have had no problems with mine and they seem to have the same amount of rubber armor coating as any other pair I have seen. So, as to getting knocked around, I can attest that mine have been kicked over and I have bumped into things with them with causing no damage. I have never dropped them from standing height, but, I would think any binos that size dropped from a few feet would have serious consequences.
I have taken these hunting, nature watching, camping, airshows and astronomical viewing. My experience is that they perform admirably.
I also bought mine around 2000 for $64. I know for a fact that they (15x70's) still can be picked up for around $65 (see link above)
I am not trying to start a debate. Notice I am not saying NAY or YAY to anything as I have battled here before on differences with some ppl in these forums. I am simply offering information based off of my personal experience as well as testimonials.
The Oberwerks that are in your price range are either 50 or 60mm. Here's a table showing magnitudes achievable with said aperatures.
http://www.siriusstargazers.com/Sirius%20Aper%20vs%20Mag.htm
70mm (2-3/4") will give you about magnitude 11. Light grasp is about 100x what the average human eye can see.
60mm (2-3/8") will give you about magnitude 10.5 or 10.6. Light grasp is about 60-65x what the average human eye can see.
50mm (2") will give you about magnitude 10.3 Light grasp is about 50 times what the average human eye can see.
To sum up, you can pay 1/2 as much for 2x the light grasp.
The choice is yours. Me personally, I would want to see as many faint objects as possible with my purchase.
Oh, one last tidbit of info. IF on the outside chance you DO happen to get a faulty pair...take a look here. (This is DIRECTLY from Celestron's webpage...)
"NO FAULT Binocular Warranty
The No-Fault warranty is applicable to all Celestron binoculars.
(excluding the VistaPix digital camera/binoculars which feature a 2-year warranty)
A. Celestron warrants this binocular to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for its usable lifetime. Celestron will repair or replace such product or part thereof which, upon inspection by Celestron, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
B. The NO FAULT provision of this warranty means that regardless of how the binoculars may have been damaged or rendered unusable (fully or partially) by the
Owner of the binocular, Celestron will repair or replace the binocular without any questions being asked..."
Clear Skies.