Celestron offers spotting scopes from the absolute beginner’s range to the mid-price segment. Inexpensive models are available for less than 100.00 euros and are well suited for hunting and sport shooting. Devices with a higher magnification are suitable for nature and bird watching.
About Celestron
The Celestron company has its origins in the manufacture of telescopes. Amateur astronomer and engineer Tom Johnson, owner and founder of Valor Electronics, was looking for a telescope for his two sons.
However, he could not find a model on the market that was suitable for children. He developed and built one himself and in 1960 expanded his company to include a corresponding division called Celestron.
The telescopes sold like hot cakes and the department quickly became a company in its own right, developing and selling other devices. Celestron thus became the first commercial manufacturer of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Telescopes from Celestron have also been used in the professional sector for many years, for example by the US space agency NASA.
In addition to telescopes, the company has also been producing microscopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and flashlights for many years.
Celestron spotting scopes from the LandScout series
The LandScout series are spotting scopes for beginners. The models in the series are very popular and are occasionally also offered by discount stores such as Lidl or electronics store chains such as Media Markt or Saturn.
However, as they only have a maximum magnification of 30x or 36x, depending on the model, they are only suitable for observing distant and small objects, such as birds, to a very limited extent. Hobby ornithologists are much better served by devices that offer a higher magnification.
On the other hand, the LandScout series of spotting scopes are well suited for traveling due to their low weight. These models include a metal table tripod to ensure that the spotting scope stands securely. In contrast to more expensive models, however, the LandScout devices are only waterproof, not watertight. Use in poor weather conditions is therefore not recommended.
Celestron Ultima series spotting scopes
The Ultima series are very good all-round spotting scopes. The series was developed for a wide range of applications. With a maximum magnification of 55x to 66x, depending on the device, they are also ideal for observing nature. Even details such as bird plumage can be studied at great distances.
The devices in this series are completely waterproof, so they can also be used in poor weather conditions. The spotting scopes are basically available in two different versions: with a straight view or with a 45-degree angled view. They are available in three different sizes: With a front lens diameter of 65mm, 80mm or 100mm. All models have lenses with multi-coating to reduce light reflections.
Celestron Ultima 65 18-55x65mm
The Celestron Ultima 65 18-55x65mm is the most compact spotting scope in the Ultima series. Despite a front lens diameter of 65mm and 55x magnification, it is only 33 cm long and weighs extremely little at 1045 grams. It is therefore also ideal for longer hikes.
Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x80mm
The 80 mm version of the Ultimate series collects 50% more light than the previously mentioned model with a 65 mm diameter and therefore provides significantly brighter images. With a maximum magnification of 60x, it is also slightly more suitable for observing distant objects. The field of view at 1000 meters is 18 meters at maximum magnification.
At 41 cm long and weighing 1635 grams, it is not quite as compact as the 65 mm model, but is still well suited for traveling.
Celestron Ultima 100 22-66x100mm
The Celestron Ultima 100 22-66x100mm is the largest model in the Ultima series. The larger aperture provides images that are more than 50% brighter than those of the 80 mm model. This makes it the model of choice especially – but not only – during twilight. The lenses are made of high-quality BAK-4 glass (barium crown glass), which has a higher refractive index for prisms and therefore provides images with a high edge sharpness.
With a length of 48 cm and a weight of 2040 grams, it is also suitable for traveling, but too bulky for extensive hikes. A more compact spotting scope should be used instead.
Celestron spotting scopes from the Regal M2 series
The Regal M2 series are Celestron’s top devices. They are ideal for birdwatching or nature observation and deliver the sharpest images both in broad daylight and at dusk. The models in the series are available with front lens diameters of 65mm, 80mm and 100mm and have lenses made of ED glass. ED stands for “Extra Low Dispersion”.
As with the Ultima series, the Regal M2 series spotting scopes are also waterproof and can therefore be used in all weathers. A nitrogen filling prevents the lenses from fogging up, even at large temperature differences.
The Regal M2 series spotting scopes have a double focus system. This allows you to focus the target evenly and precisely. Using the coarse focusing wheel, you first lock the focus quickly, then you can use the fine focusing wheel to zoom in precisely on the target and see all the details. The lens hood protects against stray light and moisture.
All spotting scopes in the Regal M2 series are supplied with a T2 adapter. This means that connecting a DSLR camera is no problem – simply turn the spotting scope into a telephoto lens in a few simple steps!
Celestron spotting scopes price overview
This list shows spotting scopes currently available on the market from the manufacturer Celestron – sorted by price intensity, starting with the most expensive device.