Celestron Ultima 80 20 to 60x80 Straight Spotting Scope

Celestron Ultima 80 20 to 60x80 Straight Spotting Scope Review

Celestron Ultima 80 20 to 60x80 Straight Spotting Scope Feature

• Multi-coated optics for a clear view
• Zoom eyepiece for 20-60x magnification
• Straight through viewing angle
• Sight tube for quick targeting

Celestron's popular Ultima 80mm Zoom Spotting Scope offers images that are noticeably brighter and sharper than entry level 60mm spotters. The Ultima 80 is a refractor style spotting scope with an Achromatic objective lens. Excellent light transmission is assured by multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on the objective lens as well as on the zoom eyepiece and the BAK-4 prisms. The multi-coated 80mm objective lens delivers 77% brighter views than a 60mm scope, and the built in zoom lens produces sharp images from 20X all the way up to 60X magnification.

The Ultima 80 features a sleek, waterproof design and includes a padded soft case with zippers on both ends so the scope can be protected even while mounted on a tripod. Including the eyepiece the Ultima 80 measures just over 19 inches long and weighs about 3.6 pounds. The rubber eyecup can be removed to expose a standard "T-thread" for attaching a camera. The "straight-thru" viewing configuration is easier to point at moving targets, and is particularly handy on a bench top or even a car window mount.

The focus ranges from 27 feet to the horizon with just a few turns of the focus knob. When I fold down the rubber eye cup I can keep my glasses on and see the whole 2 degree field of view at 20X magnification. With my glasses on I need very little focus adjustment while I crank the zoom eyepiece from 20X up to 60X. Sometimes though I like to take my glasses off while observing because the view seems to have just a little more contrast and sharpness. I like the fact that the Ultima 80 gives me a sharp image either way.

The drawback of the traditional crown and flint achromatic lens used in the Ultima 80 Zoom Spotting Scope is a bit of false color, also known as blue fringing or chromatic aberration. Blue fringing seems well controlled at 20X magnification, but it becomes increasingly noticeable as I zoom up to 60X. Celestron also offers the Ultima 80ED and the Regal 80 F-ED spotting scopes which use exotic ED glass lenses to virtually eliminate blue fringing and produce the sharpest possible high power views.

Celestron's Ultima 80mm Zoom Spotting Scope combines sharp multicoated optics with a good quality zoom lens in a compact waterproof package. Top it off with a lifetime "No-Fault" warranty and the Celestron Ultima 80 is a terrific value. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Sharp multi-coated optics
• Good zoom eyepiece
• Waterproof design
• Lifetime no-fault warranty

Cons:

• Blue fringing noticeable at high power

Blue Heron at 50 yards shot at 20X

Moon picture shot with 20X zoom

Moon picture shot with 60X zoom

Pelicans on an offshore rock shot at 20X

Pelican in the air shot at 20X

SEE up close. WATERPROOF Celestron 20-60x80 mm Zoom Spotter is now PRICED LESS! Open up a whole world of long distance views! Celestron's highly acclaimed Ultima Series is a portable and durable design. Ideal for birding, spotting game, eyeballing scenery, locating target "hits" at the range, even astronomy. Wow, an overstock means BIG BUCKS OFF! Performance: Large 80 mm objective with fully multi-coated optics for glare-free clarity; Performs well under all light conditions; Straight tube is 16" overall; F.O.V. @ 1,000 yds. is 105' at 20X, 53' at 60X; 27' near focus; 480 mm focal length; Weighs 3 1/2 lbs. Includes soft carry case; No-fault Celestron Lifetime Warranty. Focus on ordering yours today! Celestron 20-60x80 mm Spotting Scope