Celestron Ultima 65 18 to 55x65 Straight Spotting Scope

Celestron Ultima 65 18 to 55x65 Straight Spotting Scope Review

Celestron Ultima 65 18 to 55x65 Straight Spotting Scope Feature

• Multi-coated optics for a clear view
• Zoom eyepiece for 18-55x magnification
• 45 degree viewing angle for comfort
• Sight tube for quick targeting

The Celestron Ultima 65 Straight Spotting Scope is the smallest and most affordable scope in Celestron's popular Ultima series, yet it delivers surprisingly good views. The Ultima 65 is a refractor style spotting scope with multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on the objective lens and on the zoom eyepiece. The zoom eyepiece delivers sharp images with a magnification range from 18X up to 55X. The Ultima 65 package includes a padded soft case for the scope, a hard case for the removable eyepiece, and a T-thread adapter so you can attach 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 20 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 1.7 degree field of view at 18X magnification. The 1.7 degree field of view seems a bit narrow, but it is sharp from edge to edge. With my glasses on I need very little focus adjustment while I crank the zoom eyepiece from 18X up to 55X. Often though I like to take my glasses off while observing in order to take in the full field of view. I like the fact that the Ultima 65 gives me a sharp image either way.

The drawback of the tradition crown and flint achromatic lens used in the Ultima 65 Spotting Scope is a bit of false color, also known as blue fringing or chromatic aberration. Blue fringing is very well controlled at 18X magnification, and even when I zoom up to the maximum 55X magnification the false color seems less intrusive than what I see in some 80mm spotting scopes. Celestron also offers the Ultima 80 which produces a brighter image with a wider field of view, and the Regal 65 F-ED spotting scope which uses exotic ED glass lenses to virtually eliminate blue fringing and produce the sharpest possible high power views.

Celestron's Ultima 65mm Straight Spotting Scope combines sharp multi-coated 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 65 is one of the best low-cost spotters available. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

Sharp multi-coated optics

Good zoom eyepiece

Waterproof design

Lifetime no-fault warranty

Cons:

Narrow field of view Celestron(r)'s Ultima Refractor 65 Straight View spotting scope is more versatile than ever and now waterproof. Featuring multi-coated optics to provide extra clarity and brilliance, the Ultima 65 performs extremely well under all light conditions. It's ideal for all types of outdoor viewing activities, including bird watching, nature and wildlife, target shooting, and even astronomy. The design is accented with graceful contours for easy use.