2012-01-22T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Excellent scope
I bought this for use as a long range shooting spotting scope, and have not been disappointed. The images are clear, bright, and with no hint of chromatic abberation that would be found in lesser optics. In fact, it gathers so much light that observing a full moon is almost too bright, and probably should be done with a filter. The only drawbacks that I can relate are the focus knobs, which appear to be an inexpensive injection molding that seem out of place on such fine optics, and the fact that it is not manufactured in the USA. Similarly, the provided carrying case is worthless. It is a cheap piece of nylon with no appreciable padding. Do yourself a favor, and invest in a good hardshell case.
Jeff
2011-12-16T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
It's a pretty good scope.
So far, I'm pleasantly surprised. I've only taken it out a few times so far for birding. A bit heavy, I obviously need a larger tripod. Weight not that terrible. I've had no problem with the fit of the carry bag, although more insulating material and extra pockets on it would be nice.
For what I paid for this scope, I'm also considering the regal 65.
The wide angle imaging clean. Fully zoomed fully on a sunny day, you can see some distortion consistent with radiation from the sun leaving the earth's surface. The focus adjustments relatively accessable and easy, although I still mix up fine and coarse. I would definately recommend this one. As a photographer, I thought for my own personal amusement, I'd try my hand at a little digiscoping once I get my filthy mitts on a larger tripod.
LINDA M.
2011-07-23T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Why I picked this one...
The amount of money I invested in this scope was was I considered consequential; but for an ED flourite lense optical system it was very reasonable. I bought it primarily for spotting my score at intermediate/ long range shooting matches. This is 600-1000yds. I've yet to find any optics on earth that will resolve a black bullet holes on a black target >400 yds. I haven't taken this setup to the range yet so I honestly can't tell how it stacks up to the high quality team scopes that came off the bridges of mothballed warships, these are some of the best coated optics of their era and are still awesome. I know the comparison will be inevitable. I'll be at the Marshall 600 yd matches in two weeks so hopefully I'll have the rest of my scope stand system tegether by than and will be able to give an objective report. If I bought a gem or a rock I'll report honestly. I've never minded saying I've made a mistake. First impressions with this scope is encouraging; apparant sharpness is all there; no evidence of color fringing at low to moderate power. Crank up the power all the way and some grainyness starts to appear, but again this is a doublet optical design,not a triplet so you can expect some aberation; I don't know if the Celestron Chinese lense makers still understand what good QC is about. I'll know more after the Marshall matches. If nothing else I'll be able to read mirage for windage calls.
ar15man
