Pros
Visible .223/5.56mm holes at 300 yards under good conditions
Smooth and easy-to-use focus knob
Good value for the price
Includes a soft carrying case
Works well for bird watching and wildlife observation
Reasonable build quality for the price
Waterproof and fogproof
Wide field of view at 80 mm
Decent image clarity up to 40x zoom
Adequate for moon and planetary observation
Suitable for beginners
Cons
Curvature defect causing pincushion distortion
Loss of sharpness and color fidelity at maximum zoom (60x)
Included accessories are of low quality
Main Product Advantages
9 Zoom Capability
The Celestron Ultima 80 offers a 20-60x zoom eyepiece, which is highly effective for various distances and scenarios. While image sharpness decreases slightly at maximum zoom, it is still reasonably effective for most users.
9 Ease of Use
Features like the smooth, easily accessible focus knob and comfortable eye relief make this scope user-friendly. It’s straightforward to set up and operate, even for beginners.
8 Optical Quality
The optics are multi-coated for better light transmission and clarity. Some chromatic aberration and degradation of sharpness at higher magnifications were noted, but overall the image quality is impressive for its price range.
8 Value for Money
At around $200, this scope offers excellent value with high performance close to more expensive models, though it is not a match for premium scopes with ED glass.
8 Field of View
The 80 mm objective lens provides a bright and wide field of view, making it easier to spot and follow subjects such as birds or wildlife.
7 Durability
The spotting scope is well-built with a sturdy metal main tube and is both waterproof and fogproof, making it suitable for various weather conditions. However, some complaints were mentioned about the quality of included accessories like the soft carrying case.
7 Adaptability for Photography
Works well with smartphone adapters for digiscoping, but some issues with distortion and image quality at high magnifications could be a concern for advanced photographers.
6 Portability
While the scope itself is relatively lightweight, the included carrying case is considered flimsy. Some users recommend additional stabilization for the tripod to ensure steady viewing.
Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope – 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece Review
The Celestron Ultima 80 series was designed to perform well in a range of viewing situations. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers will love it for observing nature and sharp long-distance spotting. The 80mm refractor features excellent multi-coated optics packed into a portable and durable housing and includes a powerful 20-60x zoom eyepiece.
Waterproof and Fogproof
The Ultima spotting scope is completely waterproof and fogproof. It’s been filled with dry nitrogen gas and sealed to prevent internal fogging of the lenses. You’ll be able to enjoy your viewing activities to the fullest even during extreme weather conditions.
Digiscoping Capabilities
The Ultima 80 angled spotting scope also includes a T-mount adapter for digiscoping, allowing you to capture bright, sharp images through your spotting scope. Simply attach your DSLR camera equipped with a T-ring, and you’re ready to go.
Exceptional Optics and Design
Celestron’s popular Ultima 80mm Zoom Spotting Scope offers images that are noticeably brighter and sharper than entry level 60mm spotters. The multi-coated 80mm objective lens delivers 77% brighter views than a 60mm scope. 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.
User Experience
The rubber eyecup can be removed to expose a standard “T-thread” for attaching a camera. 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.
Drawbacks
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.
Conclusion
The Celestron Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope offers exceptional value for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. With its multi-coated optics, waterproof and fogproof design, and versatile digiscoping capabilities, it provides bright and sharp images in a portable and durable package. While it does exhibit some chromatic aberration at higher magnifications, its overall performance and quality make it a top choice for nature observation and long-distance spotting.
