Compared to the four-digit prices of 65mm ED spotting scopes from Europe, the moderately-priced 65mm Celestron Regal M2 apochromatic ED zoom is an absolute bargain . . .
For the birder who is shocked by the four-digit prices of the ED spotting scopes from old-line European manufacturers, prepare to be unshocked. The compact 65mm Celestron Regal M2 apochromatic angled viewing zoom gives you more optical performance than you ever thought your budget would be able to afford. The special ED (Extra-low Dispersion glass) optics and premium XLT optical multicoatings provide a level of color correction and clarity previously unheard of in this price range. Compared to the 65mm European ED spotting scopes, the 65mm Celestron Regal M2 is an exceptional bargain.
The 65mm aperture of this Celestron Regal M2 gathers over 17% more light than a conventional 60mm spotting scope, with 8% higher resolution. Together with the superior apochromatic color correction of the low dispersion ED element in the objective lens, and high light transmission XLT multicoatings, this extra light grasp and resolution will extend your usable observing time and help you make positive species identifications in the low light of early morning or late evening.
We know of no other 65mm ED apochromatic spotting scope that beats the features and price/performance ratio of the digiscoping-ready Celestron 65mm Regal M2. Usable for birding, nature study, and casual astronomy, this 45° angled viewing spotting scope makes compact color free spotting scope optics truly affordable.
Optical features of this scope . . .
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass objective lens: The 65mm air-spaced doublet objective lens in the Regal M2 uses one element of ED glass. By bringing virtually all colors of light to a sharp focus at the same focal plane, this premium glass provides an extra measure of exceptionally natural color rendition and virtually no color fringing. The 65mm lens gathers over 17% more light than a 60mm scope, which can often mean the difference between identifying a life bird and missing it entirely in the poor light conditions of dawn or twilight. It uses a high transmission BaK-4 image erecting prism and is fully multicoated with Celestron's proprietary XLT coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for the highest possible light transmission and contrast.
16-48x multicoated zoom: The eyepiece field of view is a substantial 131' at 1000 yards at 16x. Even at 48x, it still measures a very wide 68'. The zoom is held in place by a collet mechanism. Simply turn the locking collar to remove the zoom eyepiece from the scope body. This lets you replace it with any standard 1.25" astronomical eyepiece to expand the normal 24mm to 8mm focal length range of the zoom for wider fields or higher powers. A dust cap is provided to seal the scope body when the eyepiece is removed.
Long eye relief: The eye relief is specified at a long and comfortable 20mm at 16x, assuring that there will be virtually no vignetting of the field for eyeglass wearers.
Close focusing: The Regal M2 close focuses down to 16.4'. Through the 65mm Regal M2, looking at a bird at that distance at 16x would effectively be the same as looking with your unaided eye from a distance of only about 12.3".
Mechanical features of this scope . . .
Dual speed focusing: The Regal M2's dual focusing knobs are located at the top right front of the prism housing to allow precise focusing with either hand, even while wearing gloves or mittens. They are semi-recessed to resist snagging on clothing or carrying case and are grooved for a sure grip. The rear knob is for faster coarse focusing, with about seven turns of the knob needed to move from one end of the focus range to the other. The front knob is for very fine focusing, with 14 turns of the knob equaling one revolution of the coarse focus knob. Both knobs move very easily, making focusing surprisingly fast.
45° viewing angle: The Regal M2's 45° viewing angle is generally more comfortable than a straight-through model for watching treetop activity or for extended observing from a blind or back porch. It is also more convenient for observing couples of varying heights who must share a single scope, as there is little need to constantly raise and lower the tripod to a comfortable observing height for each observer, thanks to the angled viewing position.
Twist-up rubber eyecup: The zoom's rubber eyecup twists up to improve the contrast when observing without eyeglasses, then twists back down to retract the eyecup onto the eyepiece body for use with eyeglasses or sunglasses. The rubber eyecup can also be unthreaded from the eyepiece. This allows you to attach a DSLR camera body directly to the eyepiece, using a supplied adapter ring and an optional T-ring, for high magnification digiscoping through the zoom eyepiece.
Waterproof armored body: The lightweight magnesium alloy scope body is lightly rubber armored for durability and to help shock-proof the optics. The armor also provides a sure grip in wet weather. The slide-out lens shade improves visual and photographic contrast. It is also rubber armored and has a sighting line built into it to help quickly center the scope on possible targets. The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and internally fogproof in all weather conditions. The body can be rotated from side to side on its mount to switch from a landscape to a portrait orientation during photography. The compact body measures only 13.1" long without eyepiece, 16" with eyepiece.
Tripod mounting foot: The Celestron 65mm Regal M2 has a mounting foot that fits on any photo tripod having a standard 1/4"-20 thread mounting bolt.
Supplied accessories: A water-shedding soft case is standard equipment. The case has zippered flaps that allow you to use the scope on a tripod while still in the case. The case has an adjustable length shoulder strap for carrying. The eyepiece is protected by a thread-on metal cover. A snap-in camera-type lens cover protects the objective lens. Dust caps are provided for the eyepiece collet in the body of the scope and for the 1.25" barrel of the zoom eyepiece. An adapter ring with photographic T-threads allows you to connect a T-ring and DSLR to the zoom eyepiece.
Lifetime warranty: The Celestron 65mm Regal M2 spotting scope has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.
