Celestron Ultima 100 Angled viewing 100mm spotting scope, 22-66x zoom

Its large 100mm (4") objective lens gathers almost three times as much light as a 60mm scope, and over 56% more than an 80mm. The resolution is two-thirds higher than a 60mm scope and 25% higher than an 80mm, as well. This extra brightness and resolution can give you the optical edge you need to make a positive ID in poor conditions, such as in the low light of early mornings or under heavily overcast winter skies, or when a bird is far away enough so that you're not even sure if it's a bird at all. With such a large aperture, the scope is substantial in size and weight, but at only 4.5 lbs and a length of 19", it is not as much of a handful as you might imagine. Any good photo tripod should be sturdy enough to hold it with minimal vibration, but be prepared to upgrade if your existing tripod is a little on the shaky side.

This is not a general purpose spotting scope, suitable for all applications. For the very long distance/very low light birder on a tight budget, however, the 100mm Ultima gives you more optical performance than you might ever have thought your budget would be able to afford. Compared to the cost of other 100mm spotting scopes, it is nothing short of a bargain.

Optical features of this scope . . .

• 100mm objective lens gathers over 278% more light than a 60mm scope for superior low light performance.

• The crown and flint glass optics are multicoated for good light transmission.

• The standard equipment 22-66x multicoated zoom eyepiece has a soft rolldown rubber eyecup for eyeglass use. The eye relief is specified at a generous 18mm at 22x. While this is technically correct, the actual usable eye relief of this and all other spotting scopes typically measures a mm or two less due to the recessed location of the eyepiece. There will be some minor vignetting of the field for eyeglass wearers at 22x. The specifications to the right are for the zoom set at 22x. At 66x, the field is 48' at 1000 yards.

• The scope close focuses down to 33'. Through the scope, looking at a bird at that distance at 22x would effectively be the same as looking with your unaided eye from a distance of only 1' 8".

• The scope's long focusing knob is located at the top right front of the prism housing to allow precise focusing with either hand, even while wearing gloves or mittens. It is semi-recessed to resist snagging on clothing or carrying case and is grooved for a sure grip. Focusing is quite brisk compared to most scopes, with less than five turns of the focus knob needed to move from one end of the focus range to the other.

• The Ultima 100'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 widely differing heights who must share a single scope, as there's little need to constantly raise and lower the tripod to a comfortable height for each observer. If you are tall, you won't have to crouch over to see through the Ultima 100, as you would a straight-through scope. This can save you from the possibility of a literal pain in the neck.

• A sighting tube built into the left side of the body allows fast centering of the scope on possible subjects.

• The scope mounts on any photo tripod having a standard 1/4"-20 thread mounting bolt.

• A water-shedding stay-on soft case is standard equipment. The case has zippered fold-back flaps so you can use the scope on a tripod while it is still in the case. The case has an adjustable length shoulder strap for carrying.

• A snap-in camera-type lens cover protects the objective lens.

• For photography, removing the soft rubber eyecup from the eyepiece exposes standard photographic T-threads. You can attach a 35mm camera body to the scope simply by threading an optional inexpensive T-ring onto the eyepiece and connecting your camera body to the T-ring. No separate camera adapter is needed. The scope becomes a 540mm telephoto lens with a fast f/5.4 focal ratio when you attach a camera.

• A limited lifetime warranty is standard.