Does the Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope offer you bang for your buck?

Sitting at the highest end of spotting scopes is Celestron’s Regal M2. It’s a large scope with a large price tag. Would there be any bang for your buck? Let’s see if it’s worth saving up for.

Image Quality
The objective lens was created using Extra-low Dispersion glass (ED), so there was little chromatic aberration; the colours are realistic, and everything is detailed and sharp. The lenses are coated in XLT to boost the image’s resolution and contrast. Any standard 1.25” eyepieces can be mounted on to the scope. A 20 - 60x zoom eyepiece comes bundled with the scope initially. The stock eyepiece’s zoom functionality is perfect for animal enthusiasts, as targets can be spotted at lower magnification and then given a close-up at the higher magnification. The eyepiece doesn’t give you much reason to swap it out, other than for astronomy. If you’re looking to use the scope for casual astronomy, I’d recommend something with higher magnification. One thing that I would have like to see is the option to change filters. It’s not a huge problem, but it would’ve helped to justify the price.

Features
The spotting scope’s dual focus feature is a great addition. The focus can be roughly adjusted, and then quickly fine-tuned using the scope’s ‘course focus’ and ‘fine focus’ respectively. This saves a great deal of time when focusing, but it took a bit of time to get used to it.  The scope has a twist-up eyecup, in order to adjust the eye relief. This is a great benefit to anyone with eyeglasses. A sliding sunshade covers the objective lens from stray light and moisture. A sighting line on the shade helps to line up any targets into view. Annoyingly, the scope itself doesn’t come with a tripod. The scope only has a rotating tripod mount with detents. The carry case included with the scope does its job well. A hole at the objective lens can be unzipped so that the scope can be used whilst it’s protected in  the case. 

Build Quality
Made from a magnesium alloy, the scope is lighter than you’d expect. The body is said to be ‘strong and durable’ and it certainly feels that way. Celestron certainly haven’t skimped on the materials. Celestron claim that the scope is fog proof and waterproof and I believe them. The scope has been assembled well and the insides have been purged with nitrogen.  One thing to note is the lack of warranty. Most other Celestron products that I’ve reviewed come with a warranty of some kind. It doesn’t faze me too much though as Celestron have a knack for making quality products.

Verdict
The scope is built to last a lifetime with its waterproofing and magnesium alloy body, and produces the highest quality images. The Celestron Regal M2 offers almost everything you could want from a spotting scope, however it does not come with a tripod, you will need one, having said that it is a fantastic spotting scope.