Anyone know which is better between the (M2 Celestron 52306 Regal 100E) and (Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope) having more sharpnes ? thanks. .
1866547
Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it. You will be happy with the Celestron. Good luck with your decision. Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it.... » Read More Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it. You will be happy with the Celestron. Good luck with your decision. « Show Less
1866548
I have not used Vortex. I have Celestron Regal M2 and I am happy that I have it. Its sharpness is really good
403543
I really like the scope, but like several others that I have had, night vision is not equal to a daylight glass scope in magnification. If you need 4x then get the 5x. We are using them on crossbows and the 4x works just fine
578562
I think he answered your question. The back piece (magnifier) flips over to the side allowing you to use your iron sights through the front eotech circle/dot. Just a pice of my .02cents I Love this combo! Though I have heard great things about the vortex magnifier and may give it a shot. It's over 200 less :/ good luck!
1919975
The 52303 Regal Refractor has a focal plane that is very deep in the scope. Therefore, you have to use an eye piece that has a deep set focal plane. Celestron has specific eye pieces for that scope to match it. In other words, the typical 1.25 inch telescope eye piece will not work with it. So, I suspect, the typical barlow lense or magnifier may not either. You can email or call Celestron, or talk to one of the bigger astronomical telescope retailers to find out for sure though.
2194340
I concur with the other comments regarding the best use for this scope is a 223/5.56 rifle. The vortex viper 6.5-20x50 PA scope would be a better choice for your 270.
1121925
I cant tell you the distance as I returned mine. This info isn't included in the listing. The mount will place your magnifier 7mm below the centerline of your sight.(i.e. Eotech, etc). It is for the lower 2/3 of the view. There is another swing mount manufactured that has the same part number. The name of the manufacturer has slipped my mind as of right now, but it can be purchased from Primary Arms. Go to their web sight and read your descriptions. They also have the spring loaded push button and the magnifier flips to the side. That is what I bought instead. It is tighter and more stable as far as holding the magnifier. The Vortex has too much play and wobble for my taste. I cant tell you the distance as I returned mine. This info isn't included in the listing. The mount will place your magnifier 7mm below the centerline of your sight.(i.e. Eotech, etc). It is for the lower 2/3 of the view. There is another swing mount manufactured that has the same part number. The name of the manufacturer has slipped my mind as of right now, but it can be purchased from Primary Arms. Go to their web sight and read your descriptions. They also have the spring loaded push button and the magnifier flips to the side. That is what I bought instead. It is tighter and more stable... » Read More I cant tell you the distance as I returned mine. This info isn't included in the listing. The mount will place your magnifier 7mm below the centerline of your sight.(i.e. Eotech, etc). It is for the lower 2/3 of the view. There is another swing mount manufactured that has the same part number. The name of the manufacturer has slipped my mind as of right now, but it can be purchased from Primary Arms. Go to their web sight and read your descriptions. They also have the spring loaded push button and the magnifier flips to the side. That is what I bought instead. It is tighter and more stable as far as holding the magnifier. The Vortex has too much play and wobble for my taste. « Show Less
936066
I can't answer your question, but I can add that I tried the Celestron against this model and returned the Celestron. The Celestron had some difficulty stabilizing the image. Also, the software bundled with the AM Scope camera is pretty good.
1491356
Short answer is that this is the best scope in its price range. It is incredible for moon viewing. As for other planets; using a high powered lens gives a great view of Saturn and it's rings. If this is your price range I'd say buy this scope.
252925
1.25; if you have better magnification eyepieces the scope does work well with them. The two that are sent with the scope are fine but with a little higher magnification, it still works well. The 20mm and 10mm are great for lunar observation especially near the limb. I can make out Jupiter's moons with the 10mm and I had a 8mm and could easily make out Saturn's rings without too much distortion. I even think this little scope could pick out the Cassini division if Saturn was more inclined.
52625
With spotting scopes the view is normal, right side up. We used our Regal M2 100ED for viewing wildlife on our Yellowstone trip this summer. One thing to think about and consider - the scope is heavy so you'll need a good tripod.
1664769
I have not seen the Simmons. I am very pleased with my Celestron up thru 40X or maybe 45X. Above that, the optics are not as clear, and detail is not much more visible, even though the image is larger. Most of my useage is 1.5-2 miles looting at wildlife. At shorter ranges, the higher magnification would probably be adequate as well, that's just not what I use it for. Moon shots are impressive!
731117
Awesome scope for the money. I would go for a Leupold but they are pricey. I have this on a REPR and it performs well I can upgrade. Other than a little heavy, won't be disappointed. I don't have any experience with the Vortex line yet other than what I have read.
1770075
It is a standard 1.25 inch EP. As noted in the other answers it may not be possible to focus correctly. The EP on the Regal scope works in my Lunt Solar telescope and the Lunt works in the Regal. In general though you will have to test it out. The scope is very nice. My first one had a problem with the focuser after 90 day replacement warranty ran out. Celestron took it back but it was about 2 months before I got a replacement. When it was working it was a very nice scope, and I like the replacement although I use my other scopes more.
185343
They're comparable in price and aperture and, since they're both Newtonians, their focal lengths are probably close. Their focal ratios are different, though. The Celestron has a focal ratio of f8 while the Orion has an f4 which translates to a brighter image. Also the Orion is on a Dobsonian mount, rather than the Celestron's slow motion controls, making it easier for a brand new user to point. In my opinion, though, once the slow motion controls are mastered, it's easier to track an object. Also, if you get the Orion, get rid of the red dot finder and get a small finder scope instead. The red dot finders, in my experience, are not reliable. If the battery runs out, it's useless.
770255
I assume you are asking about the orion scope vs the celestron scope? I've no experience with the orion st, there's a comparison on cloudy nights' user forum. There is a lot of info there. I beive that is where I found a write up on what to expect from various size optics and focal lengths. I'm still happy with the astromaster. It has pretty good optics, but as many people have pointed out, the mount is a little flimsy.
1508602
My wife owns an 18x50IS and a 10x42LIS. I own a 15x50IS. Never any issues. Have never dropped them. Knock on wood. We use lithium primaries only. The spotting scope gathers dust since we bought the 15 and 18 power binoculars. The 10's are MUCH brighter (4.2 exit pupil) and have a good field of view. The image stabilization is really worth it.
754225
very sharp.. I'd prefer the 100mm, but Pentax discontinued it due to lack of sales. For the $$ its a great scope. YOu MIGHT want to look @ Celestron C5, or check the specks..