Opinions on Celestron Regal Spotting Scopes?

[BigDMT]

I always hear folks talking online about how much they like their Celestron spotting scopes for birding, shooting, and astronomy.

I also noticed how some complained about the weak scope body construction. Well, now Celestron has redesigned their Regal scope with a strong lightweight magnesium body to attract the hunting crowds. They call it the Regal M2.

The limited reviews I can find speak very highly of the optical quality with the ED glass in the new M2 scopes. Was just wondering if you folks could give me some input on your thoughts using Celestron glass? Thanks.

 

[Nodak7mm]

BigDMT,

I know there are several threads here on the Celstron Regal F-ED for a shooting spotting scope. I have had mine now for 2 yrs and have used several others for at least 2 yrs prior on the shooting line. I think its a great scope for the money. I have the 65mm model and have no complaints about the body.. Then again I am not tossing it around, I treat it like its a fine optical device that is prone to break if mistreated..

Rod

 

[Travelor]

There appears to be two generations of this scope - one with a gray exterior (old model) and one with a green exterior (new model). From what I read the green model is the newer one and is one pound lighter and a "improvement" over the other.

Just a FYI, be sure to as about the weight. The older model is #52303 and weighs 89 oz, while the newer model is #52306 and weighs 73.5 oz. Appears that the material that the body is made of has been changed to magnesium.


Always ask!!!!

 

[BigDMT]

There appears to be two generations of this scope - one with a gray exterior (old model) and one with a green exterior (new model). From what I read the green model is the newer one and is one pound lighter and a "improvement" over the other.

Just a FYI, be sure to as about the weight. The older model is #52303 and weighs 89 oz, while the newer model is #52306 and weighs 73.5 oz. Appears that the material that the body is made of has been changed to magnesium.


Always ask!!!!

The newer model is magnesium. I am looking at the 65mm scope. It weighs only about 48 oz which is right in there for weight with high dollar alpha models.

I am hoping I get enough good feedback on the Regal scope because it only costs around $500 for the 65mm. So I think it would be worth a try. If I dont feel comfortable with what I hear about the Regal glass, my next choice will be the Vortex Razor HD 16-48X65 because I have looked through that scope personally and it is phenomenal. But it costs around $1200...

It's funny because I turn over 6 figures per year at work, but I'm still a cheap skate :-\ Go figure... I'm all about the best bang for your buck