Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit
- Price: $439.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # CEC5SB
- Mfr# 52291
Product Highlights
- Angled Viewing
- 50x Eyepiece
- Accepts 1.25" Astronomical Eyepieces
The Celestron C5 Spotter is a 5" (127mm) aperture, 1250mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. Its optical excellence is the reason it was chosen by NASA for many space shuttle missions. It can be the ideal choice for the serious bird watcher, nature lover or anyone who enjoys beautiful views - either from home or in the field.
With its huge aperture of 5", the C5 Spotter will easily outperform smaller aperture spotting scopes. Offering 4.5x more light gathering ability than a 60mm spotting scope and 2.5x more than an 80mm scope, the C5 is the ideal choice for when a powerful instrument delivering brilliant, crisp views is required.
The C5 is a versatile optical tool. A minimum close-focus range of 20' makes it ideal for observing plant life, wildlife, birds or insects. At the same time, the C5 can also be used as an astronomical telescope. In addition, the C5 goes easily from working as a powerful spotting scope to being a high performance 1250mm f/10 telephoto lens, with the use of the optional T-Adapter and camera T-ring.
- Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design offers one of the most compact and rugged optical systems on the market today, and uses a combination of mirrors and lenses to produce the image.
- Includes the terrestrial (erect image) 6x30 finder. The purpose of the finder is to locate objects that might otherwise be overlooked in the narrow, higher power field of view of the spotting scope.
- The scope will attach to any photographic tripod with a 1/4"-20 threaded screw. The C5 attaches to the tripod via a photo tripod adapter block that has 2 1/4"-20 holes.
- StarBright coatings on all elements. AR coating on the corrector yields greater light transmission, while HR coatings on primary and secondary mirrors provide greater reflectivity.
| Magnification | 50x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 127 mm |
| Angle of View | 1.0° |
| Field-of-View (@ 1000 Yds) | 53' (17 m at 1000 m) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 20' (6.1 m) |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 2.6 mm |
| Eye Relief | 22 mm |
| Relative Brightness | 6.7 |
| Twilight Factor | 78 |
| Weatherproofing | No |
| Dimensions | 13" (33 cm) [length] |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.721 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 14 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong magnification (8)
- Bright eyepiece (6)
- Sensitivity controls (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy (9)
- Bright conditions (4)
- Low visibility (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (12)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 14 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-14
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great all around telescope. It far exceeded my expectations, both in celestial and terrestrial viewing, and so portable. setup is quick. I have mine mounted to Parallogram mount.
It comes standard with a 25mm eyepiece. I would recommend complementing it with a 12mm, and a 2X Barlow. My next purchase will be a Bino-viewer.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
- Recommended:
- 2X Barlow, Planetary Filter
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I am live in Japan.
I took only 4days to reach to scope at hand.
Also Great scope for terrestrial viewing, very clear and high detai. I'm very pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
It's really amazing when I do bird watching, also the observation of the moon and planets, and the use in photography.
His power is great, and the quality of the images are clear and bright, I'm very happy to have purchased this product.
I have nothing negative to say about this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Awsome for terrestrial viewing
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use this for terrestrial spotting and photography. It makes a very good high-powered spotting scope. When used with the f/6.3 corrector, it takes very good photos.
The packaging is compact and portable for the performance that you get. I'm very happy with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
- Adapter threads
Best Uses
- Sight seeing
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Scope works as expected - well. I also bought a T-ring and camera adapter and I'm learning how to use my camera now since this is the first non-auto-focus lens that I've had in many years.
I have an expansive mountain and city view from my home and wanted a scope that I could use to identify distant landmarks. The C-5 is doing the job.
The only con that I have is the threads for the adapter - visual adapter or T-ring for camera adapter. They're easily cross-threaded.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good definitionprice
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great scope for terrestrial viewing, very clear and high detail, with certain eyepieces stunning clarity and wide feild of view, the supplied eyepiece is decent but would recommend and upgrade to get the most out of this scope, a baader Hyperion zoom lense will make this scope complete and a good alt/azi mount tripod. I've watched spiders make webs with great clarity in the tops of distant trees at 100 yds..and for stargazing jupiter and it's moons in detail like I've never seen thru a scope ever...credit the baader Hyperion eypiece tho, but the 24 mm celeston ep is good..but would recommend to anyone that's interested in this scope to upgrade ep's, great scope for terrestrial and astronomical, well built, solid, 1.25 barrel length makes it upgradeable wilt accessories like focal reducers and high quality lenses, camera adapters t rings etc.., its called a spotting scope but it's also a great 5" sct telescope.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Wild Life
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
i wanted scope for bird,& wild life spotting. very powerful scope. once u get it sited in its easy too use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Really needs a good mount for Prime Focus still photography but for my HD video through my camera it works great! Clean crisp images of the wildlife.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Almost scary
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bird Watching
- Low Visibility
- Terrestrial viewing
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
If you ever wanted Superman's powers, this comes mighty close.
The optics are excellent -- sharp and bright. I can see clear across town, read traffic signs from miles away, see the crags of the moon and the rings of Saturn. The eyepiece that ships isn't the most powerful the aperture can resolve. I've ordered the zoom eyepiece from -- where else? -- B&H (best camera store in the world).
Know that you will need a good tripod. Excellent for terrestrial and some astronomy. If you want purely astronomical, get a mount. If you are clumsy, consider other spotting scopes, as more rugged.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great spotting scope, excellent value. The field of view corresponds to about my thumbnail at arm's length, to give a rough idea what 1 degree is like. I'm going to use it mostly for astrophotography, so I need to get the 6.3 corrector lens. The carrying case is well padded, but you have to remove the eyepieces every time, which is a little tedious.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Value for money
- Very compact
- Well made
Cons
- Case very cheap
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Planets and moon
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Very happy with my purchase.
Very well made although the case could be better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 50 inch focal length
- 5 inch diameter objective
- 6 pounds
- Optical coatings
- Very short tube length
- Vixen dovetail mount bar
Cons
- Long Cooldown/Warmup
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use the C5 for visual and imaging astronomy. I already own a Nexstar 8SE and wanted something smaller with the same type of capabilities that I could use on the Nexstar mount, an AstroTrac mount and a manual az/alt mount for travel purposes. The C5 fit the bill and I am very pleased with its visual and imaging performance. Already having a larger SCT, I know about the pros and cons of this type of design, so I'm not surprised by anything. It can share accessories with 8SE without the need for new accessory purchase. At 6 pounds, it is a nice fit for the AstroTrac mount. If you want visual capabilities between 50 and 150 (for most seeing conditions, this lightweight, highly portable scope meets the requirement. The supplied foam lined nylon carrying case is very nice. Prime focus and afocal imaging work great with both a webcam and a DSLR camera. For my usage, it is an all around excellent purchase at an excellent price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- BH Photo Video reputation
- Bright Eyepiece
- Celestron Reputation
- Large light gathering
- Lightweight
- Padded Protection
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Whale Spotting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I have been through a heap of Spotters to watch the Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline from my home in Australia.
When you spot whales you only have a few seconds to line them up and depending on the weather it can be a grey on grey background or beautiful water colour. The key is a large aperture Spotting Scope which gathers maximum light and can handle a magnification of at least 40X to see them up to the horizon from shore.
I have tested and bought budget and high quality 65mm,and 80mm refractors, and 90 mm and 100mm Maksutov Cassegrains over the years. They all work ok in close but push them out wide to their limits and their smaller light gathering results in a muddy image, plus they can't handle the magnification.
The C5 wins against them all. Clear bright optics, and a usable sight scope all in a compact package with a 45 degree viewing image. The included eyepiece works fine and you can always buy more to increase the magnification if needed. While portable the C5 needs a solid tripod to keep it rock steady. Also buy the c5 dew shield to protect against stray light.
The handy padded carry case gives a great protection package.
Hope this review helps others get the right gear for Whale Spotting.
Displaying reviews 1-14
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 14 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong magnification (8)
- Bright eyepiece (6)
- Sensitivity controls (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy (9)
- Bright conditions (4)
- Low visibility (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (12)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 14 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-14
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great all around telescope. It far exceeded my expectations, both in celestial and terrestrial viewing, and so portable. setup is quick. I have mine mounted to Parallogram mount.
It comes standard with a 25mm eyepiece. I would recommend complementing it with a 12mm, and a 2X Barlow. My next purchase will be a Bino-viewer.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
- Recommended:
- 2X Barlow, Planetary Filter
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I am live in Japan.
I took only 4days to reach to scope at hand.
Also Great scope for terrestrial viewing, very clear and high detai. I'm very pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
It's really amazing when I do bird watching, also the observation of the moon and planets, and the use in photography.
His power is great, and the quality of the images are clear and bright, I'm very happy to have purchased this product.
I have nothing negative to say about this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Awsome for terrestrial viewing
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use this for terrestrial spotting and photography. It makes a very good high-powered spotting scope. When used with the f/6.3 corrector, it takes very good photos.
The packaging is compact and portable for the performance that you get. I'm very happy with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
- Adapter threads
Best Uses
- Sight seeing
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Scope works as expected - well. I also bought a T-ring and camera adapter and I'm learning how to use my camera now since this is the first non-auto-focus lens that I've had in many years.
I have an expansive mountain and city view from my home and wanted a scope that I could use to identify distant landmarks. The C-5 is doing the job.
The only con that I have is the threads for the adapter - visual adapter or T-ring for camera adapter. They're easily cross-threaded.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good definitionprice
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great scope for terrestrial viewing, very clear and high detail, with certain eyepieces stunning clarity and wide feild of view, the supplied eyepiece is decent but would recommend and upgrade to get the most out of this scope, a baader Hyperion zoom lense will make this scope complete and a good alt/azi mount tripod. I've watched spiders make webs with great clarity in the tops of distant trees at 100 yds..and for stargazing jupiter and it's moons in detail like I've never seen thru a scope ever...credit the baader Hyperion eypiece tho, but the 24 mm celeston ep is good..but would recommend to anyone that's interested in this scope to upgrade ep's, great scope for terrestrial and astronomical, well built, solid, 1.25 barrel length makes it upgradeable wilt accessories like focal reducers and high quality lenses, camera adapters t rings etc.., its called a spotting scope but it's also a great 5" sct telescope.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Wild Life
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
i wanted scope for bird,& wild life spotting. very powerful scope. once u get it sited in its easy too use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Really needs a good mount for Prime Focus still photography but for my HD video through my camera it works great! Clean crisp images of the wildlife.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Almost scary
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bird Watching
- Low Visibility
- Terrestrial viewing
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
If you ever wanted Superman's powers, this comes mighty close.
The optics are excellent -- sharp and bright. I can see clear across town, read traffic signs from miles away, see the crags of the moon and the rings of Saturn. The eyepiece that ships isn't the most powerful the aperture can resolve. I've ordered the zoom eyepiece from -- where else? -- B&H (best camera store in the world).
Know that you will need a good tripod. Excellent for terrestrial and some astronomy. If you want purely astronomical, get a mount. If you are clumsy, consider other spotting scopes, as more rugged.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Great spotting scope, excellent value. The field of view corresponds to about my thumbnail at arm's length, to give a rough idea what 1 degree is like. I'm going to use it mostly for astrophotography, so I need to get the 6.3 corrector lens. The carrying case is well padded, but you have to remove the eyepieces every time, which is a little tedious.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Value for money
- Very compact
- Well made
Cons
- Case very cheap
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Planets and moon
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Very happy with my purchase.
Very well made although the case could be better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 50 inch focal length
- 5 inch diameter objective
- 6 pounds
- Optical coatings
- Very short tube length
- Vixen dovetail mount bar
Cons
- Long Cooldown/Warmup
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use the C5 for visual and imaging astronomy. I already own a Nexstar 8SE and wanted something smaller with the same type of capabilities that I could use on the Nexstar mount, an AstroTrac mount and a manual az/alt mount for travel purposes. The C5 fit the bill and I am very pleased with its visual and imaging performance. Already having a larger SCT, I know about the pros and cons of this type of design, so I'm not surprised by anything. It can share accessories with 8SE without the need for new accessory purchase. At 6 pounds, it is a nice fit for the AstroTrac mount. If you want visual capabilities between 50 and 150 (for most seeing conditions, this lightweight, highly portable scope meets the requirement. The supplied foam lined nylon carrying case is very nice. Prime focus and afocal imaging work great with both a webcam and a DSLR camera. For my usage, it is an all around excellent purchase at an excellent price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- BH Photo Video reputation
- Bright Eyepiece
- Celestron Reputation
- Large light gathering
- Lightweight
- Padded Protection
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Whale Spotting
Comments about Celestron C5 Spotter 5"/127mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I have been through a heap of Spotters to watch the Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline from my home in Australia.
When you spot whales you only have a few seconds to line them up and depending on the weather it can be a grey on grey background or beautiful water colour. The key is a large aperture Spotting Scope which gathers maximum light and can handle a magnification of at least 40X to see them up to the horizon from shore.
I have tested and bought budget and high quality 65mm,and 80mm refractors, and 90 mm and 100mm Maksutov Cassegrains over the years. They all work ok in close but push them out wide to their limits and their smaller light gathering results in a muddy image, plus they can't handle the magnification.
The C5 wins against them all. Clear bright optics, and a usable sight scope all in a compact package with a 45 degree viewing image. The included eyepiece works fine and you can always buy more to increase the magnification if needed. While portable the C5 needs a solid tripod to keep it rock steady. Also buy the c5 dew shield to protect against stray light.
The handy padded carry case gives a great protection package.
Hope this review helps others get the right gear for Whale Spotting.
Displaying reviews 1-14
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