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Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit
- No Longer Available
- B&H # CER65FS
- Mfr# 52301
Product Highlights
- Waterproof
- Angled Viewing
- ED Glass
- 16-48x Wide Angle Zoom Eyepiece
- 42-60° Apparent Field of View
The Celestron Regal 65 F-ED Spotting Scope is a fully waterproof, armored device accepting any conventional 1.25" astronomy eyepiece, delivered with a zoom ocular. Celestron's been making premium scopes for awhile now, and the Regal F shows much in the way of evolution: the sunshade hood now telescopes and has a rotating sighting aid, the tripod collar now rotates as well, and they made the eyepieces interchangeable. The supplied eyepiece also features a T-threading just under the eyeguard; merely add a T-mount for your SLR camera to digiscope directly through the eyepiece.
But the Regal 65 F-ED's best improvement is that one of the objective elements now contains fluorite, a costly crystal material which goes a long way towards achieving true apochromatic color correction. Whenever light's harsh and contrasty, or when a colorful bird is cast against an overwhelming drab gray background, the fluorite will help define those edges of subject and background like no other element can.
For their flagship Regals, Celestron chose to only produce angled scopes. Angled scopes are much easier to share amongst a group of observers and are generally regarded as giving a more relaxed, comfortable observing position unless you're elevated more than 45° above a subject. It takes some experience to quickly locate subjects.
The Regal 65 F-ED's 65mm diameter objective lens is the practical choice for many seasoned observers, providing a good compromise between brightness and compact dimensions. Paired together with a decent carbon fiber tripod, or perhaps a "trunnion shaft" tripod, and you'll have an outfit weighing below 8 pounds-easily taken upon even the most ardent of nature treks.
Celestron's Regal spotting scopes include their wonderful "No Fault" warranty coverage, which assures that your scope will be repaired or replaced at Celestron's option for as long as you own them-no questions asked! The only requirements on the user's end are to ship the binoculars (at the user's cost) to Celestron with a proof of purchase and a check or money order for $25 to cover the costs of inspection, shipping and handling. This warranty service is valid only for USA and Canadian citizens.
- Fluorite (expensive material only used in finest of scopes) 65mm doublet objective lens system yields superior contrast in all light
- Sealed, waterproof design
- Accepts standard 1.25" astronomy eyepieces, from Celestron and many others
- Smooth dual-geared focus knob easily operated with a single finger
- Built-In T-Mount threading for eyepiece projection SLR photography (requires camera-specific T-mount adapter)
- Alignment aid built in extending sunshade
- Compact, rubber armored housing
- Rotating tripod collar
| Magnification | 16-48x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 2.6" (65mm) |
| Angle of View |
16x: 2.6° 48x: 1.3° |
| Field-of-View (@ 1000 Yds) |
16x: 136' (45 m @ 1000 m) 48x: 68' (23 m @ 1000 m) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 15.0' (4.6 m) |
| Exit Pupil Diameter |
16x: 4.1mm 48x: 1.4mm |
| Eye Relief | 20mm at 16x (unspecified otherwise) |
| Relative Brightness |
16x: 16.5 48x: 1.8 |
| Twilight Factor |
16x: 32.2 48x: 55.9 |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof |
| Dimensions | 13.0" (331mm) in Length [w/o eyepiece] |
| Weight | 3.81 lbs (1731g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Sensitivity controls (5)
- Bright eyepiece (4)
Cons
- Heavy (4)
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Cost
- Good Color And Contrast
- Sensitivity Controls
- Sharp View
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Birding
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Started with a "Ncstar," but couldn't count the buck's points, and then went to a Nikon Fieldscope, 80ED. Talk about extremes in quality, cost, and view! Nikon was supreme, but the "refurb" Nikon was stated to have "No Fault Warranty," but docs delivered with it and support said nope, "90 days and then fix is charged at full repair costs." With this in mind, the new Nikon just too pricey. Found this Celestron 65 ED, and took a chance on it. It is perfect. The view is about on par with the Nikon, very sharp and great contrast. The Celestron is not as bright at the higher powers, beyond 30X, but is a great, great scope considering everything. Very happy with it. I really like being able to try lower cost eyepieces at some point, and may with the hope that'll brighten at higher power, like 40X.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Sharp
- Solidly made
Cons
- Heavy
- No stay-on case available
- Unbalanced for tripod
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
This lovely scope is sharp as a pin and gives great images even in challenging lighting. The zoom lens supplied - in common with many zooms - is OK at the wide end but hazier towards the long end, but at 15x to 20x, it's excellent. Focusing is smooth and precise and it's clearly well made.
But this scope's tripod mount is in the wrong place, leaving the scope very back-heavy. It seems to me the tripod collar and baseplate, had it been affixed facing the other way, would have resolved this issue but it can't be reversed so I have had to have a tripod plate extender made for me.
The other downside is that Celestron seems to have neglected to get someone to make a stay-on case for it, and there are no third-party cases available. Surely that could be resolved with a few phone calls?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
My interest is birding, and I tried both the 80mm Ultima and 80mm Konus and stopped looking when I got the Regal 65mm. The Ultima and Konus are both fine scopes and are sharp in the center, but as one goes to the outer edges, there is considerable degradation of image, especially if you plan on digiscoping. Of these two, btw, I would choose the Ultima, especially if you are observing only.
The Reagal 65mm tops them both. With its ED glass, it is sharp to the edge of field with a bright image and very little color- the other two were high in chromatic aberration. It is also a real plus having threads on the Zoom EP. You can clearly see 3 bands on Jupiter and the Moon is exquisite. Although this is not an Astronomy scope, I put it on my Nexstar Mount and could see several Messier Objects ( including M57- the Ring Nebula).
I did not go for the 80mm Regal as this was heavy enough at 3.5 lbs, and I plan on taking this into the field. I am using the Manfrotto 701 Head with it- great combination.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Birding
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
This is a great scope. I looked through a higher end scope(won't mention any names) and the Celestron blew that scope out of the water. Very happy with my new scope!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
My son and I, after much resurch bought this scope'celestron 65 f-ed. We had planed on spending more money on it this is my 2nd scope and after using it for about 2 months we are very happy with this scope. It is a bit heavy...but the clarity is superb. We use it mostly for hunting, but with this scope I have found myself getting into bird watching...everything watching. It is A LOT of scope for the money...I am very happy with it. For what I do...I do not need anymore of a scope than this. I am very pleased...the optic clarity makes up for the weight and the price is very good.
Pros
- Adjustable tripod collar
- Can use astro eyepices
- Good stock zoom eyepiece
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bird Watching
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use this scope for bird watching and occasional views of the moon/planets. The optics are top notch and rival much more expensive brands. The stock zoom eyepiece is well made. The rotating tripod collar is excellent when you want to sit while birding, you loosen the collar and rotate the scope. I didn't realize how much I would have liked this feature when I bought the scope, but it is a great feature. The focus knob is smooth and has a fine adjustment which I don't know is necessary but is nice to have. The use of any astro eyepiece is misleading, search for Celestron Regal eyepiece and read the question/answer on Celestron's sight. It turns out only certain eyepieces work properly (Celestron X-Cel). The scope is on the heavy side but not a big deal for me and the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5. You will need a decent tripod head for this scope, I'm using the Manfrotto 701HDV which is perfect. Fit and finish is very nice. This scope is a third to half as much as the big names but delivers on all levels plus Celestron's warranty is second to none. I would highly recommend this scope.
Displaying reviews 1-6
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Sensitivity controls (5)
- Bright eyepiece (4)
Cons
- Heavy (4)
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Cost
- Good Color And Contrast
- Sensitivity Controls
- Sharp View
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Birding
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
Started with a "Ncstar," but couldn't count the buck's points, and then went to a Nikon Fieldscope, 80ED. Talk about extremes in quality, cost, and view! Nikon was supreme, but the "refurb" Nikon was stated to have "No Fault Warranty," but docs delivered with it and support said nope, "90 days and then fix is charged at full repair costs." With this in mind, the new Nikon just too pricey. Found this Celestron 65 ED, and took a chance on it. It is perfect. The view is about on par with the Nikon, very sharp and great contrast. The Celestron is not as bright at the higher powers, beyond 30X, but is a great, great scope considering everything. Very happy with it. I really like being able to try lower cost eyepieces at some point, and may with the hope that'll brighten at higher power, like 40X.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Sharp
- Solidly made
Cons
- Heavy
- No stay-on case available
- Unbalanced for tripod
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
This lovely scope is sharp as a pin and gives great images even in challenging lighting. The zoom lens supplied - in common with many zooms - is OK at the wide end but hazier towards the long end, but at 15x to 20x, it's excellent. Focusing is smooth and precise and it's clearly well made.
But this scope's tripod mount is in the wrong place, leaving the scope very back-heavy. It seems to me the tripod collar and baseplate, had it been affixed facing the other way, would have resolved this issue but it can't be reversed so I have had to have a tripod plate extender made for me.
The other downside is that Celestron seems to have neglected to get someone to make a stay-on case for it, and there are no third-party cases available. Surely that could be resolved with a few phone calls?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
My interest is birding, and I tried both the 80mm Ultima and 80mm Konus and stopped looking when I got the Regal 65mm. The Ultima and Konus are both fine scopes and are sharp in the center, but as one goes to the outer edges, there is considerable degradation of image, especially if you plan on digiscoping. Of these two, btw, I would choose the Ultima, especially if you are observing only.
The Reagal 65mm tops them both. With its ED glass, it is sharp to the edge of field with a bright image and very little color- the other two were high in chromatic aberration. It is also a real plus having threads on the Zoom EP. You can clearly see 3 bands on Jupiter and the Moon is exquisite. Although this is not an Astronomy scope, I put it on my Nexstar Mount and could see several Messier Objects ( including M57- the Ring Nebula).
I did not go for the 80mm Regal as this was heavy enough at 3.5 lbs, and I plan on taking this into the field. I am using the Manfrotto 701 Head with it- great combination.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
Best Uses
- Birding
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
This is a great scope. I looked through a higher end scope(won't mention any names) and the Celestron blew that scope out of the water. Very happy with my new scope!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bright Eyepiece
- Sensitivity Controls
- Strong Magnification
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bright Conditions
- Low Visibility
- Shooting
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
My son and I, after much resurch bought this scope'celestron 65 f-ed. We had planed on spending more money on it this is my 2nd scope and after using it for about 2 months we are very happy with this scope. It is a bit heavy...but the clarity is superb. We use it mostly for hunting, but with this scope I have found myself getting into bird watching...everything watching. It is A LOT of scope for the money...I am very happy with it. For what I do...I do not need anymore of a scope than this. I am very pleased...the optic clarity makes up for the weight and the price is very good.
Pros
- Adjustable tripod collar
- Can use astro eyepices
- Good stock zoom eyepiece
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bird Watching
Comments about Celestron Regal 65 F-ED 16-48x65mm Spotting Scope Kit:
I use this scope for bird watching and occasional views of the moon/planets. The optics are top notch and rival much more expensive brands. The stock zoom eyepiece is well made. The rotating tripod collar is excellent when you want to sit while birding, you loosen the collar and rotate the scope. I didn't realize how much I would have liked this feature when I bought the scope, but it is a great feature. The focus knob is smooth and has a fine adjustment which I don't know is necessary but is nice to have. The use of any astro eyepiece is misleading, search for Celestron Regal eyepiece and read the question/answer on Celestron's sight. It turns out only certain eyepieces work properly (Celestron X-Cel). The scope is on the heavy side but not a big deal for me and the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5. You will need a decent tripod head for this scope, I'm using the Manfrotto 701HDV which is perfect. Fit and finish is very nice. This scope is a third to half as much as the big names but delivers on all levels plus Celestron's warranty is second to none. I would highly recommend this scope.
Displaying reviews 1-6
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