Celestron C5 127mm f/10 50x Spotting Scope (OTA Only)

BH #CEC5SB • MFR #52291
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Celestron C5 127mm f/10 50x Spotting Scope (OTA Only)
Key Features
  • 45° Angled Viewing
  • 50x Long Eye Relief Eyepiece
  • Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Design
  • Starbright Multi-Coating System
The Celestron C5 127mm f/10 50x Spotting Scope is the ideal choice for the serious bird-watcher, nature lover, amateur astronomer, or anyone who enjoys beautiful views, either from home or in the field. With its generous 5" aperture, the C5 Spotter will easily outperform smaller-aperture spotting scopes. This is a versatile optical tool with a minimum close-focus range of 20' to make it ideal for observing plant life, wildlife, birds, or insects, and since it accepts any 1.25" eyepiece the C5 can also be used as an astronomical telescope. The scope can easily be transformed from a powerful spotting scope to a high-performance 1250mm f/10 telephoto lens with the use of the optional T-adapter and camera-specific T-ring. Celestron offers the C5 here without a tripod, but includes a 1/4"-20 mounting block so it can easily be attached to many photo, video, and field tripods with a payload capacity of at least 6 pounds. The block has multiple holes along its length for proper placement to achieve the optimum balance.
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Celestron C5 Overview

The Celestron C5 127mm f/10 50x Spotting Scope is the ideal choice for the serious bird-watcher, nature lover, amateur astronomer, or anyone who enjoys beautiful views, either from home or in the field. With its generous 5" aperture, the C5 Spotter will easily outperform smaller-aperture spotting scopes. This is a versatile optical tool with a minimum close-focus range of 20' to make it ideal for observing plant life, wildlife, birds, or insects, and since it accepts any 1.25" eyepiece the C5 can also be used as an astronomical telescope. The scope can easily be transformed from a powerful spotting scope to a high-performance 1250mm f/10 telephoto lens with the use of the optional T-adapter and camera-specific T-ring. Celestron offers the C5 here without a tripod, but includes a 1/4"-20 mounting block so it can easily be attached to many photo, video, and field tripods with a payload capacity of at least 6 pounds. The block has multiple holes along its length for proper placement to achieve the optimum balance.

Optical Tube Assembly
  • Large 127mm (5") aperture
  • f/10 focal ratio
  • 1250mm focal length
  • Compact Schmidt-Cassegrain optical path
  • Starbright multi-coating system: Anti-reflection lens coatings and highly reflective mirror coatings ensure maximum light transmission through the entire optical path for sharp and bright high-contrast images with little edge-to-edge distortion
  • Internal focusing mechanism
  • 20' close-focus distance
  • Adaptable for prime-focus photography with optional T-adapters and camera-specific T-rings
Mounting
  • Optical tube assembly only, tripod required
  • 1/4"-20 mounting block fits many photo, video, and field tripods
  • Multiple mounting holes enable proper balance
  • Weight: 6 pounds
Included Accessories
  • Eyepiece:
  • 1.25"-diameter barrel
  • Accepts most 1.25" filters
  • 25mm focal length produces 50x magnification
  • 22mm eye relief
  • 52' field of view at 1000 yards
  • Diagonal:
  • 45° angle places head in a comfortable viewing position
  • Integrated erecting prism corrects view horizontally and vertically for terrestrial use
  • Finder:
  • 6x magnification ensures a wide field of view
  • 30mm objective allows users to see dim objects without adding excessive weight or bulk
  • Integrated erecting prism for terrestrial use
  • Carrying Bag:
  • Soft nylon
  • Water resistance provides protection from the elements
UPC: 050234522915

Celestron C5 Specs

Key Specs
Viewing Angle
Angled
Magnification
50x
Objective Lens Diameter
127 mm
Field of View
53.0' @ 1000 yd / 37.6 m @ 1000 m
Minimum Focus Distance
20.0' / 6.1 m
Eye Relief
22.0 mm
Design
Viewing Angle
Angled
Performance
Magnification
50x
Objective Lens Diameter
127 mm
Angle of View
50x: 1.0° (Actual)
Field of View
53.0' @ 1000 yd / 37.6 m @ 1000 m
Minimum Focus Distance
20.0' / 6.1 m
Eye Relief
22.0 mm
General
Dimensions
L: 11.0" / L: 27.9 cm
Weight
6.0 lb / 2.7 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
10.8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17 x 14 x 11"

Celestron C5 Reviews

Celestron's C5 Spotting Scope.. .

By Michael J
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-10-19

NASA Chose the Celestron C5 for work on the International Space Station for Many Excellent Reasons ~ 1.) Diffraction limited optics, 2.) Low Mass 3.) Small operational package, 4.) An Observational Field Capable of covering the Largest Open CLuster to Lunar & Planetary Observing or Photography. It's a Superb `EVERY DAY` Astronomy or Terrestrial Scope.. .

Just ok

By John
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-29

The optics are great. However, there are several functional usage issues that make this too problematic to serve as my go-to spotting scope for birding. I like the side mounted sighting scope to align the main scope with my subject matter of interest. However, the alignment screws are too easily turned out of alignment, there is no way to lock them in. My biggest complaint is that the screw mounting system for attaching a prism and objective lens is simply terrible. It is just not possible to tighten the lens enough so that the lens or prism doesn't wobble. They consistently work loose. May not be an issue for simple stationary or astronomy use, but for an active birder, it is a disappointing fail. Digiscoping is nearly impossible. I have considered drilling my own holes and installing my own tightening system. Overall, it is a fair value at this price point, but it could be so much better.

See any errors on this page?

Hi, Could someone tell me what the outside ...

Hi, Could someone tell me what the outside circumference of the C5 is? Thanks!
Asked by: James
The outside diameter of the C5's aluminum tube body is approximately 6" or 145mm. The circumference is 6 x 3.14 = 18.84 inches.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-12-16

I don't see holes for piggybacking a DSLR. If ...

I don't see holes for piggybacking a DSLR. If there are holes, what adapter can be used?
Asked by: Mark
You will need to use the finderscope bracket holes to attach the Celestron Universal Piggyback Mount #93609.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-03-28

Can I use the Celestron C5 with Ultima Pan Tilt ...

Can I use the Celestron C5 with Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod? If it's not the case, which is the recommended tripod ?
Asked by: Alessandro Damásio
The Celestron C5 127mm f/10 50x Spotting Scope (OTA Only) is compatible with any tripod with a standard mounting screw that can support at least 11 lbs.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2024-04-09

Hello - I asked the question about piggybacking a ...

Hello - I asked the question about piggybacking a DSLR to the C5. Thanks for your response, but it didn't answer the question. I've done what you state in your answer numerous times with my Nikon DSLRs. Celestron's site says they have a piggyback adapter that works with SCT's from the C5 on. I don't think it includes the 'spotting scope' version. So wondering if this version of the C5 has the female ends for the mounting screws?
Asked by: Mark
The Celestron Universal Piggyback Mount #93609 can be attached to the C5 Spotting Scope in place of the finderscope bracket. You will be able to piggyback your Nikon DSLR camera.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-03-28

question

Has anyone used this as a spotting scope for benchrest shooting? If so, what would be the maximum effective yardage for viewing the target?
Asked by: Dale J.
With a 6mm lens this scope will be fine seeing 30 cal holes out to 500 Meters as it has been too cold out lately but I saw twigs and their buds out at that distance.
Answered by: Richard W.
Date published: 2021-09-03

WHICH EYEPIECE WILL BOOST THE POWER TO CIRCA 60X ...

WHICH EYEPIECE WILL BOOST THE POWER TO CIRCA 60X FOR TERRESTIAL VIEWING ?
Asked by: BRAD
Because you can use any 1.25" eyepiece with the C5 spotting scope, an eyepiece of 20mm will get you close to 60x at 62.5x. Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2019-07-07

What adaptor would you recommend to use iPhone 11 ...

What adaptor would you recommend to use iPhone 11 with this scope?
Asked by: PETER
The Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter #81055 will be able to attach and hold the iPhone 11 up to the C5's eyepiece for proper centering.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2020-04-27

Is the dovetail rail removable?

Is the dovetail rail removable?
Asked by: James
Yes, the C5 spotting scope's dovetail rail can be removed.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-11-28
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