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Celestron Ultima 65mm Spotting Scope Review (Straight Spotter With 18-55X Magnification)


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celestron ultima 65 spotting scope - straight
Image Credit - Celestron

Viewing Configuration: Straight
Magnification: 18-55X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 65 mm
Close Focus Distance: 20 feet
Weight: 37 ounces
Field of View: 89-38 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 18 mm/ 3.6-1.1 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: BK
Focus System: Collar/Single Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation

Celestron Ultima 65 Spotting Scope

This Celestron Ultima 65 Straight spotting scope has a zoom power of 18-55X with fully multi-coated optics and a quick-aiming sight tube. It's also fully weatherproof and is camera adaptable.

The entire Ultima series has seen tremendous hits with truck loads of reviewers getting online to post their experiences with them. The Ultima range has an extremely high rating - that's explosively impressive for so many reviews.

Now, although I had to pick one Ultima for this review, the entire line can be applied to the Q&A. This way, you're able to get to the essence and core of the Ultima as a high-performing spotting scope device while you're out in the hunt.

For a full rundown on the Ultima features, check out our Q&A!

Pros:

  • Price
  • Interchangeable eyepieces
  • Digiscope adaptable
  • Long ranging distance
  • Sight tube

Cons:

  • Focusing issues

Ultima 65 Straight Spotting Scope Q&A:

What are the other models in the Ultima series?

This review features the Ultima 65 Straight, but this is only one of six models in the Ultima line. The counterpart to this 65 Straight is the Ultima 65 - 45 Degree Spotting Scope.

The other two are the 80 mm and the 100 mm models, both available in either Straight or 45 Degree.

And, if you're a newbie to spotting scopes, I can hear your confusion loud and clear. It sounds like something along the lines of, "What does straight and 45 degree mean?". Am I right? Well, pay attention to the next question.

What are the differences between angled and straight spotting scopes?

The straight design is pretty self-explanatory - the eyepiece is aligned with the body of the scope.

The straight design is easier to use than its angled counterpart. For entry level hunters, it'll provide the basic skills you need to become an experienced spotter for birds, for prey in the hunt, or for bullet strikes at the range.

The other design is the angled, where the eyepiece is often either at a 45 degree angle, or less often, a 90 degree angle.

The angled design is convenient for people who are sharing the same scope mounted to a tripod to cater to the differing heights of people. It also provides more comfort for the neck so that you don't have to raise it as high as you would with a straight scope.

What is the sight tube?

This is the additional scope that's been built into the top and side of the spotting scope. Essentially, it's an aiming device or a finderscope, similar to the one found on the catadioptric C90 Mak spotting scope.

It's low-powered to help you get a better sight and aim of your prey, terrain, and moving objects.

Would this 65mm Ultima be a good hunting scope?

All the Ultima spotting scopes would be great optics to utilize while in the hunt - but then again, it would depend on your hunting style and preferences.

If you typically shoot and hunt close range and in wooded areas, there's no way you'd be wanting to look this way. But, for long distance viewing and spotting of your prey, this would be perfect.

But, it is a little on the heavy side at 37 ounces. You'll want a good sling or carry case and an excellent tripod. If you have a hot spot that you sit and wait in for hours at a time, the Ultimas might just be what you need.

Is the Ultima 65 good for low light use?

As far as for what it says on paper, the exit pupil is only going to be as large as 3.6 mm. While the human pupil can expand as much as 7 mm and perhaps even 9 mm at low light, you might be losing out on some maximum light transmission potential. But...

It should be noted that Celestron optics do have a reputation of being of much higher quality than their comparable counterparts from other brands.

But the final word is, with a huge 65 mm aperture and fully multi-coated optics, image quality is going to be the best of the best - especially during daylight use.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Can range well out past 1000 yards
  • Excellent for use on the shooting range for bullet strike verification
  • Fully multi-coated optics for excellent image quality
  • Fully waterproof and fog-proof to endure harsh and unexpected weather
  • Sight tube for quick aiming and target acquisition
  • Backed by Celestron's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Verdict On The Celestron Ultima 65mm Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the Celestron Ultima 65 18-55x65 is a bargain deal - that's why it earned a spot on our list of the best spotters under $200. It's a heavy-duty scope that'll take more than a few knocks. However, like most high-powered optics, clarity can be compromised at max power. This is also true of the Ultima.

If you want more usable mag power, you'll have to pay hundreds more for the Celestron Regal - it might be worth it to you. Otherwise, you might also want to settle for the very cheap Celestron Landscout 10-30x50 that's anything but "cheap." Celestron has options.

The Landove 20-60X 80 Prism Spotting Scope takes optics specs to a whole new level while keeping prices competitive with the Ultima. If you think you'll be taking a whole lotta pics of wildlife or your tight groupings at the range, the Landove might just be up your alley.

In the end, Celestron has a spotting scope for everyone. With a little glassing, you'll be able to spot your star of a buy!

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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