Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope Review [16-48mm Zoom]

celestron regal m2 65ed 16-48x65 spotting scope — Image Credit - Celestron

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 16-48X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 65 mm
Close Focus Distance: 16.4 feet
Weight: 46.8 ounces
Field of View: 131-68 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 20 mm/ 4-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: BAK4
Focus System: Collar/DualFocus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

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

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Celestron Regal M2 Spotting Scope

This Celestron Regal M2 65 ED has everything from ED glass, XLT coatings, and dual focus to a magnesium alloy body and a rotating tripod mount. It's also fully equipped with adjustable magnification, full weatherproof-ability, and a sight tube for quick target acquisition.

If you're wondering how it does online, it has the best rating we've seen yet for a Celestron. It has dozens of reviews online which is excellent for a $400-$500 spotting scope!

Naturally, I wanted to feature the most expensive and extreme 22-67X100 M2 scope, but I reigned in my excitement and went with the one that would best apply to hunters and the avid outdoorsman in the field or at the range - the Regal M2 16-48X65.

I threw a lot of features out there in the introduction sentence to the M2, so let's get right into interpreting what's so cool about the best Celestron spotting scopes.

Pros:

Rotating tripod mount
Interchangeable eyepiece option
Dual focus system
Sight tube
Digiscope adaptable

Cons:

Quality control issues

Regal M2 65 ED Spotting Scope Q&A:

What is ED glass?

Extra-Low Dispersion glass is typically a feature that you'd find in high-end optics, and since the M2 is the top-of-the-line series for Celestron spotting scopes, it definitely has it.

The objective lens is made with ED glass to allow in as much light transmission as possible while keeping light-waves in-phase to remove chromatic aberrations and other optical problems.

The result is typically high-definition effects, high contrast, and rich color fidelity throughout the entire field of view.

What is dual focus?

When shopping for a spotting scope, you're going to want to pay attention to how it's focused.

The first aspect is whether you like focus knobs or focus rings. This M2 has the collar style - the focus ring that's located around the slimmest part of the eyepiece.

Now, dual focus is the "fast" version of focusing your spotting scope. You should be able to focus it about two times faster than a conventional or single focus system.

This means, once you find what you're looking for, zooming in will be swift, speedy, and accurate. No wasting time on that galloping herd.

What are XLT coatings?

This is Celestron's proprietary fully multi-coated lens coatings. Pretty much all glass surfaces outside (the objective lens) and inside the scope have been coated multiple times to allow in as much light as possible.

The more light that's let in and continues through the optical pathway, the clearer, sharper, and brighter the image will be. Coatings are just one factor to consider when you're looking for the best spotting scopes.

Are there any extra accessories included with the Regal 65ED?

The M2 has a boat-load of accessories that gets thrown in. One accessory is the 16-48X zoom eyepiece. You'll notice that not all spotting scopes include the eyepiece in the purchase. Celestron is one brand that does supply the eyepiece.

Then you have your usual stuff like the objective lens cover, eyepiece cover, eyepiece mount cover, lens cloth, instruction manual, and a soft carrying case.

But, this also comes with a T adapter ring so that you can attach your camera to take photos of your once-in-a-lifetime sight!

Does this Regal M2 65ED spotting scope come with a warranty?

All of Celestron's spotting scopes come backed with their Limited Lifetime Warranty. All repairs and warranty services will be provided by Celestron without extra cost to you if they deem that the warranty covers it.

And, you should really hold onto that receipt of yours because they require proof of purchase when you send in your scope for repair. I guess sending in the actual scope isn't enough proof that you purchased it!

Noteworthy Features:

Extra-Low Dispersion Glass to remove chromatic aberrations for sharp, clear, and bright images
Dual focus system for finer tuning and speedy zooming
Proprietary XLT 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
Lightweight and rugged, made with a magnesium allow chassis
Backed by Celestron's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Verdict On The Regal M2 65ED Spotter

The scoop on the scope is, the Celestron Regal M2 65ED Spotting Scope is a high-quality unit for the price. It literally has it all. However, some reports state that issues from the accessories such as the case or the tripod to the focus on the spotter are less than par. Celestron does offer a warranty, but it's still essential to inspect your purchase and give it a test run before the return/refund window lapses.

If you find that the Regal is still too expensive to risk the buy, the Celestron Ultima 65 18-55x65 Straight spotting scope will do you just right. We also think it has the best value within the Celestron line-up, and that should mean something to you so check out.

Outside of Celestron is Nikon. Everything about their 13-30x50mm FieldScope ED 50 spotter is absolutely stellar. For the quality, the high price is spot-on! Read our review of the Fieldscope to find out more.

Celestron knows glass and they know optics. Take it from them to do you right in the field and the skies!

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