Need an 80mm spotting scope

Jerry · Guest

Hi. I need a spotting scope for around $500. Here are my applications, 60% long range tresstrial observation and birding, and 40% casual astronomy. I have narrowed it down to 2 scopes, the Nikon sky and earth 80mm angled with 20x60 eyepiece, and the celestron ultima 80ED with 20x60 zoom eyepiece. At first i had considered the etx-90 spotter but there are 2 problems, first it is not water resisent, and 2, I saw one up clost and it is a little too fragile for my intended uses in the field.

So here are my 2 MAIN concerns between the Nikon and celestorn, First and FOREMOST, build quality. Could you kindly tell me which one excells in this category, and secondly, optical quality. My intial thoughts were that the Nikon and celestron had similar optics, but that since the celestron had ed glass it would have the edge, but being an ameteur, I don't really know. Any help I could recieve would be GREATLY apperciated.
Thank you, Jerry

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 11:49 am Post subject:

Hi

I'd rate them as very close, with an edge to the Celestron ED for color correction. Both have an excellent warranty.
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Jerry · Guest

WOW. Thnaks for the lighting quick reply. Ok you say that the build quality of these scope are very close, ok, but does that mean that the build quality is good? I just don't want to make a bad purchase.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 3:39 pm Post subject:

You are welcome

Build quality is certainly good enough for all but the most extreme conditions. The Ultima is technically rated as waterproof (a recent upgrade), though the Nikon is rated only as water-resistant.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

Jerry · Guest

Hi. I was wondering if I bought the celestron would it be possiable to return the product if I don't like it? How do your shipping rates work if I return it? Would I have to pay?

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:13 am Post subject:

Hi

We have a 30 day return policy subject to a 15% restock fee, though we usually waive that, especially if you are going to exchange it for another item. It's mostly to recover shipping costs, since we ship free UPS to most locations. Be glad to work with you on any scope you wish to try.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820