Review for Celestron 39-100x90mm Maksutov Angled Spotting Scope w/Tripod 52268-OP

Author: dudpete {!} from Turlock, CA on Jan 17, 2010
Pros:  Very sharp optics, no built-in "flip" mirror
Cons:  Long focal length, normally small field of view
Would recommend:  yes

dudpete wrote:

I have been very satisfied with this spotting scope. I find it very attractive and love that it is so compact. This model has no built-in flip mirror or rear lens to seal it so it will be waterproof. These only take away from the inherently sharp optics. I bought a 2" mirror diagonal and an inexpensive Rini 2" 32mm eyepiece. Not knowing for sure if the small optical path at the rear of this scope would pass enough of the image to make this worthwhile, I was surprised to find that it made a big difference. In side-by-side trials, I found the view thru the 2" 32mm to be about a third wider than thru the supplied 1.25" 32mm eyepiece. I was also surprised to find the included tripod was better than I expected. I now have it mounted on one of the mini-dob tabletop mounts from Orion. I got the one which came with a GoScope 80mm short-tube refractor, which I removed. I also use a 55% FL reducer to yield an effective focal length of 688mm, which gives my 2" eyepiece an almost 3 degree field of view. All-in-all I am very happy with this scope.