Good performance and value, slightly compromised - Celestron Regal M2 80ED Spotting Scope

This is a great buy for the large 80mm objective lens. Optics are good, but the tripod mount is soft enough to introduce some flex which limits performance. In comparing to a Celestron Regal M2 65mm, I found the focus of the 80mm to be less precise without the pop that brings up the texture of a surface. I could not see a brightness advantage over the 65mm even testing in dim light. Even though the optics are good, I was a little disappointed that the advantage of an 80mm didn't hold up. I could probably be happy with it, if I hadn't compared.
Maybe this particular scope was just a little off. The two M2 65mm I compared were equal in performance, with optics nearly as good as my Nikon ED 50mm. Because of weight, size, and no performance advantage, I am returning the M2 80mm.



Pros: Good optics, reasonable weight, good balance, great price.
Cons: Tripod mount not rigid enough, focus good but does not pop.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.