Great scope package for the money! - OpticsPlanet Exclusive Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x Zoom 45 Degree Spotting Scope w/Tripod

My reviews take price into account. For the money, this spotting scope package cannot be beat. I agree with another review, the scope alone is worth the money and the tripod while not great is serviceable and it is very light and somewhat compact. With some patient experimentation and adjustment and the included hook for a counterweight the tripod is fine for casual/recreational use. There can be some shake and vibration in stronger wind for example but nothing major and this cannot really be considered a fault at this price. The scope is of average size for 80 mm but it is also noticeably light. Carrying cases with straps are included for both the scope and the tripod. While the cases are not padded they are of reasonable quality and useful. The removable eye piece helps with travel/storage. Together they make a reasonably compact and really light rig for the optical stats and performance.
Construction of the scope is solid and precise. It yields clear bright sharp images up to about 40x at which point the image tends to get a little darker and is not as sharp but still perfectly acceptable. Focusing is easy positive and fast.
For reference I also own a Swarovski ATX 65mm scope for serious birding and a Minox 50mm scope for ultra compact/light traveling. I take this Celestron to the beach nearly every weekend (can't yet bring myself to expose the Swaro to the salt and sand)for general use and love it. This is a 5 star package for the price and portability.