Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope review

Angled spotting scope for power users that lives up to its ‘Regal’ name via a design and feature set that’s, yes, a bit posh

Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope
(Image: © Gavin Stoker)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Premium-feel angled spotting scope the length of a forearm that twins a powerful 16-48x magnification range with a large and bright 65mm objective lens to pull the faraway both closer and more sharply into focus. Because of the high level of spec and resulting chunkiness, this Celestron device requires use with an optional tripod. Once mounted, it delivers a bright, close-up view free from chromatic aberration it feels like we can almost reach out and pick the birds from the trees. An adapter ring additionally affords the chance to practise the art of ‘digiscoping’ – namely taking pictures – via the scope. In conclusion, this is a comprehensive package, priced accordingly.

Pros

  • +

    High magnifying power achievable

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    Large bright objective lens

  • +

    Well-built and solid construction

  • +

    Potential to be used for ‘digiscoping’

Cons

  • -

    Chunky and weighty

  • -

    Requires use of a tripod for observation

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    A high-quality model inevitably means a high-ish price tag

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If all we’ve been used to in the past is a pair of binoculars or their lighter-weight monocular alternative, then the Celestron Regal M2 65ED spotting scope will feel properly heavy-duty by comparison. The length of our elbow, forearm, and hand combined, it’s a chunky beast, even if it is more compact than the average telescope. 

Intended for wildlife watchers and nature lovers, this heavy-duty scope can be handily fixed to a tripod, which given the size, weight, and magnification on offer here, is an essential extra purchase. Not only does mounting the scope keep both our hands free for adjusting focus and angle of view, but it also helps deliver smooth and judder-free observation towards the maximum magnification setting. The caveat here is that this level of scope specification and build quality is not inexpensive, even if Celestron as a manufacturer is routinely feted for its good value products. 

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Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 years’ experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and the Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge, Gavin is well placed to recognize great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters and cameras straps.