Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope review

A huge 100mm objective lens and powerful zoom eyepiece suggests we’re getting a spotting scope and telescope all in one

Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope
(Image: © Gavin Stoker / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The bigger the lens the brighter the view runs the rule of thumb, with the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope’s whopping 100mm optic ensuring that it’s not only adept at allowing us to sharply view animals at distance in lower light levels on land, but to also point the device skywards for close up views of the heavens. The only potential downside here for anyone wanting to get out and about with this water and fog-proof scope is its size, at 22 inches in length, even if it is lighter than looks might initially suggest. A tripod is an essential extra, while some minor assembly – adding the tripod bracket and screwing the zoom eyepiece into place – is required out of the box. However, with a maximum 66x magnification allied to that 100mm objective lens, we’re getting a shedload of observational power at our fingertips for the budget price being asked.

Pros

  • +

    Huge objective lens and broad magnification range

  • +

    Fogproof and waterproof

  • +

    A powerful scope at a budget price

Cons

  • -

    Big and bulky

  • -

    Requires a sturdy tripod for use

  • -

    More expensive scopes are sharper

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It’s our experience that the Celestron brand can be relied upon for delivering a good value, quality-made product. And while, when it comes to the best spotting scopes, it may not always offer the sharpest around, it nevertheless hits its intended price point with very little in the way of compromise.

We’d wager the same will prove true of the Celestron Ultima 100, so named because of its generous, class-leading 100mm objective lens. In theory, this not only enables us observers to view wildlife on land but to also reach for the stars and enjoy a spot of astronomy on the side. So, in effect, what we’re getting here is an affordable telescope and spotting scope in one.

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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.