Have you ever been two steps from the moment — a kingfisher perched, a buck pausing, a coastline glowing — and felt your equipment was the weak link between you and the story?
Product Overview
You hold the Celestron – Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope – 22-66x Zoom Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics for Bird Watching, Wildlife, Scenery and Hunting – Waterproof & Fogproof– Includes Soft Carrying Case like a promise. It’s a 100mm objective scope with a 22–66x zoom and a 45° angled eyepiece designed for long stares and quick grabs. This is the kind of tool that wants to be useful on hiking days, blind sits, and foggy mornings.
Key Features at a Glance
You want facts laid out without fuss. This scope gives you a large objective lens for light gathering, a versatile zoom range for framing distant subjects, and multi-coated optics to keep colors honest. It shows up with practical extras: a soft case, a zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, and a mounting plate ready for a tripod.
Quick Specs
You appreciate data when it’s easy to scan. Here’s the core of what you’re buying, in one place.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Celestron – Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope |
| Objective Lens | 100 mm |
| Zoom Eyepiece | 22–66x |
| Viewing Angle | 45° angled eyepiece |
| Optics | Multi-coated (multiple anti-reflective coatings) |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof & Fogproof |
| Included Accessories | Soft carrying case, extended tripod mounting plate, zoom eyepiece with integrated T-adapter, eyepiece pouch, lens cloth |
| Warranty | Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty |
| Best for | Bird watching, wildlife, scenery, hunting, digiscoping |
First Impressions
When you first unbox it, the scope has a confident weight to it — not dead heavy, but present. The body is matte, purposeful, and slightly grainy to the touch; it doesn’t pretend to be a fashion accessory. It smells like rubber and newness, which, oddly, is reassuring. The included soft case feels padded enough for field transit, and the zoom eyepiece is already set into the barrel like a key in a lock.
Design and Aesthetics
You’ll notice the 45° angled design right away. It’s a quiet, ergonomic choice that makes long viewing sessions less stern on your neck. The finish is earth-toned and practical — you won’t be flashing bright metal in a hunting blind. It’s the sort of object that says, “I’m here for work, not for show.”
Build Quality and Handling
You get a sense of solid engineering when you grip the focus wheel and rotate the zoom. The outer skin resists slips, and the seals suggest confidence against weather. The weight is real enough to steady the scope on a tripod but manageable for shoulder-carry hikes. In short, it feels like something meant to be used rather than displayed.
Focus Wheel and Zoom Mechanism
The large focus dial is a pleasure. It’s not twitchy. It responds with just enough resistance that you don’t mistake a small movement for a major shift. The zoom, 22–66x, is smooth and allows you to zero in quickly. You’ll like that you can telescope in for detail without losing composure or control.
Optics and Image Quality
Optics are where a spotting scope earns its keep. The Ultima 100’s multi-coated lenses work to reduce reflections and to hold color fidelity under different light. You’ll see images that are bright and crisp, with contrast that resists flatness even when the sun is low.
Color, Contrast, and Brightness
Colors feel honest. Greens stay green; browns don’t get muddied into one monotone blob. Contrast is active, giving edges some bite, and the multi-coatings really matter when light is poor or when you’re looking into backlit scenes. For dawn and dusk, the brightness you get from a 100mm objective is a welcome friend.
Sharpness Across Zoom Range
At 22x you get a broad, stable field of view that’s easy to track with. At 66x the details come forward — feather barbs, the texture of fur, the curve of a distant ledge. There’s a softness at the extreme end of the zoom, as is common with many zoom eyepieces, but you’ll find the sweet spot easily in most conditions. The focus mechanism helps you refine that last bit of sharpness without drama.
Low-Light Performance
You’ll notice that a 100mm objective is no miracle worker, but it is generous enough to keep you watching into the golden hour. The multi-coatings help punch light through the system, and you’ll get usable images when others are starting to pack up. If you plan to stalk subjects in the absolute dark, you’ll still need higher optics or night vision, but for early morning and late afternoon, this scope performs well.
Field of View and Eye Relief
The field of view at 22x is comfortable for tracking moving subjects, giving you leeway to keep a bird or deer in frame. At higher magnifications the field narrows, which is normal, and that’s when steadiness matters more. Eye relief is generous enough for users who wear glasses; you can position your eye and keep a clear view without constant adjustment.
Edge Performance and Chromatic Aberration
You’ll find minor chromatic aberration in high-contrast edges, like a sunlit branch against sky. It’s present but restrained. The corners are slightly softer than the center at full zoom, but for typical birding and scouting tasks, the image isn’t ruined — just reminded of the physics at play.
Handling in Real Conditions
You’ll use this scope outdoors where things are wet, windy, and imperfect. The waterproof and fogproof construction means you don’t have to treat weather as an enemy. Rain and damp mornings become smaller obstacles. The angled eyepiece and the focus ergonomics make long watches less punishing on your posture and patience.
Stability and Tripod Mounting
The extended tripod mounting plate gives you better balance on many tripods. You’ll still want a sturdy tripod for higher magnifications — wind will whisper to your image otherwise. The plate helps center the weight and reduces torque on the tripod head, which matters when you’re trying to keep detail in frame.
Digiscoping and Smartphone Use
The integrated T-adapter on the zoom eyepiece is a thoughtful nod to the modern observer. You can attach a camera or a smartphone adapter and make pictures that feel like trophies. You won’t get DSLR-level performance without careful setup, but the convenience of digiscoping is real: you can record moments without re-angling your life.
Practical Tips for Digiscoping
You’ll want to secure a good smartphone adapter and align carefully. Small misalignments show up as vignetting or soft edges. Use the scope at a moderate zoom to reduce sensitivity to handshake, and consider locking the phone in place to minimize drift. When you get it right, the results are delightful — and shareable.
Use Cases: Bird Watching
If you love birds, this scope is sympathetic to your habit. The 22–66x range lets you watch warblers and raptors without swapping optics, and the angled view helps when you’re scanning treetops or marsh reeds. You’ll enjoy long sits without your neck suggesting alternatives.
Use Cases: Wildlife Viewing
For wildlife, the zoom helps you isolate behavior. When a buck lifts its head, you’ll be ready. The 100mm objective gathers enough light for active animal behavior just before and after the day’s peak. You’ll see pattern and intent, not just silhouettes.
Use Cases: Scenery and Landscape
You’ll find subtle satisfaction in landscape work. The scope lets you frame jutting rock faces, distant boats, or city details across a bay. Colors hold up and large scenes resolve into readable parts. It’s helpful when you want to narrate what you’re seeing to companions.
Use Cases: Hunting
Hunters will appreciate the stealthy finish, the waterproofing, and the ability to keep the eyepiece angled for long watches from a blind. The zoom lets you spot and identify game without getting too close too quickly. You’ll want a solid tripod and some patience, and the scope will repay you with quiet performance.
Durability: Waterproof & Fogproof
You bring this scope into damp weather and it doesn’t flinch. O-ring seals and protective coatings mean you won’t be dialing focus through condensation or rain. The outer shell resists knocks and everyday abrasion. It’s not indestructible, but it’s designed to be a reliable partner in real conditions.
Long-Term Reliability
You’re buying into Celestron’s reputation and warranty. The Limited Lifetime US Warranty and US-based support mean repairs and questions aren’t met with silence. For gear that sees trails, hides, and winters, that kind of aftercare is useful.
Accessories Included
The package contents are practical and not frivolous. You get a soft carrying case that cushions and organizes, an extended tripod mounting plate for better balance, an eyepiece pouch to protect the zoom, and a lens cloth. The integrated T-adapter on the zoom eyepiece is a big plus for anyone interested in digiscoping without hunting down aftermarket parts.
How the Accessories Improve Use
You’ll find that the mounting plate stabilizes the scope on a trip, that the eyepiece pouch keeps dust away, and that the lens cloth saves you a frantic finger swipe when a smudge mocks your focus. These details add up to a better user experience. The soft case keeps things mobile without a sense of panic about bumps on the trail.
Setup and Mounting
You’ll mount the scope on a tripod using the extended plate and lock it down. Adjust the eye relief for comfort, roll through the zoom to find framing, then refine focus. It’s simple, and the parts fit together with no negotiation. If you’re moving from binoculars, plan for a slightly different rhythm: the scope is an instrument for still watching, not frantic scanning.
Recommended Tripod Types
A mid-to-heavyweight tripod makes sense. You’ll want a tripod head that allows smooth panning and slow, deliberate tracking. A lightweight travel tripod will work for field scouts, but for steady high-magnification work, choose stability over portability.
Maintenance and Care
You’ll care for this scope with a soft brush, lens cloth, and occasional mild cleaning solution. Avoid touching glass directly, and keep the lens caps on when not in use. If you store it for months, keep it in a dry place. The fogproof construction buys you tolerance, but routine care preserves clarity.
Cleaning Tips
Blow dust off with a bulb blower, brush gently with a camel hair brush, and use the lens cloth in a circular motion to remove smudges. Don’t use household cleaners. The coatings are durable but not invincible; your aim is to preserve them, not polish them into oblivion.
Warranty and Customer Support
You get the reassurance of Celestron’s Limited Lifetime US Warranty. That phrasing matters: you’re buying into a company with decades of optics experience and a support network in the United States. If something goes wrong, you can expect a human answer and a pathway to repair.
How Warranty Helps You
You’ll sleep easier knowing defects aren’t your burden alone. If mechanics fail or coatings lift unexpectedly, the warranty gives you a path forward. It’s not a substitute for care, but it’s a partner for when life happens to gear.
Pros and Cons
You like straightforward lists. This one helps you weigh purchase decisions without ceremony.
Pros
- You get a bright 100mm objective for good low-light performance.
- The 22–66x zoom covers most field situations without swapping eyepieces.
- Multi-coated optics give you better color, contrast, and brightness.
- Angled 45° eyepiece reduces neck strain during long watches.
- Waterproof and fogproof construction for real-world use.
- Practical accessories included, like a soft case and T-adapter.
- Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty and US-based tech support.
Cons
- The scope is not ultralight; you’ll feel it on long hikes.
- Some softness at the extreme end of the zoom is to be expected.
- You’ll need a solid tripod for best performance at higher magnifications.
- If you want absolute top-tier glass for low light (e.g., astro-level), you’ll be asked to pay more.
Comparison with Similar Models
You’ll find scopes with larger apertures or fixed prime eyepieces, and each choice has trade-offs. Compared to smaller 60–80mm scopes, the Ultima 100 gives you better light gathering. Against larger, heavier 120–150mm scopes, it’s more portable and less expensive. The zoom eyepiece trades some edge sharpness for flexibility that most field users prefer.
Why Choose This Over Cheaper Options
You’re buying more reliable coatings, a larger objective, and a sturdier build. Cheaper models skimp on coatings or waterproofing, and they show it in low light and damp weather. This Celestron sits in a middle ground where quality meets practicality.
Price vs. Value
You’ll find the Ultima 100 positioned as a mid-range to upper-mid-range consumer scope. It isn’t the cheapest gear on the shelf, but its features justify the cost: you get a sizeable objective, a useful zoom range, weatherproofing, and accessories that matter. For the committed birdwatcher, hunter, or landscape observer, it’s the kind of purchase that pays forward.
Buying Advice and Considerations
Ask yourself what you value most: ultimate low-light performance, absolute weight savings, or a balanced, versatile tool. If you’re committed to long sits and digiscoping, this scope will serve. If you need something ultra-light for multi-day backpacking with sight-seeing stops, consider a smaller objective. Match tripod quality to your intended zoom use; the scope will reveal shortcomings in a shaky mount.
What to Pair It With
Pair it with a robust tripod head, a locking plate that matches your tripod, and a good smartphone adapter if you intend to digiscope casually. Add a protective hard case if you travel often with checked luggage. A lightweight ground chair also pairs well for long watches.
Real-World Scenarios
When you’re on a marsh at dawn, the scope lets you pick apart silhouettes into species. When you’re on a ridge, it helps you read a coastline. When you’re in a blind with damp breath fogging your world, the fogproof design keeps you watching instead of worrying. The scope rewards patience; it’s built for slow, close-looking, and for catching moments you might otherwise miss.
Anecdote-Like Observations
You’ll find yourself returning to the scope in quiet moments because it makes the world more readable. Small things count: the way a kingfisher’s beak looks under certain light, the tiny differences in antler trophies, the way a distant shoreline resolves into textures that tell stories about wind and water. The Ultima 100 doesn’t invent those stories for you; it simply makes them legible.
Final Verdict
You’re buying a solid, versatile spotting scope with sensible optics and thoughtful ergonomics. The 100mm objective, 22–66x zoom, and multi-coated lenses combine into a tool that is both practical and pleasurable. It’s not the last word in optical performance, but it’s a reliable, well-built instrument for serious amateurs and committed hobbyists. The included accessories and warranty tighten the value proposition, and the angled eyepiece keeps your neck from complaining on long sits.
Who Should Buy This
You should buy this if you spend mornings and evenings outdoors, if you value flexibility in magnification, and if you want something weatherproof that won’t demand an engineering degree to use. You should also buy this if digiscoping appeals to you and you want a ready-made T-adapter. If you’re chasing the light in earnest and need a balance of clarity and convenience, this scope will serve you.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
You might look elsewhere if you need ultralight gear for multi-day treks or if you need a prime eyepiece with razor-edge sharpness at the highest magnifications. If you’re an astro-obsessive demanding every photon under the night sky, consider larger-aperture or dedicated astronomical optics.
FAQ
You’ll wonder about some practical matters. Below are short answers to the common questions you’ll ask.
Is it good for digiscoping with a smartphone?
Yes. The integrated T-adapter on the zoom eyepiece simplifies attaching cameras and smartphone adapters. You’ll need a good adapter and careful alignment for best results.
Can I use it for low-light hunting?
Yes, it performs well in dawn and dusk conditions thanks to the 100mm objective and multi-coated optics. It’s not night vision, but it extends usable viewing time.
Does it handle rain and fog?
Yes. The scope is waterproof and fogproof, designed to withstand damp and changing temperatures without internal condensation.
How important is the tripod?
Very. For higher magnifications, a solid tripod reduces vibration and improves image stability. Match the scope’s weight and your intended use to a tripod with a compatible load rating.
Closing Thought
You’ll find the Celestron – Ultima 100 Angled Spotting Scope – 22-66x Zoom Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics for Bird Watching, Wildlife, Scenery and Hunting – Waterproof & Fogproof– Includes Soft Carrying Case to be a pragmatic companion. It lets you watch longer, see clearer, and record moments with less fuss. If your outings are a mix of patience and sudden opportunity, it’s the kind of kit that helps you hold the story until the light and the subject agree to cooperate.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.