In recent years an increasing number people have been trying to move away from the distractions caused by electronic gadgets such as cellphones and computers which have characterized life in the 21st century. More and more people are choosing to escape and spend time in the wild or other remote locations where they can experience and adore all that nature has to offer. Activities such as bird watching, and hunting are gaining popularity. That’s where spotting scopes such as the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 which allow one to view objects that are at a distance with great precision and accuracy come in to play. It begs the question then that which of the two spotting scopes is superior and better value for the money?
Table of Contents
Celestron Ultima 80 Vs 100: Comparison Table
| Celestron Ultima 80 | Celestron Ultima 100 | |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 80 millimeters | 100 millimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 7.5” D | 22” |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| Finder scope | Reflex | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 3.56 Pounds/ 57 oz | 4.5 Pounds/ 72 oz |
| Zoom Ratio/magnification | 20-60 X | 22- 66X |
| Features | Waterproof and fog proof. Includes T-mount adapter for digiscoping. | Waterproof and fog proof. Includes T-mount adapter for digiscoping. |
| Included | Soft carrying case, extended tripod mounting plate, zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, an eyepiece pouch and lens cloth.
The Celestron Limited Lifetime Warranty and US-based expert tech support. Eyepiece lens cap, eyepiece pot cover, eyepiece carrying case. Instrument manual. |
Soft carrying case, extended tripod mounting plate, zoom eyepiece with an integrated T-adapter for digiscoping, an eyepiece pouch and lens cloth.
The Celestron Limited Lifetime Warranty and US-based expert tech support. Eyepiece lens cap, eyepiece pot cover, eyepiece carrying case. Instrument manual. |
| Department | Unisex adult | Unisex adult |
| Manufacturer | Celestron | Celestron |
| Focal length | 480 mm | 540 mm |
| Eyepiece -Zoom | 8-24 mm | 8-24 mm |
| Angular Field of View | 2.0 @ 20X | 1.8 @ 22X |
| 1.0@ 60X | 1.0@ 66X | |
| Linear Field of View | 105 @ 20X | 95 @ 22X |
| -feet @ 1000yds | 53@ 60X | 53@ 66X |
| Eye Relief | 18 mm @ 20X | 18 mm @ 22X |
| Near Focus | 27 ft @ 20X/8.2m @ 20X | 33 ft @ 22X/10 m @ 22X |
| Prisms-BaK-4 | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Coatings | Multi-Coated | Multi-Coated |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 16” – 406 mm | 19” – 483mm |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
| Celestron Ultima 80 |
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| Celestron Ultima 100 |
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Celestron Ultima 80 Vs 100: Objective Lens Diameter
One of the biggest differences between the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 is the fact that the Celestron Ultima 100 uses a 100mm objective lens diameter while the Celestron Ultima 80 uses an 80mm objective lens diameter. The use of the 100mm lens allows the spotting scope to produce 50% brighter images than the 80mm spotting lens since the bigger lens will naturally allow more light intensity to pass through. The 80mm aperture of the Celestron Ultima 80 allows it to have a focal length of 480 mm and a near focus of 27 ft at 20X zoom while the 100 mm aperture of the Celestron Ultima 100 allows it to have a focal length of 540 mm and a near focus of 33 ft at 20X zoom.
Celestron Ultima 80 Vs Celestron Ultima 100: Zoom Eyepiece
Another visible difference between the two spotting scopes, the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 is the fact that the Celestron Ultima 80 uses a 20-60X magnification zoom eyepiece while the Celestron Ultima 100 uses a 22-66X magnification Eyepiece. Both the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 can however zoom from 8 mm to 24 mm. They also both have an eye relief of 18mm at 20X for the Ultima 80 and at 22X for the Ultima 100.
Celestron Ultima 80 Vs Celestron Ultima 100: Field Of View
When it comes to Angular field of view, the Celestron Ultima 80 can do 2.0 at 20X zoom and 1.0 at 60X zoom. The Celestron Ultima 100 on the other hand can do 1.8 at 22X zoom and 1.0 at 66X zoom. As for the Linear Field of view measured in feet at 1000yards, the Celestron Ultima 80 can do 105 at 20X zoom and 53 at 60X zoom. The Celestron Ultima 100 on the other hand can do 95 at 22X zoom and also 53 at 66X zoom. Due to the increased power and weight of the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope it does need a tripod balancing platform for optimum balancing on a photo/video tripod.
Celestron Ultima 80: Overall Dimensions And Weight
When it comes to overall dimensions the Celestron Ultima 80 is smaller and lighter, its overall occupied volume is 506.625 cubic inches, and it weighs 3.56 pounds. The Celestron Ultima 100 on the other hand is bigger and occupies 1,078 cubic inches of space and also weighs 4,5pounds. It is also longer at 19 inches. The Celestron Ultima 80 on the other hand is only 16 inches long. The Celestron Ultima 100 is bigger and heavier due to the extra weight of the bigger lens and materials used in manufacturing.
Celestron Ultima 80 Vs Celestron Ultima 100: Price
When it comes to pricing the Celestron Ultima 80 is much cheaper than the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope. Both the models however come with options for the 45 angled or the straight spotting scope. Pricing options for the Celestron Ultima 80 spotting scopes are as follows, $206.70 which is a 29% discount from the original $289.95 listing price for the Ultima 80 – 45 spotting scope, $268.98 for the Ultima 80 spotting scope-straight and $259.99 for the Ultima 80 – 45 Scope with a Phone Adapter. The Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope on the other hand costs $299.00 for the 45 angled spotting scope which is a 40% discount from the original list price of $499.95.
Celestron Ultima 80 Vs Celestron Ultima 100: Verdict
The choice for which is the best spotting scope between the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 often comes down to personal preferences and needs, however the Celestron Ultima 80 is much cheaper at $206.70 for the 45 angled spotting scope compared to the $299.00 for the Celestron Ultima 100-45 angled spotting scope. The Celestron Ultima 100 however has a greater magnification of 22-66X and aperture of 100 mm while the Celestron Ultima 80 has a magnification of 20-60X and an aperture of 80mm. The Celestron Ultima 100 can also offers 50% brighter images than the 80mm. It does however need a special tripod balancing platform for optimum balancing on a photo/video tripod.
Celestron Ultima 80 And Celestron Ultima 100 Similarities
One of the biggest similarities between the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 is the fact that they are made from similar materials and have similar designs, hence both are waterproof and fog proof thanks to the dry nitrogen that is sealed inside the spotting scopes. They are all both manual focus and have multi-coated lens. Both are also refractor style spotting scopes. Both the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 allow one to attach a DSLR camera that is equipped with a T-ring, thanks to the included T-mount adapter. Both packages also come fully loaded with an extend plate, zoom eyepiece with integrated T-adapter, soft carrying case, eyepiece lens cap, eyepiece port cover, eyepiece carrying case, eyepiece pouch, lens cloth and instrument manual. One other advantage of both spotting scopes is that they offer a limited lifetime warranty and unlimited access to technical support from US based experts. The spotting scopes are also green hence allow for subtle observation in any nature environment. Both are also offered in the straight and 45 orientation.
Celestron Ultima 80 Pros
One of the biggest advantages of the Celestron Ultima 80 is that it is cheaper than the Celestron Ultima 100 and is at the same time a huge improvement from the Celestron Ultima 60mm hence offering 77% brighter images. It also features an achromatic objective lens for better imaging. It also has magnification range of 20X to 60X and is waterproof and fog-proof.
Celestron Ultima 80 Cons
The biggest drawback however of the tradition crown and flint achromatic lens that are used in the Celestron Ultima 80 zoom spotting lens is that they give a bit of a false color. This is also known as chromatic aberration or blue fringing. This effect is however more visible at 60X zoom magnification and is however well controlled at 20X zoom. Another problem has to do with stability hence a tripod is recommended for good image stabilization especially from 30 to 40X zoom magnification.
Celestron Ultima 100 Pros
One of the biggest advantages of the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope is the fact that it has a powerful 22-66X magnification zoom eye piece allowing one to observe nature at sharp long distances. It is also fog-proof and waterproof thanks to the dry nitrogen gas that is sealed inside. One can also connect a DSLR camera that is equipped with a T-ring thanks to the included T-mount adapter. The 100 mm large aperture also allows the spotting scope to produce 50% brighter images than the 80mm spotting scope. Every lens surface of the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope is also coated multiple times with anti-reflective coatings to improve color and contrast and maximize image brightness.
Celestron Ultima 100 Cons
One of the disadvantages of the Celestron Ultima 100 is its price compared to the Celestron Ultima 80 which is much cheaper. The spotting scope is also a bit front heavy hence can be a bit difficult to balance on the tripod for some consumers. A good and sturdy tripod is therefore recommended. Another problem might be the lens cap that is loose and struggles to stay attached however the spotting scope has good overall quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now we will look at some of the questions that people ask about the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100.
Does Celestron make a hard carrying case for the Celestron Ultima 80 spotting scope and if so, what is the model number?
No, Celestron does not make a hard carrying case for the Celestron Ultima 80, one will need to buy it separately.
Can one take pictures with the Celestron Ultima 80?
No, not on its own, it’s just a scope. One would need a T-Ring adapter based on the camera of choice. One can then take pictures on the camera after mounting the camera on the scope using the adapter.
What is the diameter of the eyepiece on the Celestron Ultima 80?
The eyepiece is 1.75 inches.
How can I get a rubber eyepiece replacement for the Celestron Ultima 80?
To get the rubber eyepiece replacement one can contact the manufacturer (Celestron) through the support tab on their website (https://www.celestron.com)
Can the Celestron Ultima 100 perform as a long range 1000yd spotting scope?
The scope is rated out to 66X hence when viewing targets 1000yds away, they may seem as though they are 50 to 55ft away. Image quality will however depend on available lighting.
What do I need to mount a camera to the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope?
To mount a camera such as a DSLR camera to the spotting scope a T-mount adapter is included, one will also need T-ring on the camera. The T-ring adapter usually comes in both the Nikon and Canon brands depending on the camera of choice. Additionally, one would also need an eyepiece adapter, and this is normally universal for both cameras.
What tripod would one recommend for the Celestron Ultima 100 spotting scope since it looks like it weighs 20Ibs, particularly for uses such as bird watching and perhaps astronomy?
For the best results it would be advisable to use a gimbal head mounted on a very sturdy tripod. An example might be the Movo GH800 mounted on a Benro carbon fiber tripod or the Ravelli AVTP video tripod. Cheaper options can also be purchased from Neweer on the Amazon store.
Does the Celestron Ultima 100 include an extensive tripod, or I need to buy the tripod separately?
The spotting scope does not come with a tripod, and one needs to buy it separately with a load of approximately 4.5 lbs (approximately 2kg) attached via a 1/4”-20 thread.
Conclusion
In conclusion both the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Celestron Ultima 100 are wonderful spotting scope options that offer great results hence allowing the user to observe wildlife and other objects in nature from afar. The Celestron Ultima 100 is however more expensive thanks to the bigger 100mm aperture. The Celestron Ultima 80 however is much cheaper due to the smaller aperture but has a limited range of 20-60X compared to the 22-66X for the Celestron Ultima 100. Choosing between these two products will therefore come down to personal preferences and needs.
| Celestron Ultima 80 |
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| Celestron Ultima 100 |
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