Celestron 52229 60 mm Refractor Zoom Spotting Scope

I'm going to say excellent scope as i can read a UK car registration plate at about 500 metres away. I figured the bwst test for a scope is what leters can you read and at what distance so i figured a car registration plate is a good test. The width of the lettering on a Uk plate is 14mm so this means that this scope can focus on an object about 1 cm - 2cm in size and see it clearly if your 500 meters away. it might be able to go a tad further than 500m as i did this test with the small tripod that comes with it so i think with beter stabilisation it might push a bit more distance. This makes the scope perform at near military grade specs however, it doesnt have mil dots system in it if you were using for this purpose. I know the road I was watching was about 500-550 metres away depending on which end you ate looking at. I also did this test at golden hour which will make it challenging for most scopes.I've gave it a go on a seagull and again you can focus on its eye and see lots of detail. I replaced my old scope that struggled to do the same test at 250 meters so im very impressed. It might not be the best scope but for the price it's amazingly good.

The scope is a neat instrument, simply designed, and like binoculars, is the instrument for anyone who doesn't want to get too involved with the mechanics and science of telescopes. Its light, and easy to use - definitely the instrument you would turn to to look at the moon and for basic celestial viewing. Its good on the ground too - I can read a car number plate at a kilometre, and unlike normal telescopes, the image is the right way round, and the right way up.The zoom helps to aim it, as does the straight through viewing line.It produces a bright sharp image at 20x , and even at 60x the image, which in theory, would be less bright, is not significantly so. The table-top tripod is sturdy enough, but who has a table handy where you need to use the scope? A solid photographic tripod will make a world of difference.

a brilliant little scope. not too heavy to carry around and nice clear image when you look through it. i took it out to my local bird reserve and it gave me great views of two barn owls over half a mile away even when the light was fading. i would recommend it to anyone who wants a lightweight but powerful scope that isn't too cumbersome to carry. the small stand that came with it rests on shelves in hides so you don't always need to carry a full size tripod. it comes with a secure metal case and also a padded carry bag so is well protected when in transit

Excellent product, came with aluminium carrying case as well as a canvas one and metal tripod. Great value for money and cheaper than High Street prices. Ideal for bird watching, plane watching, etc

An amazing product to look at sky and far buildings. It is awesome to watch Moon with this.

I purchased this item for small-bore target shooting spotting. It's OK for nearer distances but struggles to render a credible reading at 100 yards, especially in overcast conditions. It's probably OK for bird spotters but I find one needs to spend more money for precision work.

Great bit of kit, really great viewing makes an excellent present. The tripod,although the item is well made it would be good to have the option to make the legs longer.

I have used it for both long and short range target spotting between 25 metres and 1000 metres wtth no problems. I have also used it aircaft spotting at Heathrow and various other airports and shows. ok for static and slow moving objects but, airborne and faster moving objects is a little harder to resolve but can be done with alittle practice