Product Description

Celestron Mini 50mm Zoom 45 Spotting Scope 52232

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75637 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Celestron
• Model: 52232
• Dimensions: 20.00 pounds

Features

• Fully coated optics
• Extendable lens shade to reduce glare
• Folding mini tripod included
• Waterproof
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Customer Reviews

Celestron 50mm Mini Zoom for 10 meter air riflery
I bought this scope to compare against the Barska BlackBlackhawk 18-36x50 Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope (see my review) for its usefulness in 10 meter air rifle target shooting. This scope was comparable in price and was recommended by a retailer that specializes in target air rifles.

Like the Barska, this scope is also made in China. Construction is similarly lightweight but this scope lacks a thick protective rubber coating. A hard plastic cover screws onto the eyepiece end of the scope for protection while a soft plastic cover protects the objective lens.

The Celestron is very compact, making it easy to carry. Like the Barska, this scope offers a usable view at the lower power settings and an almost unusable one at the higher settings, especially if shooting indoors. For 10 meter target shooting, the lower magnification settings are fine but I find the eye relief and field of view to be inferior to the Barska. Oddly, this scope will focus down to about 3 meters (10 feet).

The first one I ordered had to be returned because the eyepiece cover would not screw on as the threads on the body of the scope were damaged severely. This appeared to be a manufacturing problem as threads were smashed (i.e. not cross threaded.) The second one I received was better, but the cover would not screw down all the way as the threading on the scope was also slightly damaged. The case and tripod included with the scope offer minimal usefulness.

Overall, I was disappointed with the design and quality of this scope. I would judge it as marginally acceptable.

Update 2-24-09:
Well, it's been two seasons and time for an update. I ended up keeping the Celestron scope and used it alongside the Barska's that were also purchased for 10 meter air rifle use. Within the first two months, the eyepiece came unscrewed while trying to remove the cover. Any benefit of nitrogen purging was immediately lost. To their credit, Amazon replaced the second scope promptly. I haven't had any problems with the third(!) scope, so far.

I've actually found a use for the ability of this scope to focus down to such a short distance. We conduct shooting safety classes, using BB guns, every summer for the Cub Scout Pack that is with my son's Boy Scout troop. The range we shoot at is only 5 meters long and this scope will focus down to clearly see the targets at this short range. I don't know of any other scope that can do that. A spotter uses it to let the instructor know how the scouts are doing.

As of this update, Amazon no longer carries this scope. The only listing is for a third party retailer. I have no experience with their return policies. All of my experience has been with Amazon and I have always been satisfied with their customer service in dealing with product problems.