127mm (5") Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Design 1250mm Focal Length (f/10) 50x Magnification with Included 25mm Eyepiece StarBright XLT High-Transmission Coatings 20 ft (6.1 m) Minimum Close Focus Distance Water-Resistant Construction Weighing 96 oz Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Downloads Warranty Celestron C5 Spotting Scope The Celestron C5 Spotting Scope combines a powerful 127mm (5") Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system with a 1250mm focal length to deliver detailed views. The included 25mm Plössl eyepiece provides 50x magnification, capable of resolving subjects from a close focus of just 20 feet (6.1 m) out to celestial targets. With an eye relief of 22mm and a weight of only 96 oz, it offers comfortable, portable viewing for any location. 127mm f/10 Optics: Schmidt-Cassegrain Power with XLT Coatings The C5's optical system is its greatest asset, packing a 1250mm focal length into a tube just 330mm long. This compact Schmidt-Cassegrain design uses a 127mm primary mirror to gather significant light, producing bright images essential for twilight wildlife observation or astronomical viewing. Celestron's proprietary StarBright XLT coatings enhance light transmission, ensuring images are high-contrast and color-accurate whether you're identifying a bird species or observing lunar craters. From 20 Feet to Infinity: 50x Magnification and Dual-Purpose Focus This scope is engineered for versatility across extreme distances. The included 25mm Plössl eyepiece yields 50x magnification, ideal for bringing distant landscapes and celestial objects into view. Uniquely for a scope of this power, the C5 can focus down to an impressively close 20 feet (6.1 m), allowing for detailed studies of nearby subjects like insects or flora without disturbing them. The generous 22mm of eye relief ensures comfortable viewing, even for those who wear glasses. Field-Ready at 96 oz: A Portable and Water-Resistant Spotter Despite its large 127mm aperture, the C5 weighs only 96 oz (2,722 g), making it a manageable addition to your field gear. The water-resistant construction protects the optics from unexpected dew or light rain, though it is not nitrogen-purged for full waterproof protection. For transport and storage, the scope includes a firm-sided black nylon case with a custom foam insert that securely holds the scope, eyepiece, finderscope, and diagonal. From Eyepiece to Sensor: Effortless DSLR and Mirrorless Photography The C5 is an excellent photographic lens for both terrestrial and astronomical subjects. It is designed to be camera adaptable, allowing you to connect a DSLR or mirrorless camera directly to the rear of the scope using an appropriate T-Adapter and T-Ring (sold separately). This converts the spotting scope into a high-power 1250mm telephoto lens, perfect for capturing frame-filling images of wildlife or the Moon. What is the main advantage of the Celestron C5's 127mm Schmidt-Cassegrain design? The primary advantage is achieving a long 1250mm focal length in a highly compact and portable 330mm tube. The large 127mm aperture provides superior light-gathering ability compared to smaller scopes, resulting in brighter, more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. Can the C5 Spotting Scope resolve the rings of Saturn or Jupiter's moons? Yes. The C5's 127mm aperture and 1250mm focal length are more than capable of revealing the rings of Saturn, the four Galilean moons of Jupiter, and details in Jupiter's cloud bands. For higher magnification on planets, you can use optional, shorter focal length 1.25" eyepieces (sold separately). How does the C5 perform for birdwatching at 1000 yards? The C5 is an exceptional long-distance birding scope. At 1000 yards, it provides a linear field of view of 52.5 feet (17.5 m), allowing you to easily frame a bird of prey or a flock. The 50x magnification will deliver clear, detailed views for easy identification, while the StarBright XLT coatings ensure colors appear natural and vibrant. Can I use eyepieces other than the included 25mm one with the C5? Absolutely. The C5 Spotting Scope uses a standard 1.25" eyepiece holder, making it compatible with a wide range of astronomical eyepieces. Using a shorter focal length eyepiece will increase magnification, while a longer focal length eyepiece will provide a wider field of view at lower power. How do I connect my DSLR camera to the C5 Spotting Scope? To connect a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you will need two accessories (sold separately): a T-Adapter designed for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, which screws onto the rear threads of the C5, and a T-Ring that is specific to your camera's lens mount (e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E). The T-Ring attaches your camera body to the T-Adapter, effectively turning the C5 into a 1250mm telephoto lens. Is the C5 durable enough for field use? The Celestron C5 is built for the field. It features a water-resistant body to protect against moisture and comes with a robust, firm-sided carrying case with custom foam inserts. This ensures the scope and its accessories are well-protected during transport to and from your observing sites. Objective Lens Diameter 127mm (5") Focal Length 1250mm (49") Optical Design Schmidt-Cassegrain Lens Coatings StarBright XLT Magnification (Included) 50x Included Eyepiece 25mm Plössl (1.25") Angular Field of View 1° (with 25mm eyepiece) Linear Field of View 52.5 ft @ 1000 yds (17.5 m @ 1000 m) Close Focus 20 ft (6.1 m) Eye Relief 22mm (0.87") Exit Pupil 2.5mm (with 25mm eyepiece) Prism Type BaK-4 (in diagonal) Limiting Stellar Magnitude 13.02 Environmental Protection Water Resistant Nitrogen Filled No Tripod Adaptable Yes (1/4"-20 thread) Weight 96 oz (2,722 g) Dimensions 330mm x 152mm x 168mm (13.0" x 6.0" x 6.6") C5 Spotting Scope Optical Tube × 1 25mm Plössl Eyepiece (1.25") × 1 45° Erect Image Diagonal (1.25") × 1 6x30 Erect Image Finderscope × 1 Firm-Sided Custom Fit Case × 1 Objective and Eyepiece Lens Caps × 1 Download Celestron C5 Spotter Manual Download Celestron Software Celestron Limited Lifetime Warranty Covers your telescope against defects in materials and workmanship for the telescope’s usable lifetime to the original owner. See the full policy for details and exclusions.
