Celestron Unveils Rugged New Sport Optics and Accessories for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Torrance, CA (August 6, 2014) – Celestron, the world’s #1 telescope maker, is taking customers from the observatory to the outdoors with a new lineup of innovative sport optics and accessories. With high-end quality, competitive price points, and sought-after accessories that work with mobile devices, Celestron’s new offerings integrate optics into an active, outdoor lifestyle.

“Last year, we made our mark in the sport optics world,” said Joshua Lazenby, Celestron’s Sport Optics Product Manager. “For 2014, we listened to feedback from customers and added new products that resonate with birders and outdoorsmen.”

With more and more customers looking to shoot images through their scope, Celestron set out to offer the easiest photography solution for spotting scopes and telescopes. The result is 12 new, customized Smartphone Adapters. Simply slide your iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5/5s, or Samsung Galaxy S4 into the adapter, attach it to your eyepiece, and you’re ready to capture birds, wildlife, or even the Moon and planets! Celestron Smartphone Adapters are eyepiece-specific for a secure, perfectly aligned connection every time. They’re available for the Celestron Regal M2 spotting scope, Ultima Duo eyepieces, and X-Cel LX eyepieces.

Introduced in 2013, the budget-friendly Nature DX line quickly garnered accolades, including a “Best in Class” honor from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, who commented that they were “[rated] as highly as models many times their price.”  For 2014, Celestron builds on Nature DX’s success with more budget-friendly sport optics:

• Large aperture, tripod-adaptable 8x56, 10x56, and 12x56 models join the Nature DX family, featuring fully multi-coated optics, phase-coated BaK-4 prisms, metal twist-up eyecups, and a completely waterproof, nitrogen-purged polycarbonate housing.
• Two new Outland X binoculars—in a waterproof housing and dark green rubber exterior—join this budget-friendly family.  Perfect for beginners, these binoculars offer features you’ll need on the trail like twist-up eyecups, multi-coated optics, and BaK-4 prisms.
• The LandScout spotting scope family’s newest addition is packed and ready for your next adventure: the LandScout 50 mm Backpack Kit. Complete with a tripod and full size backpack, this compact zoom spotting scope with fully coated optics is ideal for hikes, birding trips, and more.

Assembled in the USA from Japanese optical components, Celestron’s new Echelon line is truly the pinnacle of large-aperture binocular design. Optimized to provide sharp clarity and maximum light transmission in the dimmest lighting conditions, Echelon is suited to long-range glassing or astronomical viewing. Each of the three rugged models—available with 10x, 16x, and 20x magnifications—features massive 70 mm objective lenses with fully multi-coated optics (utilizing Celestron’s proprietary XLT coating), BaK-4 prisms, and a large exit pupil. Outside, the fully waterproof, nitrogen-purged, rubber-armored aluminum housing withstands rough use. All Echelon models come with a waterproof hard case for maximum protection.

For those new to binoculars and spotting scopes, Celestron is proud to announce the new book, Sport Optics, by Celestron pioneer and former owner Alan Hale. The book outlines how to choose the perfect optic and provides tips for getting the best performance in the field.

Over its 50-plus year history, Celestron has become synonymous with quality eyepieces. With three new specialized spotting scope eyepieces, Celestron turns its optical expertise from the stars to terrestrial subjects.  Choose the Wide Angle Eyepiece to acquire subjects quickly, the Long Eye Relief Eyepiece for target shooting, or the new Zoom Eyepiece to get up close to the action.

Each eyepiece features fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission—creating bright images with increased resolution and contrast—as well as being completely waterproof and nitrogen-purged to withstand the elements. They’re also digiscoping-ready: simply remove the eyecup to expose the threads, then attach a T-adapter and/or T-ring (not included). All spotting scope eyepieces come with a storage pouch for security in your gear bag.

Celestron is also debuting a complete line of spotting scope cases. These durable, padded cases can be left on while the scope is mounted on a tripod for added protection. Transport the spotting scope using carry handles or the integrated shoulder strap. There are 6 spotting scope cases to choose from, so you’re sure to find one to fit your Celestron Ultima, Regal, or Regal M2 spotting scope.

Finally, two new tripods, Regal and TrailSeeker, offer a sturdy foundation for your favorite spotting scopes, binoculars, and cameras. Both feature a lightweight aluminum construction, a quick release plate with 1/4-20 standard thread mounts and a two-way fluid pan head for smooth, fast spotting and tracking with a large range of motion. The high-end Regal Tripod offers heavy-duty construction for more stability, plus a sliding quick release plate with safety system.

Detailed product information and dealer locations are available at Celestron.com.

About Celestron

Celestron is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality optical products including telescopes, sport optics, microscopes, and outdoor electronics. Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become the world's #1 telescope maker, winning multiple awards from many prestigious media outlets and organizations. Among serious amateur astronomers, the name Celestron is synonymous with superior optics and innovative technology. The company has a longstanding track record supporting astronomy- and outdoor-related nonprofits such as the International Dark-Sky Association, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Astronomers Without Borders. Celestron is privately held and operates out of its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Torrance, California.  Learn more about Celestron at Celestron.com.