Telescope Reviews: Re: New Celestron Ultima DX 10X50 impression

Russ,
Thanks for your review. Questions about the new DX series come up here from time to time, and until now, nobody had a clue. There have been the usual rumors that because the previous model was made in Japan and the DX is made in China, it must of course be a disaster that will probably fall apart in your hands the first time you use it!

I have and old-style 10x50 Ultima, and the eye relief is a bit excessive on it, too. But it's field of view is only 50 degrees, and there is no problem with blackout. 50 degrees can feel quite spacious if the sharp "sweet spot" is large. Mine is very sharp and contrasty in the center, but the edge corrections are not so good, and the feeling is claustrophobic. I bet the blackout effect in yours goes away if you use it at night to look at the stars, that's usually the way it goes as it depends on the eye pupil's opening. It sounds like raising the eye cups is a workable solution. The focus on mine has no play, but won't stay put with any pressure on the eye sockets. Your observation that the optics are obviously better than a cheapie is very good news. I wonder if the backlashy focuser is just a bad unit and might warrant replacement?
Ron

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