Celestron 80ED User Manual

 3

 
The high magnification of your spotting scope makes it very difficult to handhold and, as a result, it 
must be attached to a stable platform. The 80ED  has a tripod adapter, which is located on the bottom 
of the spotting scope's tube ring. Remove your spotting scope from the box and attach it to a mount as 
described below. 
 

 
For best results, attach your Celestron spotting scope to a heavy duty photo tripod with a quick 
release platform.  To attach your spotting scope to the tripod: 
 

1.  Place the tripod adapter located on the bottom of the tube ring clamp, over the 1/4x20  screw on 

the photo tripod quick release platform. Keep in mind that the platform is not on the tripod at this 
time. Tighten the screw (located on the under side of the platform) until tight. Just in front of the 
1/4x20 screw is usually a small peg used to secure video cameras to the tripod. If you  are not 
using a video camera, this peg, which is spring-loaded,  will push down into the tripod head. 

2.  Rotate the platform lock clockwise. Slide the front of the platform in first, then pivot the back in. 

3.  Push the platform lock counterclockwise until it touches the under side of the tripod head. This 

will hold the platform in place. 

Once mounted on the tripod, you are ready to attach the standard accessories. 
 

 
Your 80ED has a dovetail bracket on the bottom of the tube ring clamp that allows it to be used with 
the Advanced GT CG-5 equatorial mount.  Follow the directions in your mounts owner manual for 
instruction on attaching the optical tube. 

 
With your spotting scope firmly attached to a stable platform, you are ready to attach the standard 
accessories and begin using your spotting scope. 
 

 
 
This section covers the correct set up and operating procedures for your Celestron 80mm ED spotting 
scope and includes information on visual and photographic observations. The spotting scope uses a 
refractor optical design with a two-element lens made of low dispersion optical glass. Unlike other 
spotting scopes which have built-in correcting prisms, the 80ED uses a diagonal to produce a 
correctly oriented image.  This allows you to use your spotting scope like a conventional telephoto 
when a camera is attached. The basic Celestron 80ED comes standard with the following accessories: