Q1: Is this scope waterproof? How rugged is it?

A: This scope is not waterproof but is a very rugged scope. The waterproofing though is usually an important feature (especially when you bring it up in a question) if you are looking for a waterproof model just give us a call we will be happy to help you find one.

Q2: re the Celestron 102 mm scope, does the price include a protective carrying case? You reference appropriateness for field work, is the scope water/fog proof or resistent? Would you characterize it as rugged or more requiring special care in the field? Thanks

A: a spotting scope is designed to be taken into the field for nature study, photography etc.. it is not waterproof but still a rugged piece of equipment.

Q3: looking for a dove tail mount for the celestron 102mm to fit my celestron nexstar gps 11 scope. any recommendations ? Thanks

A: i wish we could help more here but we do not carry a dovetail bracket big enough for a 102mm scope the ones we carry are for finderscopes. i suggest contacting Scopetronix or another company that carries equipment for making scopes as they would be your best bet.

Q4: is there any other manufacturer who makes an inexpensive 2 inch flip mirror besides meade. thanks

A: i am sorry but this is the only one i know of that is at this kind of price.

Q5: Can this telescope be set on an equatorial mount? What additional items would be required?

A: It is designed to be fit on a standard photographic tripod. The base that they use to attach it to a tripod is not adaptable to a telescope tripod base as it doesn't use the 14" 20 thread screw that a standard tripod uses. You could jimmy rig a base but you would not have the steadiness required for decent viewing. Have you looked at the Celestron Advance series C4-R refractor as that is the same size and comes with an equatorial tripod.

Q6: If my primary purpose for a spotting scope is to view the land across the water (approx. 5 miles away), will a spotting scope be my best choice. Planning on using it 80% for looking at nice views, and 20% for letting our 6 year old look at the moon, etc. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

A: Dear Amy, For the uses you are describing, a spotting scope would be a good choice. The model you selected (the Celestron 102 mm Wide View) is a great choice for your applications.

Q7: I just purchased this telescope and am quite pleased with it. I would, however, like to get a good soft-shell case for it. Do you have one in stock, or recommend one? Thanks, --julie

A: Dear Julie, That is a big objective lens! I cannot find a soft case that fits it. I am continuing to look. In the meantime you may consider a Meade ETX 70 hard case. I know you want a soft case but I took this case to Hawaii in october. It worked great and I knew my scope was protected. You can also fit some binoculars and a birding book in there. I will continue to look for a soft case and I have a message in to Celestron for help.

Q8: I have been investigating scopes of this type and this looks like the one. Are there solar and moon and pollution filters to fit this scope?

A: Since the Celestron 102mm Wide View Spotting Scope takes standard, 1.25-inch eyepieces, it will also take standard, 1.25-inch filters, including Light Pollution and Lunar filters. Here's the URL for the Lunar filter; just paste it into your browser's address window: http://telescopes.com/products/celestron-moon-filter-1-14-inch-11526.html. And here's the URL for the light pollution filter: http://telescopes.com/products/celestron-uhclpr-filter-1-25-inch-32972.html. Since the 102mm spotter is a relatively new product, we're not sure about the solar filter. We've emailed Celestron to find out, though, and will get back to you as soon as we've heard.

Q9: Sir, can the Celestron 102mm scope be adapted to my Canon A75 digital camera? Thank you...Jack

A: Yes, you can use the Celestron 102mm Wide View Spotting Scope with your Canon A75 Camera. You'll need a device like the Zhumell Universal Digiscoping Adapter (large). Here's the URL; just paste it into your browser's address window: http://telescopes.com/products/zhumell-universal-digital-camera-adapter-large-36563.html.

Q10: What is a good tripod choice for this telescope? I have trouble with fine movements with a standard tripod

A: If you already have a standard photo tripod that will handle more than 5 pounds of camera/scope weight, all you'll really need is a new head for it that will move very smoothly. You might consider the Bogen/Manfrotto #3126 Micro Fluid Head. It's made to handle continuous pans with video cameras and should certainly manage to move a spotting scope smoothly. Here's the URL; just paste it into your browser's address window to take a look: http://binoculars.com/products/bogenmanfrotto-micro-fluid-head-23726.html.