Celestron Ultima 12.5mm

4.0 Fine and dandy

First rate construction; Good on any object; No distortions visible.

When used with a barlow, some ghosting on bright objects and a bit dim.

This EP was purchased in my second attempt to upgrade my initial upgrades to my eyepiece collection. I had read various reviews and believed this EP to be a good addition to my collection. When used with my 1200mm FL Dob, it would provide approximately 100x, and thus I felt that it would be very useful and versatile. The price was right and I believed it was an appropriate step up.

As one would expect from this company, the EP was of first rate construction. It has a heavy, well made feel. It comes with a winged rubber eyecup and is fully multi coated.

Most views are first rate, whether looking at a DSO such as a galaxy or a brigher object such as a planet. No aberrations or distortions were apparent with any scope fast or slow. Contrast was fine, but not great. Clarity and detail is also very good. It works well with various filters and is good from edge to edge.

However, when used with a Celesron Ultima barlow on bright objects, a bit of ghosting is observed. Also, when used in combination with that barlow, the view seems dimmer than necessary. None the less, this is a very good EP for the money. I consider it close to or an equal to a TeleVue Plossl.