Meade RangeView ED Spotting Scope 16-48x65 146000

Meade RangeView ED Spotting Scope 16-48x65 146000

Meade Rangeview 65 ED Review

The Rangeview 65 ED is the first 65mm ED spotting scope from Meade for 2020.  I like 65mm spotting scopes, they combine full size performance and increased portability into a piece of equipment that isn't going to break your back on a long hike.  Not too heavy (not really heavy at all, in fact) and has the zoom capability you need to see quite far.  It balances very well on the tripod. 

Meade has a history of excellent QC with their astronomy division and clearly knows what they are doing, because the scope looks and feels like it's well built.  The rubber armor is the same type you'll find on basically any spotting scope, and fit and finish is good.  Both the fast and fine focus knobs move smoothly and easily.  The twist-up eye cup has 4 positions, but maintains its position in between those four detents, basically making its position infinitely customizable (maybe not infinitely, but you get the idea).  The sunshade is similar, but without the detents, and will give you an additional inch of shade when you need to shield the front of the scope to prevent glare. 

The zoom adjustment on the eyepiece is firm, but smooth.  It takes some effort to move it and you'll probably have to stabilize the scope with your other hand, but i suspect this loosens over time.  And I mean smooth - there is no scraping or grinding when adjusting - sometimes scopes come to the factory with a "sandy" feeling on these tight parts, but that's not the case here.

A neat feature on angled spotting scopes that you don't really utilize often on straight scopes is the body rotation feature.  On an angled spotting scope, this allows alternative angles to look into the eyepiece, a useful feature for shorter or differently abled viewers.  There are seven detents, but the scope can be locked in any position within its ~200 degree rotation. 

Optically I'm pleased, I think this scope will stand up to competitors' ED offerings quite nicely. 

The Meade RangeView ED spotting scopes are equipped with exotic extra-low dispersion ED glass that delivers optimal performance for maximum viewing enjoyment.

Meade's ED optics will provide views with virtually zero color fringing and incrased image brightness that are ideal for high magnification, high resolution observation of terrestrial subjects.  Explore the subtleties of a bird's feather structure from 50 yards, read license plates more than one mile in the distance, or use the spotting scope for casual astronomical observations.

To protect your investment and ensure that you can take full advantage of the many features of your Meade spotting scope for many years to come, the Meade Rangeview ED spotting scope includes a padded carrying case. 

Caring for your Meade Rangeview ED 65 ED Spotting Scope

Your spotting scope is a precision optical instrument designed for a lifetime of rewarding viewing.  It will rarely, if ever, require factory servicing or maintenance.  Follow these guidelines to keep your spotting scope in the best condition:

• Avoid cleaning the spotting scope's lenses.  A little dust on the front surface of the spotting scopes correcting lens will not cause loss of image quality.
• When absolutely necessary, dust on the front lens should be removed with very gentle strokes of a camel hair brush or blown off with an ear syringe (available at most pharmacies).
• Fingerprints and organic materials on the front lens may be removed with a solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol.  You may also add 1 drop of biodegradable dishwashing soap per pint of solution.  Use soft, white facial tissues and make short, gentle strokes.  Change tissues often.
• Do not use scented or lotioned tissues as this could damage the optics.  Do not use a photographic lens cleaner.
• Your spotting scope is waterproof.  It is designed to be used by the sportsman, boater, or casual user in an environment in which exposure to water such as rain, mist, splashing and so forth might be a possibility.  It is intended to be resistant to accidental exposure to water, but it is not designed for tentional submersion or extended used in water.  If your spotting scope is intentionally immersed in water for any significant length of time, you risk voiding your warranty.
• Also note that although your spotting scope may be used near a water environment, water on the lens will cause images to be distorted.  Wipe off water from the entire device with a soft cloth when you leave a wet environment.  Allow all lenses to dry fully before replacing the lens caps. 

Accessories

• Soft carry case
• Shoulder strap
• Lens covers
• Cleaning cloth