Searching for a Spotting Scope

I'm in search of a spotting scope for birding and possibly some celestial
observing (Moon, Planets, mostly) while camping and maybe digiscoping later. I don't want to spend more than $500.

Has anyone had experience with the Celestron Ulitma 80ED? It looks like the cheapest ED sope I've found so far. I haven't seen anything about yet, as it's so new. It's not waterproof so that's a potential debit.

I've looked at the Eagle Optics Raven and that looks like a bargian too. I
realize while digiscoping it would introduce some possible false color...but the price looks very nice.

The Pentax 65ED is at the upper limit of my price range, but since it is an ED, and has the ability to accept standard astronomical eyepieces, it could be a nice scope as well.

Any advice?

Jerry

Jerry,
Sorry, I don't have experience with the Celestron Ultima 80ED. Is this a spotting scope or a telescope? The difference being that a spotting scope has a built in correct image diagonal, and is more for terrestrial viewing.
You might compare it to the Orion 80ED telescope. I have an Orion 80ED that I use for spotting birds and some quick celestial viewing. I feel it is a good scope for the price. Keep in mind when you buy a telescope, it may not include eyepieces, a diagonal, mount or tripod.
Doug

Jerry,

I use a TV Pronto with a 2" 26mm GSO eyepiece. I keep it set up in the dining room on an alt-az mount with quick release rings to watch birds in the feeder. At night I take it out and mount it in Losmandy rings on my LX50. It works very well in both setups. The daytime image is reversed left-right but you get used to that. Good luck and clear skies.

Bill