Had any more thoughts about the new ED vs. the F-ED. Is the primary difference the magnesium body and the products weight? (which is, of course, a legitimate consideration).

I agree with you that "The problem with labeling models ED/HD/etc. is that a lot of that is based in marketing and nothing else - two types of ED glass can have very different performance." I'm wondering if this change in nomenclature translates into a change in performance. Great product though.

I think the primary differences are aesthetic and body weight related, yes. Perhaps it was just time to give the model a facelift.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the glass used in the M2 isn't nearly identical to that used in the F-ED. There's only so much optical improvement to be had before the price grows another zero.

Optical performance is one of those things that will always remain heavily subjective, simply because no two people will see that performance identically. That being said, I've seen a lot of non-ED glass that has impressed me, and some glass labeled ED that has failed to blow me away. The consensus however, is that glass quality is much easier to get at prices that were previously unheard of, and I don't think the presence (or omission) of ED or HD is the same indicator of quality it once was.

Thanks for the assessment. I have a Celestron telescope (star-gazer) that I've been really happy with -- so I like the company.

I've got more Celestron Regal M2 80ED scopes in stock, save $50 while supplies last. Use promo code 7J232TBA at checkout.

Bumping this thread to the top! We have more Celestron Regal M2s coming in, and we're going to continue the offer for $50 off each Regal M2. Just add your preferred model to your cart and you'll see the discount applied.

Models in stock:
Celestron Regal M2 65ED
Celestron Regal M2 80ED - Our most popular model
Celestron Regal M2 100ED - Largest aperture available