Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm Micro Spotting Scope
- Magnification: 9-27x Zoom
- Objective Lens: 56mm Diameter
- Weight: 20.8 oz (590 g)
- Close Focus: 9.8 ft (3 m)
- Protection: Waterproof & Nitrogen Purged
The Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm Angled Zoom Micro Spotting Scope delivers a powerful 9-27x magnification range and a bright 56mm objective lens in a body that weighs just 20.8 oz (590 g). Its optical system provides a wide 4.2° field of view at 9x and can focus on subjects as close as 9.8 feet (3 m). With fully multi-coated optics, phase-coated BaK4 prisms, and 15mm of eye relief, this scope is engineered for hikers, birders, and travelers who refuse to compromise on optical power for the sake of portability.
Traditional spotting scopes are often too large and heavy for extended hikes or travel. The Hummingbird shatters this limitation with a compact design measuring just 208mm long and weighing only 590g, making it small enough to fit in a large pocket or pack without penalty. This "micro" form factor allows you to bring the power of a spotting scope to locations where you would have previously settled for less.
Despite its small size, the Hummingbird's optical system is built for clarity and detail. The 56mm objective lens gathers ample light, while the fully multi-coated optics maximize transmission for bright, high-contrast images. The high-quality BaK4 prisms are phase-coated, a treatment that corrects for phase shift in the light path, resulting in sharper resolution and more accurate color rendition across the entire 9-27x zoom range.
The outdoors is unpredictable, and your optics need to withstand the elements. The Hummingbird is fully waterproof to prevent damage from rain or accidental immersion, and its internal components are purged with dry nitrogen gas. This nitrogen purging prevents internal fogging of the lenses when moving between temperature extremes, ensuring a clear view in humid or cold conditions.
This scope's versatility extends from observing nearby subjects to distant vistas. The impressive 9.8 ft (3 m) close focus is perfect for detailed views of butterflies, plants, and birds at a feeder. At the lowest 9x magnification, the scope is light enough for handheld use, while the tripod adapter allows for steady, long-duration viewing at the maximum 27x magnification. With 15mm of eye relief and a twist-up eyecup, it offers comfortable viewing for users with or without eyeglasses.
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the choice is between packing binoculars for wide views or a spotting scope for high-power detail. The Hummingbird 9-27x56mm effectively replaces both. Its 9x setting offers a wide 4.2° field of view comparable to many binoculars, while its 27x capability provides the reach of a dedicated spotting scope. This single, 590g optic eliminates the need to carry two separate instruments, saving significant weight and space in your pack.
The Hummingbird is designed to offer the best possible optical quality in a compact, 590g body. While a larger spotting scope with an 80mm or 100mm objective will be brighter in low light, the Hummingbird's 56mm lens and high-quality coatings provide excellent performance for its size, making it a far more practical choice for hiking and travel where weight is a primary concern.
Absolutely. With a close focus distance of just 9.8 feet (3 m), the Hummingbird is ideal for detailed observation of nearby subjects. You can fill the view with a bird at a feeder or study the intricate details of a butterfly or plant from a comfortable distance.
Phase coatings are an advanced optical treatment applied to the BaK4 roof prisms inside the scope. This coating corrects for a slight loss of resolution that can occur in roof prism designs, resulting in visibly sharper, more detailed images with higher contrast compared to non-coated prisms.
Yes, at lower magnifications. The scope's light 590g weight and compact design make it easy to use handheld at the 9x setting for quick scans or brief observations. For stable, detailed viewing, especially at higher magnifications approaching 27x, using a tripod or monopod is highly recommended.
Yes, the 15mm of eye relief is generally sufficient for most eyeglass wearers to see the entire field of view. The scope features a twist-up eyecup; simply leave it in the down position when observing with your glasses on to get the proper viewing distance.
While some binoculars offer high magnification, the Hummingbird's 9-27x zoom range provides far more flexibility. You get a wide field of view at 9x for locating subjects and can then zoom in to 27x for detailed identification—a level of magnification that is rarely achievable in a binocular and almost impossible to hold steady without a mount.
| Magnification | 9-27x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 56mm (2.2") |
| Angular Field of View | 4.2° - 1.9° |
| Linear Field of View | 663 - 297 ft @ 1000 yds (73 - 32 m @ 1000 m) |
| Focal Length | 200mm (7.87") |
| Exit Pupil | 6.2mm - 2mm |
| Eye Relief | 15mm (0.6") |
| Close Focus | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Twilight Factor | 22 - 39 |
| Relative Brightness | 38 - 4 |
| Lens Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Prism Glass | BaK4 |
| Prism Coatings | Phase Coated |
| Environmental Protection | Waterproof |
| Nitrogen Filled | Yes |
| Weight | 20.8 oz (590 g) |
| Dimensions | 208mm x 127mm x 68mm (8.2" x 5.0" x 2.7") |
| Tripod Adaptable | Yes |
| Camera Adaptable | Yes |
Hummingbird 9-27x56mm Spotting Scope
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Padded Carrying Case with Belt/Shoulder Straps
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Eyepiece Cover
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Objective Cover
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Instruction Manual
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