FROM BIRD WATCHING TO BACKYARD ADVENTURES, CELESTRON’S DIGITAL-SPOTTING SCOPE INTEGRATES HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL CAMERA TECHNOLOGY WITH HIGH-POWERED ZOOM TO TRANSFORM FAR-OFF ACTION INTO UP-CLOSE IMAGES AND VIDEO

TORRANCE, CA – (March 1, 2007) – Celestron, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, is answering the call of wildlife explorers with the release of its ground-breaking VistaPix IS70 Digital Spotting Scope. Selected as an Innovations Honoree at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show, Celestron’s stylish and versatile VistaPix IS70 is a fully integrated, high-performance spotting scope with a built-in, digital camera that allows users to view, capture, save and share vibrant, high-resolution images and video from a distance, using the scope’s built in high-powered magnification and digital zoom features.

Equipped with 70mm multicoated optics, an integrated eyepiece, a built-in, dual-power 3-mega pixel digital camera (3.1 MP high-resolution/0.3 MP low-resolution images), a 2” LCD full-color image preview screen and a digital focus meter, the all-in-one scope brings the action up-close with an incredible field of view ratio that delivers bright, high contrast, images at up to 144x magnification using the scope’s powerful digital zoom capabilities.

Designed for use in a wide range of viewing environments, from observing nature, to spotting shots on the range, to spectator events and backyard excursions, the VistaPix IS70 brings nature’s live action closer than ever with high-resolution, razor-sharp, vibrant images and video that can be saved and viewed later on a television or PC using the supplied video cables and easy-to-install VistaPix software.

“Hikers, campers, and nature observers no longer need special spotting scope camera attachments or adaptors to take photos or videos of their outdoor adventures, as the VistaPix IS70’s seamless integration of technology gives today’s outdoor enthusiasts an amazing all-in-on, easy-to-use product to capture special moments and live action up close,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “Similar to what our SkyScout did for celestial exploration, the VistaPix IS70 gives consumers the tool they need to explore and learn more about the world around them.”

The IS70 is powered by two AA batteries, mounts to virtually any tripod, comes with an aluminum hard case and weighs only 3.5 lbs.

The VistaPix IS70 has a suggested manufacturers retail price of $479.00 and will be widely available both online and at retail in 2007. Visit, www.celestron.com for more information on product features and availability.

About Celestron
Celestron, is a leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes.  Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron  has grown to become one of the world’s leading telescope makers, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology.  Celestron’s innovative products continue to receive numerous industry and consumer media accolades, adding to an already impressive list that includes awards for product innovation from Reader’s Digest, Popular Science, PC Magazine, Popular Mechanics, the Consumer Electronics Association and more.  Celestron sells and markets its products worldwide through a variety of specialty retail outlets and international distributors. Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities, in Torrance, CA. For more information about Celestron please visit http://www.celestron.com.