Attention Joanie: Nikon Prostaff vs Bushnell Elite

ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

I have read through many forums and hear good things about the Bushnell elite in 20x60x80. I have never looked through one but have looked throught the Nikon Prostaff 20x60x82 which I thought was much brighter than the Pentax 20x60x60 with ED glass. I would like your expert opinion and personal as well, which of the two scopes would be the better purchase for my particular use. It will mainly be used at the rifle range for spotting targets and hopefully bullet holes of 30 cal size at 300 yds. which is the max my local range uses. So size and weight are not important. I was just wondering if the Bushnell has better resolution than the Nikon since the Bushnell has ED glass and the Nikon Prostaff does not. This website has been the best in my opinion because of you. Thanks. Wink

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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Thank-you very much for the nice comments.

Yes, I think the ED is a good feature that that particular application. ED is an advanatge, visually, at higher magnifications and, at 300 yards, you are going to be using higher magnifications. To get better than the big Elite, you are going to have to hit the $1000 price point. I'd rate the Elite 80mm as a best buy in its price range.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Would you then recommend the Bushnell Elite over the Vortex with ED, and of the two The Pentax 80mm with ED. If I am going to move to 1000 bucks is there a scope at this price range that you would choose over the Pentax. Remember I am only punching paper. By the way thanks for the quick respone....your the best. Smile

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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

You are very welcome.

I would rate the Vortex Ed in the same category as the Elite, yes, in terms of optics. I do like the Elite, as it is still made in Japan. The Vortex is made in China. Not a big deal, just a personal preference, here.

Stepping up to $1000 does get you a brighter scope and a sharper scope and a bit more margin for error at 300 yards. The Pentax is a great choice at $1000 and it gets you a maximum in terms of other eyepiece options, since it can use standard 1.25" telescope eyepieces. At that price, the 80mm Brunton Eterna, though, is a real sleeper. Very nice scope in my tests - every bit as good as the Pentax, but no eyepiece options.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

You are really fantastic...last time I bother you....(not really). I guess the Pentax does offer more options should I ever decide to take pictures and pentax is a superior scope because of its optics. The question is do I need to move to the Pentax or will the Bushnell Elite do its job at 300 yds. I am not a competition shooter just a hobbyist who loves shooting. And if I purschase the Bushnell do you think I would regret not dishing out the extra $300 for the Pentax. The money is not a problem its just that I am a practical man. I have already voted the Nikon out. Thanks...your site is awesome. Very Happy

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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Glad to help.

Yes, I've sold a lot of the 80mm Elites for 300 yard shooters and, assuming the atmosphere is cooperating, it will get the job done. The Pentax and Brunton are better scopes and will offer a bit more in the way of performance. but I wouldn't be afraid to recommend the Elite. Just a matter of how much image quality you want when you look through a scope.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Thanks for everything you have been invaluable. I hope optics planet appreciate you as much as I have. I will decide next month when I get back from Las Vegas on the 12th of July.
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Bless you. It's been a pleasure.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Hi me again!! Went to the rifle range today and used a yukon 20x50x50 that supposedly had fully coated optics. Temperature was 99 degrees and I see what you mean by good optics been good to a certain distance because of mirage and heat waves and so on. I was still amazed that at times I could see 30 cal holes at 200 yds but the would come in and out of focus and eye relief was about 1 inch inside my orbits. But it is good to 100 yds. Well...based on this discovery and based on your article on spotting scopes for shooting I am now considering the Nikon with ED. My question is this; is their a discernible difference in brightness than can be detected by the human eye between an angle scope or a straight one. And, could you recommend a good solid tripod that would support these scopes. I don't care that the tripod weighs 20 lbs. I just don't want movement at all if their is a 15 mph breeze. I don't know that this might be realistic. Anyway I have the Yukon for portability.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

PS. Do you know when the optics for the fullfield Nikon ed were updated? I'm aware that technology is always improving. And, I don't want to purchase something that is getting ready to be obsolete. Also, what can you tell me about the warranty on spotting scopes, is it comparable to that of their rifle scopes.
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Glad to help.

There is absolutely no discernible difference in any optical category between straight and angled. The difference exists only on paper. Your choice between straight or angled is mostly a personal one.

Staight bodied spotting scopes are easier to line up on target for beginners and also balance nicer if you attach a heavy camera for photography.

Angled bodied scopes are more comfortable to look through for longer periods of time and are more stable, because they can sit lower on the tripod. Angled scopes are also a better choice for looking at objects at an elevation and are a better choice if you are sharing the scope with people of different heights.

Nikon updated their Fieldscopes about 4 years ago, so anything you buy these days is the latest and greatest and the Fieldscope is definitely a great scope. Probably the best value going in a truly premium scope. Nikon has not announced anything new on their Fieldscope. Not to worry.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Do you have any knowledge of the Quantaray QSX digital Ultra Pro tripod made by sun pak? I have one in the house already and its a full tripod that extends up to 71 inches before using the center rod. The box states it handles up to 11 pounds for cameras, but the scope seems very long even though it does not weigh as much. Just concerned that it could topple over since the tripod weighs only 6.6 lbs according to the box.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

By the way is the warranty similar to that of the riflescopes?
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Sorry, no info or experience on that one. Keep in mind that payload ratings on tripods are for cameras and don't translate well to spotting scope use, since magnifications on spotting scopes are much higher than for cameras. Use your judgement. If the tripod is prone to vibration, has a plastic head or just feels unsteady, don't put a good scope on it. Just not worth it. By the way, that weight is typical for a tripod used with an 80mm scope.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

what warranty do the Nikon fieldscopes carry?
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Standard 25 year warranty against defects and a lifetime, no fault for a fee of $10 if the problem is not covered under the 25 year warranty. No need to register. Send the card in, if and when there is a problem.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Hi, Joanie

Couple of questions on the Nikon field scope. If you recall from the past I decided to purchase the Nikon field scope 25x75x82 thanks to your help. When I decide to purchase an additional eyepiece for range shooting @300 yards, should I go with the wide angle eye piece or just the regular eyepiece with a fixed magnification? Is there an advantage to the wide angle eyepiece or not, specifically for my application of target shooting? The last question is, should I be concerned at all about taking this scope to the beach like my wife is. My wife does not think it is a good idea because their is a constant breeze and is afraid of the sand salt spray ...etc. elements the beach has. The stars are much brighter at the beach because their is little interference from the city lights. Thanks again.
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

I'd go with the WA (wide angle) versions. They have better coatings, upgraded optics and longer eye relief. More recent eyepieces.

Ouch! Sand is a killer as far as a good optics. The salt spray you can wash off, but when sand works its way into the focusing mechanism, you're in real trouble. Extra care must also be taken when cleaning. Do not rub, ever, until you are absolutely sure all sand has been removed from the lens. This is one time I would absolutely use the case that comes with the scope. It will provide some protection, at least.
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ms6852 · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 30

Thanks, always looking forward to your answers
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Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

You are very welcome.
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