bushnell vs nikon vs alpen

Daniel-123cutty · Guest

I want a good spotting scope and narrowed down my choice to:
Alpen 788
nikon prostaff 16-48x65
bushenll legend 20-60x80.

Really a tough decisioin for me to choose one among them.
60x magnification of alpen and bushnell are tempting me to get them, but i worry if their optical quality at 60x will be usable or not?

Please comment on optics on these three scopes and recommend one with best optics.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

That depends on what you define as useable and that is based on your application. No spotting scope at this price will be as sharp at 60x as at 20x, but that is not to say that you can't use the scope at 60x. Bottom line, though, is that you are not going to accomplish that much more at 60x than at 48x. Choose your scope on other features. Portability definitely goes to the Nikon, but the larger Alpen and Bushnell will have a slight, but not significant, edge in performance with their larger objectives.
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Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 10:28 am Post subject:

My major application is watching waterfowls at 100-200 yards.
Unfortunately i cant test any of these scope before ordering.
Specs of all the three looks good for me.
My major concern is their optical quality. I can understand that, optics at 20x will not be same as at 6

I can mostly live up with minimal zoom levels (upto 35x) because, waterfowls are often close to my house.

Which one among them, would have better optics at low-level zooms.(20-35x).

Thanks.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

Any of these will work fine for your application and will be too close to call in terms of performance. Not going to be one that is heads and shoulders above the others. Boils down to a personal preference on your part for brand and features.
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Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 10:40 am Post subject:

Thanks.

I would like to stick with bushnell for its price,wt and rainguard coatings.

Please recommend me a tripod to use this spotting scope.
Tripod adapter will come along with scope or i need to buy one?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

Any spotting scope will fit on any standard photo tripod and no adapter is needed. Try the Nikon 848
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