Bushnell Elite

Raptor · Guest

Which one of these scopes should I buy. I plan on doing some birding and mainly long range tresstrial observation. Optical quality is a must. http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-15-45x60mm-elite-spotting-scope-781548p.html# Is there another in this price range that can be good for my applications? I have viewed MANY bushnell products and a GREAT majority was crappy and cheap. Should I draw the same conclusion about this scope because it's a bushnell?

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:12 am Post subject:

Hi

No, the Elite is not to be confused with low end Bushnell products. All Elite products are made in Japan and represent Bushnell's finest efforts.

For serious birding, I would recommend the porro version of the Elite 20-60x80, http://www.opticsplanet.net/620080.html Eye relief is better, optics are better and you have a greater zoom range. You also have other options such as camera adapters and interchangeable eyepieces.

The 15-45x60 is a dandy scope, but it is designed primarily as a compact travel type spotting scope. It is still optically a good scope, but not one I would recommend if you wear eye glasses when you observe.
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Raptor · Guest

Hi first off I would really love to have the large version of the elite that you mentioned but, when feeding 3 growing children, is quite a bit out of my budget. Smile

First off I don't wear glasses, and I have 20/20 vision. Secondly I have no intention's of digiscoping, or taking pictures or anything. I just wanted to do some casual birding with this scope, nothing serious. I am fornutate enough to live in the mountains and my home has an INCREDIABLE view, so the main purpose of the scope is for my to view distant objects. So, under these circimustances, do you think you could still recommend this scope for me?

Secondly, I have owned binoculars for years am I am quite aware how heat waves, turblience, and ind all have a role when viewing objects at a distance, so I was wondering if you could tell me, on an average day, how far this scope can zoom up before the image starts to drop off? I know this is a hard question to ask but I would really like to know. I know it's only a $350 scope, and I know how to keep my expactitation's level, so any help would be much apperciated. Thank you Very Happy

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:31 am Post subject:

Hi

I understand about a family and budget, beleieve me.

The little Elite will do a nice job for you all the way up to 45x, given the atmosphere is cooperating. It's also a well made little scope and a good choice for your application.
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
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Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

Raptor · Guest

Wow you reply so fast!! Thank you. Jonie, before I make my purchase from you, I need to be absolutely certain of something. I have read more than a few times in the birdforum(?) that the nikon spotter xl 16x47x60 and the bushnell elite 15x45x60 are very similar in optics, and build quality. I must ask, is the Nikon really worth the additional money? Purchasing the nikon is going to be QUITE a stretch on my budget, I mean, if the nikon is going to be only slightly better the Bushnell, I don't want to spend the extra cash.

I trust your advise that the bushnell is a good value, but here is the only con with the bushnell. I have a few sets of binoculars like Nikon Monarch 8x42's, and Pentax 8x32's and when I look at them, or others do, I feel good about my purchase becasue right away because of the name brand and their reputation. But when I see anything with the name bushnell on it, the first thing I can think of is JUNK. I mean, I'm sure the elite is good, but just having that name on my scope, and knowing that 80% of this companies products are WELL know to the optics community as being junk, bothers me. Does this make any sense to you? Confused

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:40 pm Post subject:

Hi

I understand.

As far as performance goes, the Spotter XLII and the Elite will be very similar and I can't say any difference in price would be justified on this basis.

Products currently labeled by Bushnell as "Elite" have a distinguished pedigree. They were formerly offered by Bushnell as the Bausch&Lomb Elite. Due to a change in ownership and structuring with B&L, Bushnell dropped the B&L name and continued production of B&L products under the Bushnell name. The Elite 15-46x60 has therefore been around a long time. It is still made in Japan with the same optics and remains an excellent product, despite the Bushnell label. Truth is, Bushnell produced it for many years with Bausch&Lomb label to avoid that very stigma of junk associated with the Bushnell name.

If it eases your mind, the current Nikon Spotter XLII is made in China, which also carries a stigma for being junk, though in this case it is no more deserved than the Bushnell stigma above. Both are good products.
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

Raptor · Guest

Thanks for the fast reply. I am going to go ahead and buy the Bushnell. I heard you guys have a great return policy so in the case that I would want to return it, it shouldn't be a problem. BTW just to let you guys know, if you browse various optics forum like cloudynights you guys have a great reputation for customer service. Jonie, thank you so much for your time. I do apperciate it Very Happy

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:01 pm Post subject:

Glad to help. Thanks for posting with us.
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820