Nikon or Bushnell? Help!

[rdt270]

Hey Guys,

I would like to know from those who have used the Nikon 1000 and/or the Bushnell 1000, if you had to choose between the two, Which one and why? I understand the leicas are better and will range further but just cant squeeze them in right now. And buying used equipment sight unseen scares me a little. I bow hunt so the ARC or ID feature would be a benefit but wouldn't really come into play during the gun(rifle) season as much here in Florida. I know that this is an old and tired subject so I apologize for onced again beating a very dead horse.

 

[rjfunk]

I have the Nikon 1200, and my dad has a leica 900 I believe. I actually prefer my Nikon to his for the reticule and options like illumination. I also find that the Nikon calc's the range faster.

I have ranged deer to about 650 yards and buildings to about 1400 yards. Great glass on the Nikon as well. I don't have experience with the Bushell 1000, but I've used some of the smaller ones and didn't like them. Just my 2cents.

 

[moombaskier]

I've got the 800 and my buddy's got the 1200. If the 1000 is any way close to those units....I'd go for the Nikon 1000. Just 2 days ago I ranged an elk standing in and behind some small fir trees at 894yds. and another at 838yds. with my Nikon 800. It was about 1hr. before sundown and a little foggy. You might just go with the 1200 if the $$$ tight.

 

[rdt270]

I finally gotta a chance to compare the 2 side by side the other day at our local GM and the Nikon is quite abit brighter and the 6x vs 5x on the bushnell is better than I thought it would be IMO. My only problem is the nikon when illuminated cast a orange glow over the entire lens which seems to make it harder to see what you are ranging. The Nikon 1200 doesnt have the arc/ID feature or atleast I dont think it does. So Nikon 1000, or Nikon 1200, or ??? I guess when i get to the point ican shoot to 800 or 1000yds then I sell the one I get and step up to the next level Leica or Swaro.

Thanks for the input Guys

 

[Prieto9000]

I have the bushnell 1000 ARC and it sucks. I couldn't range steel targets past 330 yds. I think the only way to range @1000 yds. is if you're ranging mirrors. Really disappointed with the product.

 

[D.ID]

We have always bean happy with our Nikon gear and we use allot of nikon's stuff but have not tried there range finders. We have bean real happy with the bushnells, I use a 1500, my wife has a 700 and my main hunting partner has a 1200 with arc. The glass is dark but has never bean a problem, the arc feature is of no real use (get a cosign indicator for that)......... Either Nikon or Bushnell SHOULD serve you well but if you want to shoot 1000 get a 1200 or more as most any of these are unlikely to hit there full potential very often.