Bushnell elite spotters

[Natty Bumpo]

Has anyone had the chance to check out any of Bushnell's elite line of spotting scopes? I understand the 80mm models use their low dispersion glass. Just wondering how they compare to pricier models.

 

[Freebore]

I have one of these scopes with the original Baush and Lomb signage on the side of it before Bushnell put their name on it. It does what I need it to do. I can make out the small stones on the other side of the river bank 1 mile away on bright day. It came with the 20x60 power zoom eyepiece and a nice protective zippered ballistic cloth cover, screw in front lens cover, slip on rear. It does have the 80mm ED lenses. It is a good glass. Is it a Swarosky or Zeiss, no but I didn't pay 1200 + the eyepiece either. I use it to in Wy to determine shooter bucks from about 700 to 1500 yards after finding with my Leica 10x bino's if needed.
I do need to get a wide angle fixed 30x power eyepiece though, I would think this would help immensly with glassing thru scope.
I did look thru a guys PD-80 (Pentax) and it compared very favorably with this scope if not even IMO. His eyepiece was better though. The PD-80 was larger and heavier not really something I would want to pack around. The Elite is OK for this with a small tripod. It is a decent clear glass for what you pay.

 

[ScottBerish]

The Elite are decent table top spotters. They are worth what you pay for them and are backed by a fine warranty. A fine mid-price range choice. As stated, the eyepeice is lacking in eye relief.


Scott