Bushnell Spotting Scopes

SpookyPistolero · Jul 6, 2007

Howdy folks-

I was in Meijer today and saw a Bushnell Sentry spotting scope. It had a 50 mm objective and I believe was 18-36 power. After having played with a Leupold and some of the other optics big boys at Sportsman's Warehouse, I'm interested in getting a decent spotting scope. As is so often the case, the budget has already been blown on too many other toys.

The Bushnell was on sale for ~$100, and came with a case and the tripod (flimsy I think). I'm really wondering if the glass is of high enough quality to make it worth purchasing? Or should I just hold out for a few years until I can afford something nicer?

It would be for 50-200 yrd range use, and for some camping trips most likely. I don't mind saving up a little bit of money for this if the glass is alright, but I don't have any intentions of blowing any more than this $100 (or so) on a piece of equipment that won't get used for than a dozen times a year.

Thoughts/experiences?

smegs · Jul 6, 2007

Years ago I used a Schmidt-Cassegrain type small telescope as a spotting scope. I lent my Bushnell scope out so I rigged up the telescope. It worked great. Take a look at these.

http://www.celestron.com/c2/category.php?CatID=30

BlueyM · Jul 7, 2007

My opinion only, but for your budget and intended use, the Bushnell is good value for money. Certainly not the worst spotter on the market.
There are plenty of really good 'scopes out there, but as with most goodies, you get what you pay for.

Geraldo · Jul 7, 2007

I had a similar model years ago, and my advice is don't buy it. Good glass costs a lot of money, and there is no way to get around that rule. Use the $100 as a starting point to save up for something better. If you scrounge around you might find a deal on an older Leupold. Even if it needs work, Leupold's warranty service is exceptional.

SpookyPistolero · Jul 7, 2007

Thanks a lot for the advice, folks. I think I am going to hold off on the purchase, at least until I can do lots of research. I'm thinking that this is just one of those items that one has to wait until the money is around.

I think my proportions are blown when the knife realm has quality deals like Moras, and forget that such things don't exist in every industry.

smegs · Jul 7, 2007

Don't forget, we're talking about shooting. Color rendition, absolute sharpness and low light capabilities are secondary considerations. Catadioptric (Schmidt-Cassegrain & Muskatov) systems offer excellent magnification in a small package.

I'm lookin for a light weight spotter to take camping and I'm gonna go with the Celestron C65 Mini Mak WP.

Saunterer · Jul 7, 2007

Spooky,

I don't know where you are located, but I work near the Bushnell factory outlet in Lenexa, KS. Shop around and then maybe call them to see if they can under-cut any prices you find. I find that some of their products are more than 50% off. They sell Bolle, Serengeti, Bauch and Lomb, Bushnell and other optics. My father picked up a pair of binocs that were regularly $1200 for only $400.

8500 Marshall Dr
Lenexa, KS
66214
Phone: (913) 310-0783

If nothing else, if they have something and the shipping doesn't work out; pay for it, I'll pick it up and send it to you.

--Chris

maximus otter · Jul 8, 2007

Go for a fixed 20-power rather than a zoom.

At x36 with a 50mm objective lens, you have two problems:

1. An exit pupil of only 1.39mm, and;

2. Serious mirage issues on anything but a flat calm, cool day.

With optics, I would always recommend that you save every penny you possibly can, then find another £100 and buy the best.

That way you only cry once.

maximus otter

mckrob · Jul 8, 2007

SpookyPistolero said:
... but I don't have any intentions of blowing any more than this $100 (or so) on a piece of equipment that won't get used for than a dozen times a year.

I have a Bushnell Spacemaster 15-45 x 60 and have no complaints. I think I paid about $350 for the kit with backpack and mini-tripod. If you've already decided that you are not going to spend more than $100, then the on-sale Bushnell is probably the best you'll get for that sort of money, certainly better than say a Tasco.

I would say buy it, and you'll get a feel for whether or not it does what you need it to do, if you then decide that you want/need something better then you can start saving for that Zeiss or Leica...