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brunton eterna 50mm ed review

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Chris in NorCal View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris in NorCal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: brunton eterna 50mm ed review
    Posted: September/29/2008 at 15:44
I finally got some range time with the Brunton Eterna 50mm spotting scope.
Don't let the msrp scare you. I got mine brand new in box for less than $350.
We were shooting 30-06, .243 & .22lr out to 100 yards. The views are very clear, very bright (well, it was a sunny day) and very crisp resolution. There were targets posted at 175 yards as well. I was able to see the .223 holes quite clearly. The ED lense is a big plus. And the built in sunshade was great. We were facing east and the sun was southeast about 70 degrees up (from the ground). Absolutely no glare. The focus adjustment seemed a little weird to me at first. I had always used an eyepice focus before. Similar to the Nikon XL or the Bushnell 60mm elite. But one handed focus was no problem. Very smooth and precise. Before I went to the range I doubted it was worth the money. But after three hours at the range and minimal eye strain I realize this was a worth while investment.
The only problem I have is not with the scope for the specs stated. It is 8.1 inches long. But fails to mnetion that is without the eyepiece. Add the eyepiece and rotate it for viewing without glasses and it's almost 13" long. A little longer than what I would consider for a compact scope.
But overall, I'm very impressed and would highly recommend this scope to anyone who appreciates fine optics and wants a compact scope. and now that there is an angled version I may get one.
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/29/2008 at 18:00
I looked at the Brunton 50mm ED scope sometime last year, I think.  I too was impressed with the optics but, found the scope itself to be a bit too big and too boxy for a compact scope. 
 
It is nice glass however.
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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Chris in NorCal View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris in NorCal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2008 at 10:53
What did you get?
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2008 at 11:58

I ended up buying a 15-30x50 Leupold Golden Ring spotting scope.  It does not enjoy the benefits of ED glass but, I tend to think that this is an overly-exaggerated issue for a dedicated hunting scope.  Just last Saturday I was using this scope to glass deer at 2+ miles and had no trouble seeing and evaluating antlers. 

On the other hand, for a scope through which you intend to take pictures, ED glass is really important - and I have an ED scope for that purpose.
 
That's not to say I wouldn't like a compact scope with ED glass. I actually liked the Nikon ED50 best because, in addition to the ED glass elements, it also is both slightly smaller and lighter than the Leupold.  It also ofers the convenience of a variety of eyepieces to help get the most out of the scope.  But I just couldn't justify the added expense (almost 2x the retail price) for the very minimal gains.
 
 


Edited by lucznik - September/30/2008 at 11:59
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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Chris in NorCal View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris in NorCal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2008 at 20:38
Did you see the new minox compact spotting scope? That, to me, looks like a true good quality compact spotter.
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2008 at 23:35
Yes, I did.  Its specs are remarkably similar to the Leupold scope.  The major difference being that the Leupold only comes in a straight model and the Minox only comes in an angled model.  (The Minox does list a rather short eye relief of 15mm-11mm which could be problematic.)

The Minox model was not readily available for examination when I was ready to buy so; I've never actually handled one but, reviews have been pretty good. I'd love to give one a whirl - just for kicks and giggles.

I would think that if your personal preference is for a straight scope, you should buy the Leupold.  If angled is your game, then the Minox would be your top contender.
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2008 at 06:29
Does the Brunton have a "stay on and view through" case? Thank you.
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2008 at 11:11
Originally posted by anweis anweis wrote:

Does the Brunton have a "stay on and view through" case? Thank you.
   I'm pretty sure it does not. 
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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