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Bushnell Elite (open bridge)(8x43)

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DAVE44 View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/14/2012 at 10:35
At $400 are these a great buy compared to say a Zen Ray ED 3 or Pentax Dcf Sp? Any experience with these and at $400 are they a good deal?
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motts View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote motts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2012 at 11:26
Assuming they're in great shape, that is a very good price price for the open bridge elites, which are superb binos. However, there have been so many advances in the last few years with the inclusion of ED glass and upgraded coatings, I might look at a new option, such as the Zen ED3. I have not yet seen it, but from what I've heard, it would probably offer a better view than the Bushnell Elite. Between that and a Pentax DCF SP, I'd probably take the Bushnell Elite, although the Pentax is a great bino with good ergos as well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2012 at 11:50
I can confirm what Motts posted above. The Elite Open bridge are excellent binoculars. When they were introduced they came very close to rivaling much more expensive glass. I really enjoyed their ergonomics and overall styling.
 
I have owned two pairs. The last pair I owned last fall and I did have the ZR ED3 at the same time. The ZR is sharper, brighter and has more contrast than the Elite open bridge. It is a longer and heavier binocular though.
 
Hope this helps.
Frank
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DAVE44 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2012 at 17:39
Wow the Zens are better? Hmmm maybe I should just get the Zen Prime for another $100 then.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote motts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2012 at 20:17
Originally posted by DAVE44 DAVE44 wrote:

Wow the Zens are better? Hmmm maybe I should just get the Zen Prime for another $100 then.


That's probably what I would do if it were my money. Only reason I haven't yet is because the huge ocular lenses of the Prime look similar to the Kruger Caldera, which just did not fit my face. However, I think I'm going to get a pair anyway and give them a try.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/22/2012 at 16:21
Well I'm trying to convince myself which to get. Bushnell Elite 8x43 or Zen ED3 10x43 at $330.00. I'm leaning toward the Zen optically but size and weight goes to Bushnell. If the optics are that close ill go Bushnell. Anyone else have an opinion to sway me one way or the other?
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