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Upgrading to Bushnell Elite? |
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12gage
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/15/2008 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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Posted: September/15/2008 at 01:22 |
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I wanted to get some advice on a situation that I have. I sent a pair of Bushnell Excursions 10x42 back for warranty repair for the strap attachment. I was told that I could upgrade to the Elite @ 50% of the MSRP. I am trying to decide whether to get the 10x43 or the 10x50. The price for the 10x50 is ~$600 and the 10x43 is ~$400. My primary use is for whitetail back east and I am elk hunting this fall and plan future hunts out west. The .6 oz difference doesn't matter to me. I am more interested in being able to pick out animals in low light conditions. Should I go with the 10x43 at that price, the 10x50 or just get my pair back repaired and save for Swaro, Meopta or even the Leupold HD? I like the fact that the 10x50 has a 5mm exit pupil over the 10x43 and 10x42's but I haven't been able to actually compare anywhere to see if it makes that much difference. Also, has anyone used the Elite 2.5x doubler and how well/practical is it for extending your range to judge animals?
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martin3175
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/19/2005 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 3773 |
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sounds like a "no brainer" ..50% off list ...sure!..10x43 will work just fine and without excess bulk
Welcome to the OT Edited by martin3175 - September/15/2008 at 06:52 |
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anweis
Optics Master Joined: January/29/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1148 |
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That's a no brainer indeed, but i would get the Elite 8x43, because:
-they would have a larger exit pupil than the 10x43
-they would have less handshake and a more stable view than the 10x50
-they would have less weight and smaller size than the 10x50.
-they would have a much wider field of view.
On your elk hunt, you may need to hike rough country and to glass. When you are tired and your heart is pounding from climbing that tall mountain, your body and hands shake to the point that whatever advantage the 10x offers is negated by the handshakes.
I've never regretted for choosing the 8X30 SLC for hunting.
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lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
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I can't use my doubler anymore because I "upgraded" my binocular to a Leupold Golden Ring only to find out that the binocular's eyepieces are too wide for the doubler to fit over. Had I known that to begin with, I wouldn't have sold my Elite binocular.
Now I'm not sure what to do...
Edited by lucznik - September/15/2008 at 11:15 |
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What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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12gage
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/15/2008 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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lucznik
How big a difference has the Leupold been from the Elite's in terms of clarity and ability to pick out animals in low light or in dark timber? Do you have the HD version? Any idea why competitor and other large retailers have removed the Elite from their offering? Lastly, are you interested in selling the 2.5x doubler?
Thanks all for the excellent comments and suggestions!!
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lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
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I really liked the Elite except for three little things:
The Leupold seems entirely comparable in terms of both image and build quality. Actually, with its long piano hinge, I am fully convinced that the Leupold is built to withstand more rugged treatment. It weighs significantly more but, that really helps to stabilize the image, expecially when tired or winded. The Leupold does have a few faults. Among them:
No.
I bought the non-HD version for a close-out $500. I do not think I would sell these just to "upgrade" to the HD version.
Sure.
It's just sitting in its box on my gun cabinet collecting dust.
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What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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JGRaider
Optics Master Joined: February/06/2008 Status: Offline Points: 1540 |
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I picked up an Elite 10x43, mainly for my son to use, while I kept and use my Trinovid 10x42's. I will say, however, that I really cannot tell much difference in the two, and in fact the Elite is probably a tad brighter. Those Elite's were a real "sleeper" in the bino market.
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12gage
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/15/2008 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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Thanks for your post and comment JG. I hope the Elite is really that good b/c I would think that you could see some difference btn that and the Trinovid. I have only made direct comparison with the Elite and the Leupold HD and between the 2 I couldn't find a difference as far as clarity and edge to edge. I wasn't able to look at them through low light conditions. There was some color difference but I'm not sure which was the truer color. I'm just a rank amateur so I'm sure other's could see greater differences. My Elite's are ordered and on their way
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Sled2live
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/14/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 39 |
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Last year at this time, I was evaluating the bushnell elites 10 X 43 and comparing them with the Leupold GR 10 X 42 . I found the elites were brighter in that final minute of light, but the resolution was better on the leupolds. I could see antlers with both, but could consistantly get a tine count with the GRs at all ranges in low light. In bright daylight, I got better resolution at distance with the bushnells.
I really liked the ergonomics of the Bushnells over the Leupolds and the bushnells are much easier carrying around all day. A very good bargain. I'm not sure why they were discontinued.
Scott
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lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
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They weren't discontinued. In fact, Bushnell has just made some "ergonomic" upgrades to the 8x43 and 10x43 versions including textured rubber armoring as opposed to the original smooth rubber, 4-position twist-up eyecups, etc.
Bushnell has confused the issue a bit by the introduction of their Elite E2 binocular. It is not a replacement for the original Elite. Rather, it is a step down from the Elite, marketed toward a slightly lower budget class.
Individual retailers may have decided not to carry the Elite due to their inability to sell a sufficient number of them to justify their shelf space but, the model itself is still available. My understanding has been that overall, it sells quite well. Edited by lucznik - September/19/2008 at 11:55 |
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What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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