Bushnell's 80mm ED Elite spotting scope brings together world-class standards of excellence with a competitive price to the realm of ultra-premium spotting scopes. The angled version provides viewing comfort, weather sealing and optical performance at an unheard-of price.
First and foremost, its housing is entirely sealed from the elements.
It comes with a zoom eyepiece which delivers resolution, field of view and eye relief specifications on par with the best in the class.
And lastly it is equipped with an element of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which notably increases the resolution and color fidelity of the edge of your viewing fields.
Particularly in high contrast situations as well as when observing extremely colorful subjects, the benefits of ED glass (known by many names but essentially the same thing) are subtle but nonetheless appreciable by even a total novice. Now Bushnell brings this technology to the consumer without the need to debate whether or not it is worth an enormous price increase versus the non-ED models offered by competitors.
The Elite 80mm ED is available in both straight viewing and 45° angled viewing models. It is not something you'll be able to say for certain until you've experienced the two for yourself, but the general consensus is that straight scopes offer the advantages of quicker sighting as well as a lower mass and price than angled scopes. Angled scopes are far simpler to share simultaneously amongst users of varied heights, and when observing birds from a ground vantage point generally provide a more comfortable setup for extended glassing.
Amongst the very short list of ultrapremium spotting scopes, the 80mm Elite includes a nice view-through case. This valuable accessory is quite nearly a necessity, and is not included but rather an expensive additional option with the European-made ultrapremium units.
| Magnification | 20-60x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 80mm |
| Angle of View |
20x: 1.9° 60x: 1.0° |
| Field-of-View (@ 1000 Yds) |
20x: 98' (32 m at 1000 m) 60x: 50' (17 m at 1000 m) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 16.4' (5.0 m) |
| Exit Pupil Diameter |
20x: 4.0mm 60x: 1.3mm |
| Eye Relief |
20x: 15mm 60x: 16mm |
| Relative Brightness |
20x: 16.0 60x: 1.8 |
| Twilight Factor |
20x: 40.0 60x: 69.3 |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof & fogproof |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 3.6 x 7.1" (439 x 92 x 180mm) LxWxH |
| Weight | 3.83 lb (1735 g) |
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
I really like the angled eyepiece and the ability of the scope to rotate. With my car window mount I can easily sit back and view 180 degrees. I use it to view wildlife and for digiscoping.
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
Wildlife viewing
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
This scope provides clear and sharp images over long distances at maximum magnification. Very happy with the purchase.The purchasing experience was excellent.[...]
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
I use this scope for birding. It is a very good scope for viewing out the home window, in the yard or for short hikes. Regarding the later, it would probably work farther afield...I just don't take longggg hikes. It has three mounting screw holes: 3/8", 1/4" and a smaller size hole. The fine focus knob along the side of the scope is easy & convenient to use as is the zoom knob on the eye piece. The case works okay on a tripod, although it is not snug. The ED adds tremendously to the amount of captured light...views at dawn and dusk are greatly enhanced. I'd buy it again.
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
This product has definitely met or exceded our expextations. It has great optics, foucuses cleanly and quickly, zooms with minimal disrotion. It has two simple scrw tyope control;s bopth of which work smooth and with no "slop[ it is relatively light and the angled eyepiece makes tripod use easier than a straight eye piece would. The price was competitive. I would buy it again.
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
I am very satisfied with the purchase of the Bushnell Elite Spotting Scope. The product met my high expectations. [...]I also think it's great that B & H helps to figure out what the cost will be when importing goods from USA to Sweden. Many may forget that it also comes to customs and taxes.Also, I think B & H website and description of all products are of high class.
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
My requirements were to be able to see .30 caliber bullet holes clearly in Caldwell Orange Peel target at 500 yards.
The scope is of very good quality, and the optics are bright and clear.
Weather conditions were 51 degrees, overcast, very light haze, very light mirage.
At 500 yards, I could see the bullet holes easily in the black portion of the target, and also in the yellow portion of the target. There were quite a few existing .22 caliber holes in my cardboard target backer, and I could see those, but would probably have trouble distinguishing how many holes were there. I do believe that .22 caliber holes in the Caldwell target would show up much better.
I am nearsighted and wear glasses. I could roll down the rubber eyepiece and use my glasses, but I preferred to take my glasses off.
The included case fits nicely on the scope while mounted to the tripod.
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Comments about Bushnell Elite 3.1"/80mm ED Spotting Scope Kit:
Have used this spoting scope for terrestrial viewing and for long range shooting competitions. The zoom feature and and the overall sharpness at all magnifications is way above average. Very well constructed. Comes with nice built in sun shade and includes a very functional all weather case. I don't travel anywhere without it.
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