It's always interesting to see what the different optics manufacturers do for their "next tricks."
Rather than upgrade their 60mm Elite spotting scope to include ED glass, it seems Bushnell has decided to go up against Leupold with the introduction of this new Excursion Spotting Scope. It is a "folded light path" design that looks almost identical to Leupold's popular GoldRing 12-40x60 - though there are two Excursion models a 15-45x60 and a 20-60x80. I definitely do not care for the big silver & green "B" medallion on the front of this new scope.
In the smaller version (the only one that would hold any real interest for me) the Excursion manages to maintain a larger FoV across its magnification spectrum than does the Gold Ring. Its close focus of 11 ft is also significantly better than Leupold's 36 ft close focus. Bushnell doesn't give any eye relief figures and this would be something very important to know before buying as Bushnell's last "folded light path" spotting scope (one of their budget-class Sentry models which has been discontinued) had very poor eye relief making it all but unusable by eyeglass wearers. The Leupold scope's long eye relief (30mm) is practically legendary. The Excursion is slightly larger, though lighter than the GoldRing. It also incorporates ED glass in its construction. The GoldRing comes in both HD and "standard" glass options.
I couldn't find any pricing or distribution figures but, if they can keep themselves from overpricing it (an all-too-common flaw with most optics companies now-a-days,) I would think they just might be able to sell a few of these. On the other hand, the well-known 60mm Elite is a pretty good scope with a great reputation so the question then becomes; will anyone choose to buy an Excursion over the Elite, or more importantly over the Leupold?
Here's the link...
http://www.bushnell.com/general/spottingscopes_excursion_78-1560.cfm?section=Hunting
Rather than upgrade their 60mm Elite spotting scope to include ED glass, it seems Bushnell has decided to go up against Leupold with the introduction of this new Excursion Spotting Scope. It is a "folded light path" design that looks almost identical to Leupold's popular GoldRing 12-40x60 - though there are two Excursion models a 15-45x60 and a 20-60x80. I definitely do not care for the big silver & green "B" medallion on the front of this new scope.
In the smaller version (the only one that would hold any real interest for me) the Excursion manages to maintain a larger FoV across its magnification spectrum than does the Gold Ring. Its close focus of 11 ft is also significantly better than Leupold's 36 ft close focus. Bushnell doesn't give any eye relief figures and this would be something very important to know before buying as Bushnell's last "folded light path" spotting scope (one of their budget-class Sentry models which has been discontinued) had very poor eye relief making it all but unusable by eyeglass wearers. The Leupold scope's long eye relief (30mm) is practically legendary. The Excursion is slightly larger, though lighter than the GoldRing. It also incorporates ED glass in its construction. The GoldRing comes in both HD and "standard" glass options.
I couldn't find any pricing or distribution figures but, if they can keep themselves from overpricing it (an all-too-common flaw with most optics companies now-a-days,) I would think they just might be able to sell a few of these. On the other hand, the well-known 60mm Elite is a pretty good scope with a great reputation so the question then becomes; will anyone choose to buy an Excursion over the Elite, or more importantly over the Leupold?
Here's the link...
http://www.bushnell.com/general/spottingscopes_excursion_78-1560.cfm?section=Hunting